USMA to Psyops?

[heloo]

Currently, a junior trying to figure which academy would be best and I am really interested in Psychological Operations. Would it be possible to go from USMA to Psyops as an officer? If so, can I go directly or will it take time?

 

[Casey]

PSYOPs isn’t a basic branch you can commission straight into in the Army. You’ll typically spend a couple years after commissioning in whatever basic branch you are assigned and apply to assess near the end of your first duty assignment. Pending a positive assessment and a normal timeline, you’ll then attend the SOF CCC and your follow on training to serve as a PSYOPs officer operationally as a junior captain.

So yes, USMA officers can go PSYOPs but just like any other commissioning source or ARSOF community, it’ll be down the road when you are eligible to apply.

You can check out the application process here: PSYOPs Recruiting

 

[heloo]

PSYOPs isn’t a basic branch you can commission straight into in the Army. You’ll typically spend a couple years after commissioning in whatever basic branch you are assigned and apply to assess near the end of your first duty assignment. Pending a positive assessment and a normal timeline, you’ll then attend the SOF CCC and your follow on training to serve as a PSYOPs officer operationally as a junior captain.

So yes, USMA officers can go PSYOPs but just like any other commissioning source or ARSOF community, it’ll be down the road when you are eligible to apply.

You can check out the application process here: PSYOPs Recruiting

Oh wow, thank you for your response! I totally see what your saying and that link is very helpful. I had a feeling that it would take me some time. I think my current plan is to be a military intelligence officer and then hopefully become a PSYOPs officer later on.

 

[jl123]

Be aware that currently only about half of those who branch Military Intelligence (MI) have a first assignment in MI. About half will attend a combat arms basic officer course after graduation, and serve a first tour in that branch before going to the MI Captains Course.

Of course that could change, allocations shifting one way or the other at any time.

 

[prospective2019]

PSYOPS is a branch of SOF (Special Operations Forces), like Civil Affairs, Green Berets, and the Night Stalkers. As Casey said, it is not something you can branch straight out of USMA. You can volunteer to go to selection as a 1LT. Your basic branch does not technically matter for this, but according to the recruiters I've spoken with, combat arms and MI are favorable. If selected, you will go through a 1-2 year training pipeline, incur some additional ADSOs, etc.

If you come to the Academy you will have the chance to talk with many SOF officers, both instructors and during Branch Week. DMI brings in soldiers from every branch with static displays, to include the Ranger Regiment, PSYOPS, SF, CA, and the 160th. You will get to talk to them about their experiences--many are Old Grads themselves.