The waiting is finally over.
One night to find out my path for the next five to eight years.
Will it be infantry, ordnance, signal corps, or one of the other 14 options.
How will I feel? Happy, disappointed, emotional.
Will all of my 41 months’ worth of intense academic, physical and military training be worth it?
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These are the thoughts that run through a firsties’ mind walking into Eisenhower Hall in mid-November for one of the most anticipated night while at the United States Military Academy.
Branch Night.
Every year the senior class assembles in the auditorium, where the class president and military personnel briefly speak about the importance of the evening in relation to the future officers’ chosen profession in the Army.
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During their first three years at the Academy, each cadet receives information about the 17 branches. By the time Branch Night rolls around they understand what the normal duties, responsibilities, and assignment patterns are for each of the branches.
Late in their cow (junior) year each cadet must indicate a branch, by order of preference and specialties, for which they are qualified and eligible. Branches are then assigned according to performance, preference and current Branch goals (which means what the Army needs at that time).
This past Branch Night, prior to the reveal, COL William Ostlund, the Director of Military Instruction, shared statistics of the night. He noted that 79 percent of the cadets received their number one choice, while 97 percent of the class received one of their top five choices.
He added that this was the sixth class to experience the Branch Education and Mentorship Program, which helps to match cadets to the branch that will fit them best.
When the time came, COL Ostlund gave the order for the tactical command teams to hand out the sealed envelopes to the firsties that contained the insignia of the Branch to which they were assigned. The excitement and nervousness began to heighten in the room. Once each cadet received an envelope, they raised them up in the air, waiting for their cue to open them.
“Come on!” cadets screamed as the anticipation was too much.
Finally, the moment arrived.
“CLASS OF 2018 – OPEN YOUR ENVELOPES!”
Anxiety and nervousness gave way to exultation, cheers, groans, high-fives and hugs. Donning their freshly pinned new insignia’s, the members of the Class of 2018 turned their attention to relaxation and refreshment with the Branch representative and the other members of their Branch "family" following this milestone event.
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One of the most notable nights at West Point has been a tradition for decades. But what has become unique over the last two years is that women have been able to branch combat arms (Air Defense, Armor, Aviation, Field Artillery, or Infantry).
Just a year ago the board selected seven women to serve in the Infantry and eight to serve in Armor for the first time at Branch Night. This year six were named to Infantry and seven were selected to Armor.
Sydney Hawkins, a firstie on the Army West Point women’s rugby team, was one of those select few honored with her “first choice,” which just happened to be infantry.
“It has always been something I put my focus on,” Hawkins said. “My dad was a Ranger when I was younger and I remember looking at his uniform saying ‘I really want to do that one day.’ It wasn’t open to females until two years ago, and when I found out, I said, ‘that’s what I want to do.’ I finally got it, and I’m overjoyed about it. It was my number one. I’m so happy and I can’t wait to graduate.”
From her earliest recollections, Hawkins remembers watching her father represent his country as an Army Ranger. He would put on his specialty uniform with Rangers tabs and teach her all the different things about the branch. That dream from when she was young has now become a reality.
“If you’re a female and are looking at combat arms or coming to West Point, I want to tell you that you have no idea what you’re capable of until you get here and put yourself in that environment,” Hawkins added. “In high school, I didn’t know if I would have the courage to do this, but it’s something about being with the people around you that make you better. It really helps.”
Hawkins began her athletic career on the track and field team before deciding to follow a different path with the women’s rugby squad.
“I started my cadet career running track, and I ran the 400-meter dash. It’s grueling, and it teaches you a lot about mental toughness. The only way to get better at track was to do hard workouts, and that’s what I learned in life. The only way to get better at something you want to do is push yourself to the limit, and to force yourself to do something difficult.
“Then I transitioned into rugby because my infatuation with running had faded. I’ve learned so much from this rugby team. At the end of the day you go through all of these challenges as a team and it brings you so much closer together. The most powerful thing about rugby is how close you get. I’m now going to take everything I’ve learned from my teammates and rugby and implement that into my next journey as an infantry officer.”
Hawkins was one of over 160 cadet-athletes to receive their branch assignments, including class president Marcos Arroyo from men’s soccer, Jaden Pickell from volleyball and Luke Morrison from men’s basketball.
All three were also fortunate enough to earn their top choices.
Arroyo led the Class of 2018 and the men’s soccer team this year and will join Hawkins in branching Infantry.
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“That’s where the action is. That’s the main effort and that’s where the rubber meets the pavement, so that’s where I want to be.”
Pickell was at a loss for words when asked how she felt after she opened her letter and saw her top choice in Ordnance.
“I’m just so excited. It’s truly hard to put into words how happy I am.”
Morrison commented about his overall emotions after opening up his letter and seeing Air Defense Artillery.
“I don’t think there are a lot of times in life where you get so excited about opening one thing. I felt like a little kid on Christmas, so it was awesome.”
Overall the top pick for the males was Infantry, while most women topped their lists with Engineers. Field Artillery was the second most popular branch preference for males, while Adjutant General and Military Intelligence were the second highest branch picked for the women.
Traditionally the 50-year affiliation class has a representative speak to the graduating cadets on behalf of their class.
Lt. General (Ret.) Larry Jordan ’68, Chairman of the Board of Director’s for West Point’s Associate of Graduates, was the featured speaker and prepped the class for what their next steps in their journey might hold.
His meaningful words of wisdom drew laughs, attention and applause from all in attendance, especially his knocks on Navy, which will never grow old.
With all jokes aside, Lt. General (Ret.) Jordan left the Class of 2018 with powerful knowledge that they’ll keep with them forever.
“One thing that certainly hasn’t change is that your branch assignments will shape your next several years and ultimately your career. Branches will be your professional home, they will define your area of expertise, they will influence where you’re assigned and who you’re assigned with. They will be your source of pride and camaraderie.
“Whatever your branch assignment is, you will do your nation, your Army, and your branch proud.
“‘With Strength We Lead’. ‘No Task Too Great.’"