<p>Hey everyone, I recently called West Point to update my file for Boys State when the woman I was talking to told me to set up an interview with my field force officer. I have contacted my field force officer once in late June (should I be calling him more?). Is this interview mandatory? Is it common? Also, what does it really do? Any information on this and if I should set one up is appreciated. Any history of when you had one, or your sons/daughters had one is appreciated as well.</p>
<p>Why need to update your file? Put in in your application when the time comes.</p>
<p>Once you submit your initial application you SHOULD be updating your file throughout the process. If you receive awards, varsity letters, etc. during your senior year you want West Point to know about these. </p>
<p>Atop - I don't recall my son having a formal interview with anyone in our field force. He met them informally several times throughout the process. It sounds like each state may do things differently. The field force is usually made up of alumni that volunteer their time. They help candidates get through the application process and are an excellent source for information. I would think their opinion of each candidate has some weight with admissions. I would contact the field force again and inquire about setting up an interview. When meeting with them be yourself and dress appropriately. Make sure you are ready to answer questions about why you want to attend the academy, why you want to serve as an Army officer, that kind of thing. Good luck to you!</p>
<p>Atop,
An interview report is usually required (recruited athletes are not interviewed by the field force). This is usually done by a field force officer or may be done by a squad leader during SLS (my son had no idea he had an interview - it seemed to be a casual chat with his squad leader during SLS). Call your field force officer and set up an appointment time. The aim of the interview is for the field force officer to give the candidate information about WP and application file completion, and also to evaluate the candidate. After the interview (formal or informal) a report is sent to admissions and added to your file. WAMom68 has given you good advice. Good luck!</p>
<p>"Why need to update your file? Put in in your application when the time comes."
The advantage of updating your file is that if you meet the criteria you may be offered an early LOA.</p>
<p>I update my info because it shows I'm interested. Even if that may not make a difference, I still want to show I want to be there.</p>