Bustling hordes of cadets congregated in Central Area this week, collecting pertinent information and learning as much as possible about the Army branches and functional areas they will soon work in from branch representatives during Branch Week at West Point.
The four-day experience, which took place this year from Aug. 26-29, allows the entire U.S. Military Academy Corps of Cadets the opportunity to speak to and gain knowledge from all 17 Army branches and a number of functional areas opening the cadets’ aperture to what lies ahead for their futures and making the right decision for a branch when that juncture arrives for them.
Cadets, whether they are getting their first taste of Branch Week as Plebes (freshmen), or their fourth as Firsties (seniors), are making the best of the opportunity to learn as much as they can to make the best decisions for their future as Army officers.
USMA Class of 2023 Class President and now 2nd Lt. Melic Belong had a chance to provide some of his Air Defense Artillery (ADA) experiences to cadets from his brief time with his current unit – 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. But for him, it started as a cadet wanting to know where his purpose in life lies.
“It was just a few years ago I was literally standing where we’re at right now, and I was introduced to Air Defense, to the culture and the climate of the branch,” Belong explained. “The senior leaders took an interest in me, cared about me, and offered me opportunities, and they have been there to mentor me and be a sounding board for myself.
“This happened during Branch Week here. I had those kinds of conversations that changed my life, changed the trajectory of my life, and I’m grateful for it,” he added. “I’m grateful for Branch Week, and for those leaders and branch representatives who took it very seriously to come out here and advocate for what they do because it was really impactful in my life.”
As the impact helped create a career in ADA for himself, now Belong wants to project what made him enthusiastic about the branch to resonate with the current cadets at the academy.
“It’s been an incredible experience being able to share what my experience has been from graduating to now being a platoon leader,” Belong stated. “When (the cadets) hear about Air Defense and what the branch has to offer … they’re excited about it. They’re really intrigued.
“There’s innovation and technological advancement as the branch is growing and expanding,” he added. “When you paint a picture for them, it’s something that they’re very receptive to. I relish the privilege to be able to share that kind of information with them.”
While Belong mentioned it is a blessing to impart his wisdom to the important strategic mission ADA offers, one cadet had a very keen interest in his every word that he spoke due to her interest in ADA.
Class of 2025 Cadet Spencer Summerfield has a history with Belong as he was her platoon sergeant during Cadet Basic Training. From her perspective, she puts a lot of trust in him to steer her in the right direction.
“He’s the first cadet I ever interacted with on R-Day,” Summerfield revealed. “Having someone that I know and trust to tell me things about the branch, I know he’s not going to feed me stuff that’s not true. He’s going to tell me how it is. It’s great to have grads come back … to really give you the truth.”
Summerfield said she has spent a good amount of time researching her branch options, which include the Military Police, Adjutant General’s Corps and Military Intelligence as being fall back options if ADA eludes her.
“It’s important to invest in research, talk to as many people as you can, and to get as many opinions as you can on a branch,” Summerfield said. “That way, you know you’re making an informed decision because this will be your life for a minimum of five years, if not the rest of your career.”
Class of 2027 Cadet Noah Holland is taking a liking to Engineers and Aviation as his top branch choices with a couple more years before his decision will be made. With the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment providing a tent with helicopters and subject matter experts on site, Holland did find his calling in life.
“The 160th, I’ve got connections there, and they’re very welcoming,” Holland explained. “I got a 30-minute spiel on the whole pipeline from graduation to getting into your actual unit and as an officer with your flight time – it was great to be able to talk to them.
“I wouldn’t say it would be a dream (to be in the unit), but it might be the best way to describe it,” he continued. “I mean, it’s hard thing to get into that unit, so why wouldn’t you take the opportunity if presented.”
Holland reiterated how extraordinary it was to be able to engage with noncommissioned officers and officers from the unit he is excited to one day be employed by.
“They give you an idea of what the future holds for you, and you also get to see some of the cool stuff you’ll be using, which makes Branch Week phenomenal,” Holland said.
One of the lasting messages Belong wanted to convey to the cadets was the “need for officers who are hungry for success, willing to learn, adaptable, flexible, mentally agile, motivated, that have initiative and are ready to lead America’s sons and daughters because they deserve the best.”
“They need to provide their very best selves every day for the Soldiers they lead,” Belong concluded. “Being able to wake up and go to work for the Soldiers every day is one of the best honors of my life. It’s an incredible experience.”