Officer Branch Picks - Airborne/Assault Training

[Smiff]

It is clear that 09W is the path that I want to take for my military career and with that I am hoping that maybe someone has some information on OCS branches for me. I have been doing a lot of reading on ArmyNGOCS.com but the forums are just not as active as these are. I understand that the NG is going to place me where ever it is that they need a 2nd Liet, but I know that you get to pick, or express great interest in which one you'd like. If I pick Military Intelligence, I am worried that I will not have the opportunity to experience Airborne, Air Assault, and pre-Ranger/Ranger school, as if I were to choose Infantry Officer. Is this true? or will I have an equal chance no matter what branch I get into. Any help would be appreciated...

[matthew.ritchie]

I think you mean 09S, not 09W.

You'll get some influence over your branch assignment, but keep in mind you can only get what is available. If your state has no water purification assets, then you just won't ever be a water purification platoon leader. MI tends to be a branch that has more applicants than slots at the lieutenant level (that changes at the captain level). Do some research and ensure that you know what MI does for a living, because I encounter many applicants who have some misconceptions. MI work is important, but it's not glamorous. Do you hate the crossword and the Sudoku puzzles in the newspaper? Then perhaps MI isn't your best place.

All branches are eligible for the badge training you mentioned, but the combat arms Soldiers tend to get first cut. That only makes sense, since that training is designed to improve small unit combat leaders.