training Courses

[crewcutkid]

All-
Couplea questions I have for alla you out there in cadet/military life- the training courses that are offered (airborne, air assault) are they worth the while? I wanna branch Armor when Im commissioned, so I was trying to figure out if airborne wings have a place inside a tank.
In addition, I was told that I could attend West Point for a semester (I believe) as an ROTC cadet.
Why do I ask? Here's the deal. I know for (almost) certain that I have a scholarship waiting for me when I contract. My questions simply are so that I can attempt to map out my future as I am almost sure my MS instructor (A Major) will want me to go. Thoughts?
-C/Cpl. Black

[Scary]

The story I hear all the time is that you should take any training opportunity that you get offered. Reason being is that it may be hard or nearly impossible to get certain training later on in your career. Don't worry about what branch you'll end up with and what training you will have completed. The truth behind the story is that should you be priviledged enough to be branched Armor, you may not serve with Airborne/Air Assault units (yes it is possible in the new UA system) where you'd attend those schools. So if it is something you want, you should try to get it every chance you get. Is it worth it? I dunno. I really think it depends on what floats your boat.

As far as attending WP for a semester, the program I've heard of is doing their summer training program with their 2nd year cadets. It is similar to what you'd experience at LDAC but with some VERY different training events. Don't take my words for gold though; the WP semester program may be out there. Other programs to think about are the UK cadet exchange program (from what I hear it's near impossible to get), study abroad in general, or mountain warfare/northern warfare. Those last two schools are from what I've heard some of the hardest schools to be placed into while you're in Active Duty.

Like I always say, take what I have to say at face value. I'm just another punk ass MSIV waiting to get out of school. Hopefully you get to do some extra training; I turned down a shot to CTLT to go on vacation one last summer with my family. It all depends on what your priorities in life are and what really matters to you.


E.S.