Army OCS?

Branch selection can be strange in the Army. Needs of the Army will always trump individual preference. So yes, you could end up becoming an Officer in a branch that you have no formal training in. Don't worry about it though. The Army will train you to do whatever job you are selected for. I know plenty of Engineers who are political science majors.

You will be assigned to a branch toward the end of OCS but there are ways to ensure you get what you want. First, do well and you will likely get your first choice. Second, you can sometimes swap branch assignments with fellow candidates. Third, volunteer for "Branch Detail" which means you serve a few years in one branch and then transfer into your control branch. So you might be selected for Military Intelligence but be required to serve 36 months in the Infantry. Shortage branches are the ones that usually are looking for branch detail folks. traditionally branches short of lieutenants include Chemical Corps, Logistics (Ord; quartermaster, transportation), Infantry, and a few others.

Dan is dead on with his information and knows what he is talking about. I was enlisted for a little over 6 years and went through OCS at Fort Benning. Like Dan said, regardless what your degree is in, it is the needs of the army and if they need Combat Arms you could receive that branch. You could get finance, quartermaster, MP or medical. I do believe that the 'whole person' concept is considered but there were many medics in my OCS class who had over 12 years TIS as a medic who did not get the medical branch. Usually you get your top 3 picks in your 'wishlist'. Good luck and thanks for your service and willingness to branch over to the Army.

Nate

Great info guys, much appreciated!

ttt

the army matches your personality as a t&f athlete to the army. they'll help you pick the right job. the af, nv, cg, ar are great for a wide variety of satisfying job choices. thank you for your service.