Which branch should I pursue through ROTC (or OCS), Infantry or Armor?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 02:14:29 -0400

I soon plan on going through ROTC (or OCS), and I still often think which MOS would be better off with. I'm currently in a cannon crewmember, but not because I wanted to be one, since the KY National Guard doesn't have armored units. Field Artillery never really applied to me, being further behind the front lines. Not that it matters, because I intend to go active after I get commissioned, God-willing. I also hope to change my MOS. I hope I could go armor. But then I started thinking more about how often armor is used in 21st century warfare. So I started leaning toward infantry, though I'm not big on ruckmarching. I already a lot of that in basic, and if, somehow, I do go OCS, I would do a lot more, though I might decide to go mechanized infantry. So I would like to know which MOS would be better for me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2018 2:31 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 02:31:53 -0400

First and foremost, you don’t get to chose if you’re mechanized or not. Secondly, and not to be an ass. But you if you aren’t sure if you want to be an Infantryman than you shouldn’t be one. Grunts are a certain breed of human, and to lead us you can’t be unsure if this is the right fit for you.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2018 2:49 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 02:49:17 -0400

Armor and infantry are now at the same location at Fort Benning. You can't have one without the other. Armor will still be used in the future.

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Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Aug 25 at 2018 3:08 AM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 03:08:49 -0400

The best of the two is Infantry, but you have to be a dedicated leader to be an infantry officer. You have to lead from the front, and that means humping rucks, even in Mech infantry. If you don't want to do that, then, by all means, go DAT.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 25 at 2018 4:49 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 04:49:46 -0400

http://www.mors.org

You might find this of interest, seriously, I'd been Army ROTC though I'd gone USAF OTS instead... Ops research is highly germane in both branches, the group here has an excellent journal...you didn't say what major you wanted for your Bach, however, ops research is frequently overlooked, I developed a serious taste for it when I'd been Army ROTC and did a paper as an undergrad on wargaming, I'd gotten Army ROTF mil history award as a junior, the one award I ever gt in the program, trust !ex yue find it of very serious international st, I assure you, please elaborate, grades, GPA, major, other services you've considered, I realize you want Army, however, I !merely QSL to try to encourage you to have the broadest possible viewpoint, I jadmt been enlisted prior, so trust me, in that regard, that:s gonna help you a good deal, promise, God knows it would've helped me....

Military Operations Research Society

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 25 at 2018 4:51 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 04:51:06 -0400

http://www.ocsfoundation.org

Trustmme, join this, their forum page is quite useful, honest, you should also try for the other OCS programs!s as well, also USMC platoon leaders course (PLC), which is less well known, honest....

OCS Foundation

SERVICES FOR: Candidates Alumni Officer Families

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 25 at 2018 4:52 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 04:52:21 -0400

And how mucv college have you done thus far? Assocs? Major? Grades? GPA? STEM? Non-STEM? The more you relate, the more I can suggest, hmest, I have an interest in career/educ questions....

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Aug 25 at 2018 9:12 AM

LTC Stephan Porter — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 09:12:19 -0400

If you go ROTC, your get to ask for the beach you eat, but there are others you have to put on your list. I know guys who were given a branch not even in there list.

Though the Maneuver Center it Excellence is now at Ft Benning, the schools are separate. They two are very important to the fight and the comments of commitment before me are appropriate considerations.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 25 at 2018 9:25 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 09:25:49 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I would have branch detailed Armor if I had it to do again. Thanks for framing your branch decision question. Most don’t and it is a mile wide and a mile deep.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Aug 25 at 2018 10:47 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 10:47:52 -0400

How good are your grades and are you going to stay National Guard? Kentucky is Engineer heavy, which is why I branch transferred when I moved to Kentucky. I was lucky and served in a Divisional Combat Engineer Battalion, so got the best of both the maneuver world and engineering. The school is fairly academically challenging, all I had to do was the Advanced course. Dont regret the switch. Enlisted and commissioned Infantry BTW.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2018 11:08 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 11:08:26 -0400

I would choose a Infantry as a Branch Detail then go MI or Logistics. You will get Airborne and Ranger school.

Response by Maj John Bell made Aug 25 at 2018 1:44 PM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 13:44:41 -0400

Disclaimer: I am not trying to be a smart ass but I kind of have to be. If you don't know, how should we know?

I assume you are looking for pros and cons vs actual "do this" comments.

I was a Marine infantry officer. For the most part, at the platoon and company level, we trained for many, many hours for every hour of preventative and corrective maintenance. My perception was that armor units performed many, many hours of maintenance for every hour of training.

Once again my perception, Infantry units had leaner logistics trains than armor units, and accordingly less of the simple pleasures of life in the field.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2018 6:20 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 18:20:41 -0400

there is a saying that in Infantry and special ops, you equip the man, while in armor you man the equipment. ( I'm pretty sure I heard that from another infantryman.). But I did attend the Armor Officer Advanced Course as a foreign exchange student from Infantry. And an awful lot of the focus is about "fighting the tank" and maintaining it. I found there was a very different mindset with the armor guys than in the airborne infantry units I served in.

With armor, it was sort of like," we will beat your ass because our M1 can shoot and maneuver circles around your T72. " It was tank capabilities vs tank capabilities. Whereas in airborne infantry units, it was more, "we will beat your ass because I'm a MFing American paratrooper and it doesn't matter if all I've got is a knife in my hand, because I'm just badder than you." I found I really enjoyed serving with soldiers with that mindset.

But that being said, you should probably go armor. There is another saying, "the worst ride beats the best walk" and frankly if you are already whining about humping a ruck based upon the relatively small amount you did in basic, you will never make it as an infantry officer. And infantry soldiers deserve leaders who don't whine about difficult things.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 25 at 2018 6:28 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 18:28:40 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member open your mind to other opportunities. Don't get locked in on Combat Arms entirely. Consider some long-term goals. I appreciate your dedication to Service to the Nation, but you might want to think about where you want to be in 10, 20, and 30 years before you choose a Branch or even a Service. I see you have a bachelors degree--not in STEM, but a degree none the less. Any Service should be willing to talk to you about being an officer. A history degree would sometimes lead one to the Intel career field. If your goal at the 10 and 20 year points is to be an officer, then you are probably tracking about right. However, you should talk to active duty and reserve component recruiters from all 5 armed services. Seriously consider how your 10, 20, or 30 years in the military will influence the rest of your life. Is there an MOS/AFSC that will feed nicely into a second career you'd like to pursue after military retirement? Combat Support and Combat Service Support MOS/AFSC tend to transfer well into the civilian workforce. You might be better off to be a transportation officer, logistics planner, supply officer, finance officer, or a maintenance officer, than to be a combat arms officer. Also, consider that the "front line" people in aviation (Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force) are officers.

Good luck. Keep an open mind and shop around.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2018 5:55 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 17:55:51 -0400

I considered both, and went with Infantry. It has been challenging, but it has been worth it. Armor is very insecure about not being Infantry at this point, and whatever you do in life, that attitude won't serve you well. Not every armor officer has it, but who wants to be around that from those that do? Infantry is the best path to upper levels of leadership in the Army because it is what we do, period. You should seriously consider the Navy. They don't walk, and you could do their core role (surface warfare). In addition, wartime or not, they always have a real world mission going on. The previous advice of considering each service is very good. That means talking to their recruiters and taking time to figure out what you'd do of you had to choose that one service. Then compare best to best, and Army may not be the best option.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 26 at 2018 9:08 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 21:08:14 -0400

And are you in SMP now? Green to gold? Would you want a STEM major like ops research at all that has very string relation to history, economics, and political science? I merely office r that as a thought...

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 26 at 2018 9:15 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 21:15:36 -0400

There's something you need to understand, I got very heavily engrossed in infantry and armor tactics, both from a verbal standpoint, as well as a quantitative ops research standpoint...you must he doing quantitative management as part of Army ROTC, or will...I had t, out would also, immsure of it, which would give you a taste of ops research....have you done any math? Physics? Chen? Do you have any flight interests? Would you want to go rotary wing flight as commissioned at all? Why mist it he only infantry or armor? Is your vision god enough to try for Army flight as commissioned? Would you be willing to at least entertain the idea? Also, elaborate on your hobbies, reading interests, and any research interests out !might had, knowing all that would give me a more complete picture of you. In order to be able to suggest more options for you, honest...look also at the military attache program, your intellectual tastes !right fit well there, as well as in law, honest...I'd he most eager to hear !ore, I'll try to send more if at app possible, OK?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 26 at 2018 9:19 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 21:19:36 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Force_Institute_of_Technology

Read this....

Air Force Institute of Technology - Wikipedia

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) is a graduate school and provider of professional and continuing education for the United States Armed Forces and is part of the United States Air Force. It is located in Ohio at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton. AFIT is a component of the Air University and Air Education and Training Command.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 26 at 2018 9:21 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 21:21:13 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Postgraduate_School

And this, I had a recommend for it while USAF, I couldn't get it, both schools are allowed for Army as I'd said....

Naval Postgraduate School - Wikipedia

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is a graduate school operated by the United States Navy. Located in Monterey, California, it grants master's degrees, engineer's degrees and doctoral degrees. Established in 1909, the school also offers research fellowship opportunities at the postdoctoral level through the National Academies' National Research Council research associateship program.[3]

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 26 at 2018 9:22 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 21:22:23 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defense_Attach%C3%A9_System

This could be quite a god fit for you, I think, as I'd said, honest....

Bad title - Wikipedia

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 26 at 2018 9:24 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 21:24:53 -0400

https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/transportation-and-aviation/aviation-officer.html

I'd very seriously consider this, not just as aviator/pilot, but also as nav/WSO, not all Army flight raters are warrants, I've seen Army commissioned flight on Jere, honest, of they can do it, you could possibly, also, out know? I'm me rely suggesting that to expand your horizons, OK?

Aviation Officer Jobs

Learn about becoming an Army Aviation Officer. Command and control aviation platoons and lead operations using helicopters. Explore aviation jobs at goarmy.com.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 26 at 2018 9:27 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 21:27:49 -0400

https://www.todaysmilitary.com/working/careers/operations-research-analysts

I'd very seriously commend this to your attention, as it'd overlap nicely with history, economics, and political science, as I'd explained, honest...there are other approaches to history thama purely verbal pattern of study, I assure you, and history is inextricably intertwined with economics and political science, which is why I also suggest law, and your going JAG....

operations-research-analysts

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 26 at 2018 9:30 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 21:30:34 -0400

https://www.stripes.com/blogs/stripes-central/stripes-central-1.8040/five-military-students-named-rhodes-scholars-1.198437

If the can get this, you can certainly try for it, if you can get your GPA up, honest....

Five military students named Rhodes Scholars

The prestigious academic honor brings the chance to study at the University of Oxford next year.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 26 at 2018 9:38 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Sun, 26 Aug 2018 21:38:17 -0400

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Military_Academy_Preparatory_School

I didn't know if you'd want this or be in the needed age range...when I'd been USAF, an airman where I was got into USAFA, both USAFA and Annapolis have their own prep schools...also, look at USMC Platoon Leaders Course (PLC), less well known than ROTC, you also should look at the other svcs, I realize you want Army, I get that, however, USMC has infantry, armor, and aviation, plus, it:s not only what you want, it:s about who wants you, which is why I'd encourage you to look at all svcs...when I'd been at USAF OTS, I jadmt been prior enlisted, Gd knows tat would've helped me adjust...many others in the program were prior enlisted from alp svcs, one guy even had enlisted Navy dolphins, so I know it can be done, honest...it'd increase your chances of getting at least one program, trees also VMO, where !u nest friend in USAF went, and the Citadel, as well as all the state !maritime colleges, ROTC at a civilian school isn't the only way, honest, OK?

United States Military Academy Preparatory School - Wikipedia

The United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS), sometimes referred to as West Point Prep, is a preparatory school for the United States Military Academy (USMA). Located in West Point, New York, its official mission is "to provide academic, military and physical instruction in a moral-ethical military environment to prepare and motivate candidates for success at the United States Military Academy."[1]

Response by LTC Robin Gronovius made Aug 27 at 2018 9:13 AM

LTC Robin Gronovius — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 09:13:53 -0400

I grew up as an armor officer, and I loved it, but there were some tough times in that field. I got a functional area of 90A multifunctional logistics. It is a good career field but not very exciting and carries over to the civilian world. I would suggest choosing a branch where you spend time leading young troops. You will get more hands on leadership than you might if you choose a branch that has many small cells of specialists.

Response by LTC Eric Udouj made Aug 27 at 2018 2:06 PM

LTC Eric Udouj — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:06:26 -0400

PFC Mounce - always good to look further as to ones options and what will the force look like in 5 years timeframe -- much less in 10 years. I had several branches by the time I retired - as well as worked in INF and INTEL. If your thinking INF is the right path for you - then go it and do a branch detail so you get it as your base to build on. I started Armor and to me it was the best time in learning how to lead and how to command. But after I gotten out of the RA and gone to the USAR - my first assignment was as a Conterintelligence PLDR. I never heard of such before... and it changed my thinking on INTEL. Good luck!

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 27 at 2018 2:14 PM

SPC David S. — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:14:02 -0400

Infantry - I feel drones will replace ass in the next big war with infantry having domain of their own air asserts once big data hits the battle space. Very curious to see what will happen to the red legs.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2018 6:38 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 18:38:25 -0400

Issac, all branches have their benefits. I may sound a bit like Mister Rogers here but do what you love. And if offered another branch, grab it with all your heart. Issac, it is not what you are handed, it is what you do with it. My love and prayers are with you. Take charge soldier!

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2018 10:15 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 22:15:57 -0400

Branch what sounds interesting to you. It sounds cliche but you’ll learn to love your branch. I branched Artillery but I wanted Infantry, engineering, or Intel, but got FA. I didn’t have my heart set on those, because I came to lead and learn so it didn’t matter to me either way.

Response by 1LT Tom Sharrard made Sep 7 at 2018 2:29 PM

1LT Tom Sharrard — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 14:29:02 -0400

I was in an Infantry unit in the National Guard while I was a cadet. I was completely choosing Infantry until I saw an M1. I branched Armor and never got the hang of it. I think the advise of a branch detail is solid. I left after my first commitment never feeling the success I had in the infantry. You may be the complete opposite. I was a hard head.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2018 5:49 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Sep 2018 17:49:49 -0400

Having commissioned through ROTC as an Armor officer I can tell you- you are currently more likely to be able to choose your career path as an Armor 2LT compared to an Infantry 2LT. Don't get me wrong 11A is a great MOS and the Army needs many motivated Infantry Officers, but you can choose to go to an IBCT, SBCT or ABCT as an Armor officer. As an Infantry officer you will not be able to choose, so it is not guaranteed you go to a ABCT or SBCT as mechanized Infantry (although the Army is slowly transitioning to more ABCTs). If you are wanting to go to Ranger School, and all Infantry Officers MUST go to Ranger School, and all Armor Officers going to IBCTs and SBCTs must go to Ranger School. I urge you to look more into the layout of IBCTs / SBCTs / ABCTs and get less caught up on the fact that Infantry is 100% rucking and Armor is 100% tanks. Let me know if you have more questions, as I currently have many friends that are in IBOLC and ABOLC.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2018 7:24 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 19:24:53 -0400

Everyone’s opinion is shaped by their experiences. As an Infantryman that will soon command a Light Cavalry squadron, I will give you mine.
First, you should know that if you serve in light infantry as a Lt, you will serve in a Mech or Stryker Infantry unit as a Cpt (or visa versa). So you’ll get your time with armor.
Second, even light Infantry often uses armor/vehicles. As a Co Cdr in the 82nd Abn I spent one deployment riding to the fight in uparmored HWMMV’s and one deployment using MRAPs.
My final point is that the greatest difference is mentality and culture, I see that as being - armor is centered around a machine and Infantry is centered on people. Both armor and Infantry are maneuver branches, which is why they combined their training HQs at Benning. Both branches will be involved in any major conflict. Infantry will be deployed more regularly for moderate conflict. If you want to get in the fight today, go Infantry. If you want to wait for the big fight, go armor.

Response by LTC Rodney Berry made Mar 9 at 2019 7:52 PM

LTC Rodney Berry — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 19:52:00 -0500

Easy decision, Infantry!