Fort Knox, Ky.– Branch Orientation at Cadet Summer Training is a pivotal event for Cadets as they navigate their future career paths in the military. This event offers an in-depth look into various branches within the Army. According to the 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets, this orientation is a significant learning experience that is tailored to expand horizons and clarify career choices.

“It has been really exciting to learn about all the opportunities that I have,” Cadet Alanis Ramirez, University of Houston, Texas, said. 

For her, the orientation was particularly eye-opening. Although she had initially focused on medical services, interacting with representatives from other branches, such as public affairs, sparked new interests.

“It was definitely something I wasn’t thinking about. But going up and talking to them. I was definitely interested afterwards,” she said. 

This experience underscored the orientation’s role in exposing cadets to a wider range of career options and helping them discover new interests.

Similarly, Cadet Aaliyah Myric from Georgia Military College, shared her experience, emphasizing the value of exploring various branches. Myric, who is double majoring in psychology of science and psychology of arts, expressed her initial interest in medical services due to its diverse opportunities.

“When I found out the Army could do art therapy, I thought that was really cool; art is something I am passionate about,” Myric said. For her, art therapy represents a way to integrate her creative talents with her desire to make a meaningful impact. This role could allow her to help people navigate and overcome psychological hurdles.

However, her experience at the orientation revealed other intriguing possibilities, such as Judge Advocate General services.

“I was really interested in medical services, but I also found JAG services appealing because of the range of legal fields it encompasses,” Myric said. 

Her engagement with the orientation allowed her to explore these options more thoroughly, illustrating how the event helps Cadets weigh their interests against the opportunities available in each branch.

Both Cadets agreed that the orientation is instrumental in providing clarity and insight. For Ramirez, the experience was a chance to engage directly with branch representatives, which allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of each branch’s offerings. 

“Everyone’s super friendly and willing to give information about what it’s like on the civilian side, Guard, Reserve, and Active Duty,” Ramirez said. She is sure that these interactions will play a crucial role in refining her career choices.

“I learned that the branches have many different opportunities within whichever branch I choose,” Myric said. For instance, her exploration revealed that medical services include both nursing and medical roles, as well as JAG which offers various legal specializations. This insight can help Cadets align their personal interests and career aspirations with the branch that best suits their goals.