Can anyone offer any details about specific branches as an officer?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 08:33:49 -0500

I am currently waiting to attend OCS this spring with the N.Y. National Guard. I am trying to do some research and decide what I want to try and branch. (Yes, I know it is ultimately up to the Army, but it seems to be that National Guard has a little more leeway. Hopefully I can find a slot in a unit.) Anyways, originally all I ever wanted to branch was Infantry, but recently I have become very interested in Aviation, Armor, and Engineer. Does anyone have any details about these branches? What was BOLC like, how is your family life, how are the deployments, what does a typical day look like, etc. I would love answers from Avtive Duty guys as well because that could ultimately be in the future way down the road for me. Thanks I’m advance!

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Nov 30 at 2018 8:54 AM

LTC Jeff Shearer — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 08:54:01 -0500

Pay attention during OCS you will learn about each of the branches. Read, study, pray and go with what your heart is telling you

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Nov 30 at 2018 8:54 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 08:54:08 -0500

2LT Private RallyPoint Member you have a lot here to peel back. If you go state OCS you'll be in the guard. Active duty 'down the road' will be increasingly more difficult. Not impossible, just difficult. Your degree may play a part in this, especially for engineer branch.

Its a little short sighted to base your decision on BOLC. It's 6 months (aviation will be 18 months because of flight school), then you will be back in your unit and your civilian community. Your family life will be your family life while in the Guard except for your AT and drills. Mobilization and deployment will be it's own animal.

Aviation has a more extensive selection process, medical and SIFT included.

Finding a unit vacancy will likely drive the decision.

https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/how-do-i-choose-an-army-branch-a-framework

How do I choose an Army Branch?: A Framework | RallyPoint

The purpose of this article is to address one of the biggest Rally Point questions among Army ROTC Cadets: I am a with a major in , which branch should I choose? One of my goals is to help you filter through what you will get back. After all, don’t we all turn to the nameless, faceless internet trolls to determine our future? The immediate challenge is that the people responding are well intentioned but generally don’t know you from Adam....

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2018 9:18 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 09:18:45 -0500

Each branch has its perks, so it's up to you to figure out what you want to do. Things to consider;
-What kind of degree are you getting?
-What do you want to do as a civilian?
-What do you love doing?

Answering these three questions will help you decide which branch is the best for you.
Keep in mind that Aviation has a different qualification process, and they are highly selective.
In order to qualify for Aviation, you will have to pass a flight physical, pass their flight aptitude test, and interview with a unit (even in the National Guard). However, don't let this deter you if this is what you want. Good luck!

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2018 10:05 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 10:05:39 -0500

I am in the NY Guard in Aviation. I know they are short pilots right now. But it takes more planning than other branches. So you'll want to get your SIFT done ASAP and try to do the flight physical at Fort Benning. I would also contact your strength manager about the next board date and what you need for the packet. Make sure you have a LOR from a Senior Aviator. If you choose to branch aviation just be prepared. Also it is hard to find a site that administers the SIFT, I heard Ft. Hamilton's system is down. Just a heads up. In the Guard there is more of a time commitment for an aviator. Flight school is 18 months, and you have to keep up with flight minimums when you get back. It is much easier to branch Armor or Engineer because you only have to attend BOLC. So if you decide to go aviation make sure you are up for the commitment.

Response by COL David Turk made Nov 30 at 2018 8:41 PM

COL David Turk — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 20:41:55 -0500

If you go engineer branch, there will be a lot of problem solving with math (not like an engineering degree). You don’t have to be a math wizard, but you should be comfortable working with formulas (they will provide).

Response by CPT Larry Hudson made Dec 1 at 2018 7:38 PM

CPT Larry Hudson — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 19:38:32 -0500

Army has officer branch
Corps of engineers

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Dec 1 at 2018 10:28 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 22:28:12 -0500

Talk to your state’s Officer Strength Manager. They slot officers into the state’s National Guard units. They will k ow the vacancies for each officer branch and how you need to apply or compete for them. They may be able to link you up with officers in those branches which is probably better than anything you get on here.

Response by CPT Andrew Trimble made Dec 6 at 2018 5:31 PM

CPT Andrew Trimble — Thu, 06 Dec 2018 17:31:10 -0500

Well Buddy, I have served in the Army for 32 years across 4 decades and 5 branches as an enlisted guy and an Officer and there is not enough space here to answer your question. I can give you answers on Armor / Infantry / Combat Engineer / Cavalry Scout / Air Defense Artillery Hit me with an email and we will talk, I will send you my phone number via email and you can call me, this is a discussion best held via face-to-face but phone will have to do. I work as a contractor on Ft. Lewis now that I'm Retired so I'm on LEFT coast time. My email is [login to see]

Response by CPT Daniel Rodriguez made Jan 22 at 2024 2:45 AM

CPT Daniel Rodriguez — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 02:45:41 -0500

My advice to you in prioritizing your branch wish list is pick a branch that will help you retire into a great civilian job if you plan on a second career.