Bridge military operations and civilian populations. Civil Affairs Soldiers conduct civil reconnaissance, governance support, and humanitarian assistance — securing lasting stability in the world's most complex environments.
The 38-Series is the Army's premier civil-military operations force. From foreign humanitarian assistance to governance support, Civil Affairs Soldiers operate at the intersection of military power and civilian stability.
Leading the Army's civilian engagement missions. Officers plan and lead operations to coordinate with civilian authorities and populations.
The engagement experts of the Army. Specialists coordinate with civilian populations and governments to ensure mission success.
The governance experts. Specialists support foreign governments, ensuring the restoration of law, order, and essential services.
The entry point for all CA Candidates. Enlist as 38X and earn your position through assessment and training.
The pinnacle of enlisted CA leadership. 38Zs manage stabilization and engagement missions across the battlefield.
The 38B Civil Affairs Specialist is the backbone of Army CA teams. After passing CA Selection and Assessment, 38Bs attend the CA Qualification Course at Fort Liberty, NC, where they learn to operate in austere, complex environments at the intersection of military operations and civilian populations.
38Bs conduct civil reconnaissance to assess local governance, infrastructure, economy, and social systems. They coordinate foreign humanitarian assistance, manage civil information, and engage key leaders to support the commander's objectives and stabilize regions in conflict.
The 38A Civil Affairs Officer plans and leads CA operations at all echelons, from tactical CA teams to theater-level civil-military operations centers. Officers bring strategic vision and operational planning capability to CA missions, integrating military objectives with civilian stabilization goals.
38A officers coordinate with interagency partners, international organizations, and host-nation governments to develop comprehensive civil-military operations plans. They advise commanders on the civil dimension of the operational environment and lead CA teams in execution.
The 38Z Senior CA Sergeant represents the pinnacle of enlisted Civil Affairs leadership. Serving at E-8 and E-9, these senior NCOs plan and coordinate CA operations at battalion, brigade, and theater special operations command (TSOC) level. They bring decades of CA experience and regional expertise to complex operational environments.
38Zs are responsible for interagency coordination, mentoring junior CA NCOs, and ensuring CA teams are trained, equipped, and ready for deployment. They serve as the senior enlisted advisor on civil-military operations and maintain relationships across the interagency community.
Civil Affairs is a reclass MOS — Soldiers must first serve in another MOS before applying for CA Selection. Junior enlisted Soldiers build foundational skills in their initial career field while preparing physically and mentally for the CA pipeline. Most applicants are E-4 or above with proven performance records.
Preparation includes strong PT scores, language aptitude, cultural awareness, and a demonstrated ability to operate independently. Volunteer for deployments and seek assignments that develop interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
CA NCOs are the operational backbone of Civil Affairs teams. E-5s and E-6s serve as team sergeants and team NCOICs, leading civil reconnaissance missions, managing key leader engagements, and coordinating with local governments and international organizations in austere environments.
NCO development includes BLC and ALC completion, language training at DLI or through immersion programs, and repeated deployments to build regional expertise. Strong NCOER evaluations and proven performance in complex environments drive promotion.
Senior CA NCOs transition to the 38Z MOS and serve as operations sergeants, first sergeants, and command sergeants major at battalion, brigade, and TSOC level. They bring decades of CA expertise, regional knowledge, and interagency relationships that are irreplaceable at the strategic level.
38Z selection is competitive and board-driven. A record of successful deployments, language proficiency, advanced schooling, and top-block evaluations are essential. Senior CA NCOs often serve in embassy support roles and joint/interagency positions.
Officers enter Civil Affairs through branch detail or voluntary transfer after serving in another branch. The CA Officer Qualification Course at Fort Liberty trains officers to plan and lead CA operations at every echelon, from tactical team level to theater strategic support.
38A officers bring unique value by combining conventional military experience with specialized CA training. They advise general officers on the civil dimension, coordinate with interagency partners, and lead CA companies and battalions.
| Installation | Location | Unit / Mission | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Liberty | NC | USASOC / 95th CA BDE | SOF / Active |
| Fort Liberty | NC | USAJFKSWCS (Training) | TRADOC |
| Various CONUS | US | Army Reserve CA Commands | USAR |
| OCONUS Rotations | Worldwide | CENTCOM / AFRICOM / SOUTHCOM | Deployed |
| Embassy Support | Worldwide | Defense Attaché / SCO | Interagency |
| SOCOM Elements | Various | TSOC / JSOC Support | SOF |
Active-duty CA forces are concentrated at Fort Liberty, NC, under USASOC. Army Reserve CA units are located across the country. Deployments span every combatant command, with embassy and interagency positions worldwide.
Civil Affairs Soldiers operate where combat meets stability. From war-torn villages to capital cities, CA teams build the lasting peace that follows the fight.
Explore Training CoursesCivil Affairs is a special operations branch that bridges military forces and civilian populations. CA Soldiers conduct civil reconnaissance, governance support, humanitarian assistance, and key leader engagement in the world's most complex environments.
CA Selection and Assessment is a demanding evaluation of physical fitness, mental toughness, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Approximately 55% of candidates are selected. Preparation in land nav, rucking, and team events is critical.
Cultural awareness and cross-cultural communication are foundational CA skills. Soldiers develop regional expertise through language training, immersion programs, and repeated deployments to their area of focus.
CA Soldiers routinely coordinate with NGOs, international organizations, and interagency partners like USAID and the State Department. This interagency skillset is unique to Civil Affairs in the military.
Language proficiency is highly valued in CA. Many Soldiers attend the Defense Language Institute or in-country immersion programs. DLPT scores and language pay incentivize continued development.
Active-duty CA is part of USASOC (Special Operations). Army Reserve CA units fall under conventional commands. SOF CA undergoes selection, earns airborne qualification, and deploys on SOF missions worldwide.
Civil Affairs is one of the most intellectually demanding and globally impactful career fields in the Army. If you want to operate at the intersection of military power and civilian stability, work with governments and NGOs in austere environments, and secure lasting peace, the 38-Series is the path. Arrive fit, culturally aware, and ready to think on your feet.
Start CA PrepI am Civil Affairs.
I am the bridge between military force
and civilian stability.
I operate where combat meets humanity —
in villages, cities, and capitals worldwide.
I assess, coordinate, and build
what conflict destroys.I am committed to stability operations
and securing lasting peace
through civil-military cooperation.
I engage, I advise, I stabilize.
Where others see chaos,
I build order.Secure the Peace.