Hi, just wondering if some army branches are less competitive and/or have a lower OML standard for rotc. For example, if I want to go into the Cyber Branch which as far as I know is expanding, would it be easier by OML standards to be placed as active duty in Cyber than another branch? Also what is the competitiveness for being placed as active duty versus reserve/national guard for rotc? If I have any misconceptions please correct me as I am new to this whole program and still in high school.
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Competitiveness for placement on active duty vs reserves varies from year to year depending on the needs of the Army. So far as I know branching is always competitive based on OML. If you're high enough on the OML list and there is a slot available in the branch you desire, then as far as I know it's yours. Others, more familiar with Army branching than I will probably chime in.,
k2rider
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For the most part, this is the case and that's what they want you to believe. In reality, other factors like diversity come into play as well so a "small" amount of folks are going not going to technically get the slot they earned based on OML scores.
The system is in a state of change:
www.army.mil
I don't quite understand it, nor did I when my DS commissioned four years ago out of AROTC. It appears that there is an attempt to better match up the Cadet's academic background and career desires with the branching outcomes...all while putting the same premium on academic performance in the OML. One thing that will not change, as @kinnem said, is placement in AD vs Reserves will change year to year with a continued premium on the OML number.
Whatever you do, do not base your choice of a College Major on the perception that it will improve your chances of receiving a scholarship or that it will improve your chances of AD or getting your branch of choice. GPA will continue to be the most important variable in the OML calculus. IOW you don't want to rack up a bunch of C's or worse, before changing your major from Computer Engineering to Criminal Justice.
Cyber, which is still in the process of being built out and which is in need of a narrow array of academic or professional skillsets, is maybe the one branch where your major, given a good GPA would trump the OML, which still puts a premium on one's GPA. However, Cyber is the sexy branch right now and should be built out by the time you commission.
Best of luck!
Assigning branches to cadets takes on new system
The members of the Class of 2020 will receive their branches in November, but the process of assigning them will be different than ever before.
www.army.mil
I don't quite understand it, nor did I when my DS commissioned four years ago out of AROTC. It appears that there is an attempt to better match up the Cadet's academic background and career desires with the branching outcomes...all while putting the same premium on academic performance in the OML. One thing that will not change, as @kinnem said, is placement in AD vs Reserves will change year to year with a continued premium on the OML number.
Whatever you do, do not base your choice of a College Major on the perception that it will improve your chances of receiving a scholarship or that it will improve your chances of AD or getting your branch of choice. GPA will continue to be the most important variable in the OML calculus. IOW you don't want to rack up a bunch of C's or worse, before changing your major from Computer Engineering to Criminal Justice.
Cyber, which is still in the process of being built out and which is in need of a narrow array of academic or professional skillsets, is maybe the one branch where your major, given a good GPA would trump the OML, which still puts a premium on one's GPA. However, Cyber is the sexy branch right now and should be built out by the time you commission.
Best of luck!
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Here are some thoughts:
- Focus on the OML and doing as well as you can so you get your choice of AD over NG/Reserves.
- Control the things you CAN control and don't spend time worrying about the things you cannot.
- Your OML will help increase the odds of getting your branch choice, but prepare yourself to accept even your last choice of branch. As K2's DS experienced, the Army NEEDS top performers even in the least popular branches.
emwvmi01
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The system is in a state of change:
Assigning branches to cadets takes on new system
The members of the Class of 2020 will receive their branches in November, but the process of assigning them will be different than ever before.
I don't quite understand it, nor did I when my DS commissioned four years ago out of AROTC. It appears that there is an attempt to better match up the Cadet's academic background and career desires with the branching outcomes...all while putting the same premium on academic performance in the OML. One thing that will not change, as @kinnem said, is placement in AD vs Reserves will change year to year with a continued premium on the OML number.
Whatever you do, do not base your choice of a College Major on the perception that it will improve your chances of receiving a scholarship or that it will improve your chances of AD or getting your branch of choice. GPA will continue to be the most important variable in the OML calculus. IOW you don't want to rack up a bunch of C's or worse, before changing your major from Computer Engineering to Criminal Justice.
Cyber, which is still in the process of being built out and which is in need of a narrow array of academic or professional skillsets, is maybe the one branch where your major, given a good GPA would trump the OML, which still puts a premium on one's GPA. However, Cyber is the sexy branch right now and should be built out by the time you commission.
Best of luck!
I actually work on a few of the cyber talent initiatives discussed.
It is very inaccurate to say Cyber will be built out by FY 24/25 when OP would commission. The growth trajectory and billets are fairly consistent over the next decade. With that being said OP a couple of things
a. If Cyber is your interest there is a focus on acquiring talent earlier rather than later in cadet timelines. That will help identify who is interested and make sure they have the security requirements and technical skills. So on your application and in your interview mention interests in cyber operations and a desire to branch cyber.
b. Make sure your interest aligns with computer science, electrical engineering or another like discipline that will help you in that field. NSA centers of excellence tend to be the programs that would already align with what cyber branch is looking for.
c. The new OML/Talent model just means that the branches will each have a vote. That means you will interview with a group of senior leaders in Cyber and they will then have a chance to assess you based on your talent/personality and other factors to determine if you would be a good fit for Cyber branch. Cyber branch actually piloted this for the Army and all branches are moving that direction now.
Good luck
Does this mean that Cyber is "aggressively" looking for new LT's with exclusively CS academic or professional background?
When my DS branched 5 yrs ago he was told that Cyber (having just been stood up) was only taking CS majors from USMA and was told to not waste his time. His major was Chemistry with a heavy dose of CS and he branched Signal which he doesn't regret.
Montana State Army ROTC
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OML is out for branching. Everything depends on the Talent Management Assessment MSIII year. There is a website that has the talents the branches are looking for. Engineer Branch #1 criteria is an engineering degree. Cyber probably has the same but with CS degree. Cadets need to look at their desired branches and see if they are a good fit. APFT/ACFT is high for Infantry, etc.