Civil Affairs Soldier in plain clothes and wearing a protective face mask writes on paper while talking to a group of local people in the field, all wearing protective face masks Civil Affairs Soldier in plain clothes and wearing a protective face mask writes on paper while talking to a group of local people in the field, all wearing protective face masks

Civil Affairs

Civil Affairs Soldiers engage and partner with communities around the world, to increase stability, enable local governments, and improve quality of life for civilians.

Civil Affairs Soldier in helmet and uniform talks to three local leaders outdoors Civil Affairs Soldier in helmet and uniform talks to three local leaders outdoors

Take Your Specialized Training Abroad

Army Civil Affairs Soldiers work closely in partnership with other government agencies or the militaries of allied nations. Persuasive and diplomatic negotiators, they work on the ground to ensure the U.S. interests are on the table and have a strong position when bargaining with foreign governments. They also work to protect civilians and reduce the root causes of instability around the world. They make sure Army commanders are aware of what civilian communities abroad might need when caught in crisis zones, while also helping to direct the distribution of humanitarian aid in both combat and non-combat zones.

As part of the Special Operations Forces, active-duty Civil Affairs Soldiers are selected through a tough evaluation process, followed by more training in government, diplomacy, and survival.

Small Teams Take on Global Missions

A Civil Affairs team is a team unlike any other. Tactical, highly-trained, and physically fit, these four roles each bring a specific expertise to any mission:

Train for a Rewarding Career Leading Foreign Relations

The training to be a Civil Affairs Soldier is rigorous, but only to ensure the teams can survive in tough landscapes, quickly analyze threats under pressure, and develop solutions to difficult problems around the world.

If you join Civil Affairs as a new active-duty or Army Reserve recruit, you’ll complete a seven-phase training program. If you’re an active-duty or Army Reserve non-commissioned Officer or Officer, you begin at Phase Four.

Civil Affairs Requirements and Next Steps

Depending on which path you take, there are different requirements you’ll need to meet in order to become part of a Civil Affairs team:

Civil Affairs Soldiers provide hurricane relief by unloading supplies from an Army aircraft Civil Affairs Soldiers provide hurricane relief by unloading supplies from an Army aircraft

If you’re a civilian entering the Army as a Civil Affairs Soldier:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
  • Pass a physical medical exam
  • Have an ASVAB placement test TECH score of 107 or above

Civil Affairs Soldier in uniform kicks red ball outdoors while two local children nearby look on Civil Affairs Soldier in uniform kicks red ball outdoors while two local children nearby look on

If you’re an active-duty Soldier:

Civil Affairs Soldier in uniform and protective face mask kneels down to interact with a group of local children Civil Affairs Soldier in uniform and protective face mask kneels down to interact with a group of local children

If you’re an active-duty Officer:

  • Be eligible for a top secret security clearance
  • Have obtained the rank of first lieutenant or captain

Common Questions About Civil Affairs

What makes a successful Civil Affairs Soldier?

A Civil Affairs Soldier is someone who is physically fit, tactically skilled, and culturally aware of their surroundings. They are able to conduct global missions in harsh environments that are politically sensitive or even hostile.

Can I be a Civil Affairs Soldier in the Army Reserve?

Yes, many Civil Affairs Soldiers are in the Army Reserve and they use their unique professional skills from the civilian sector to support the military and help stabilize conflict areas.

What happens if I’m not selected to become a Civil Affairs Soldier during training?

If you are not ultimately selected to join Civil Affairs during training, you will be assigned to a unit as a qualified 12B Combat Engineer.

Will I learn a foreign language as a Civil Affairs Soldier?

Yes, during training you will learn the language you’re assigned, which could include Russian, French, Indonesian, and Spanish, multiple dialects of Arabic, Chinese-Mandarin, Persian-Farsi, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, Urdu, and Brazilian Portuguese.

Talk to a Recruiter

Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.

Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

Who will reach out to me?

One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

What is the time commitment for part-time service?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?

How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can I join ROTC at my age

Can I join as an Officer?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

Thanks for reaching out, .

We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.

Questions you may have right now

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you

How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?

Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

What are the ways to serve part-time?

You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

How do I become a health care provider in the Army?

You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.

What types of medical careers are available in the Army?

There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

What are the benefits of joining ROTC?

ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.

How do I prepare to join ROTC?

When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.

Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?

Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.

Choose the Army career path you're most interested in.

Select the school you're most interested in

This helps us connect you to the right person, but if you're not sure yet, just select undecided.
    There are no results for that search term.
    Answer True or False to the following statements based on your current situation: (optional)

    I’m a U.S. citizen or permanent and legal resident (I-551 card).

    I’m in high school, have a high school degree, or am enrolled in college.

    I have a GED.

    I don’t have any tattoos.

    I have some tattoos, with no (or subtle) placement on my hands, neck, or face.

    I don’t have any medical concerns.

    I have a minor medical condition or history.

    I don’t have any law violations.

    I have minor law violations, like speeding tickets.

    I’m ready to talk to a recruiter to learn more.

    I’m interested in the Army, but not quite ready to talk to a recruiter.

    Privacy Act Notice: The above disclosure is voluntary. All information will be used strictly for recruiting purposes. The authority for the collection of this information is Title 10, United States Code, Sections 503, 505, 508, and 12102, and EO 9397. For more information, please review our Privacy & Security Notice.