What are the pros and cons of your branch?

2018-08-05T12:34:39-04:00

Hello everyone, I am a rising MSIV Cadet, and I have conflicting thoughts regarding the best branch for myself. My top 5, in (tentative) order includes: MI (branch detail IN); MSC; SC (branch detail IN); EN; ADA.
A little background information: I am a pre-med major; I wanted to go to medical school, but I had a change of heart. I normally get a 300 on the APFT. I also ranked high in my platoon at Advance Camp. As the title suggests, I’m eager to learn from your experiences, especially with the consideration of the civilian sector in mind. I also had a few questions. Is branch detailing preferred? If I ended commissioning into the Engineer Branch, would not being an engineer related major hinder me in any way? If I ended up commissioning into the Signal Corps, would not having an IT/CS based major hinder me in any way, especially since I am interested in branch detailing? Thank you!

Response by LTC John Griscom made Aug 5 at 2018 8:15 PM

2018-08-05T20:15:29-04:00

I was MSC 28 years; 11+ active and seventeen Army Reserve. Worked in hospitals at Fort Benning, Korea, Fort McPherson and Vietnam. Some command as Detachment Command and took the Medical Supply Officers Course. Assignments in medical depots in Okinawa and Germany. Pre-med should give you a plus up to work in a medical battalion in a division. Don't know how you feel about airborne, but if you like travel, good possibilities there. Logistics is OK, but there good opportunities to get into hospital administration, which is a great post-Army career.
On the reserve side, I spent most of the time in operations. More slots for advancement there.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 1:29 PM

2018-08-06T13:29:23-04:00

There is typically no guarantee you will get a branch detail. You can ask but it depends on the needs of the Army. On the other questions, no you don’t need to be an engineer to be an engineer or have a signal background to be a Signal Officer. Just put things down in the order you prefer. It’s a big Army with lots of opportunities. I think picking your first duty station is as important as your branch.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 6:47 PM

2018-08-06T18:47:13-04:00

1. Any competitive category branch i.e. everything outside of chaplain, nursing, doctors, lawyers, cyber etc. Doesnt care about your degree. Signal, infantry, engineers, MI, Aviatiom, etc. all compete against each other for promotion.
2. Take your cadet rank down. It looks silly. Not to put you down, just some advice.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2018 7:49 PM

2018-08-06T19:49:38-04:00

Pros: Simply put, we solve problems
Cons: Simply put, if there's a problem we take face shots - until we solve the problem
Iterate on the above, develop thick skin, short-term memory for feelings, long-term memory for solutions
Pro Patria Vigilans