Submitted 38G DCO packet and recruiter says the selection panel is meeting this week. How long does it take to hear results?

Tom Garcia — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 13:53:27 -0500

Hello, I applied for the 38G DCO program and was told the selection panel is meeting November 7th-9th. For those of you who have directly commissioned, how long did it take to hear back from the panel? Thank you in advance! -Tom

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 9 at 2022 3:41 PM

COL Randall C. — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:41:21 -0500

Tom Garcia, it's a selection board - it's going to take as long as it takes (I know, that's not an answer you're looking for).

What you have going for you - it's LIKELY that there is a small population of individuals that are looking for a direct commission to Civil Affairs that will go before the panel. Because of that, it's likely that you'll have your file reviewed in short order.

However, if you want a more accurate assessment, contact CPT Christopher Barton ( [login to see] ) who is the POC for the MILPER message. He MIGHT be able to give you a better indication of the timeline.

My advice though is to just wait it out (at least for a month or so) before you start shooting questions up the line.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2022 7:49 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 19:49:50 -0500

It's probably going to take upwards of a year, and I suspect the challenge is going to be clearing the medical exam hoops.

If I recall........... having read past MILPER's regarding 38G's because I was hoping I could sandbag my civilian qualifications toward Commerce or Economics officers and jump a few ranks myself. If I personally was to submit an application all my medical exams have to be submitted and they all have to be within the last year.

I suspect the medical standards are in the current MILPER as well.

Now, having direct commissioned when I was 42 the medical exam was a challenge. I am being judgmental of your profile picture. You don't look like a spring chicken. Get in the best physical shape you have ever been in, and get your blood panel checked. Those numbers nearly nixed me and I had to crash my diet in order to avoid the waiver process.

Look up the commissioning medical exam regulations. I'm basically saying get a personal doctor on your own dime to do the exam. THAT WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You'll have a heads up of what you need to fix before you get examined by a Military Doctor who may immediately red flag you.

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There are HUNDREDS of 38G vacancies. The MILPER suggest they will place you as high as LTC based on your credentials, but every single person they place has to be physically on par with being a Soldier in a combat zone.

Medical and Fitness is probably the most important benchmark. If you are beat out of selection chances are someone was less profession qualified, but was BOTH good enough credentials wise, AND good enough fitness wise.

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SO DO NOT LET THIS TIME GO BY NOT PURSUING FITNESS/MEDICAL STANDARDS.

Yes, it may take upwards of a year to select you, and then they will send you to a military doctor and once they find a problem then it's too late.

Response by Z Shen made Dec 8 at 2022 6:44 PM

Z Shen — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 18:44:17 -0500

Any updates? I just emailed my CV two days ago. Good luck !!!

Response by Spc 1 Otto Lyon made Feb 5 at 2023 3:25 PM

Spc 1 Otto Lyon — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 15:25:30 -0500

Any update? I was asked last month to offer my employment dates and education dates. Also, heard a scroll is supposed to come out but I don't know where. Anyone know what's going on?

Response by Spc 1 Otto Lyon made Apr 4 at 2023 7:21 PM

Spc 1 Otto Lyon — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 19:21:44 -0400

Any update?

Response by Tom Garcia made Apr 13 at 2023 12:29 PM

Tom Garcia — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 12:29:01 -0400

As of today, I have not received a status update for my packet. The only movement I've noticed online is that they updated the Candidate's page on the official website. It has some helpful information, but heavily emphasizes the long processing time.

Here is the link: https://www.usar.army.mil/Commands/Functional/USACAPOC/38G-Program/38G-Candidate-Information/

I submitted my packet in October (for the November board) and received an email in late October asking to format my resume dates differently. Other than that, I've been waiting to hear back.

A quote from the website:

"The most important requirement in this process is patience. Currently, the process can take up to 2.5 years to complete to when you would join your unit. There currently is no consistent schedule of board dates. Following the board, the scrolling process will take anywhere from 6 months to several years. Because this is a new process the most recent individuals selected for the program took 2 years from the date of their selection by the panel to be commissioned.

Again, you must remain patient, it is a long process. The speed of getting in uniform is dependent on a number of factors both in and out of the selectees control. Prepare for a long and at times frustrating process."

38G Candidate Information