Branch Night Class of 2020

Just to clarify the new system effectively 'prequalifies' cadets for branch selection - some may have wished for choices that the screening process eliminates. Not really misleading stats but they now get 'suggestions' for their best choices and chances.
 
They also did a formal mock boarding process prior to cadet final selections. This gave cadets a solid understanding of their chances in advance. My guess is this "rehearsal" allowed cadets to make informed decisions and added precision - hence the 88%.
 
usually there is a PPT slide that shows the branches, and how many students by which class rank got the branch (1st one in, last one in, and if there are BRADSO). Normally it is like a picture of that slide that leaks to the parents.
 
1st Choice: 88%
Choice 1 - 3: 96%
Choice 1 - 5: 97%

Clearly a good result. The ratings "buckets" funnel cadets into ordering their preferences based on what branches they are most likely to get, rather than on those they most desire. Also, unlimited BRADSO allocations allowed cadets lower on the OML to get branches that were unavailable to them under the OML system.

However, the percentages are still somewhat deceptive. Those who got their 1st choice but got branch detailed into a much lower preference still got counted as getting 1st choice.

It would be interesting to see those percentages using the branches that the cadets will actually be commissioned into upon graduation.
 
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jl123 said:
1st Choice: 88%
Choice 1 - 3: 96%
Choice 1 - 5: 97%

Clearly a good result. The ratings "buckets" funnel cadets into ordering their preferences based on what branches they are most likely to get, rather than on those they most desire. Also, unlimited BRADSO allocations allowed cadets lower on the OML to get branches that were unavailable to them under the OML system.

However, the percentages are still somewhat deceptive. Those who got their 1st choice but got branch detailed into a much lower preference still got counted as getting 1st choice.

It would be interesting to see those percentages using the branches that the cadets will actually be commissioned into upon graduation.
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Not sure the numbers are deceptive. I think they are consistent year-over-year. Branch detailing is not new. Did they count the branch detailing differently in year's past?
 
Soldiergriz said:
Not sure the numbers are deceptive. I think they are consistent year-over-year. Branch detailing is not new. Did they count the branch detailing differently in year's past?
Click to expand...
Branch detail is not new, but it has not always been part of the process. The numbers have been distorted ever since branch detail entered the process. To report that someone received their 1st choice when they actually got detailed to their 12th choice is a questionable measurement of satisfaction.

The dramatic increase in the number of cadets receiving their top choices this year versus last year is more likely due to the gamesmanship introduced by ratings "buckets" and changes to BRADSO rather than an actual increase in satisfaction.
 
As with the introduction of any new process, the new branching system is in need of a few tweaks for future classes.

What I like about the new system:
It forces cadets to interact with and give consideration to all branches, especially the ones in which they have the most interest. With extreme time constraints cadets often choose the path of least resistance and make choices with less than optimal information.

What I don't like about the new system:
  • Unlimited BRADSO/Limited BRADSO Charging. Under the old system, every cadet that needed BRADSO to get a branch got charged with BRADSO - they served three extra years. The new system allows a number of cadets to leapfrog the OML via BRADSO, but then not have to serve the extra three years. Several cadets figured this out during the simulation and much gamesmanship took place before submitting final preferences.
  • Rewards Mediocrity. In small/popular branches (AG, FI, MI, SC, QM, TC, etc.), where arguably OML rank is the best indicator, the new system allows cadets to leapfrog the OML by massive amounts, even within the same rating bucket. In these branches cadets near the bottom of the OML leapfrog cadets near the top.
  • BRADSO's are the last to get detailed. Higher ranking cadets get detailed before lower ranking BRADSO cadets, decreasing satisfaction of higher performers in order to increase satisfaction of lower performers.
  • Largely irrelevant for the majority of branch assignments. Branch Ratings and BRADSO have little effect on the Infantry, Armor, and Field Artillery branches, yet these branches account for more than half of the class. There are specified numbers that must be filled and in these branches, the final allocations are filled near the bottom of the bottom bucket. Ironically, these are also some of the most popular choices among those near the top of the OML. There are just more allocations than cadets who want them.
 
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