Tom's advice is very sound.
I went to West Point certain that I wanted to be an Infantry officer and left as an Aviator. Your perceptions and interests change as you learn and grow.
I know it is hard to get your head around now, but as you make branch/assignment decisions, you should also consider not only life after West Point, but also life after the Army. Even if you make a career of the Army and retire at 20 (or more) years, you will need to start a second career at a fairly young age. It can come as a rude awakening for some who have had very successful Army careers as combat arms officers that much of what they did in the military is not particularly valuable on a civilian resume.
Don't misunderstand me, a USMA diploma is quite valuable and opens a lot of doors. However, that education only goes so far. Being an officer demonstrates leadership and managerial skills, but companies are also looking for experience that directly relates to their industry. I had no interest in acquisition while I was a company-grade officer and I would have found the notion of pursuing such a path absolutely laughable (if not shameful) as a cadet. However, the SA grads I have seen step out of the military directly into high-paying defense industry jobs are those who worked acquisition in the building. Those with purely "field" assignments often have to start much further down the ladder and spend years trying to catch up.
Believe it or not, one day, you too will be concerned about paying for your own children's college educations, weddings, and a comfortable retirement. "Hooah" is great when you are young and single and thinking near-term, but it doesn't go very far when you are more mature, with family responsibilities, and looking long-term.
I went to West Point certain that I wanted to be an Infantry officer and left as an Aviator. Your perceptions and interests change as you learn and grow.
I know it is hard to get your head around now, but as you make branch/assignment decisions, you should also consider not only life after West Point, but also life after the Army. Even if you make a career of the Army and retire at 20 (or more) years, you will need to start a second career at a fairly young age. It can come as a rude awakening for some who have had very successful Army careers as combat arms officers that much of what they did in the military is not particularly valuable on a civilian resume.
Don't misunderstand me, a USMA diploma is quite valuable and opens a lot of doors. However, that education only goes so far. Being an officer demonstrates leadership and managerial skills, but companies are also looking for experience that directly relates to their industry. I had no interest in acquisition while I was a company-grade officer and I would have found the notion of pursuing such a path absolutely laughable (if not shameful) as a cadet. However, the SA grads I have seen step out of the military directly into high-paying defense industry jobs are those who worked acquisition in the building. Those with purely "field" assignments often have to start much further down the ladder and spend years trying to catch up.
Believe it or not, one day, you too will be concerned about paying for your own children's college educations, weddings, and a comfortable retirement. "Hooah" is great when you are young and single and thinking near-term, but it doesn't go very far when you are more mature, with family responsibilities, and looking long-term.