How should I decide what branch to pursue in the Army?

Lilly Chan — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 10:54:46 -0400

I am in rotc right now and will graduate as a 2nd lieut. I am having trouble figuring out what to branch because I want to do MI but I want something more high speed and active like MP or armor. However, my end goal is to join the FBI or CIA and doing MI would really help me, but I just don't know what to do. Any advice?? Also I am very very interested in psyops, but I'm not sure where that will fit in.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Aug 14 at 2018 11:12 AM

SFC Marc W. — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 11:12:52 -0400

Well Psyops won't come until you're a 1LT (P), so don't worry about that right now. As an officer, your job isn't as centered on a branch as the enlisted. Your job is more generalized with emphasis on planning; once your PL time is up, it's XO time, then back to staff. Reality is your time as an officer will be beneficial period to your future ambitions. I think you are on the right track by getting advice here, maybe connect with people in those branches to see how the job actually is. Good luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2018 12:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 12:12:55 -0400

At the end of the day, do what you want to do (that you think will make you happy). If being in the FBI/CIA is your end state, then perhaps sucking it up for a few years and going MI should be your goal. Have you talked to a FBI/CIA recruiter and asked them which branches bear the most fruit in terms of recruitability (ie is MI really the best branch for that)? Did you know you can go MI and get branch detailed to the Armor branch?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2018 12:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 12:15:11 -0400

Often times, ROTC cadets do he the opportunity to go to FORSCOM units and explore all options from infantry to MI and any other branch.

This opportunity helps you see and sit through planning and operations of those disciplines.

Another option is detailed Barnching. When you opt in for detail branching, you will most likely go Infantry, then MI once you get selected to become a CPT. At that point, you will go for a six month CPT career course in Huachuca and once you finish that, you will come back as the AS2 and work your way up to the CO Commander position.

This by far is one way to do high speed stuff and still get your desire field at the end.

Again, talk to your teams at the ROTC and see all of this is a viable option for you.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Aug 14 at 2018 12:31 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 12:31:09 -0400

If you have skills would not the FBI or CIA hiring you now? Both have great training programs.
I would say you might want to learn to present yourself better, ROTC is normally capitalized. In the FBI, everything you write represents you and the FBI. Might want to start practicing. MI is also tough on people with poor writing skills.

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made Aug 14 at 2018 8:46 PM

MAJ Samuel Weber — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 20:46:48 -0400

Your class rank will determine what branch you will get. I wouldn’t get too tied up in what branch you get. First you’ll need to master your current career. There are multiple opportunities to work with other governmental agencies and give you the exposure you want. Have you considered branch detail first? You can spend your first four years in a Combat Arms Branch then when you make Captain, attendbthe MICCC and be MI. I had a friend do that and he was interested in the FBI or DEA. At the end Ms if the day, having a 4-year Degree, Military experience and hopefully a TS should really roundout your resume. The management, leadership and critical thinking skills will give you an edge when applying for any of the agencies. As a junior officer the majority of your assignments will at the tactical level. Once you make Captain you may be able to apply for more complex assignments with other agencies or seek positions at strategic HQ or the Pentagon. I’d seek a mentor who is in MI (MAJ-COL) and try to make a contact with the FBI now so you can customize your career to better serve your end goal. I know the enlisted jobs can seem more technical on paper, but the freedom and control over your own career will help you to achieve your goals in shorter time. Good luck.

Response by CW2 Jalistair B made Aug 14 at 2018 9:35 PM

CW2 Jalistair B — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 21:35:10 -0400

LOL that's an easy question. Put down whatever you want and the Army will pick whatever branch they need you in!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 14 at 2018 10:36 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 22:36:15 -0400

Response by CW4 Clark Wilson made Aug 15 at 2018 2:15 PM

CW4 Clark Wilson — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 14:15:03 -0400

Aviation

Response by CW4 Clark Wilson made Aug 15 at 2018 2:17 PM

CW4 Clark Wilson — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 14:17:33 -0400

Aviation

Response by MSG Darren Gaddy made Sep 13 at 2018 2:15 PM

MSG Darren Gaddy — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 14:15:35 -0400

Keep in mind that you want marketable skills upon completion of your career whenever that may be. It's certainly something you can work towards while you are in the Military, but ensure once you are out, your skills translate into Job Market language. Just my opinion.