Do you have to know exactly what you want to do after graduating?

[armypanda_]

Should you know exactly what branch you want to go into after graduating when you go in to interviews? I saw on YouTube a guy posted saying it’s a red flag if you don’t know what you want to do after graduation, but it’s still early so don’t a lot of people not know what they want to do? I know what characteristics I want in the job, I just don’t know what exact job.

 

[DrMom]

You can read about this elsewhere on this forum by doing a search. You might look for 'how do you learn about branches' or 'Branch Week' or Army careers.

 

[WT Door]

Should you know exactly what branch you want to go into after graduating when you go in to interviews? I saw on YouTube a guy posted saying it’s a red flag if you don’t know what you want to do after graduation, but it’s still early so don’t a lot of people not know what they want to do? I know what characteristics I want in the job, I just don’t know what exact job.

No, but you should be able to speak generally about some of the branches are available in the Army. It shows you've done some investigating. I learned quite a bit about our great Army (I’m Navy) after spending a year at Fort Leavenworth (academic side).

Army branches fall under three categories: Combat Arms (trigger pullers); Combat Support; and Combat Service Support. Since you know what charactersitics of the job you want, Google each of the three categories e.g “U.S. Army Combat Arms." Do a little digging into each branch within the three categories. You may find a match of the job you want to pursue. You'll also get an idea of how diverse the branches are within the Army.

I’ll leave you with a little joke I learned from my Army buddies. It might escape you at this moment.
Combat Arms: Cavalry, Armor, et al: movement to contact. Combat Service Support: Aquisition/Finance, movement to contract.

Now, do some Googling. Good luck.

 

[Wardaddy44]

If you can explain that your end goal is not to be a West Point cadet but rather an army officer, using West Point as a means to achieve this goal, you will look pretty good. Having a specific branch in mind is definitely bonus points but it isn't absolutely necessary. There's a ton of people here who have no clue what they want to branch and most people end up eventually changing their minds.