Posted on Jun 17, 2015
CPT(P) Miccc Student
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Heading to OCS in a few days. I have assembled a packet to submit for branching Field Artillery (as I am a 13F). The more I think about it the more I have second thoughts on pursuing this branch as a commissioned officer. Obviously I have some time before the decision has to be made and I hope to get some quality firsthand experience compiled here by the time I select.

I am looking for...
1. Personal experiences in branch selection (regardless of commissioning source) and things you wish you knew beforehand.
2. Your personal opinions and experiences in your branch of choice.
3. Recommendations for branch selection.

Thank you ahead of time.
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MAJ Infantry Officer
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Sgt. Everett,

Going into the same Branch as an officer as you were Enlisted is the easy route. You know the job, the community, the culture. You have to decide what's best for you and your family. This is a rare opportunity for you to challenge yourself and take your career to new direction. By going into another branch totally different from FA, you could capitalize on your enlisted FA experience and bring that to another branch. Or you could go back to FA and utilize your experience to the best of your ability. Bottom line, the Army will always make the best decision for the Army, but you can influence this decision with your "wish list".

Without looking at your file and knowing you or speaking with you, to advise on a specific branch would be folly and a waste of time.

You've got to evaluate yourself, your goals for the future, and come to a decision that's best for you. You've been in the Army long enough to gravitate to one Branch or another. Do your homework and seek out information personally through face to face interaction with officers of the branches you are interested in.

Best of luck!

RLTW!
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BG Dep. Director, Military Programs
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As an OCS grad myself, I will tell you that the Army almost always gives you the same branch you held when you were enlisted. I even went through with a guy who had been in the Ranger Batt, got out to get his engineering degree and tried to go Engineers, but they branched him Infantry. Hard to fight if you get a branch you don't want. 97% of OCS grads in my class were assigned to combat arms, even the gals.
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
CPT(P) (Join to see)
10 y
Thank you for the info sir. I know with my current qualifications I would bring a good deal of experience and training with me into the FA officer corp. Not to mention the money saved on training in branch specific schools that I've attended. Thank you for taking the time to offer your experience sir.
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CPT Joseph Daugherty
CPT Joseph Daugherty
>1 y
I had been light and airborne Infantry for 9 years prior to going to OCS, and I was branched into Field Artillery. My "dream sheet" was:
1-Signal Corps,
2-Military Intelligence,
3-Infantry,
4-Armor,
5-Field Artillery.
One surprise in your question is that you say you're leaving for OCS in a few days but still have time to submit your branch preferences. When I applied for OCS in 1998, the branch preference and first duty station "dream sheet" was a required part of the application. When the official OCS selection board results were published, they included each applicant's name, current enlisted duty station, OCS class number and start/finish dates, and the officer branch OBC to which each applicant would attend upon successful completion of OCS. My initial branch as an officer was assigned as part of my acceptance into OCS. My first duty station of Fort Hood (also #5 on my "dream sheet") after completion of FAOBC was assigned by the FA branch during the first or second week of FAOBC. The only ways I could have changed my initial branch would have been: (1) contact the officer branch manager of my desired branch and convince him I was the greatest future Signal Corps officer the Army ever would see, and then he would have to contact the Field Artillery officer branch manager to try to convince the FA to give me up so the SC could have me, or, more likely, he would have to trade a SC officer candidate to the FA for me
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CPT Joseph Daugherty
CPT Joseph Daugherty
>1 y
Sorry, I wasn't finished when I accidently bumped the "post" button.
A second method OCS students had for changing their assigned initial officer branch was to find another OCS student in their class (or the OCS class immediately preceding or following) assigned to a different branch and convince them to trade branch assignments with you. If you could find someone willing to make a branch swap deal, you both had to put the requested branch swap deal into writing and submit it for approval through the OCS commandant to both of the affected officer branches' managers for official request, evaluation and approval or denial. During the request phase, both officer candidates agreeing to the branch swap usually had to meet with their OCS company commander, the OCS adjutant, and the OCS commandant/battalion commander to explain each person's desire to swap branched and confirm that the deal is a mutual agreement. In most cases, if it's a mutual agreement between the two officer candidates AND both successfully graduate OCS and receive commissions, then the swap is approved. I have seen branch swaps conditionally approved quickly by both branches only to have the swap cancelled after one of the officer candidates failed out of OCS and chose to return to his former enlisted unit rather than recycle into a later OCS class.
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James Hiler
James Hiler
7 y
I desperatly want to go OCS Infantry. If that's my first choice, are you saying there's a good chance I get it?
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COL Charles Williams
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CPT(P) (Join to see), First, Congratulations and Good Luck.

1. Why did you want to be an Officer? Why did you want to be an FA Officer?

2. Why are you having reservations about it now?

3. What do you want to do?

You need to pick a branch you will be happy in, and where your heart will be.

I was branched Armor out of OCS (1-85), but when we were selected we all knew when we got our orders what branch we were getting; from 80 to 84, I was an enlisted MP. I voluntarily branch transferred back to MP in 87. I could not see myself as a Armor Officer for a career. My heart was in the MP branch, and I felt like I was not in the right place. I was training for SFAS as well, as I was either going to be a MP again, or going to try for SF.

Now, as you know (since like 2010), OCS Candidates pick their branch based on OML, just like ROTC and USMA. That is a good thing. So, do your best, classes, PT, etc., so you can decide and get what you want. I (we) did not have that option. But, branching Armor (as a prior service MP) was the best experience I could have ever asked for. It made me a better MP Officer, I am certain, than if I was branched MP out of OCS.
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1LT Platoon Leader
1LT (Join to see)
7 y
Good Evening COL Williams,
Could you tell me more about your time in as an MP Officer? I'm currently an Officer Candidate now at OCS (set to commission in July) and am extremely interested in branching MP (I'm working on a branch packet now for it).
Very Respectfully,
OC Domby
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COL Charles Williams
COL Charles Williams
7 y
1LT (Join to see) - OCS 1-85

Well, in simple terms, if you like to move, shoot and communicate... If you like to do a wide variety of tasks... (MP = Multi-Purpose) in war and at home... If you want to be in a branch that is always in high demand... Especially in theater.... and if you like (as a Platoon or Company) to have more firepower and ammunition than a Light Infantry Company/Battalion, and best yet... you rarely have to walk... Then MP is a good choice. The only choice in my view. I don't like to walk in... I prefer to roll in.

MPs deployed do a lot of the same tasks they do at home... but instead of one car patrolling alone at Fort Bragg... it is a squad in heavily armed armored vehicles patrolling in the worse places on earth... ready to bring hurt when necessary. Good times.

At home we have a very real mission, both doing Law Enforcement and Corrections, and also training for War. When deployed we essentially do what Cavalry Scouts do (I can say that as it is true and makes sense, and because I was a Scout Platoon Leader); that is ... we look for the bad guys, protect the force, and when necessary we fight.

I many places, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan, I have had MP squads and platoons respond to reinforce and support Infantry units in contact. Those units don't care who comes, as long someone does... What could be better than a squad or platoon showing up with armored trucks, and lots of weapons, ammo, commo etc...

Being MP is great, but you need to have thick skin... as no one will give you a break... You will be the butt of many jokes... But, when it matters, Maneuver Commanders can't get enough MP support. You must know you that we matter, they can't live without us, but also that we are not the main effort.

The is Infantry is the main effort. The Army is built around Infantry. The rest of us support Infantry.

Try this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3aGShtma9w
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1LT Platoon Leader
1LT (Join to see)
7 y
Thank you for your in-depth response, Sir! MP certainly sounds like something I'd truly enjoy doing - even if it comes at the cost of some joking and harassment... I'm hoping that I'll be able to branch into that right out of OCS - I'm almost done with my branch packet, still working on getting some letters of recommendation.
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COL Charles Williams
COL Charles Williams
7 y
1LT (Join to see) - Hooah, I was branched Armor and spent 2 years there. We could not compete for branching when I was there.
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Army OCS Branching - What have been your experiences and what do you recommend?
LTC Ed Ross
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Edited 10 y ago
It's been a very long time since I went to artillery OCS (The still had separate OCSs back them). Nevertheless, your branch choice should be based on two considerations and in my view to considerations only. First, what do you want to spend your time doing every day. Second, what are your long-term career goals. if you try to wargame this from any other prospective your likely to make the wrong decision. I graduated from Artillery OCS In 1966. Two years later I branch transfered to military intelligence. I never regretted applying for artillery OCS and I never regretted branch transferring MI. In 20 years I never had an assignment I didn't like or a job I didn't enjoy; and that includes two tours of duty in Vietnam. As I went through artillery AIT I had a good idea what artillery, back then in the dark ages, was all about. We still did things manually. I only branch transferred MI because they recruited me; and I'm glad they did. Good luck.
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
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10 y
Thank you for the response. I've heard about branch transfers. I'm interested in Civil Agfairs when that window opens. I guess I never realized an officer wasn't locked into a branch outside of branch details. Great info!
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SGM Senior Adviser, National Communications
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SGT Everett, you get three "choices" no? Note that your actual selection by a classifier will depend on a lot of factors, such as your background/education/MOS/test scores...your "rank" in graduation/appraisals may play a role, but also (people forget) the timing of openings in each branch (usually less toward the end of a fiscal year, more at the beginning). Combat Arms is usually a good fit from what you have stated, but you might also consider a other branches including new ones (Cyber?) if you have the skills, aptitude, and desires.
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
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10 y
Thank you for the response. I know my heart is in combat arms, but my body spend 3 1/2 yrs ground pounding on the line. With a family and the Army's current way of cutting back, it is a little less stable physically.
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MAJ Assistant Operations Officer (S3)
MAJ (Join to see)
10 y
We had three choices, but the needs if the Guard trumped all. I put FA as my third, not having any experience in FA, but we do have a battalion. I don't regret it, but long term O4 and up will get tough remaining a 13A.
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COL Director Of Future Logistics
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I was prior enlisted infantry before I went to OCS and became an infantry officer. That was my first choice and a logical fit for me since my experience was Infantry. However, the Army had another idea once I was selected for Captain and force aligned me to Quartermaster Branch. I thought this was a career ender for me but I embraced the change and carried over my previous 6 years experience as an Infantry Soldier and Officer to Quartermaster branch and was able to get some great experiences that I would not have as an Infantry officer. No regrets. Best of Luck!
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
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10 y
The more experienced I read over the more I realize that it's more what you make of the branch you are assigned to. I love FA, but I'm a little more confident now that any branch that "chooses me" will have its benefits. Thank you for taking the time to respond.
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MAJ Field Artillery Officer
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I'd probably go infantry, armor or aviation, in that order if I had to do it all over again. Fort Benning has way more to offer than Fort Sill. Lawton as you know is terrible too.
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
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10 y
This is a major snag I've been hitting with FA as well. Sill is our home base. BOLC, CCC and every artillery specific school. I did not enjoy my first stay. Thanks for the input sir
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MAJ Victor Aguilar
MAJ Victor Aguilar
10 y
FA is very competitive to get commands. I was fotunate to command two firing batteries and be an S3, however, it is the pyramid effect the higher you go, they need less officers. It is different in the logistics field that I worked in. It is an inverted pyramid requoring less junior grade officers, however, needing more higher grade officers. I enjoyed my time working in the software development of logistical automation. I took the 15 year retirement due to the drawdown. You have to make the choice that is right for you.
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LTC Mo Vanderslice
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We need combat arms leaders. Artillery is okay, if you can't be Armor/Cavalry.
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
CPT(P) (Join to see)
10 y
Actually turned down my packet for FA today for MI branch detail armor sir. I am aiming for a cavalry unit for my PL time.
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LTC Mo Vanderslice
LTC Mo Vanderslice
10 y
That's the style!! My family has served in U.S. Armor/Cavalry since the early days of the Civil War, serving in Buford's division. Welcome to the combat arm of decision LT!
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
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Thank you sir!!
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MAJ Jessie Taylor
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I was a 13M and attended OCS Class 05-01. I stayed with FA because there is no other branch which offers the versatility FA KD does. Ultimately, the choice is yours, however you can't go wrong within a CBA Branch in my opinion. I serverd in all KD positions for thenField Artillery to MAJ and enjoyed every position BDE FSO/EWO being the most challenging and rewarding. Good luck 'ABN'
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1LT A. Uribe
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I was initially barnacles OD, then re branched to QM and finally was given TC before going to BOLC. OCS in the national guard are usually the last to pick branches and units because of our commissioning date time frame.
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CPT Pedro Meza
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SGT Michael Everett, Branch selects you not you it, sorry to say but its true. Your background is FA accept it and make the best of it. In 1983 I was medic but was commissioned FA, learn from me make do not fight destiny, have fun.
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CPT Teacher
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I went through OCS in 2013 and my roommate was prior service intel. She filled out the DA form that states she would like to branch MI since she had the prior service experience, but she was branched Chemical. She wasn't that high on the OML so some college-ops higher on the OML were given the slots and she missed out. Just keep that in mind if you still want to stay FA. Your experience may not matter; your effort certainly does!
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
CPT(P) (Join to see)
10 y
I branched today mam. Packet was approved. I finished 1 on the OML so denied it and chose MI branch detail armor
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CPT Teacher
CPT (Join to see)
10 y
Congratulations! Good luck with the rest of OCS and I hope you enjoy your new branches. You will definitely be a well-rounded officer!
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LTC Tradoc Capability Manager Abct/Recon
LTC (Join to see)
10 y
SGT Michael Everette - Congratulations on branching! Make sure to get the Army Reconnaissance Course after BOLC, it will help you to be a better MI guy in the future. You'll gain an understanding of where the information comes from that the Intel types turn into "intelligence".
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1LT Assistant Battalion Fire Support Officer
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If your packet gets approved for branching to FA (Which rarely happens) then you are good to go. Your Fire Support experience will pay off big time when you are in that role. Just remember that you have to be open to new ways of doing things. As an FA officer, your job is not to sit on the hill and call for fire anymore. You now have to plan and coordinate fires.

If you do not get the branch, then selection goes off an OML. If you really want to be in FA, then you will be fine as long as your are not in the bottom 10% of the class. FA slots don't get selected until all the MI, Engineer, Infantry, and Armor slots are gone...
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
CPT(P) (Join to see)
10 y
Thanks sir. My packet did get approved but I turned it down and went with MI branch detail AR. I was 1 on the OML
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CPT Field Artillery Officer
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08552fba
Well first off, thanks for what you did as a Fister. I work with them now and I gotta say the red-headed step children are some of the best I've worked with.

I'll go in the order of questions you put:

First off, branch selection is based off of OML at West Point. The higher you are, the better chance you got for your top preference. The lower you are, the more you had to fight over what was left. We were given these sheets (I've attached the FA one below, I have the rest just send me a message for them) that were built in conjunction with the branch commandants for each specific branch. They listed out skills, talents, experience, etc that each branch would like. We also took a test which using the talent skills gave us a top 5 branches you would be suited for. We also spent a significant amount of time learning about the branches by various officers in that branch.

Some things I wish I knew before hand; understanding that you will be a officer of the branch. When you were a 13F, you were a FISTER. As an officer, you are the FSO, but never a FISTER. Some 13F take offense when you try to say you're a FISTER as an officer. Understanding that as an officer, you will be proficient in all, but expert in none. For FA, once you think you know your job and start to really get that proficiency; they move you to the next job.

Personally, I chose FA as my branch because what interested me and how I could best apply it to my profession. I'm a physics and explosion nerd, so going out and sending 100+ lbs of American freedom downrange excites me. I've had experience as a Fire Direction Officer and currently serve as a Fire Support Officer.

Understand, no matter what branch you choose, there will still be the days where you want to pull out your eyeballs. Days of long work, little reward, and as a new LT the butt of many a joke. Field Artillery makes me happy and I enjoy working with the redlegs. There is a sense of camaraderie I haven't seen anywhere else. Redlegs are at their best when its 2100 at night and you just had two simultaneous missions come down from the observers.

Choose a branch that you can be happy working with. Choose something you have a strong interest in making your craft and will be proud enough to fight over in a bar. As an officer, you are responsible for the safety, lives, and well being of this countries most valuable resource; her sons and daughters. Regardless of branch, this is a responsibility you must take freely without any hesitation. So choose something that you will personally be proud to be apart of so you can lead those who will follow.

KING OF BATTLE!!
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
CPT(P) (Join to see)
10 y
And it's feelings like your post gave me that make me believe I was made to be in the field artillery. I love being a fister. And I've been a pretty good one to this point, but I do know that my first FSO gig will be with all new guys. No one will give a damn if I was a fister. I'll still be the butter bar sneaking my way into the group. I accept that an I will know my role. It's for the reasons you stated above that I want to be FA for the long hall. The field is rough but the morale of a 13F or 13B is effected little. It's a culture of embracing the suck and being proud of sleeping and working in the swamps, mud, and mountains. I don't know if I can go from that culture to logistics or signal. It would take away many of the reasons I loved my job in the first place. Being where other people don't want to be.

Thank you for this post sir. You pretty much summed up the reasons why I wanted to stay in FA to begin with.
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CPT Multifunctional Logistician
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I would first start off looking at your state and asking the question what branch is predominant. In my state LG is the majority. Why this important is because it will provide more opportunities for key development positions such as company command. As an officer you really have to manage your career more thoughtfully. As a product of OCs and a former cadre, your question is a common one. Most states however will give you what branches they need to fill based on the needs of the state.
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CPT(P) Miccc Student
CPT(P) (Join to see)
10 y
Thank you for the response sir. I'm actually active duty though. I should've put that in my original post.
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