<p>Hello parents:
I've been accepted into West Point, and for a long time I've been thinking about what to major in. I'm interested in hopefully going into Military Intelligence after graduating and was wondering if yall had any suggested majors that would be helpful with this career path. I've always had a strong interest and good grades in all subjects, so making my decision for just one major very difficult. Any suggestions would be great! thanks</p>
<p>meg</p>
<p>Our cadet really, really stewed over making the "major" decision (you'll declare a major Fall semeser, the second year). She talked to anyone who would listen, cadets, upperclassmen, instructors, mentors... The best advise she got and she got it several times from active duty instructors: major in something you love, don't worry about how it connects to how you branch (which doesn't even come until your final year).</p>
<p>If you love Philosophy but think you MIGHT be interested in branching Finance or Chemical Corps, major in Philosophy! You will have instructors in all your subjects who are branched in every possible branch. Major and branch don't need to match in any way.</p>
<p>Megbee
Our plebe daughter is also leaning towards MI. She entered the academy thinking she would major in history or poli sci but now simply loves psychology. You will have plenty of time to decide. Nova is right, major in what you love, and realize that "love" may change a bit as you see these courses up close and personal. Thats a good thing.</p>
<p>Megbee,</p>
<p>Looks like a lot of the girls are interested in branching MI. My daughter is also. However, just about any major will work in this branch. You'll need to hone your analytical skills, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and have strong technology skills.</p>
<p>I talked to more than a few female cadets that would branch Infantry if it were allowed. I think thats why so many branch MI and MP---</p>
<p>"I talked to more than a few female cadets that would branch Infantry"</p>
<p>doubtfully within our lifetime</p>
<p>In my lifetime I have seen African Americans go from Jim Crow to being treated as equals under the law. I have watched men walk on the moon, seen women enter the service academies, command a space shuttle mission, and fly in combat. I have read more than one news report of female American soldiers performing well in combat in Iraq. There is no doubt in my mind that American women branching infantry is just around the corner. Thankfully there will be some who are ready to serve "officially" in that capacity when that time comes. Some have already made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afganistan alongside their male counterparts doing just that.</p>
<p>Especially if the war in Iraq continues for at least seven more years as predicted.</p>
<p>thanks for the feedback, everyone! you know, i've always been wanting to major in Spanish, as i've loved the class and am practically fluent. but i figured that would'nt be as helpful as some sort of analytical/science major. but now that you say that major doesn't necessarily have to correspond with branch, that option is back open! </p>
<p>meg</p>
<p>I would imagine that knowing how to speak and write fluently in a foreign language would be a GREAT skill, particularly in MI.</p>
<p>Foreign language can also get you extra pay each month. If you definately want to get MI I would think a major in Arabic or Chinese would be the path to go (if they have those at USMA). There are plenty of spanish speakers already. I would still go for spanish if it were your love though.</p>
<p>As a cadet who has gone through the process of picking a major at USMA, I give one simple recommendation:</p>
<p>Pick something that you are going to enjoy. Life is rough enough without hating all your classes. Pick something you like and something you don't mind spending time on.</p>
<p>GO CME</p>
<p>WESTPOINTCDT
<a href="http://www.westpointcadet.com%5B/url%5D">www.westpointcadet.com</a></p>
<p>Many Intel folks have a back ground in Poli Sci. Being able to understand the country that you are analyzing is plus. </p>
<p>Really, don't worry about the major. Take classes enjoy them find something you love. Major in something you love. When you are selecting your career field, your class ranking affects your choices. If you are number 1 in the English major vs. 471 in civil engineering, who is more likely to be selected? If you like your major, you will do better than majoring in something you think will help your career. </p>
<p>When Generals are hiring for jobs, they want people with different skill sets. They need officers that can write well, analyze data and engineer the newest bomb.</p>