USMA Branch Night

Why? I did read some old posts and I think it was ScoutPilot who said you couldn't pay him enough to do it but he didn't say why.
 
ca2midwestmom said:
Why? I did read some old posts and I think it was ScoutPilot who said you couldn't pay him enough to do it but he didn't say why.
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That's makes two on the board then. What is he interested in actually doing in the military? More than just a specific branch. ADA is right down the street from me so I run into the LTs often. Unless he wants to stare at a computer or radar screen and waste away into eternity, I'd stay away from the branch. People get forced ADA, they don't choose it.

You said he was interested in FA previously? You can PM me if he has questions or is curious about the branch.
 
ca2midwestmom said:
My 2018 cadet just mentioned that he's now interested in Air Defense Artillery (6 months ago he said Field Artillery). I realize he may change his mind again in the next two years, but out of curiosity, based on the numbers above, is ADA more competitive than FA or less competitive/desirable?
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ADA is not very competitive, if your son puts it as his #1 choice he will most likely receive ADA. FA is probably a bit more competitive but nothing like Infantry or Aviation. Your son should talk to some current officers serving in the ADA branch before making his selection to get a good idea of what the branch is like.
 
He's starting his Yearling year so he has plenty of time to decide and hopefully will get some exposure to the different branches, options and current officers' opinions. He's a smart kid (albeit stubborn), and I know he has no interest in aviation or infantry, so hopefully his time at USMA will expose him to various opportunities. I was just curious about the branch, but I wouldn't be surprised if he changes his mind again before it's time to choose. If not, he'll be doing it because he wants to.
 
I agree on the ADA. While every cadet should pick something they think they will enjoy, the ADA branch is a shell of what it once was. When we were worried about swarms of Soviet bombers and fighters attacking us in Europe and the US mainland, ADA was a well funded and equipped branch. The total lack of any viable air threat along with funding cuts and force restructuring has decimated the branch. My DS who just graduated (Engineers) said the ADA team did put on a great sales pitch.

I almost said: We still have ADA?
 
As someone who was in the USMC an worked very closely and often with the ADA world in the Army... I agree with what is being said on here. I also agree, that your DS has plenty of time to learn about branches and probably will change his mind many times! Ultimately every Cadet picks a branch that fits them best for a variety of reasons; quality of life, promotion opportunities, what interests them, what seems cool to them (and this can vary for every kid, some kids love computers, other just want dirt!), duty stations, translation to the civilian world, etc. Being exposed to different branches through training and officers helps Cadets eliminate options or grow interest. Be interesting to see what his final choice is several years from now!
 
DadOfSwags said:
-Bull- said:
ca2midwestmom said:
My 2018 cadet just mentioned that he's now interested in Air Defense Artillery (6 months ago he said Field Artillery). I realize he may change his mind again in the next two years, but out of curiosity, based on the numbers above, is ADA more competitive than FA or less competitive/desirable?
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Don't do ADA
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Why not ADA?
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It's just really not a branch you want to join.... Is your son thinking about ADA?
 
^I will second that during branch orientation at CLC this summer, ADA had the largest and most dramatic setpieces, as well as the most motivated folks trying to sell the branch. Many folks in my platoon bumped ADA up in their dream sheet after the briefing.
 
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