What is the path cadets take after branching infantry

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Jan 15, 2020
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Hi all, I'm a senior in high school trying to get some information on what happens after graduation at USMA. I've been accepted to USMA and USAFA and am having trouble deciding on my desired path. All this is doing is giving me the information I need to help me make my decision. This specific question is in regards to branching infantry. I failed to find anything that talked about this in-depth but I'm sure it's out there somewhere. Anyhow, my question regards what schools you go to upon graduation. Do you go straight to the specialized schools? And what is the "normal," subsequent path for those who branch infantry? For example the Rangers, can you/do you go straight to Ranger school right after graduation or does that come down the road? Same with Special Forces, do you go straight to SF qualification or is that down the road? I realize that this stuff is far from where I am now...a senior in high school. But I'm sure you understand that all of this information helps me have an "idea" for when that time does come for me. Any and all information is extremely appreciated.
 
You usually are scheduled for Ranger school after the initial infantry branch school. SF qualification/selection is typically started after finishing your first infantry assignment where you serve as a platoon leader.
 
Agree with davejean90 however there is an opportunity to secure an early ranger slot following graduation. Now that may change year over year but my 2018 went to Ranger following graduation. I think there were 30ish slots available for his class.
 
For example the Rangers, can you/do you go straight to Ranger school right after graduation or does that come down the road?

Keep in mind that Ranger school is not the same thing as the 75th Ranger Regiment (aka "The Rangers").

Almost all infantry officers are expected to pass Ranger School, while only a small percentage will actually serve in the 75th.
 
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Keep in mind that Ranger school is not the same thing as the 75th Ranger Regiment (aka "The Rangers").

Almost all infantry officers are expected to pass Ranger School, while only a small percentage will actually serve in the 75th.
Thank you all for the information. In regards to this, a few questions...what happens if all you do is pass ranger school and/or how do you serve in the 75th? What’s the next step in your career and what’s the next step if you don’t actually serve in the 75th. Thanks in advance.
 
...what happens if all you do is pass ranger school and/or how do you serve in the 75th? What’s the next step in your career and what’s the next step if you don’t actually serve in the 75th. Thanks in advance.

However, I am pretty certain that after commissioning, you must attend IBOLC first, then Ranger School. After that you are most likely expected to lead an "regular" infantry platoon before earning your place in the 75th.

But I am a merely a dad of an 2LT Armor Officer, so I will defer to others such as @Soldiergriz who is a long-time infantry officer to better answer your question about becoming a member of the 75th as well as SF.
 
However, I am pretty certain that after commissioning, you must attend IBOLC first, then Ranger School. After that you are most likely expected to lead an "regular" infantry platoon before earning your place in the 75th.

But I am a merely a dad of an 2LT Armor Officer, so I will defer to others such as @Soldiergriz who is a long-time infantry officer to better answer your question about becoming a member of the 75th as well as SF.
Thank you for the information. I would love to hear from an experienced infantry officer and pick his brain a bit.
 
Hi AF-or-Army,

Would add, as I have read here, and most veterans of any service are aware, there is a HUGE difference in lifestyle, etc., between the two services listed in your username.

Even more so if you are considering combat arms in the Army, and even more so if considering Infantry.
 
Even more so if you are considering combat arms in the Army, and even more so if considering Infantry.

Agree with the above. There indeed is a slight difference in lifestyle. (This photo shows Ranger School, Swamp phase).

Image result for ranger swamp training
 
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^LOL, LOVE IT!

Yes, if you are choosing West Point over USAFA, you might want to consider if you are the "outdoorsy type".......

:)


(is that your DS btw? hoooo-aaaaahhh!)
 
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(is that your DS btw? hoooo-aaaaahhh!)

Lol! No, not my DS, although it could be him later if he gets a Ranger School assignment. (It is optional for "heavy" armor officers, but mandatory for "light armor." DS is "heavy."

My DS is currently playing with the M1A2 Abrams at Ft. Benning at ABOLC.
 
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That's awesome!

How does that old running cadence go?

"I wanna be an Armor crewman.....

live a life that's almost human....."
 
Hi AF-or-Army,

Would add, as I have read here, and most veterans of any service are aware, there is a HUGE difference in lifestyle, etc., between the two services listed in your username.

Even more so if you are considering combat arms in the Army, and even more so if considering Infantry.
Yes I realize that haha. I could just see myself doing both. I’m quite the outdoorsy type. But I realize that ultimately my decision will be based on sheer amount of career opportunities that interest me. I started a list earlier and realized that if I weren’t to get my #1 or #2, I’d still be ok with my other choices in the Air Force.
 
Yes I realize that haha. I could just see myself doing both. I’m quite the outdoorsy type. But I realize that ultimately my decision will be based on sheer amount of career opportunities that interest me. I started a list earlier and realized that if I weren’t to get my #1 or #2, I’d still be ok with my other choices in the Air Force.

Quite a big difference between being a fighter pilot, and being an Infantry officer.

The common thread, IMHO, is they are both challenging endeavors, so it sounds like you want to challenge yourself.


Perhaps try to envision where you want to be 20 years from now (many people think they will love being in the service, and will make it a career, but there are so many variables, family, promotions, deployments, etc, that their plans often change.).

Do you see yourself at the age of 35 flying for Southwest or American? (pulling down the big bucks lol), or using your Infantry leadership experience to go get an MBA and go into business?



I will also add, as an Army brat (dad was a Vietnam vet and retired SGM) and from my own service, that the Army, IMO, has the most "sportsman paradise" duty stations, ie, out in the middle of nowhere (and yes I know about AF bases in the midwest). Might also want to consider that the "nicer" duty stations like Schofield Barracks, Fort Lewis, Fort Carson, are very difficult to get.....
 
Currently serving infantry officer here...

You will go to Airborne and Ranger Schools after IOBC. If you are assigned to a heavy unit for first assignment you may go to the Bradley Course or other additional schools.

You will then be expected to lead a platoon of America's finest as a platoon leader.

If among the very best, and with the recommendation of your chain of command...you can COMPETE for an opportunity to lead in the Ranger Regiment. Positions are coveted...

Lead effectively...be exceptionally fit...

Good luck.
 
Thank you all for the information. In regards to this, a few questions...what happens if all you do is pass ranger school and/or how do you serve in the 75th? What’s the next step in your career and what’s the next step if you don’t actually serve in the 75th. Thanks in advance.

The VAST majority do not serve in the Regiment.

Typical progression:
Platoon Leader
Company XO or Battalion Staff
...back to school for Captain's Course
Brigade or Division Staff
Company Commander and additional opportunity to compete for position in the 75th for elite performers...

Then, graduate school or broadening assignment before promotion to Major.
 
Quite a big difference between being a fighter pilot, and being an Infantry officer.

The common thread, IMHO, is they are both challenging endeavors, so it sounds like you want to challenge yourself.


Perhaps try to envision where you want to be 20 years from now (many people think they will love being in the service, and will make it a career, but there are so many variables, family, promotions, deployments, etc, that their plans often change.).

Do you see yourself at the age of 35 flying for Southwest or American? (pulling down the big bucks lol), or using your Infantry leadership experience to go get an MBA and go into business?



I will also add, as an Army brat (dad was a Vietnam vet and retired SGM) and from my own service, that the Army, IMO, has the most "sportsman paradise" duty stations, ie, out in the middle of nowhere (and yes I know about AF bases in the midwest). Might also want to consider that the "nicer" duty stations like Schofield Barracks, Fort Lewis, Fort Carson, are very difficult to get.....
You're right in that I want to challenge myself. As for the future, personally, being a commercial pilot has always been in mind (that is if piloting works out in the first place). I really want good duty stations too. I've lived throughout the world as a military brat and I love traveling and expect to do lots more in the military.
 
The VAST majority do not serve in the Regiment.

Typical progression:
Platoon Leader
Company XO or Battalion Staff
...back to school for Captain's Course
Brigade or Division Staff
Company Commander and additional opportunity to compete for position in the 75th for elite performers...

Then, graduate school or broadening assignment before promotion to Major.
I really appreciate your information. Your experience in this really helps answer LOTS of my questions. Thank you.
 
You're right in that I want to challenge myself. As for the future, personally, being a commercial pilot has always been in mind (that is if piloting works out in the first place). I really want good duty stations too. I've lived throughout the world as a military brat and I love traveling and expect to do lots more in the military.


I personally know several commercial airline pilots. The ones I know (small sample size, obviously) are very happy with their jobs/ careers. A couple are former military pilots, and a couple trained at civilian flight colleges.

This is projected to be one of the highest growth/opportunity fields over the next decade or two. Thousands of airline pilots will be reaching mandatory retirement age, at the same time that air travel is growing, and many more jobs are opening.

It's a possible career for my DS, who just clinched his nomination, to go with his LOA to the USAFA.

BTW what branch of service was/is your parent in?
 
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