Fates unsealed: Class of 2016 cadets learn branches

By Michelle Eberhart (USMA Public Affairs)December 7, 2015

Fates unsealed: Class of 2016 cadets learn branches
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Fates unsealed: Class of 2016 cadets learn branches
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WEST POINT, N.Y. (Dec. 4, 2015) -- Branch Night: The night where a sealed envelope seals your fate.

The rain poured outside Eisenhower Hall as U.S. Military Academy, or USMA, at West Point, New York, cadets trickled into the theater, on a late November evening. Class of 2016 cadets anxiously awaited the inevitable. This night they would open the envelopes that would ultimately determine their career in the Army.

All week the Firsties went to class, did their assignments and carried on their daily duties as they would normally. However, they knew this week was different. Anticipation accumulated daily, knowing they were one day closer to finding out their branch.

When the evening finally arrived, the anticipation was at an ultimate high. Uneasy stares filled the auditorium as cadets nervously discussed their chances and waited for the night to begin - the night they would open their envelopes.

Inside each of the envelopes was the insignia of one of the 17 branches. That branch, be it infantry, field artillery, military intelligence or something else, is a large piece of the puzzle that is a cadet's future.

"I'm nervous," said cadet Kiley Schreurs, from Company D-1, who was hoping for military intelligence. "I think I'm going to get what I want but there's always that little bug that's going around, maybe not, maybe so, it's exciting."

While most cadets have an idea of where they may be going, the certainty in opening the card clearly labeled, "Branch Notification," allows for peace of mind.

"Everyone is anxious," Schreurs said. "Everyone in my company is extremely close and everyone's just been getting hyped up and supporting each other and nobody got counseled so we're all getting our top five, so that's great."

For 73 percent of cadets, they will be receiving their first choice. Ninety-five percent will get one of their top five picks. The remaining five percent, however, are placed in the branch that best aligns with the Army's needs.

"I have no idea what's about to happen," cadet Matthew Malcolm of Company H-3 said. "They told me [Nov. 17] I wasn't going to get my top five and ever since then I've been trying to figure it out but I can't."

While it's exciting to get the branch that they want, most cadets understand that no matter what branch their assigned, they will fulfill the Army mission regardless. "It's a little disorientating," Malcolm said. "But we're everything Soldiers, so it's fine."

Feet tapped nervously on the auditorium floor until finally, the event began.

Branch envelopes would not be given out immediately, of course. The eagerness must build. The night began with an introduction from Class President and 1st Capt. Eugene Coleman.

Coleman explained that these branch assignments would determine their careers in the Army and the Soldiers they command. He also made it clear that the Class of 2016 would always be connected to one another.

"Our class will continue to be tied together by our commitment to our country and most importantly, those we lead," Coleman said to his class. He shared his eagerness to open his envelope as well. He then introduced Brig. Gen. John Thomson III, commandant of cadets.

"You're a step closer to being commissioned into the greatest Army in the world," Thomson told the Firsties. "One of the things that makes our Army so great is the integration of the branches … each of your branches has a distinct role. Further, every branch is filled with great officers, noncommissioned officers and Soldiers that share your newfound identity."

Thomson provided some insight to the selection of the branches as well as some statistics.

"The number one cadet in the class chose engineers," Thomson announced. "Interestingly, the next to last cadet in the class also received engineers."

After sharing his excitement with the class, he introduced Class of 1966 USMA graduate and former commandant of cadets, retired Lt. Gen. Freddy E. McFerren. "This is an important night not only for you, but for the Army," McFerren said.

McFerren told the cadets that their future schooling and assignments would be dictated by their branches. More importantly, these branches would offer them the proper training and resources to be the best leaders in the world.

"I'm excited about your branches," McFerren said. "But I'm more excited about, in the near future, you will be leading, teaching, coaching and mentoring our nation's most important resource - the young men and women of the armed forces."

McFerren received a standing ovation from the cadets as he finished his speech, increasing the enthusiasm amongst the crowd.

Finally, it was time.

Tactical command teams handed out envelopes one by one but made sure the letters remained sealed.

The eagerness built while looks of uncertainty were transparent through the faces of each cadet. Many held their envelopes to the light to see if they can catch a glimpse of the shadow of the emblem pinned inside.

"It's crossed something," a cadet proclaimed as he felt the insignia inside his envelope, hopeful for an arms branch.

Cadets chanted, "Open it! Open it," as the echo surrounded the theater.

"2016!"

The class got quiet.

"Open your envelopes!"

Cadets ripped open their packages.

Screams, laughs and sighs of relief waved through the theater as their destinies had finally been decided. Cadets rejoiced and hugged their friends and fellow company mates. The happiness in the room was contagious.

After celebrating and taking pictures with branch buddies, cadets proudly sang the Army Song, a symbol which shows that, although there are 17 branches, there is one Army.

Cadets exited the auditorium to call their loved ones and meet their branch representatives.

"I'm so excited, I started crying when I opened the envelope," said cadet Lashondra Maddox, of company B-3, as she proudly sported her Air Defense [Branch] cap. "I have been talking with a lot of people who are in the Air Defense Branch, at first I wanted to branch military intelligence, but talking with people from air defense kind of changed my decision later on and it was this year I decided to switch."

Thomson credits this to the academy's branch education and mentorship program. Forty-one percent of cadets changed their top choice for branch preference in the past year.

In his speech, Thomson commended the cadets for "embracing the talent management approach and for choosing branches that maximize [their] potential to our great Army."

It's a relief to know cadets have been educated about their branches but especially that they are enthusiastic about them.

"I called my mom, my dad and my girlfriend," said cadet Cedrik Bell of Company I-2. Bell, who had a good feeling he would get field artillery, was really hoping for a Signal Corps Branch detail.

He got it.

"It's what you work for your whole time here," Bell said. "I was really looking forward to it, it's kind of like Christmas."

As one weight is lifted, another remains. Cadets will find out where they will be living and using their branch skills on Post Night, Jan. 28.

Related Links:

Army.mil: Human Interest News

STAND-TO!: The U.S. Military Academy at West Point

STAND-TO!: United States Military Academy Strategic Plan 2015-2021

U.S. Military Academy at West Point website

U.S. Army Garrison West Point website

U.S. Army Garrison West Point Facebook

U.S. Military Academy at West Point Facebook