As we approach the branching assignment release date for this year, I wanted to share an article that I just read in the latest Quad A Publication "Army Aviation."
In the "Briefings" section, there was a short blurb about WP Branch Assignment changes for the Class of 2020 using something called the "Market Model Branching System." The article goes on to say that the program begins this November and will "eventually be used across the ROTC detachments next year."
The article is sparse on details other than stating the process "takes input from the commandants of each branch, who rank cadets as most preferred, preferred or least preferred."
Evidently, the standard factors are being used: test scores, transcripts, physical fitness scores, and personal statements. But the cadets also interview with the branches they are interested in.
At the risk of starting wholesale speculation, I was curious if any of the PMS or other ROTC folks have any better information on the process and the rationale for change. Branching allocation is always first and foremost in every cadet's mind and they want to know how to best prepare themselves for their intended branch. Have the branches released their rubric for the most preferred to least preferred? Do we have any concerns about running into the same problems we had before when cadet talent had to be "balanced" amongst the branches, forcing assignment of higher performing cadets into less desirable branches (I know ... they are all great branches) to avoid inadvertent brain drain from certain branches and spreading talent more evenly to all branches?
In the "Briefings" section, there was a short blurb about WP Branch Assignment changes for the Class of 2020 using something called the "Market Model Branching System." The article goes on to say that the program begins this November and will "eventually be used across the ROTC detachments next year."
The article is sparse on details other than stating the process "takes input from the commandants of each branch, who rank cadets as most preferred, preferred or least preferred."
Evidently, the standard factors are being used: test scores, transcripts, physical fitness scores, and personal statements. But the cadets also interview with the branches they are interested in.
At the risk of starting wholesale speculation, I was curious if any of the PMS or other ROTC folks have any better information on the process and the rationale for change. Branching allocation is always first and foremost in every cadet's mind and they want to know how to best prepare themselves for their intended branch. Have the branches released their rubric for the most preferred to least preferred? Do we have any concerns about running into the same problems we had before when cadet talent had to be "balanced" amongst the branches, forcing assignment of higher performing cadets into less desirable branches (I know ... they are all great branches) to avoid inadvertent brain drain from certain branches and spreading talent more evenly to all branches?