New Soldier's journey through the Civil Affairs 38G direct commission process

Editorial provided by Capt. Heather R. Cotter

The Civil Affairs 38G Direct Commission program is a unique opportunity for qualified service members and civilians with no prior military service to become part of an elite team within the U.S. Army Reserve.?

In June 2020, I was asked if I would be interested in this opportunity.?

For me, joining the military would be a significant decision that required introspection, reflection, and careful deliberation. Prior to taking the first step in the direct commission process, I scheduled calls with trusted friends, colleagues, and civil affairs Soldiers. These conversations really helped me understand the requirements for service and the depth of commitment it would take for me to succeed on this path. I recommend to those considering this career opportunity to also seek trusted guidance in advance to discover if it is a good fit for you. Determining it was a good fit for me, I decided to prepare my packet and submit it to the commissioning board for consideration.?

The 38G commissioning board meets at a minimum of once a year. I submitted my packet in July 2020 with that year’s board scheduled for October.?

From the time my packet was submitted until my board met, there was little communication about my status as a candidate. I focused my waiting time on learning more about civil affairs, expanding my civil affairs network, learning Army history, foreign policy, international relations, current events, improving my foreign language proficiency, and improving my physical fitness.?

In November 2020, I received a letter that the commissioning board approved my appointment. I was now a 38G selectee. It was an incredible feeling to be qualified up to this point in the process, and I felt validated in my decision that this was the right path for me.?

I prepared myself for the steps ahead as the process continued with me as a 38G selectee now. That included passing medical screening, criminal background checks, obtaining a clearance, in essence, a lot of paperwork.?

It is important for all 38G candidates and selectees to be patient, remain confident, and to understand that it may take up to 36 months to be fully onboarded. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to use this time to learn about civil affairs, build your civil affairs network, improve any foreign language proficiency you may have, and learn about Army history, foreign policy, international relations, current events.? And don’t forget to continue improving your physical fitness to meet the requirements of becoming a Soldier.

Finally, all the paperwork was complete and I became fully qualified.

On 23 August 2022, I took my Oath of Office to serve as a Reserve Commissioned Officer.?

Immediately, my paperwork was sent to Human Resources Command for processing. I was officially in the Army Reserve.?

Like any other employment opportunity, when you accept an employment offer, it generally takes a couple of weeks (or longer) before your start date. Once you start, there is in-processing paperwork to complete as a new employee. The same applies to becoming a Soldier. It’s a process, and patience is a must.?

The result was worth the wait! Today, I am a part of the 351st Civil Affairs Command based in Mt. View, California. Everyone I have met has been incredibly welcoming at battle assemblies.

Now, I am looking forward to the next phase when I attend the Direct Commission Course at Ft. Benning. After that, I will attend subsequent civil affairs related training.?

When asked what the experience has been like so far, I have to say it has been transformative. Because of this opportunity to serve in civil affairs, I decided to go back to graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in International Affairs and Leadership. Formal education has always been important to me. This journey to becoming a Civil Affairs officer has made me more aware of the importance of bilateral and multilateral relationships, the role of the U.S. military worldwide, the importance of civil-military relationships, and the level of commitment our service members make to our country, often unseen.?

I recommend anyone inspired to take this journey to apply. It’s a life-changing experience and a rare opportunity.?

___________________________________

If you are interested about the 38G Civil Affairs Program, please visit https://talent.army.mil/job/civilaffairs-reserve/ to start your application process

Description

Technically qualified and experienced individuals, known as Civil Affairs Military Government Specialists (MG/38G), advise, enable, and assist commanders and their direct civilian counterparts with stabilizing and providing governance expertise until appropriate civilian control is possible. Within their area of specialization, they possess the critical skills necessary to establish, support, or reestablish capability and capacity, as well as understand the regional and local impact of culture on that capability.

Qualified professionals and current service members can apply now for a direct appointment or branch transfer as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Civil Affairs AOC MG. MG officers are technical experts in their fields who are inherently drawn to performing their civilian skillset in a Title 10 context. Currently, the program is structured with 18 Additional Skill Identifiers (ASI’s) that target specific skill sets nested within the five government function specialty areas.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be a United States citizen.
• Have earned a minimum of a master’s degree from an accreted university associated with the ASI applying for.
• Possess a minimum of 48 months of work experience in specified ASI applying for after earning the associated degree.
• Pass an Army medical physical and meet basic fitness standards
• Be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Direct Appointment applicants must be under the age of 48. Waivers are accepted for applicants over the age of 47

The 18 ASIs include:

4A (Industry and Production) | 4C? (Civil Administration) | 4D? (Laws, Regulations and Policies) | 4E? (Environment and Natural Resources) | 4F? (Energy) | 4G (Judiciary and Legal System) | 4H (Corrections) | 5Y? (Emergency Management) | 6C? (Finance, Money and Banking) | 6D? (Education) | 6E? (Commerce and Trade) | 6F? (Transportation) | 6G (Water and Sanitation) | 6H? (Law and Border Enforcement) | 6R? (Technology and Telecommunications) | 6U? (Agribusiness and Food) | 6V? (Heritage & Preservation) | 6W? (Archivist)

Education

To be eligible, applicants must have earned a minimum of a master’s degree from an accredited university associated with the ASI applying for.