How can I change my branch from Infantry to anything else?

2018-12-01T22:14:39-05:00

I'm a green to gold cadet who came into ROTC with a 4 year hip pocket. I was branched AG but detailed to infantry. Suffice it to say I'm not of combat arms material. I did mediocre in school (3.0 GPA) and poor overall (39 OMS). Before you give me to much grief over being unhappy with infantry please understand that I am proudly a POG and have always worn that on my sleeve. I would be delighted to go Transpo or chem but instead have had infantry unwillingly thrust upon me. I understand I should be thankful I have received thus far so please save your lecture, I just want to get through this quagmire. Thank you.

Response by LTC John Mohor made Dec 1 at 2018 10:44 PM

2018-12-01T22:44:58-05:00

With an attitude like that your brief stint in the Infantry will seem like an eternity. If you're a service member your Combat Arms Material. Ever learned of the Battles in the Phillipines prior to the Bataan Death March? The Navy and Army Air Force all became infantry. You need to get a positive mental attitude regarding your branch detail to Infantry. We're only talking approximately three years of your life with the Infantry. You don't have to go Ranger to prove you can lead infantrymen and Women. Every job you mentioned is in support of the Infantry. I worked as a Fire Support Officer the first 13 Months I was in Germany with the Infantry attached. Being assigned infantry you'll have the right to earn the EIB possibly the CIB. Once earned no one can take it away. You're no longer a member of the E-4 Mafia so grow up! Someone in your ROTC Detachment sees something in you. Now shake it off and Lead, Follow or get the hell outta the way!

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Dec 1 at 2018 11:18 PM

2018-12-01T23:18:32-05:00

Not sure about switching branches, but you may consider working on duty station location. While being a grunt may suck, life is different depending on which unit you go to.

In addition, stay motivated at Infantry BOLC despite your reluctance to be combat arms. I remember a 2LT way back in 2004 in a class behind me at Chemical OBC who struggled with academics and personal conduct. She later flunked out and had to serve the rest of her obligated term as a National Guard NCO.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2018 11:22 PM

2018-12-01T23:22:11-05:00

I'd advise you to make the best of it and apply for transfers when you've completed your training and qualification process. It's the only way to do it without looking like a turd.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 1 at 2018 11:38 PM

2018-12-01T23:38:04-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member better check that attitude other wise you will be the Atlas of the profile. Didn’t you have to ask for branch detail? You knew that was a branch with a side of combat arms, right? I would advise you to consider that if you can’t get out of it, may as well get into it. It’s two years.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Dec 1 at 2018 11:46 PM

2018-12-01T23:46:29-05:00

Learn all that you can while you're an Infantry officer, you may surprise yourself. Some of the best officers and enlisted that I served with were prior combat arms.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2018 1:38 AM

2018-12-02T01:38:22-05:00

You're going to need to grow up. You're going to be leading a platoon of infantrymen - maybe even an Infantrywoman - and your attitude sets the culture of the platoon. You have a couple of years of doing one of the best jobs in the Army. If you roll into it with the mindset that you're only here until you make captain, you might never make captain. You are a Soldier first, officer second, and whatever MOS third.
Sitting on the other side of the desk will give you a greater appreciation of the value of AG once you're the S1. My current S1 was branch detailed Artillery. She's 90 pounds and definitely not Artillery material. But, being a PL gave her an appreciation of how important AG is and she's the hardest working S1 I've ever seen. Use this time to understand your soldiers and their needs and it will make you a good AG.

Response by COL Jeff Williams made Dec 2 at 2018 1:48 AM

2018-12-02T01:48:38-05:00

It will take about 2 seconds for your company commander to pick up on your attitude. I can tell you that the other Lieutenants in your battalion will love having you around as you will be used to round out the BCs senior rater profile. You can go through the next three years miserable, or you can embrace the opportunity. Remember, if you deploy, you will be responsible for the lives of your Soldiers, if you don't think you have what it takes, either go find it, or resign your commission.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2018 2:05 AM

2018-12-02T02:05:08-05:00

I have always thought that branch detail is the best thing that could happen to an officer. Your first years in the Infantry will give you a wealth of experience in how to lead, manage and supervise NCOs and officers that you would never learn going straight to AG Corps as a fresh 2LT. You are getting the opportunity to start your officer career with a "broadening" assignment. Don't waste it, and certainly don't look for a way out of it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2018 10:06 AM

2018-12-02T10:06:26-05:00

Muscle up, buttercup. Walk into your platoon with this mentality and your troops, your Platoon Sergeant, and your Company Command will eat you alive.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Dec 2 at 2018 10:22 AM

2018-12-02T10:22:38-05:00

To late now! Just enjoy where and who you are, if not it will be a lengthy tour!

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Dec 2 at 2018 10:32 AM

2018-12-02T10:32:29-05:00

One of the rules of thumb you should live by as a young man regardless of uniform. Never ask for advice and tell the person your asking advice from you only want to hear the rosy aspects of the advice. As a grown adult you should be able to filter the advice yourself for what you want. You shouldn't ever tell the advice giver to filter it for you because that is nicer for your ears. If you ever made this request to say a General Motors Executive on career direction, they would either walk away shaking their head or drill you worse than the worst day of Basic Training, including the colorful metaphors. So I am hoping this does not come across as a lecture because it is not intended to.

Response by CPT Ray Gilmore made Dec 2 at 2018 10:48 AM

2018-12-02T10:48:12-05:00

You had better check yourself, really quick......or you will be your class heat shield.......

You think you want Transpo, because you are a self described POG? Ask the Transpo officers, who were blown up, or ambushed, while moving supplies around the AOR in Iraq......

You want Chem Corps, because you are a POG? Go ahead, and ask the Chemo, who was attached to a gun truck as a TC for the BDE commanders battlefield rotations.

There is no "safe space" in an Army at War.

You are branched AG..... but branch detailed Infantry..... it is called the needs of the army SPC.

You need to reverse your attitude, and fix yourself, before you get to Benning.

Do your future soldiers a solid..... stop whining, and get ready for IOBC, Airborne, and Ranger Schools...... the soldiers you WILL BE LEADING deserve the best.

Find a way to be better.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2018 11:18 AM

2018-12-02T11:18:06-05:00

Easiest way to get through it is to stay positive and work hard until you go to CCC and change branches then

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Dec 2 at 2018 11:54 AM

2018-12-02T11:54:35-05:00

So you didn’t get your wish of being an AG officer and were detailed to the infantry? Wellllllll, wish in one hand and shit in the other. See which one fills up first. The best way to guarantee a short time in the Infantry as an officer is to become a “super leg”. Do not go to Ranger, Airborne, or Air Assault schools. Dodge any and all assignments, become a Blue Falcon and blame your platoon members or platoon sergeant for any and all of your misfortune or failures. Become a “Sickcall Ranger”. If you do what I suggested, I guarantee you will be a nonselect for promotion. Then when you are booted from the army, join a National Guard or Reserve REMF Unit. You can hold court during drill weekends and tell the troops what it was like in a “Big Army” Infantry Unit.

Response by LTC Peter Hartman made Dec 2 at 2018 3:19 PM

2018-12-02T15:19:58-05:00

Infantry is one of the best jobs in the Army. Learn from your team, squad and platoon leaders. You will be better for it when you return to your branch.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2018 9:18 PM

2018-12-02T21:18:38-05:00

While I agree with all the comments thus far...you can submit a DA4187 requesting a branch transfer while you're still in ROTC. I did this after I received my branch in ROTC because I really wanted to be an MP Officer. It came back denied...which turned out to be a blessing. I was Transportation, branch detailed Armor. LOVED every minute of my time as a Cavalry Officer at Fort Drum. I have found that Officers that have combat arms experience as a branch detail guy and then go to their basic branches have a better understanding of tactics (obviously) and the MDMP process...which will help you tremendously when you get on a BN/BDE/DIV level staff. Make the best of it...needs of the Army come first!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2018 10:05 PM

2018-12-02T22:05:38-05:00

CM doesn't need you with that attitude, and you obviously don't understand that as a Chemo, you can end up right in that infantry unit.
Grow up, or resign your commission.
Oh, stop your whining while you're at it.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2018 1:17 PM

2018-12-04T13:17:50-05:00

Look at everything as an opportunity for growth and development. At our core we are Soldiers and during your time in the infantry you will hone and master those skills. Use your experiences to help develop the AG personnel that will eventually work for you and ensure they experience training outside of the AG realm. Moving up as an S-1 in the future, your future command will appreciate and respect the time you spent while being in a combat arms/maneuver unit. I see nothing but positives out of your situation. This will help you down the road immensely...and never forget, we signed up to serve at the needs of our Army.

Response by Lawrence Dubreuil made Dec 5 at 2018 3:25 AM

2018-12-05T03:25:57-05:00

Then SHUT UP and do it!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2018 7:31 PM

2018-12-08T19:31:33-05:00

Lots of people raggin’ on you in here, so here’s my take:

Do the best job you can while detailed. If you get a bunch of mediocre evals it will make getting into another field that much more difficult when you submit your packet.

I hear ya; the infantry does not add to your resume like some other branches. But you need PL time, anyway. Look into becoming a Foreign Affairs Officer after you make CPT. I guarantee you won’t get detailed anywhere else as a FAO, and you’ll be extremely marketable when you retire from the service.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Dec 10 at 2018 6:56 PM

2018-12-10T18:56:56-05:00

Most of the Senior NCOs and Field Grades are spot on here with several things... Am not going to hit on the attitude, think that one has been beat to death.
So, where do you go from here? You never made it to become an NCO, so you are still learning to lead. You really only had a couple of years in so your still wet behind the ears. So as they say, shut-up, listen and learn. That should be your entire assignment. Learn how to be a good officer. Learn to lead the men and women you have been charged by learning from the NCOs that you work with - key words there, “with”! Something you haven’t quite learned is the backbone of the Army, have any questions regarding, find an NCO. They can and will, make or break your career. Learn from them how to lead, train, develop and work your unit.
You are now their manager learn from your new peers and the officer cohort how! You manage them, the NCOs lead them!
Learn the PLT, XO positions and then get on Staff and learn how the organization works. Learn everything you can about your S-shops. They are your support if you ever get a command!
Also, since I don’t think anyone mentioned, might stay in school and knock out that Masters degree now, because once you make CPT, your time will fade quick and you will be reviewed quite heavily going for MAJ in that area for civilian education. You might even be looked at for unfamiliar slots most don’t know about - those coveted positions you see folks in but wonder how they got there?!?!?
Finally, having a great team starts at the top, and only you set that in all aspects. Attitude, managing, willingness to learn from the best, not trying to obtain the respect that will be given - once earned!
It’s all there... As mentioned before me, this is the best time to learn, for your future will be determine by your first few years!
All the best young man...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2018 5:40 PM

2018-12-11T17:40:44-05:00

What I'd give to be back at Sand Hill and train hard. Hopefully you get IOBC in the summer. Its a breeze.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jan 28 at 2019 11:00 AM

2019-01-28T11:00:07-05:00

Soldier first, Officer second. You seriously need to check that attitude you have there. You signed on to LEAD soldiers, not get what you wanted. You do realize there is that little section at the bottom of your contract which states 'at the needs of the Army." Which means you go where the Army directs and needs you and that is with the Infantry, right now. Take it, learn and roll with it and let it be a career moulding experience. Right now all I see is someone whining about not wanting to do the job.

Response by CPT Keith Whitter made Feb 2 at 2019 10:28 PM

2019-02-02T22:28:18-05:00

The big green machine has to first fulfil its needs. The best option for you, even if this is not your preferred field, is to do your very best in everything you do. If you stick with it you will have an opportunity down the road to apply for a different career field. The most important thing is to really apply youeself and give everything you do in the Army at the best you can possibly do. I was a medic who moved into the infantry.. NO regrets. You get out of it what you put into it!

Response by SPC Steve Willis, PhD made Feb 4 at 2019 1:44 PM

2019-02-04T13:44:07-05:00

I feel for you in that I was sent to infantry AIT after basic when I wanted armor and thought I had enlisted for that branch, so "suck it up and deal" is the last thing I would ever say. However, I did manage to get reassigned from 11B to 11E after some time.

That being said, what a bunch of folks here have said previously is absolutely true. If you are an officer — regardless of branch — and you don't want to spend the rest of your life wishing you hadn't gotten a bunch of good men killed in action, maimed for life, or otherwise personally destroyed, you better get whatever help you need to overcome that inferiority complex and self-pity you wear like a qualification badge. You need to develop leadership skills and core weapons competencies. Then you will be the kind of officer who soldiers will get up and charge along with you when you command, "Follow me!" instead of them letting you get yourself killed by staying put because they don't trust or respect you, voting against your lack of leadership with hesitation or even contemptuous non-cooperation.

Part of that process is humbling yourself before your immediate superior and with your peers, admit you don't feel confident in your abilities to lead or fight, but sincerely want to be and ask them to mentor you. That kind of humility will carry you far whereas the kind of insecurity you currently exhibit will destroy both you and your men.

Respect is earned and the first person who needs to earn your respect is the guy who stares back at you in the mirror while you are shaving each morning. Self-respect starts with losing that victim mentality and growing a pair.

A previous commenter said it well: there are no longer any REMF jobs in the military — unless you are detailed to the Puzzle Palace — and, no matter what branch you may find yourself in, those infantry skills will come in handy when the SHTF because some asshole terrorist thinks your vehicle or cushy office would make a really swell target. The ghosts of those who were trapped in the Philippines when the Japanese invaded as well as more current examples since then are nodding emphatically in agreement with me!

You've been thrown into the crucible, son, and the best option for you is to embrace the suck and allow it to transform you into the kind of soldier and man you love to admire. I'll be praying for you!

As for being in AG, for crying out loud we already have WAY too many freaking lawyers on this planet. What the hell are you thinking? :-D