FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Table of Contents 1. Would I have to go to the career course? 2. How soon could I switch branches? 3. What is the pipeline? 4. Can I delay entry into the pipeline? 5. What will be my job upon graduating? 6. Is CA / MISO a branch?  7. Do I have to be Branch Qualified? 8. What is the ARSOF Board and when does it meet? 9. I tried going CA / MISO, but my Branch would not release me.  What can I do? 10. Is CA / MISO gender specific? 11. Where will I be assigned?  12. Is this SOF training similar to Special Forces Assessment and Selection? 13. With it being a new branch that is starting, effective 1 OCT 06, how does that impact the Functional Area personnel already in the job and to me.  Who do I compete with for promotion (is it just the branch, or will FA37 still be offered as a Functional Area and I would compete with both)?

1 Would I have to go to the career course?   You do NOT have to be a Career Course graduate to submit your packet.  Before entering the CA / MISO pipeline, you will go to a basic branch Career Course.  However, you will be controlled by CA / MISO Branch and they will manage your Career Course Assignment. 
2 How soon could I switch branches?   Once selected by the board, you are turned over to CA / MISO branch and you will enter the CA / MISO pipeline as soon as feasible.  Upon successful completion of your respective course, you will become a branch trained Civil Affairs or Psychological Operations Officer. 
3 What is the pipeline?   The “pipeline” refers to the Qualification Course.  Here is an example of a typical officer entering the pipeline:

1. Upon successful completion of the Career Course, you will attend Basic Airborne School (TDY ENROUTE to Fort Bragg, NC and if not already Airborne Qualified).
2. 9 Week Qualification Course
3. 16 Week Advanced Regional Analysis Course
4. 18-24 Weeks Legacy Language (Based on Language)
5. Graduation

4 Can I delay entry into the pipeline?   Yes.  Once you get selected by the board, you can discuss with CA / MISO Branch when you would like to begin the pipeline.  They will accommodate you as best as they can. 
5 What will be my job upon graduating?   Upon graduation, Civil Affairs officers will be assigned to the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade.  MISO Officers will be assigned to the 4th Psychological Operations Group (POG).  Both units are stationed at Fort Bragg, NC.  As a Captain, you will be a Team Leader for a Civil Affairs or MISO team.  T You will be working closely with other USASOC units conducting sensitive missions world-wide. 
6 Is CA / MISO a branch?   Civil Affairs and Psychological operations officially became a branch October 1, 2006.  You will be transferred to CA / MISO upon selection by the board. 
7 Do I have to be Branch Qualified?   No.  You will get Branch Qualified in CA / MISO on your first assignment as a Team Leader.  
8What is the ARSOF Board and when does it meet?   The purpose of the Board is to identify qualified candidates for Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF).   The ARSOF Board usually meets between January and April of any given year.  Thus, it is prudent for interested Officers to not delay and submit their packet as soon as possible. 
9I tried going CA / MISO, but my Branch would not release me.  What can I do?   This is a Department of the Army Selection Board.  Once you are selected you will enter the pipeline.  Your Basic Branch does not have a choice to release you.  They MUST release you.  
10 Is CA / MISO gender specific?   No.  Males and Females may apply.  
11 Where will I be assigned?   Following your time at the 95th CA or 4th POG, most of your assignments will be in ARSOF.  After you are Branch Qualified, there are multiple Joint assignments, positions in interagency assignments and Primary Staff at the Corps, Division and Brigade Level.  However, the majority of your career will be in the ARSOF community.  
12 Is this SOF training similar to Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS)?  No.  Your training will be more mentally demanding, as opposed to the rigorous SFAS course.  The degree of training is equal to the Special Forces Officer Qualification Course, but tailored to specific Civil Affairs and MISO needs.