Posted on Jul 9, 2017
What branch should I choose upon getting commissioned?
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The plan is to go through Accelerated OCS in 2019. #1 pick is Avaiation and I understand about the prerequisites for that. But in case I don't get it I need a backup plan. I'm having a hard time deciding and I want something that I'll really enjoy. I'm in the MOARNG but plan to go active after college. I also plan on doing 20 years so hope to get past captain. I appreciate any feedback, thanks!
Posted in these groups: 
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army)
Officers
11A: Infantry Officer
Aviation
Officer Candidate School (OCS) (Army) Officers 11A: Infantry Officer Aviation
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 18
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Well, never forget that the Infantry adds color to what would otherwise be a bland affair.
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CPT Robert Hoffman
I was both in it and supporting it. Never in the Guard, but there was no Aviation Branch in 1965 when I went through Rotary wing flight school. After a tour in Vietnam (118th AHC) I was getting short and was going to make it a career. I thought about extending for a ground tour to keep my Infantry creds., but then got orders to Fixed wing school. I asked a senior officer, whom I trusted, and thought was very old, (I was 23, he was maybe 34-36) for advice. He told me that there would soon be an Aviation Branch and, when I was his age, would I rather be humping a ruck or flying. I loved the Infantry, but in "old age" I thought I would rather fly. I told him I would rather be flying. He told me I had answered my own question. I went to FW school, then Rucker as an attack helicopter instructor and back to Vietnam in 1969 to command the OH-6A Training Team. I resigned my Commission in 1970. I went on to fly in civilian life for another 35 years in law enforcement, Alaska, and Fed EX. No regrets! What you learn in the Army will always be a plus. Aviation is a real big PLUS. Think long term. Good luck, and don't run out of pitch, power, pedal, and ideas at the same time. Bob Hoffman, Bandit 32 / Superbee 6.
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Joshua, I don't have all the answers maybe a few suggestions form a semi broken warrior who has be were you are. It does not matter if you are doing 20 years or 4 years if you are not where you should be it will not be a good time. I went to Infantry IOBC/IOAC but I went to SFAS as LT and they did not have a SF OBC/OAC. I will say I knew when I made the jump I was right where I was supposed to be. I have a good friend who went Aviation and he flew several different birds he was right where he was supposed to be as well. Search your soul or being, research the branches, don't worry about making CPT if you do your job to the best of your ability it will happen.
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I would definitely talk to an officer you trust will tell you the truth. If you really want aviation, talk to an aviation officer to see what the career path, growth, and promotion potential is like. I recommend you do the same with any other branch you're interested in. In the ARNG, there may be limitations on positions you can move into to promote. This can also be further strained by the amount of officers in your branch and in your peer group.
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CPT (Join to see)
Side note, if you're planning to go active, there are criteria you have to meet based on what rank you are, i.e. LTs need KD time and must be fully qualified, same with CPTs. It's also based on needs of the Army, if they don't need aviators, you'll be out of luck.
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