Branch Detail Swap- Infantry to Armor/FA

Hello all,

I have received my branch for commissioning in May and I received MI branch detailed to Infantry. Infantry was not my first detail choice as I am very interested in going Armor before MI.

I was wondering if anyone received Armor/FA as their detail branch and would be interested in swapping for Infantry-please let me know if anyone is interested so we could get this process started.

Thank you,

I know you can switch duty stations at BOLC, but I am pretty branch switching is not allowed (recently at least).

It surprises me each year when branching comes out. Infantry is always one of the hardest branches to get, yet every year there seems to be quite a few cadets that try and swap their Infantry Branch Detail for something else. You would think there would be a way of getting that branch detail to those cadets that originally want Infantry. Cadet Command sometimes works in mysterious ways.

I'm another who wants to swap branch detail Infantry. So if this is actually possible pleasee do not hesitate to reply.

Have you bothered to ask your PMS instead of a random group on the internet? Have you called your accessions manager at HRC?

Come on, guys. You're about to be officers. You can formulate a better plan than this.

scoutpilot said:

Have you bothered to ask your PMS instead of a random group on the internet? Have you called your accessions manager at HRC?

Come on, guys. You're about to be officers. You can formulate a better plan than this.

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I have to agree on that one, my branch manager would be the first person I would ask.

I have to second what Scoutpilot said.

My son had a somewhat similar situation, he went straight to the PMS, was able with some luck, magic, and hard work on both their parts to be sent to a standby board and switch from MI/Infantry to Aviation. The point is don't waste time looking for anwers on any forums, only the PMS and your accessions manager will be able to give you your options. Don't waste time here, the window of opportunity is very small and don't expect miracles.

scoutpilot said:

Have you bothered to ask your PMS instead of a random group on the internet? Have you called your accessions manager at HRC?

Come on, guys. You're about to be officers. You can formulate a better plan than this.

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My HR assistant is in the process of requesting a branch detail change. I came on here for a back up plan, I use to hear rumors all the time about branch swaps, never really believed it though.

whodat said:

My HR assistant is in the process of requesting a branch detail change. I came on here for a back up plan, I use to hear rumors all the time about branch swaps, never really believed it though.

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I think your only option for a Plan B will be to continue on with the Branch/Detail you were given.

To me, that is my only option as of right now and it isn't really an option. I will go through with my detail, but if there is a chance that I can get it changed, I will exercise it. Infantry was my very last choice, but regardless in my mind I know I have to stick it out.

whodat said:

To me, that is my only option as of right now and it isn't really an option. I will go through with my detail, but if there is a chance that I can get it changed, I will exercise it. Infantry was my very last choice, but regardless in my mind I know I have to stick it out.

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Two pieces of free OPD for you, worth every penny:

1. Don't rely on someone else to solve your career problems. Ain't gonna happen. Your "HR Assistant" will sleep like the wee baby Jesus whether you get your dream branch or not. You would be wise to talk to your PMS directly and let him know that you plan to call HRC and talk to the LT strength manager for your branch about the chances of switching. Don't be surprised if you hear "no" 4 or 5 times from people as a knee-jerk reaction. Be flexible, be humble, be constantly engaged and make sure you're a squeaky wheel about it, to a point. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Squeak too much, and they'll get a new wheel.

2. Change your thinking. In the likeliest scenario, you'll get exactly what you were given and have to follow that path. Don't go into it as with the mentality that you'll "stick it out." Go into it with the mentality that you will do your best and you will LOVE IT. It may not be your dream, but I've never met an infantryman who didn't love the infantry. I can't believe every one I've ever met grew up wanting to be an infantryman. There's high probability that when your time comes to go back to MI, you won't want to.

as an Armor officer, I would be worried that someone who put Infantry last wanted to join my branch. we share the same home post and we belong to the same battalions, go to the same schools, etc. i love my branch, but Infantry is pretty cool too.