Posted on Apr 29, 2019
Does branch detailing add to my contract? Does it guarantee a spot in my future branch, or can I stay in my detailed branch?
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My wife and I have finally gotten on the same page: I’m joining the Army! Well, first the Utah National Guard, then SMP through ROTC, then aiming for an AD commission.
My recruiter (whom is a part of the ROTC Cadre) told me about doing a branch detail, since I want to eventually end up in MI, and that’s rather difficult for a fresh junior officer to land. My questions are: Does branch detailing add to my contract? Does it guarantee a spot in MI? If I’m committed to switching to MI after three years but discover I have a love of Combat Arms, can I choose to stay rather than head over to MI? I’m leaning Armor for a few reasons, but would also like to hear input on which branch would be the best for an MI officer career.
My recruiter (whom is a part of the ROTC Cadre) told me about doing a branch detail, since I want to eventually end up in MI, and that’s rather difficult for a fresh junior officer to land. My questions are: Does branch detailing add to my contract? Does it guarantee a spot in MI? If I’m committed to switching to MI after three years but discover I have a love of Combat Arms, can I choose to stay rather than head over to MI? I’m leaning Armor for a few reasons, but would also like to hear input on which branch would be the best for an MI officer career.
ROTC
Officer
Military Intelligence
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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In theory yes. But the reality is everything is based on Army needs at the moment. Let’s break this down:
1. A recruiter who is ROTC cadre. Recruiting and ROTC works separately since they are 2 different programs. You might want to check on it.
2. When it comes to Regular Army (active duty) commissions thru ROTC is about ranking. College GPA, Advanced Camp evaluations, etc...
3. In the beginning of your 4th and last year you’ll be required to fill a wish list of what branch you want, then Army will decide. That works for both single branch and detailed.
4. There are instance when an officer decides to stay on his/her detailed branch but at the end of the day the Army has the last world. It’s all about the specific circumstances at that particular time.
Good luck on your endeavors!!!!!
1. A recruiter who is ROTC cadre. Recruiting and ROTC works separately since they are 2 different programs. You might want to check on it.
2. When it comes to Regular Army (active duty) commissions thru ROTC is about ranking. College GPA, Advanced Camp evaluations, etc...
3. In the beginning of your 4th and last year you’ll be required to fill a wish list of what branch you want, then Army will decide. That works for both single branch and detailed.
4. There are instance when an officer decides to stay on his/her detailed branch but at the end of the day the Army has the last world. It’s all about the specific circumstances at that particular time.
Good luck on your endeavors!!!!!
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SPC (Join to see)
Sir, thanks for the detailed answer! The recruiter is AGR, and primarily works as an NG recruiter, although his duties also cover getting students into ROTC. His name is SFC Warnock, see this link if external links work on this site: https://www.uvu.edu/rotc/contact/cadre.html
I’m aware of the concept that over everything else, the needs of the Army come first. I should have clarified that I was more curious what mechanisms exist related to my questions, rather than whether or not those mechanisms are often put into play.
I’m aware of the concept that over everything else, the needs of the Army come first. I should have clarified that I was more curious what mechanisms exist related to my questions, rather than whether or not those mechanisms are often put into play.
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I would suggest that since you are planning on joining the Utah Army National Guard And since they have an MI Brigade that you SMP with them Then you will have MI experience and can decide if that is what you want to do. That also should help you branch MI and not have to detail They also have lots of real world experience in MI through several deployments. Some members of that unit participated in the capture and interrogation of Saddam Hussein
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SPC (Join to see)
Absolutely, thank you! The 141st has a bunch of their motor pool parked right at the building on campus, so needless to say, it's a very intimate relationship between UVU ROTC and that unit.
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CPT Brad Wilson
Also if you want to just try something not on your list there is a Special Forces Group, an Engineer Brigade, an Aviation Brigade, a Medical Brigade and a Field Artillery Brigade in the state
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No offense, but how old are you? FRom your photo, you look a little long in the tooth to be starting an ROTC program. Are you sure you will meet the age requirements?
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LCDR Glenn Adwell
My daughter is younger than you and already a 1LT and company XO. My main concern is the age requirements for the SMP program. Usually only prior service get credit for time served against the age requirement. Have you checked into those requirements?
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SPC (Join to see)
LCDR Glenn Adwell Sir, I have not been made aware of age limitations for SMP here in Utah, although I will certainly check on it.
I’ll only be doing the last two years of ROTC, as I’m already close to half finished with school. As to your comment about your daughter, please speak candidly: are you essentially saying I’m too late and too old? The Major General I referenced also commissioned at 28, and he hasn’t made too shabby of a career for himself.
I’ll only be doing the last two years of ROTC, as I’m already close to half finished with school. As to your comment about your daughter, please speak candidly: are you essentially saying I’m too late and too old? The Major General I referenced also commissioned at 28, and he hasn’t made too shabby of a career for himself.
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SPC (Join to see)
Sir, should have also clarified that I take it as a compliment because in person, most peg me to be about 20 when I’m clean shaven.
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LCDR Glenn Adwell
Jason, you sound like you are an outstanding young man and will no doubt be successful as an officer. I don't think anything will hold you back!
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