PSYOP question

[Rob_0811]

Gentlemen,

I am currently looking at enlisting in the Guard or Army Reserve. I'm not going back into the Marine Corps Reserve because I don't want to be an artilleryman anymore.

I'm trying to decide whether to enlist as an 11B with the Texas Guard or enlist as a 37B with the PSYOP unit here in Dallas. My question is, are all 37B soldiers assigned to the tactical teams or is that something one would have to compete to get into?

Thanks,

Semper Fidelis,


Rob

[Viking]

Hey Rob,

Of course, it depends on what you're looking for. I'd consider what you'll be doing when you get deployed, because odds are that you will.

If you go in as an infantryman, expect to do leg infantry stuff, guard duty, convoy escort, presence patrols, etc. I wouldn't guess that Guard/Reserve infantry are getting many HVT missions.

PSYOP, on the other hand consists mostly of Reserve units, and in my opinion they're getting some decent missions. You could do anything from making leaflets to ride alongs with SF teams to provide speaker support ("Stay away...do not interfere...." shit like that). OK, so the leaflets part isn't too exciting, but your tactical time would be much more interesting. They also seem to get much more autonomy when they're out in Firebases than any infantry unit I ever saw.

I think bottom line is: If you like wearing your Kpot and one canteen on a pistol belt when you go to a range, then go infantry. If you want to get out of the wire on YOUR terms and mingle with interesting folks, go PSYOP.

[BackInTheDay]

If you are talking about the pysop unit on Northwest Highway, they have a couple prior services Marines already.

They have jump slots there also. Most of those guys have been deployed more than they have been home over the last three years. The VAST majority of PSYOPs units are reserve units, not active duty ergo, lots of deployment time.

The Texas National Guard has four missions that involve beng deplyed in the GWOT. There is a batch of armor adn supporting units leaving in three weeks for a year. Tankers, but not taking tanks. Convoy duty. My buddy is in the 2 shop with them.

Take the psyops, screw convoy duty.

[Rob_0811]

The Guard is giving out a crapload of bonuses right now, that's pretty much all I could get out of the recruiter, not what kind of duty they're pulling, he wouldn't talk too much about that.

I could care less about the money, I just want to do something out there.


The Army recruiters didn't have a whole lot of info on the 37B MOS.

As I understand it, the mission appears to be more of an intel related one, are they trigger pullers as well?

[edited because I can't type}

[PsyGuy]

I'm an active duty PSYOP Sergeant and I see reservists coming through here(Bragg) all the time. Some of them are attached to regular conventional units while others are attached to various SOCOM units. The only tactical psyop team that you have to apply for is the Active duty Ranger PSYOP team. Talk to the PSYOP unit in Dallas and find out if their mainly tactical. By the way, it's MOS 37F (Psychological Operations Specialist) not 37B. If you have any more questions drop me a line and I'll be happy to answer them if I can.

[Viking]

Originally posted by Rob_0811
The Guard is giving out a crapload of bonuses right now, that's pretty much all I could get out of the recruiter, not what kind of duty they're pulling, he wouldn't talk too much about that.
I could care less about the money, I just want to do something out there.
The Army recruiters didn't have a whole lot of info on the 37B MOS.
As I understand it, the mission appears to be more of an intel related one, are they trigger pullers as well?
[edited because I can't type}


Most recruiters don't know shit about anything other than Tanks, Infantry and Cooks. Ask them about MI or CA and you're going to get a stupid look and a short answer. Do your own research, go talk to the unit, and take everything the recruiter says with a grain of salt.

As far as "trigger pullers" go, it's all relative. Is an 11B in the reserves a "trigger puller"? I suppose he is compared to a truck driver, but he probably shouldn't run his mouth around a bunch of Fallujah Marines, let alone serious operators.

Don't get caught up with labels. Find out more about PsyOps and decide if you want to strut around in a "Let God Sort 'Em Out" 2-54 Infantry t-shirt when you're not manning a guard tower, or if you want to take a less prestigious job but one which gets you out on some pretty cool missions.

Oh, and I forgot to bring up Airborne School last time, but it's another BIG consideration.

[PSYOP ROB]

If you are referring to the 345th POC in Dallas, they are a Tactical PSYOP company and have a great deal of experience in the latest conflicts. PSYOP is a great job with a wide variety of opportunities and a very important mission. PSYOP soldiers are everywhere on the battlefield. Im quite sure you could find whatever sort of combat experience you were looking for if you went PSYOP.

[Bailaviborita]

Originally posted by Rob_0811
Gentlemen,

I am currently looking at enlisting in the Guard or Army Reserve. I'm not going back into the Marine Corps Reserve because I don't want to be an artilleryman anymore.

I'm trying to decide whether to enlist as an 11B with the Texas Guard or enlist as a 37B with the PSYOP unit here in Dallas. My question is, are all 37B soldiers assigned to the tactical teams or is that something one would have to compete to get into?

Thanks,

Semper Fidelis,

Rob

Only Psyop guys I ran into operated out of the embassy, stayed in 5 star hotels, went into the jungle when they wanted to, and partied all the time. Almost total autonomy. Looked like the dream job- you could be cool and go on patrols with whoever you could build rapport with- or be a slug. Or both.

[PsyGuy]

Originally posted by 40mmInfidel
Oh, and I forgot to bring up Airborne School last time, but it's another BIG consideration. [/B]

You'd have to weasle an Airborne deal with the unit in Dallas, if they have slots. Most reserve PSYOP specialists finish AIT and go straight to their units, then straight to war.... you don't see many Airborne qualified reserve PSYOP. Do your homework, study the web for information and ask more questions.

Maybe this site will give you some more answers:
www.psywarrior.com

[Rob_0811]

Thank you all for your input.

Hopefully, I'll be able to speak with someone from the PSYOP unit next week.


I appreciate your prompt responses.

Sorry about posting the incorrect MOS designator.

Semper Fidelis,

Rob

[Viking]

Keep us posted on your decision. Sounds like you're headed what, IMHO, is the right direction.

[Rob_0811]

Will do. Thanks again.

One more question. It looks like I'll have to go to boot camp again. So how long will it be before I report to my unit? I'm assuming language school is part of AIT, so I would think the timeframe varies depending on what language I am assigned, is that correct?

Thanks,

Rob

[Viking]

Originally posted by Rob_0811
Will do. Thanks again.

One more question. It looks like I'll have to go to boot camp again. So how long will it be before I report to my unit? I'm assuming language school is part of AIT, so I would think the timeframe varies depending on what language I am assigned, is that correct?

Thanks,

Rob

I'll have to defer to the PSYOP'ers out there on this one. BUT, as I was politely informed, Guard infantry are getting some good missions as well, so don't totally discount them. Go talk to those guys too.

[Rob_0811]

hmmmm.....decisions decisons.

I'm doing all of this because I don't want to wait around any longer and the active duty OCS thing just takes too long with age waivers and whatnot.

I'm still leaning towards PSYOP, it would be nice to learn another language. Perhaps that's a better start towards getting into the 19th or 20th groups later on down the road.

[PsyGuy]

Rob_0811,
As a reserve PSYOP specialist your path will look like this: Basic, AIT and then your Unit. As an Active duty soldier your path would look like this: Basic, AIT, Airborne school, 4-6 months of Language school and then your Unit. There wasn't one Reserve soldier in the Language program that hadn't already reported to their unit before getting a slot to BMLC(language). Some Reserve soldiers get a unit that is willing to send them to DLI, while others get no formal language training at all. It's all dependent on what the Dallas unit is willing to pay for and also what they have slots for. I think DROB posted that they do have Airborne slots so that's a possibility, but language? Who knows.

Hope this helps.

[Rob_0811]

that helps alot.

Thanks very much.

[ilots]

The 345th is a Tac ABN company. You will be expected to go to ABN school (all soldiers in the unit). They jump every couple of months, send teams to events such as Leapfest, and participate in airshows. The unit has both in house language training conducted by Berlitz type instructors as well as in-residence language training. Many opportunities exist for both FBNC and DLIFLC. (as to who get picked? You need to hear it from the horse.) It is likely given optempo you will find yourself deployed post ABN but prior to a language opportunity. Those boys weren't home for a year (from 10 months in A-stan) when they were hit with another 9 in Iraq. Like many, they also had been bouncing around the balkans, haiti, the ME, and various other trng ops (from cobra gold to bright star to NTC) in the previous years. Several good friends of mine are in the unit and on occasion we still work together. If desired, PM for the contact information for the UA (an E-7 in the unit) - he can put you in touch with anyone you need/desire and answer your questions with a phone call/interview.

Good luck on your decision.

[Rob_0811]

Thanks for the info. PM sent.

[Olive Drab]

Anyone know of any east coast units? Anything as far north as Rhode islan or as far south as North Carolina

[ilots]

OliveDrab - PM sent.

[TPD1280]

345th POC(A) relieved me in Bosnia, and in Iraq. I went to BNCOC with their UA. They are a good group of guys. The only USACAPOC guys I knew of staying in 5 star hotels were Civil Affairs Officers. Unfortunately, CA and PSYOP wear the same patch, so we (PSYOP) are saddled with the perceptions they create. From what I hear, the patch issue may be addressed shortly.

There are 3 Groups in PSYOP, 4th (Active Duty, Bragg), 2nd and 7th (Reserve). A few years ago, the Reserves drew the mission of providing most of the Tactical PSYOP Companies.

As such, my guys were trained extensively on IMT, IAD's, etc. They know how to shoot, move, and communicate. They know that if they cannot get to where the mission is, they don't get to play with their Loudspeaker. They also know that if the enemy decides to use "counter-measures", they will need to defend themselves and/or break contact. When the feces hit the rotary oscillator, my guys held their own alongside the troops assigned as security for the mission.

We realize that we are NOT Rangers or Special Forces, but we do belong to ARSOF, and are held to the standards of being "Quiet Professionals". PSYOP soldiers are held to very high standards because not only are we primarily Reservists, we are most likely sliced off to support a maneuver element, usually a conventional force unit like Infantry, Armor, or Cav. When you show up, if you are walking around pretending to be "Joe Cool, Operator", you have shot yourself in the foot before you even introduce yourself to the Bde CO, XO, or CSM. You then have to convince them and every subordinate Commander down to Platoon level that you are not wasting their time, nor taking their soldiers out the gate unnecessarily.

We have a job to do, and if we do it right, we greatly multiply the combat capabilities of the supported unit. That means that potentially fewer of our guys get hurt.

PSYOP is a great place to serve.

[Rob_0811]

thank you all for the responses, any and all info is greatly appreciated.

time to go PT.


Semper Fidelis and Happy Holidays,


Rob

[DunbarFC]

Originally posted by Olive Drab
Anyone know of any east coast units? Anything as far north as Rhode islan or as far south as North Carolina

I'm up in the Northeast - Boston - and I'm looking to join the Reserves

Figured it was time I gave back to my country

Are there any PSYOP units in this neck of the woods ?

Thanks

[PsyGuy]

For those reservists out there check this out:
www.psywarrior.com/reserveunits.html

It's a pretty complete list of reserve units and their locations, it's already posted on the web so I'm not letting out any OPSEC info here.

[DunbarFC]

Originally posted by PsyGuy
For those reservists out there check this out:
www.psywarrior.com/reserveunits.html

It's a pretty complete list of reserve units and their locations, it's already posted on the web so I'm not letting out any OPSEC info here.

Thanks PsyGuy

Appreciate it

[PsyGuy]

Originally posted by TPD1280
From what I hear, the patch issue may be addressed shortly.


Guys in my detachment have discussed this issue and would love to see it resolved, it's rough because when people see the patch they automatically assume your CA or attached to CA . It would be nice to have a patch all our own; maybe go back to the old "Horse head and lightening bolts". Where have you heard that this may be addressed shortly?

[TPD1280]

The 345th guys showed up "un-officially" wearing the old horse head patch instead of the current CAPOC. They spent the beginning of the Iraq war doing the RC train-up lanes, and had a bunch of time listening to the rumor mill on smoke bomb hill.

The issue has been discussed rather heatedly since I joined PSYOP in '96. When Buzz came over to Baghdad in July 03, he said the issue was being discussed at Command levels both within CAPOC and ASOC. Shortly thereafter, PSYOP Officers finally got their own Branch insignia, instead of being forced to wear CA. Logic (I know) would follow that a patch change is not far off.

[PsyGuy]

TPD1280,
I've just recently started seeing the O's wear the PSYOP branch insignia( our Detachment commander still refuses to change his) and I've heard several talk about the shoulder patch change, nothing solid though. I'm sure that others reading this are probably thinking, "Who cares, it's just a shoulder patch." Let me just say that I've spent many a day explaining to an attached supported commander that I'm not CA, I'm not attached to CA and I don't take orders from CA. They have a hard time understanding that PSYOP and CA work together but not for each other. A shoulder patch change would clarify that and help bring the confusion level down a bit. Now that CA is officially an active/reserve duty MOS, maybe a patch change will follow.

[DunbarFC]

Originally posted by PsyGuy
For those reservists out there check this out:
www.psywarrior.com/reserveunits.html

It's a pretty complete list of reserve units and their locations, it's already posted on the web so I'm not letting out any OPSEC info here.

Most of these are a good distance away from where I live

Would they let someone who has to travel a great distance join ?

I know there is a CA unit in Rhode Island so that might be an option as well

[PsyGuy]

Most of these are a good distance away from where I live
Would they let someone who has to travel a great distance join ?
[/QUOTE]

I'm sure if you contact the unit in question or a recruiter about your choice of unit, they could direct you in the right direction. I'm not sure how the reserves work in regards to travel distance to a unit.

I drive 4.5 miles to my detachment everyday and that's for sure.

Maybe some of the reservists on this site can help you out better than I can with this issue.

[TPD1280]

If you live outside of a 50 mile radius from your unit, you will be allowed to join but you will have to sign an "out of area" waiver first.

Right now, your mileage and hotel are tax deductible for drill weekends.

We had a Company CO who drive from Montana to Seattle.


PSYGUY: I know exactly what you are talking about with regards to the whole CA/PSYOP relationship. Happened everywhere I went. We had one TOC SGM at 2ACR in Baghdad who never did get it through his head that I was not CA. I started ignoring him when he called out, "Hey, CA come here". (Only reason I got away with that was being an E-7.)

[pitbull03]

The only USACAPOC guys I knew of staying in 5 star hotels were Civil Affairs Officers. Unfortunately, CA and PSYOP wear the same patch, so we (PSYOP) are saddled with the perceptions they create. From what I hear, the patch issue may be addressed shortly.


I did my time in 4th POG and spent more than a few deployments in the 5 star hotels. Getting TDY money to go surfing in Hawaii was definitely a plus.

[TPD1280]

I hate you :D

Only time I got to stay anywhere nice was two days at the beginning and two days at the end of Gobra Gold 01. We were in pretty nice digs in Phitsanoluk. The rest of the time required mosquito netting.

You imply that you are no longer with POG, where you at now?

BTW, love your signature line :D

[pitbull03]

The Army has seen fit to send me back to leg land for a deployment to the sand box, so I'm over here with 1-25 IN. If all goes according to plan, I should be headed back to USASOC next fall. I definitely miss 4th POG...If I could do it again I probably would have been a PSYOP-er. I'm just an intel guy who got thrown in a 37F slot for a few years and enjoyed it.

BTW, Thailand kicks ass. I plan on taking some much needed vacation time over there after this deployment.

[PSYWAR 1-0]

Only Psyop guys I ran into operated out of the embassy, stayed in 5 star hotels, went into the jungle when they wanted to, and partied all the time. Almost total autonomy. Looked like the dream job- you could be cool and go on patrols with whoever you could build rapport with- or be a slug. Or both.

That would be the "Good Old Days" of OP3.

[Dasota]

Hello,

I had a question or two about active duty PSYOP, and would appreciate any help you all could give me.

A little bit of history on me... a little over a year ago I had a short career in the army, when I was injured in infantry training at Fort Benning. Finally getting that mess cleared up, I'm back with a new contract. I had been hoping to get PSYOP (37F) for my enlistment MOS, but was told it's rare to see it open for Initial Entry. I was fine with this, and decided to go with 91W (Healthcare Specialist). I am "ever-so-slightly" color deficient, but can distinguish all colors at every tone I've encountered thus far into my life.

What I'm wanting to know, is if there is a possibility of being assigned to the 4th POG as 91W, or if my only hope is to, upon reinlistment, cross-train over into 37F. This brings up another question.. At MEPS this time around, I was told that for PSYOP you had to have perfect color vision. Will my color vision deficiency, however slight, prevent me from changnig to 37F at a later date? Please note that I can distinguish colors without a problem (Reds, greens, blues, what have you).

So in short, I'm looking for ways to either getting into a PSYOP battalion as a medic (I imagine this wouldn't be permanent), or what my chances are at getting 37F for an MOS change upon reinlistment in 4 and a half years. Again, any help you all can provide for me is much appreciated. Thank you.

[pitbull03]

There aren't any medics in 4th POG. Your best bet would be contacting your career counselor/ reenlistment nco to swap over.

[PSYWAR 1-0]

No Medics in Pog, Depending on what training is going on, they come from 96th CA, 528th or that little known clause in USASOC 350-1 that allows a EMT and CLS qualed troop to serve as a medic in all ranges up to .50

As to the Vision requirement, Must be new, I can tell red from green, but cant make out the numbers your supposed to see. Never kept me from going Infantry, Airborne or from Reclassing to 37F.

[TPD1280]

I can tell red from green, but cant make out the numbers your supposed to see.

One day the say I'm Red/Green colorblind, next day I'm Blue/Gray, day after that I can actually see the numbers. Never stopped me either.

The old find the number test is laughed at outside the military.

Color vision was not even tested when I reclassed into Psyop.

It was tested when I hired on with the Sheriff's department. They used something called a Gas scale chromatography test, or some shit like that. It's more definitive than those dot/number books which went out of print in the 1970's.

[Darren]

TPD is right, I just finished reclassing to 37F, was asked up front about the color vision thing, answered honestly (BTW, the two types are: red/green and blue/yellow) and am now attached to 362nd here in God's country. As an aside, I have spent over 20 years in school, and nowhere have I met a brighter, smarter group than the folks I just spent 28 days with.

Now my question: Does everyone in 37F recite Monty Python? Is this a job req I hadn't heard of?

[PSYOP ROB]

Now my question: Does everyone in 37F recite Monty Python? Is this a job req I hadn't heard of?
Personally, I like lines from Caddyshack, but thats just me. :D

[TPD1280]

DOODY!!!!!

Waiter, this steak still has marks from where the jockey was hitting it.

Vermin Cong.

Yeah, we can do Caddyshack too, it just doesn't have the sheer volume of quotables. Bill Murray has been playing variants of the same role (as has Chevy Chase) for years. It's just not as funny as seeing Mr. Creosote explode.

Now bring me two of everything on the menu, and a bucket.


NOW THAT I THINK OF IT: Monty Python presents a prime example of some of the things you were taught in school. Themes, symbols, slogans.

[Darren]

As well as screwing up golfers by blasting Metallica at them via truck mount speaker array while they're tee-ing off. Big Fun!


"Must be a King...hasn't got shit all over 'im."

[eltrane]

I bet you were something before electricity.

[TPD1280]

Somebody (cough, cough) got the 37F course moved off Camp Parks for running a loudspeaker mission (tanks and helos) on the Post Civilian Administrators quarters.

Somebody else, (cough, cough) got a huge kick out of plastering Ft. Hunter-Liggett with flyers for a non-existant Post Barbecue. Which really pissed of the Post CSM.

God I love this MOS.

[Darren]

Does anyone have a rough idea as to how long a secret clearance is supposed to take? Even a provisional type? I sit here in neutral for that so I can be awarded the 37F MOS, apply for schools, get bonuses etc. but nobody in my (admittedly sparsely populated) co. can get any info. I joined USAR in January 05, and am extremely motivated to get going.

Thankee

[Baildog]

If your EPSQ has been submitted, USACAPOC can grant you an Interim. Are you sitting in a unit? Get your security manager to request an Interim for you.

The whole process takes a long ass time. They continue to be ridiculously backed up.

Article about it in today's WashPost, coincidentally...


Hearing on Security Clearance Backlog Sparks Promises of Action

By Stephen Barr

Wednesday, June 29, 2005; Page B02

Almost four years after the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, the Bush administration is struggling to speed up investigations for security clearances and reduce a backlog of cases.

The process for vetting government employees and contract workers was designated a "high risk" area in January by the Government Accountability Office, which monitors federal programs for Congress.


Yesterday, Sen. George V. Voinovich (R-Ohio) said terrorism and intelligence programs suffer when federal job applicants and contractors are left "in a state of limbo" for a year or more waiting for security clearances.

Voinovich, who called a hearing on clearances as chairman of the Senate subcommittee on government management and the federal workforce, told Bush administration officials: "I am going to be on this like a junkyard dog. We are going to get this off the high-risk list. Does everyone understand me?"

After hearing administration officials and a GAO analyst offer conflicting views on how much progress has been made on speeding up security clearances, Voinovich said he would ask top officials at the Office of Management and Budget, including OMB Director Joshua B. Bolton and OMB Deputy Director Clay Johnson III , to get involved in finding a fix.

The White House, apparently to show that it is paying attention to the issue, released an executive order on the eve of the hearing. The president's directive would set up a framework for complying with recent legislation that called for streamlining the clearance process.

The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks prompted a number of agencies to recommend that more employees have access to classified information and that clearance levels be raised for other employees. The stepped-up demand put new pressure on a system that had been snarled in delays for more than a decade.

The administration, after two years of interagency talks, consolidated background investigations in February at the Office of Personnel Management. The Defense Department transferred 1,578 employees to OPM and more than 146,000 pending investigations. With the consolidation, OPM handles about 90 percent of the government's clearance work.

But Derek B. Stewart , the GAO analyst, expressed skepticism that the consolidation would produce quick improvements.

In two recent years, he testified, the Pentagon underestimated the number of background investigations it needed by at least 100,000 cases. Defense and OPM also face problems in linking up their computer systems to share data and conduct investigations, he said.

"If I was OPM, I would be scared to death of this program," Stewart said.

Heather Anderson , the Pentagon official in charge of the transfer of security clearance investigations to OPM, said work on procedures and systems over the past two years has led to improvements. She said Defense has about 329,000 cases in the clearance pipeline.

Kathy L. Dillaman , a deputy associate director at OPM, said the agency has augmented its staff with about 6,000 contract employees from six companies. She predicted that the added staff would enhance OPM's productivity by year's end.

This year, OPM projects it will face 550,000 new requests for background investigations involving access to classified information and almost 900,000 background checks to determine if employees can be deemed trustworthy.

[psyopgod]

Only Psyop guys I ran into operated out of the embassy, stayed in 5 star hotels, went into the jungle when they wanted to, and partied all the time. Almost total autonomy. Looked like the dream job- you could be cool and go on patrols with whoever you could build rapport with- or be a slug. Or both.

This statement is not entirely false. I have been deployed to Bogota Colombia and we stayed in THEE nicest place ever. We paid big bucks for it but it was a "Force Protection" issue, so...........
We also did what we NEEDED to do - no schedule per say. If we needed to go to Cali or Medellin, we went. If we needed to spend the weekend in Cartagena, we did. :D

Also - it wasn't back in the "good old days of OP3" either. It was in 2000 when I was there (I was there in 1992 as well - same set up) and it is still going on.

I also have "first hand" knowledge that the patch WILL change. USACAPOC is going away. There will a PSYCOM (one star command) soon. They will have their own patch - I worked on the design. :rolleyes:

[TPD1280]

SPILL!!!

What's the patch gonna look like?

[Darren]

does anyone know any particulars regarding the Psyop Officer's course? Length, location, etc?

[TPD1280]

I'll bet Jerry does.

I'd also hazard a guess that it is at USAJFKSWCS.

[Darren]

I have some time today, I should have searched the web before bugging you folks. Jerry already has his hands full trying to get the Army to pay me!

Thanks

[TPD1280]

you may also try asking one of the O's in your unit who has attended the POOC.

[Baildog]

There is an article on changes coming to CA and PSYOP in the July issue of Special Warfare magazine. Talks about how both will be become full-fledged branches next year, the creation of a new 38B CMF, and changes to the training pipeline. The article focuses more on CA than psyop.

[TPD1280]

The article focuses more on CA than psyop.

Of course it does. Why would that change.

CA is about the only area of ARSOF that is Officer centered.

You don't send a SGT as a CA Team Leader to talk to a village honcho, he (the honcho) would see that as an insult. You send an Officer. The bigger the ville, the bigger the O. The coordination between NGO's and such require the type of politicking and networking that is the lifeblood of Officers. As such, CA is rightfully "Officer heavy". Every CA Team is lead by an Officer.

A Tactcal PSYOP Detachment has only 1 Officer. The PSYOP teams and missions are run by NCO's.

Most of these magazines are written for/by/about Officers and their issues. That being what it is, the bulk of the article is going to be about Officers and their issues.

I'm sure there are exceptions to what I have written above, but this is based on several years of observations, and watching a CA E-7 make coffee and copies while a CPT or MAJ sits and talks with the mayor. I have also seen a 96th CA NCO run his own show without an O, but that was only once.

It's not good or bad, it just is.

[lal]

Hey, Baildog--I would love to see that article. No surprise, really, but my University doesn't have a subscription, and can't find one at any of the local libraries. Is there a weblink?

Thanks.

[Metalchica]

To expand on TPD1280's post,

Exceptions:

- Some village honchos would be more insulted with the soldier's gender than the soldier's rank.

- In Iraq, the local womens' group leaders felt more comfortable dealing with an enlisted female than a male officer.

- When an enlisted soldier is a subject matter expert, he will often be allowed to take the reigns of the mission. Granted, the officer has the ultimate authority and responsibility but there are so many cases where the NCO runs the show, attends the meetings and creates proposals. This is especially the case the further away from the flagpole the CA unit is located and the hotter the AO. Sometimes this is a matter of not having enough soldiers (officer AND enlisted) to handle the various issues in an AO. In the CA reserve world, which is 97% of the CA world right now, it is common to find E4s with Masters' degrees, E5s who serve as executives in corporations and E6s fluent in several languages.

- Often in a CMOC setting, members of the team (officer and enlisted) each get a slice of the CA pie, rank not being an issue. I.e. One person deals with the Health Ministry and issues, another deals with the Education Minister, etc..

From the general (non-CA) soldiering standpoint, the officer may request movement but the CA NCO would establish SOPs, plan the convoys, footpatrols, etc.

On paper, yes, every team has an officer assigned. I would not consider staying back at the FOB every time his CA team rolls out the gate on a mission "leading". Sometimes the reason is valid. Regardless, it is the senior NCO who is leading the mission at that point.

Again, these are some of the exceptions to the general flow of civil affairs but they do occur.

[Snake]

In Iraq, and to a lesser extent here in the 'Stan, CA teams attract a lot of hostiles. FOB Mecury emptied out one day, to relieve a CA/Engineer team that got jumped by a Company sized HajjiHorde(tm). They were building a clinic, thus staying in one place long enough for Hajji to bring out the boys. Hell of a firefight.
It is NOT a noncombat MOS.

[Baildog]

Hey, Baildog--I would love to see that article. No surprise, really, but my University doesn't have a subscription, and can't find one at any of the local libraries. Is there a weblink?

Thanks.

The link is to the Army Knowledge Online website, I'm afraid, which you need an account to log on to.

[TPD1280]

Metalchica, sounds like you are in a well run unit. Wish you were there for OIF1. The clowns we saw could have used the good example.

[Metalchica]

In OIF1 CA units deployed with their own CA soldiers. With OIF2 and since, CA units have deployed with 50% (or less) or their own soldiers, with the rest of the soldiers being from other CA units. I cannot recall the word for this at this time. Anyhow, this was due to too a number of reasons. The bottom line is that there will be inherent differences in the way units are run when soldiers from the same unit stateside operate together than when soldiers from units across the States work together for the first time. in a hostile environment. Add to the mix the fact that CA teams are spread out over entire provinces, much like PSYOP teams.

Yes, I realize I was very, very lucky in many respects.

[Baildog]

I cannot recall the word for this at this time.


Crosslevel

[Psywarrior6]

All the guys who went with me to AIT that were from the jump status unit in Dallas or my unit in San Diego, did airborne right after AIT with the active guys, the reserve liason CSM there hooks you up and gets you set up for it before you report to your unit. also DLI is an option from there too, i was lucky enough to go from jump school to DLI for Chinese which was 15 long months, but they said if you go within the first two years of completing your initial training the funds come from TRADOC and not your unit so its your best bet, but if your unit wants you to deploy instead your screwed...best of luck!!!