West Point seniors receive branch assignments

The 983 U.S. Military Academy Class of 2016 cadets received their future branch assignments in the U.S. Army last week in a spirited gathering at West Point's Eisenhower Hall.

Each of the cadets submited five preferences for branches. Rank at the academy, needs of the Army and accomplishments in summer training spent serving with Army units were among factors in the selection process; members of the class representing allied countries will assume responsibilities in their home countries.

Lt. Gen. Freddy E. McFerren, a 1966 academy alumnus, described several missions he served in Vietnam, the casualties his class took, and the need to learn from and build a relationship of respect with the non-commissioned officers assigned to work with them. West Point has a tradition of mentoring by alumni. As an example, members of the Class of 1966 have been advising the Class of 2016 as they have moved through their academy experience.

The eager cadets were each handed a sealed envelope with their name and all held them in the air at the moment the command "open your evnvelope" was made.

The auditorium filled with celebratory shouts and hugs with classmates as each learned what branch of the Army they will serve in after graduation and commencement in May 2016.

Combat arms branches drew large segments with 200 assigned to infantry;, 139 field artillery;, 76 armor, 49 air defense artillery; and 39 ordinance. Going into coveted spots in aviation are 80 prospective officers; 127 will take their USMA training to the Corps of Engineers and 47 to the Signal Corps. In specialty areas, 69 will branch military intelligence, 30 adjutant general, 13 chemical, 27 to transportation services, 20 military police, 20 medical services, and seven financial management. The new Cyber branch of the Army attracted 15 members of the Long Gray Line.

Brig. Gen. John C. Thomson III, the commandant of cadets, told Sons of The American Legion Radio, "People often ask me, 'How is the Corps doing?' And here is what I can tell you, we have been in combat for 14 years, and we had 200 infantry slots to fill, the largest number of slots, and if you look at our KIAs, and the ones doing the heavy lifting, it is the infantry soldiers. The problem I had this year is we had 215 cadets that had infantry as their first choice, and I had only 200 slots. That is a good problem to have".

Next step for class members after finishing first semester exams will be Post Night on Jan. 28 when they receive the location of their first duty.

The evening concluded with a rendition of the "Army Song" and the yell of the motto "Beat Navy" the cadets learned on day one at West Point.

Video from the evening and the complete interview with Thomson can be found on Sons of the American Legion Radio Facebook page.

Ken Kraetzer is a member of Squadron 135, White Plains, N.Y. His dad was a World War II field artillery officer who served in Italy. Follow on Twitter @SonsLegionRadio