Fort Knox, Ky. – The Cadets of 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp, attended Branch Orientation on July 22, 2024, marking their final event before Family Day and Graduation. This career fair-style event allowed Cadets to interact with commissioned officers from various branches of the Army.

Branch Orientation is an opportunity for Cadets to gain insights and make informed decisions about their future careers. Officers from branches such as infantry, signal corps, medical services, military police, and aviation presented short pitches to the Cadets, aiming to attract them to their respective fields.

For some Cadets, the path forward is clear. Jacob Cahuantzi, a Cadet from Oregon University, has always known he wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. With a degree in human physiology, he found the medical services branch to be the obvious choice.

“I’ve always felt a strong desire to help people,” Cahuantzi said. “In my opinion, this branch is one of the most selfless. Anyone can join, but it takes a special kind of person to truly make an impact, and I hope to be that person.”

Often, Cadets are uncertain about which branch to pursue, a decision that can be a source of stress. Jacob Cahuantzi compares this choice to picking a major in college, where the pressure to make the right decision can feel overwhelming. 

“My advice for anyone who isn’t quite sure what they want to do, I would tell them to have an open mind and know that whatever you choose, you still have plenty of career options within the branch itself,” Cahuantzi says.

As the Cadets prepare to transition into Family Day, Cahuantzi expressed mixed emotions. Although his family in California will not be able to attend, they support him from afar. He looks forward to graduating and taking pride in becoming an officer in the U.S. Army after enduring 35 hot days in Kentucky.

Branch Orientation provided the Cadets with an array of options, each presenting a different set of challenges. As they move closer to graduation, the Cadets of 5th Regiment are better equipped to make decisions about their future roles in the Army.

With Family Day and Graduation on the horizon, these Cadets are eager to embark on their next journey as officers, ready to serve and lead in their chosen branches.