What are the best branches for Army Officers and why?

2018-05-31T20:40:18-04:00

I am in the process of joining the Army for OCS. I am prior service Navy and separated to get my degree. I would love to hear what Army Officers or Soldiers in general think of their specific branch. My current list in order is: Infantry, MI, Artillery, Engineer, Ordnance, Signal Corps, Armor... Any info would help!

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made May 31 at 2018 8:52 PM

2018-05-31T20:52:59-04:00

At Captain Ordnance Officers become Logistics Officers.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 31 at 2018 8:58 PM

2018-05-31T20:58:49-04:00

The same as it is for Enlisted, whatever suits their personality the best. Thank you for your service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 9:11 PM

2018-05-31T21:11:04-04:00

Aviation!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 9:25 PM

2018-05-31T21:25:24-04:00

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member every branch is different and each has its good and bad sides. Suggest you look into something that would easily equate to a civilian job.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 9:28 PM

2018-05-31T21:28:11-04:00

Well, I’ve been Infantry, Aviation, Mil Intel, Cyber. And have been Human resource management. Aviation is a lot of work. Mil intel has a lot of utility in the civilian sector. Counterintelligence is fun. Any branch you end up doing there will be a lot of staff work time. Read the duty descriptions and figure out what your interested in. Good luck.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 31 at 2018 9:28 PM

2018-05-31T21:28:12-04:00

What interests you in reference to your career?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 31 at 2018 9:40 PM

2018-05-31T21:40:54-04:00

http://www.ocsfoundation.org

You'll find this useful, I think...

OCS Foundation

SERVICES FOR: Candidates Alumni Officer Families

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 31 at 2018 10:03 PM

2018-05-31T22:03:09-04:00

Here's the thing, o? Every time someone gets on Jere seeking similar such advice, the info is always quite sketchy, needing to ask for more and adequate info, to be able to give the best possible advice, I've just noticed that over and over again, as I've read countless similar submissions, as I said, just an observation, honest. So, here's what's needed to do this right, OK? Do a really detailed bio sketch, so far as possible, hobbies, interests, reading tastes, sports, martial arts, etc. Then, go into exact course titles of all serious coursework you've done, as well, STEM, clinical, non-STEm but serious, e.g., economics, etc. What assocs if any? What major? What GPA? Same for Bach, coursework, total number of credits, grades, GPA. What are your main interests? I saw what you said about branches, however, that's nowhere near enough to be able to help us help you optimally, honest. So, flight interests of any? Might you consider warrant? I saw about OCS, it's just that the question is raised in Jere about warrant as opposed to commissioned, WO I just figured raising it Jere !Ade at least some sense, honest. Next, you have to understand, that from day one, regardless of svc, regardless of branch, you'd be expected to get a !asters, minimum, even if part time, as well as to do PME, not solely in your own svc, but in other svcs, whether correspondence/nonresident, or asking to be allowed to attend, all svcs are REAL serious about masters for company grade commissioned, I'd expect the same would be true for warrant, as well. PhD that !might wait, masters, Jo way, that's from virtually day one I assure you, so what majors for it? What interests? Have you published at all? Do you have any research interests of any kind seriously? That:s also why I asked about hobbies and reading tastes, as those facets frequently intertwine, I've found. Next, must you go Army? Or, have you looked at other svcs possibly? If so, which svcs and why? I was Army ROTC, then went USAF OTS, I had to apply twice for USAF OTS, o was recycled once, had to go through it twice, when it was at Lackland, not Maxwell where it is jpw. What matters isn't what you want, it's about who'd want you, that's reality, now, I wasn't prior enlisted, I wish o had been, having been would have helped immeasurably, of helped many I trained with at USAF OTS, I could see the obvious greater ease with which they adjusted to the role, so in that regard, I obviously eny you, certainly. However, you might also have interest in the NOAA Commissioned Corps, the USPHS Commissioned Corsp, depending on your interests, I'm not saying you do have such interest, I !erepy mention those as few typically consider them, OK? Now, why would you want a given branch, of you went Army? What specifically would attract you to each one, as specifically as possible? How much military history, biography, and autobiography have you read, not solely Army, but of all svcs? How !much foreign history have you read? Do you have any interest in wargaming? Operations research? Have you actually done any engineering? Cop sci (CS)? IT? If engineering, what types? Electrical? Mechanical? Materials science? Would you want policy? Research? Science? Law? Would you eventually want a PhD, even of later? Get a copy of the autobio of Gen acolin Powell, and read very carefully how he got his !asters, and went for White House Fellow, you'll find it quite instructive, I assure you, I four d his presentation unusually detailed and lucid. Let !e send this, as this tablet isn't the greatest, and often conks out, I'll try to send more stuff I think you might find of interest...my object wasn't to overwhelm, merely to point out observations I've !Ade as I've seen such questions as those you've asked by others, and answers I've tried to give them, as well, in similar fashion, OK? Of you'd want to ask anything, or chat further, of be most eager to hear morez certainly, I hope that was all of at least some use, I have Kore, as I'd said, I just don't want to overwhelm, however, there are numerous facets you and others seeking what you ask about never explain, which is why I generally try to pose the questions I ba e Jere, OK? Also, look up USAF AFIT, and Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), look up military submitting for Rhofes Scholars program, IPL try to send more, as I'd said, OK?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 31 at 2018 10:04 PM

2018-05-31T22:04:25-04:00

Sorry for typos, my eyes also aren't the greatest, and the spell check on this thing isn't the greatest, as you've no doubt observed, despite my nest efforts, I'm afraid....

Response by CPT Don Kemp made May 31 at 2018 10:21 PM

2018-05-31T22:21:02-04:00

Walk with me.....do you plan to make this a career? What are your interests for career when you leave? Combat Arms doesn’t do much for career choices except in Leadership. Curious as to why you would put MI so high and Armor so low. It doesn’t matter as long as you have thought through why. If I had to do it over again, I’d have chosen Armor over Infantry.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 10:22 PM

2018-05-31T22:22:25-04:00

You have a lot of choices to make. I don't know how old you are but I suspect that joining the Infantry May mess you up physically because of the heavy loads they put on you. This may result in bad knees and a bad back when you get older and possibly flat feet. Even though the Infantry is so important, there is a downside. Talking from the perspective of seeing Infantry officers in my civil Affairs branch, they eventually Branch off into Logistics.

I know a Lieutenant Colonel who was my company Commander a long time ago. He was in the National Guard. He was a infantry, mechanized Infantry, Airborne, air assault , Pathfinder , Master jumper and also an Army Ranger. He ended up joining the Special Operations Branch of civil affairs which I still belong to in the Army Reserve. The active-duty does have civil affairs but it's an Airborne unit at Fort Bragg. I lost track of him for a while. He was then an S3 for a Logistics Brigade and now switched over to be a battalion Commander in a sister civil Affairs battalion. Everything seems to go to Logistics it seems in a long run. You should also look into military police as well.

I was an armor officer as well and armor is awesome but I don't know if they're going to be expanding armor or not. I knew of an armor officer that didn't make it to full bird colonel and had to leave after 28 years active service. I know another Lieutenant Colonel who was armor that did make it the full bird colonel because he finished War College. You have to be diversified if you want to go up the ranks. Signal is awesome because you can take the signal experience and use it in your civilian life. Nothing wrong with combat arms. You need to follow your heart. Military Intelligence is pretty good and especially if you know another language or they can teach you one from the Defense Language Institute in Monterey. Each branch has its pros and cons.

You may not have a selection when you get through OCS. I was lucky that I was able to pick my first choice off the bat which was military police Branch after being at military police enlisted. I have been in combat support, combat arms and combat service support. Make your top 3 choices. Being an armor officer was an awesome experience even though it was very difficult for me.

Military police was awesome. Civil Affairs was also very awesome because I got to see people from all branches mixed in. If I had not broken my ankle in Afghanistan, I would have been Airborne qualified in my civil affairs branch but I'm also older and a bad landing would have destroyed my civilian career and possibly made me a cripple. You also have other interesting branches like psychological operations, cyber warfare and even special forces that you can try now or later . You have to weigh the cost and benefits. Either way, all of us here rallypoint are very happy that you are choosing to become an officer in the army!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 10:47 PM

2018-05-31T22:47:15-04:00

Transportation, ordnance, and quartermaster convert to logistics. Rarely does anyone get what they ask for in the Army. They will look st your degree and your enlisted MOS. Branch is what you have experience in or what you have a passion for. Make the best of whatever you get and if it doesn't work out you can request to branch transfer as a captain.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 31 at 2018 11:21 PM

2018-05-31T23:21:26-04:00

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member What is your terminal goal? A genteel retirement or to have a life experience?

Technical training and experience will provide a future on the civy side.

Want to blow things up or yourself? Go Ordnance.

Want to build stuff? Go Engineer.

Want to suffer privations, have a great time, have many reasons to bitch, go Infantry!

Infantry troops can forever brag about their privations, abuse, experiences and having dealt with young, enlisted Soldiers who are beautiful, amazing, caring, improvising, inept, extremely capable, nextly stupid, smart, and are a joy to admire, appreciate and Soldier with.

Hooah! It is: “Robin’s Egg Blue” that attracts attention and tremendous responsibility! The physical effects of being an Infantry Soldier may not appear for a while; no sweat, they will!

Response by CW3 Steve Kuryla made Jun 1 at 2018 1:00 AM

2018-06-01T01:00:38-04:00

From my personal perspective, becoming an INFANTRY OFFICER is a requirement BEFORE you get into MI. If you don't know the perspective of Combat Officers, you'll never be able to provide intelligence that's pre-emptive, valuable and written in context that a REAL SOLDIER is going to value!. I spent nine years enlisted before I became a MI Chief Warrant Officer. That experience made me a better Officer and connected me to both Senior Officers at the Tactical, strategic and national levels who were Vietnam Infantry Officers. I spoke their language, but also bridged the gap between them and the Enlisted guys, who gave me all the more respect (after time) for being Enlisted and knowing life as they lived it.
If you're really looking for action, involvement at the highest levels and don't know if you're going to stay a full career, (( and even if you DO stay 20 plus)), my recommendation is "All Source Fusion Analysis".... you'll get the communication education and America's Military Capabilities and tactical strategy while you're an Infantry guy. Going into a FUSION CELL puts you at the HUB of the wheel, not out there on some single spoke doing Specialty Work. You will be much more valuable, learn so much more and have a much more rewarding career. Just a hunch.....
"Six Days to Zeus: Alive Day" just got published on Amazon.... a Chief Warrant Officer that spent 30 years doing precisely that...after spending enlisted time behind the Iron Curtain.... check it out. I"ll get you a signed copy if you want.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 2:11 AM

2018-06-01T02:11:41-04:00

One of the most overlooked concepts with the Military is: Not everyone’s experience or personal encounter are going to be the same. That goes for MOS, units, deployments, duty stations, and even working with a specific person.

To address your question:
- It is nice when you know people
- It maybe* good when YOU get what YOU want
- It is better when you know why you want it
- It is great when you find your home... ONE more! [scroll down]

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- It is greater when it is your calling.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 2:36 AM

2018-06-01T02:36:22-04:00

Army is the best branch for army officers

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 4:56 AM

2018-06-01T04:56:11-04:00

The best answer is which ever branch has the slots available when you commission. Be flexible and be willing to re-branch based on your upward mobility. Logistics (Ordinance, Quartermaster & Transportation) Signal and Engineer are always growing, but there are fewer opportunities for the cool "Hooah" schools.
My husband is signal and transitioning to Cyber. He has acquired many certification that he can use in the real world as well.
Best of luck to you. It is never an easy decision, but like I tell my Soldiers, collect MOS's and you will never be without a job.

Response by CW2 Michael Bodnar made Jun 1 at 2018 9:05 AM

2018-06-01T09:05:59-04:00

It truly depends on what your interests are in and out of uniform. I've been doing MI for over 20 years and love it. It's provided me with multiple job avenues and it certainly has been interesting seeing the technology evolve. You can always choose multiple branches once you commission but keep in mind that the clock is ticking toward your retirement so the ability to move around might be limited. Definitely ask as many questions as you can and look for those career paths that will lead you to what you want to accomplish. I hope that helps you out and the best of luck to you.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 9:11 AM

2018-06-01T09:11:33-04:00

At the end of your career you need to look at what you gave and what you kept.
As a former knuckle-dragging, I looked at my branch options this way:
1) how challenging is the training?
2) how selective is the training?
3) what will I get from the training and what will I keep?
4) where do I want to be career-wise in the next decade and how do I execute that plan?
Every branch will tell you why theirs is the best. They're all right and they're all wrong. I guess I never depended on the military to fulfill 100% of my training goals but I always looked at "what can I do on my own to make me a better soldier vs. what do I NEED Uncle Sam to do". For instance, I chose to make MI my career because it interested me but also because I can't just declare myself an intelligence officer or aviation, etc.; it is ordained by the military. However, I can attend language classes or learn other hard skills that would make me a valuable asset despite not sitting in that MOS. So for "less delicate" career options like infantry, that same set of criteria applies...do you need a special school to ruck, shoot, learn combatives, field skills, etc.? I always leaned towards the latter because I always thought I'd rather be a skilled-up "smart guy" who can shoot, move & communicate vs. a shooter who has to learn a complex set of skills on my own. From a cost and quality of life perspective as well...if I'm reaching in my own pocket to learn a skill, I'd rather it be something I enjoy like a combatives or bushcraft class vs. taking a college class in French. Strapping on a ruck and going to the field is free and fun. Acquiring a technical cert or clearance IS NOT.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 9:15 AM

2018-06-01T09:15:52-04:00

PO3-First off, congrats for starting the journey of commissioned service. Mama Navy will miss you, but I can't say you're not making a wise choice in considering a wider field of play.

Here's my advice, for what it's worth: You placed Infantry FIRST in line...that tells me something about why you're considering this path. You're also a GM, which tells me more. Ask yourself what's motivating you to become an officer in the first place. If I had it to do all over again, I'd have opted to go into the Army or Marine Corps, and fight for all I was worth to be an Infantry officer while I was young and "invincible". Why? Because when it's all said and done, that seems to be the basis for moving up to some bigger, more challenging things in both services. One has the shot at becoming the elite...or if nothing else, a member of one of the highest respected warfighting communities in the Military.

In general, the thing I regret (honestly, deeply) the most about my short military career, is that I was so myopic at say 17-20 on becoming an Aviator-that made a great many decisions for me that were not tailored to my core competencies, desires, or passions. Ultimately, I spent what was left of that career trying to play "catch up", and pursing goals that my parent service had fewer options for.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 1 at 2018 9:20 AM

2018-06-01T09:20:20-04:00

I can give you my talk on the two Branches I served.
Want to be where the rubber meets the road, want a mentally and very physically challenging career with a lot of opportunities for advancement in the Regular Army? Then Infantry is a good choice. Lots of slots for Infantry Officers and all the top guys tend to be out of Combat Arms, which is logical for a war fighting organization. Downside? It's easy to get hurt, even if you aren't in combat, you are gone a lot and you better like living outside. But I volunteered for it twice and don't regret either time.

Engineers. I branch transferred to the Engineers when I joined the Kentucky National Guard. Even then, Engineer units were very active. Commanding a Combat Engineer Company and being the Assistant Brigade Engineer in a Divisional Combat Engineer Battalion were two of the best jobs I had in the Army. The school has some difficult courses, for me Bridging and Power Distribution. The downside on Active Duty is that some 70 percent of the total Engineering capacity in the US Army is in the Reserves and National Guard, so sometimes slots for advancement can get a bit scarce. OTOH, a lot of top brass are Engineers. And you still get to blow shit up.

Hope that helps.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 12:34 PM

2018-06-01T12:34:35-04:00

Josh: bottom line is you cannot go wrong with either of the Logistics branches.
I am a OD company grade and I have hit all the hallmarks of troop leadership. Platoon leader time was exciting. XO time and Maintenance Control officer time have given me really valuable experience in how a company runs. Now I sit on battalion staff and am going through the transition to LG and have gained some awesome experience there as well. I have got to learn all about military equipment, ran convoys, written full blown 15 page operation orders, gotten to know people and assist commanders in making tough decisions. I feel like how I contribute to the Army matters.
Best of luck in OCS... its tough but you can do it!
Also remember that the Army moves on its belly, cant fire its weapons with out transportation, nothing moves with out fuel or water, and when "it" breaks the Army needs maintenance. All of this is ran by a LOG dude!

Response by COL Ardis Ferguson made Jun 1 at 2018 6:12 PM

2018-06-01T18:12:54-04:00

I was a Field Artillery Soldier’ branch transferred to Logistics with the major draw down following Desrt Storm. Field Artlliery is being reinvented and is a growing branch. I spent a lot of field time (thus the first word in the name of the branch)’ lots of DS support to the infantry, worked with several armies around the world, making FA a great branch protected by St Barbara. As cannon tubes fell out of vogue, I found myself doing Logistics cause I understood how to support the warfighter - what they needed when they need it and where, a valuable lesson learned from delivering supporting fires. FA has more to offer than meets the eye making it one of the most competitive branches in the Army.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2018 7:45 PM

2018-06-01T19:45:41-04:00

Field Artillery- obviously

Response by CPT Earl George made Jun 2 at 2018 8:44 PM

2018-06-02T20:44:36-04:00

Infantry is the largest, therefore there are more officer slots and places to go all over the world.

Response by CPT George Langley made Jun 3 at 2018 11:43 PM

2018-06-03T23:43:55-04:00

Whatever branch I chose was the best, of course. :-)
I think you would be better off to ask one officer with experience in each branch what are the pros and cons of that branch, and especially ask what they actually do in that branch. You are sure to hear from some that a combat arm is the way to fastest and furthest promotions, but that ain't necessarily so. It may also help you to know that some branches, like MI have a Christmas tree shape, with few requirements for Lieutenants but lots and lots of requirements for Captains and above. Half of the officers in my MI Officer Advanced Course (I believe that name is obsolete?), including me, were Infantry first and transferred to MI as O-2 (P) and O-3.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2018 1:50 AM

2018-06-06T01:50:11-04:00

Infantry, MI, Engineer

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2018 1:53 AM

2018-06-06T01:53:49-04:00

Love my branch because of the diversity we have. Geospatial, General (Horizontal, Vertical, and Bridging), Combat (Sappers, Route Clearance, Mobility Augmentation). Bottom line you could be an Engineer Officer your whole career and never do everything.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2018 5:49 PM

2018-06-07T17:49:01-04:00

You may want to consider commissioned life after active duty - that is if you join the Army Reserve or National Guard. MI is a very strong branch for having "tour" opportunities as a reservist, while any combat arms branch should serve you well in the National Guard. Good luck and thank you for your service!

Response by LTC John Bush made Jun 8 at 2018 8:23 AM

2018-06-08T08:23:02-04:00

You will be most successful in a field that suits your personal skill set and personality. It may be true that some branches have a better opportunity for promotion but over a 20 - 30 year career this will change drastically based on national policy and national defense needs. However. a good solid career where you do well by doing good should be your personal objective not just rank. The military recognizes and rewards excellence.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2018 11:42 PM

2018-06-08T23:42:35-04:00

I've been Signal, Ordnance, quartermaster , and Logistics. All previous comemts are correct, but think carefully about what you are goimg to do. I started Signal and it was fun, but ultimately not for me. I recommend shadowing your top 3 and then make your wish list. The Army will pick in the end most times.

Response by SSG Guy Gould made Jun 9 at 2018 9:46 PM

2018-06-09T21:46:08-04:00

It depends on what your desired end state is. Do you want to become a Commanding General? Do you want to become more marketable in the civilian marketplace? Each end state demands different criteria and each branch offers solutions for those criteria.

Response by LTC Zachary Hubbard made Jun 16 at 2018 8:17 AM

2018-06-16T08:17:46-04:00

I was dual branched in Field Artillery and Intelligence back when the Army used to do that. Combat Arms is where the fun is. I had a blast in the Field Artiller! However, MI and Cyber create better job potential after the Army. My Intel experience is what landed me my first job after I retired.

Response by LTC Zachary Hubbard made Jun 16 at 2018 8:26 AM

2018-06-16T08:26:59-04:00

Combat Arms is the most fun, but Intel and Cyber have better potential to land one a good job after the Army. I was dual-branched in FA and MI back when the Army used to allow this in the 1980s. Being in the FA helped me hone my leadership, planning and operations skills. However, it was primarily my Intel experience that landed me my first job post-retirement. The position was as a program (and later division) manager leading R&D efforts on two DARPA projects employing intelligence TTPs to develop predictive computer network defense technology. Being in the FA alone would never have equipped me for that position.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2018 9:32 PM

2018-06-16T21:32:48-04:00

The first question I would ask is “What is your degree in?” The second would be “what are your interests?”

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2018 9:18 PM

2018-06-19T21:18:03-04:00

I was also Navy but have been an officer in the Army National Guard for 11 years now. It really depends on two things, what you want and what you qualify for just like in the Navy. I’m an Engineer which is a good choice but if you qualify for a job like MI I wouldn’t pass it up. My advice would be to look at what you can get first then what you think you want. You could always be branch detailed for the needs of the Army and might not get your choice anyways. Right now I’d be more focused on OCS...it sucks but you’ll get through it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 24 at 2018 7:25 PM

2018-06-24T19:25:47-04:00

I firmly believe in going combat arms first to gain an awareness of the big picture and empathize with the killers.

Response by CPT Gail Davis made Jul 11 at 2018 12:22 PM

2018-07-11T12:22:22-04:00

MI is a rewarding branch, but it's a high learning curve, unless you have aviation and land based threat understanding. After your career, you can work as a civilian in a similar field or cyber security, FBI, etc.

Response by LTC Thomas Mann made Jul 15 at 2018 8:27 AM

2018-07-15T08:27:13-04:00

What are you getting your degree in?

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Jul 15 at 2018 10:39 AM

2018-07-15T10:39:47-04:00

Looking to retire, go Engineer.

Response by 1LT Kurt Mccarthy made Jul 20 at 2018 4:55 PM

2018-07-20T16:55:35-04:00

Pick a branch that you can use once you get out. The military likes to act like people will be lining up to hire you after being an Officer. This isn't the case, I had to go back to graduate school to find a job that paid nearly what I was making as an Army Officer. Also, think about long term mileage on your body. I wanted to go Infantry, was extremely fit. After a while all of the abuse to my body caught up to me. Now, I wish I joined the Air Force lol. When you're and Officer, as you know, you're expected to go 100% all out during PT every single day, at least if you're at a line unit. After a while, the body does break down. Spine issues blow!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2018 9:07 AM

2018-07-23T09:07:53-04:00

I can't believe the question

Response by 1LT Paul Wilkerson made Jul 31 at 2018 2:06 AM

2018-07-31T02:06:25-04:00

The best branches for officers, in my opinion, are the Logistics branches (Quartermaster, Transportation, Ordnance, Medical Services (MED LOG). You get great hands-on experience with Logistics in the military and civilian world and you also get leadership experience in that field. Imagine, EVERY company has logistics and needs logistics managers. Why not capitalize on your military experience and leverage that when you inevitably get out. Yes, infantry, MI, Artillery, and Armor get the glory and do cool stuff, but its also very competitive and the technical skills you learn are tactics and business leadership. If you want a leg-up on the competition, go LOG. Hope this helps!

Response by CPT Edward Kane made Aug 1 at 2018 8:21 AM

2018-08-01T08:21:13-04:00

I agree that reading and finding something that suits you is best. I chose Transportation after being Armored Cav for 2 years. I liked trans/logistics area as we were first in and last out. We were always around the action and it was a rewarding career.

Response by Lt Col John Culley made Aug 16 at 2018 4:45 PM

2018-08-16T16:45:27-04:00

Those considering an Army career should follow the best advice given to Army officer candidates during both World Wars. Join the Air Force. Unlike the Army, the Air Force knows how to win wars and take care of its people, including those in the Guard and Reserve.

Response by CPT Endre Barath made Aug 18 at 2018 3:16 PM

2018-08-18T15:16:04-04:00

Depends what your long term goals are military and civilian.... keep in mind you should also consider what is your personality and your likes and dislikes. Hence to give you a blanket advice without knowing that is not helpful...now if you are interested I was an Airborne, Ranger Infantry CPT when I left the service...

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Aug 18 at 2018 7:36 PM

2018-08-18T19:36:21-04:00

Josh I am Infantry and Special Forces, however, I served as a SIGDET CDR witch is a Signal Officer, I have served as an S4 which is normally a Logistics Officer. The thing I have learned over my many years of getting to serve the USA is each MOS is part of the team. At the end of the day it is what job would you perform best in.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2020 11:35 AM

2020-05-25T11:35:37-04:00

I’m an infantry officer in the Guard. Originally branched Armor but then my cav squadron was transitioned to an infantry battalion. Off to IBOLC I went. It’s been good so far. I understand why people shy away from combat arms, especially infantry. But I don’t know another career that gives pride to a man like serving in the infantry. No, there is not a 1-1 correlation in the civilian world, but that is what makes it so special. Sure, you can gain skills in other branches that transfer to the civilian world. If that is your goal, just go into the civilian market. I joined to do something different, not something I could do civilian side. The lessons you gain from being in the infantry are unmatched, IMO.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 18 at 2022 1:20 AM

2022-04-18T01:20:25-04:00

Based on my 34 year military experience and training, Combat Arms are the best branches for Army Officers. Infantry, Combat Engineers, and Special Operations. Signal Corps is an excellent choice.
I am an Infantry Officer, Infantry Mortar officer, with a secondary of Operations Research Systems Analysis.
I served as a Combat Engineer when I was enlisted PO3 Private RallyPoint Member
I graduated from USMA, West Point in May 1980 as an Infantry Officer.
I have many friends who are general officers - each four star general was an infantry officer, two have commanded SOCOM, two have commanded CENTCOM, one commanded AFRICOM