CBRN Branching

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From what I see in this image CBRN is the ONLY branch that you are guaranteed. This is because it has a zero percent BRADSO rate and someone that was 990 on the OML was able to branch it without BRADSO. I may be reading this incorrectly but that is what I see.
 
As you can see from this picture, the chances of getting Chemical Corps greatly reduced with the transition to more combat arms branching for West Point graduates. Here is the chart from 2019. The chart for 2020 is similar. Ag, Chem, and Finance dropped to 2, 2, and 1.
 
If you think there is a possibility you want a 20 year career you should also look at how small the AC Chem Corp is and how difficult it will be to make rank/command.
 
BeastBarracks2024USMA said:
How likely am I get the chemical branch if it's my first choice? Also, does my major affect my chances?
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100% unless things change dramatically by the time you graduate. It is one of the recipient branches for Branch Detail - meaning they force people from other branches to serve their first tour in Chemical.

Major does not matter at all. But you may want to look more closely at what Chemical Branch does, just in case you think it might involve laboratories and test tubes. In reality it involves a lot of decontamination of personnel and equipment, while wearing protective equipment.
 
With talent based branching you will interview with representatives of the branch. They will look at your academic and military record and they then get a vote on how they rank you with all the candidates that interview for said branch. That is tabulated with how you rank each branch and then weighted to assure distribution of talent.

Chemical Corps historically is one of the least requested branches so for those desiring it there is a good chance of receiving branch of choice. One thing to their credit is that chemical corps while the least requested of the basic branches is known for having a high retention rate. There are also a myriad of opportunities to balance being Chemical with operational to include chemical officers in each Ranger Battalion and Special Forces Battalion. A close friend of mine who was a Chemistry major branched Chemical and did 4 years in the 82nd Airborne and completed jumpmaster while there. He then got out and got a PhD in Chemistry and came back in the Army as a research scientist doing vital work on infectious diseases. I joke with him that he is the only Army scientist who can supervise a Mass Tactical jump if required

You are just starting the journey and kudos to you for researching the branches. Consider each one and what they bring to the fight along with what you can contribute based on your own attributes and skills.
 
jl123 said:
Major does not matter at all. But you may want to look more closely at what Chemical Branch does, just in case you think it might involve laboratories and test tubes. In reality it involves a lot of decontamination of personnel and equipment, while wearing protective equipment.
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My DS loved and majored in Chemistry. He thought about Chem Corps for about a minute, because (he was told at the time) the is reality there isn't that much decontamination of personnel and equipment, and that Chem 2LT's were often given undesirable and unrelated tasks. This isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Looking at the chart, CM is not the most competitive or desirable branch. Therefore, it a place where a determined and capable LT can differentiate him/herself and shine. I'm sure @emwvmi01 's friend was in that mode and ended up with a high speed unit and set up a long term path to success.

emwvmi01 said:
There are also a myriad of opportunities to balance being Chemical with operational to include chemical officers in each Ranger Battalion and Special Forces Battalion. A close friend of mine who was a Chemistry major branched Chemical and did 4 years in the 82nd Airborne and completed jumpmaster while there. He then got out and got a PhD in Chemistry and came back in the Army as a research scientist doing vital work on infectious diseases. I joke with him that he is the only Army scientist who can supervise a Mass Tactical jump if required
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You could replace Chemical with Signal and it would describe my son's path. He isn't a jumpmaster, but he is Airborne qualified. Signal Corps is another on of those lesser competitive and desirable branches. He was able to differentiate himself gained some control over his future path. He became the Signal officer for an SF battalion and just added 3+ years to his commitment. Despite that, he still sees graduate school for Chemistry or an MBA as a possible future endeavor.

Before getting the cart ahead of the horse, remember that the higher your OML, the more control you will have. You'll have plenty of time figure out what really trips your trigger.

Congratulations on your appointment and best of luck!
 
Right now someone with Chemical Corps experience is probably a prized commodity in the job market considering the requirements for decontamination of virtually everything a human comes in contact with.
 
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