WEST POINTERS - THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
- grads beyond west point -
click the links below to explore your options
CHEMICAL CORPS | MEDICAL SERVICE | FIELD ARTILLERY | ADJUTANT GENERAL | TRANSPORTATION CORPS | AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY | SIGNAL CORPS | ORDNANCE CORPS | CYBER | INFANTRY | MILITARY INTELLIGENCE | ARMOR | AVIATION | ENGINEERS
COMING SOON: MILITARY POLICE | FINANCE | QUARTERMASTER
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES is an ongoing series highlighting recent graduates of the United States Military Academy. It focuses on each graduates individual branch selection and what each officer/grad has learned from their West Point experience. Join us as we explore the unique journeys that started with the simple act of filling out an application and that will last a lifetime.
ADJUTANT GENERAL
LATOSHA FLOYD
USMA 2003
What is your branch?
Adjutant General
Where has it taken you (travel), and where is your home now?
My first duty station was Fort Campbell, home of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). I deployed to Iraq (twice) and Afghanistan during my tour there. From there I was assigned to the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion in Nashville, TN as an operations officer. I was then selected for the Joint Staff/Army Staff/Office of the Secretary of Defense Internship Program - the Army sent me to Georgetown University where I earned a master's degree in Policy Management before serving on the Joint Staff and HQ Department of the Army Staff at the Pentagon. I spent 5 years in Hawaii, serving at the 500th Military Intelligence Brigade on Schofield Barracks and on the US Indo-Pacific Command Staff at Camp Smith. I was selected for CSL and served as the 7th Infantry Division G1 from 2019-2021. I currently serve on the U.S. Army Pacific staff as the Director, Human Resources Operations Center on Fort Shafter.
What year did you graduate West Point?
2003.
What was your major?
Information Systems Engineering.
What activities were you involved in?
I was on the Powerlifting team for two years as well as the Rugby team during my senior year.
When you started, what did you want to branch?
Signal Corps.
At what point did you decide you were going to branch Aviation?
I think I decided within weeks of Branch night. It was a toss up between Engineers, Adjutant General, Signal Corps.
What is your favorite part about being in your branch?
I love helping people and understanding what matters the most. Soldiers care about accomplishing the mission but they really want themselves and their families to be taken care of first - and that's what HR leaders focus on.
What is your day to day life in your branch?
I spend a lot of my day talking to people, understanding their issues and helping to devise solutions. I also plan for exercises and contingency operations across the Indo-Pacific theater from the perspective of HR operations.
What is the most memorable moment you've had in your branch?
MWR is a major HR function during a deployment. In 2005-2006, I was able to create an education center on FOB Speicher and also teach GT improvement classes to Soldiers from across the 101st Airborne Division during our deployment to Iraq. I really felt like I was able to take the intent of my job and turn it into something much more than what was expected. I also coordinated for the Soldiers to take CLEP and language exams at the education center, allowing a number of Soldiers to fulfill their dream of becoming a warrant officer, commissioned officer, or attaining a special assignment following the deployment.
How is your branch rewarding?
My branch has allowed me to do what I feel called to do, which is to help people resolve issues in their lives. Although I do this in the realm of Human Resources Management, I am glad that my work is in line with my life goals.
What Army offered continuing advanced education have you used / do you plan to use?
I utilized the Army’s Tuition Assistance Program to pay for my first master's degree.
The Army offered me a fully-funded masters of arts degree from Georgetown University a couple years later.
Then, I used the post 9-11 G.I. Bill to fund my doctorate degree.
I also completed an HR certification (Senior Professional in Human Resources) through my branch.
Additionally, this winter I will be getting my PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
What do you do in your time-off from work?
I am an avid reader, hiker, fitness enthusiast, and cook.
What mentor or mentor-like figure has helped you the most, and how?
LTC Michael Miller did not graduate from West Point but served as G1 for the Garrison command. As a fellow AG officer, he provided mentorship and opportunities that have helped me to excel throughout my career.
LTC (Ret) Heather Reed was my rugby coach and became a consistent mentor and friend to me throughout my career. Although she was an EN officer, our careers tracked closely, and we served together in multiple duty assignments.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
AVIATION
CHLOE FLORES
USMA 2011
What is your branch?
Aviation
Where has it taken you (travel), and where is your home now?
The Army has taken me all over the world, but keeps bringing me back to Texas. I am currently stationed at Fort Hood, TX for the third time.
What year did you graduate West Point?
2011
What was your major?
Environmental Geography
What activities were you involved in?
Women’s Army Rugby (4 years), West Point Ski Club
When you started, what did you want to branch?
I ALWAYS wanted to fly and branch Aviation. When I first got accepted to West Point, I didn’t know much about Army Aviation and thought it would be a long shot.
At what point did you decide you were going to branch Aviation?
I knew from the minute I mailed my West Point acceptance letter in the spring of my Senior year of high school.
What is your favorite part about being in your branch?
I love the opportunity to continue to refine my skills as an aviator and leader working in different facets of Army Aviation. But, my favorite part of Army Aviation is the crew-centric mentality. A lot goes into flying helicopters; from the crew chiefs executing complicated maintenance tasks to flying in the helicopter, I love serving as a crucial crew member when executing mission sets.
What is your day to day life in your branch?
Day to day can vary drastically. One day, I might be working with ground forces on planning an integrated training exercise. And the next day I could be conducting a training flight to hone my skills as UH60 Blackhawk pilot.
What is the most memorable moment you've had in your branch?
Company Command tops the list. Being in a position to have such a clear impact on Soldiers was truly a privilege. Company Command is where the rubber meets the road, and providing Soldiers the tools and latitude to execute their mission is an amazing experience.
How is your branch rewarding?
Army Aviation has a variety of mission sets. I’ve flown combat missions ranging from MEDEVAC and VIP missions to supporting coastal communities in the aftermath of hurricanes.
What Army offered continuing advanced education have you used / do you plan to use?
I’ve used Army Credentialing Assistance to earn my Private Pilot’s License (Fixed Wing), while I was 28 weeks pregnant with my twins. I recently used Army Credentialing Assistance to earn my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
What do you do in your time-off from work?
I am dual military with 2 year old twins, so life is definitely busy. My husband and I are both in demanding jobs, so we try our best to plan fun things on the weekends. We recently took advantage of low cost flights to fly home to Albuquerque for the International Balloon Fiesta.
How many of your friends or mentors from West Point have you stayed in touch with?
I stay in touch with every single one of my rugby sisters. Sometimes more time would pass than I like in between phone calls, but no matter what, whenever we get back together it is as if no time has passed. When we are together, I truly feel like I am a Firstie at West Point again, but with more back pain.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
ENGINEERS
KELSEY HAE YUN JANG
USMA 2015
What is your branch?
Engineers
Where has it taken you (travel), and where is your home now?
I am currently stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. I have been to Fort Knox, KY, Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and have spent extended periods of time in Tel Aviv, Israel (6 months) and St. Croix, USVI (2x1-month trips) in support of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
What year did you graduate West Point?
2015
What was your major?
Civil Engineering
How do you use what you learned?
The Civil Engineering Department taught me several lessons as a cadet that I use to this very day.
The first is time management - juggling the course load in a challenging major along with all the other responsibilities of cadet-life. That forced me to prioritize my tasks, and use my time efficiently.
The second is knowing when to ask for help and learning where to get that help. Whether it was from fellow cadets or from instructors, I found that I always had the resources to accomplish whatever I needed to.
Finally, problem solving and teamwork. There were several culminating projects that required out-of-the-box thinking and coordination with others to successfully complete.
What other activities were you involved in?
Women’s Army Rugby
When you started, what did you want to branch?
Logistics
At what point did you decide you were going to branch Engineers? When I came back to West Point for my Firstie year (after Cadet Troop Leader Training with a Transportation Corps unit), I picked the brains of instructors and mentors on their experiences with their respective branches. I found that a resounding theme from all the Engineer officers was job satisfaction and a passion for the unique mission sets.
What is your favorite part about being in your branch?
I truly do believe that the Engineer branch is the best branch in the Army. As an Engineer officer, you have a wide variety of units/jobs you can be a part of. From Sappers to construction and route clearance and bridgers, to specialty Engineers like Prime Power specialists or Divers, the Engineer Branch is the most diverse branch in the Army. The different 12-series MOS are so much fun to learn about - every single job is unique.
What is the most memorable moment you've had in your branch?
Supporting 10th Mountain Division at JRTC was the most memorable moment I’ve had in my branch. At the time I was part of the 19th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade. The training at JRTC was enhanced when I really understood the role of Sappers and how we are essential to accomplishing any mission. Whether it’s setting up obstacles and mines in the defense, or providing freedom of movement and maneuver for Infantry assets - Engineers are critical to the success of any unit. We bring a lot to the fight!
How is your branch rewarding?
As a Company Commander in the 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power), I get to see firsthand the immediate relief and positive results that our hardworking and talented people produce in real-world missions when natural disasters such as hurricanes and storms hit. The technical training that qualified individuals endure at the Prime Power School is so impressive, and to see them in action is truly a privilege.
Like I mentioned above, the Engineer branch is very diverse. The branch has a place for everyone, and encourages so many different types of opportunities.
What continuing education (Army offered/supported) have you used / do you plan to use?
The Engineer branch reimburses the cost of taking the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which I had the opportunity to do.
What do you do in your time-off from work?
I started CrossFit back in 2017, and it has been a staple in my life since. I had the opportunity to obtain my CrossFit Level 1 certification when I was at Engineer Captain’s Career Course in 2021, and plan to use the Army credentialing program to obtain my Level 2 certification. In my free time I enjoy traveling to see friends, hiking, reading, and spending time with family.
How many of your friends or mentors from West Point have you stayed in touch with?
My best friends are from West Point! Particularly from the Rugby team, but also from people that were in my company, and many in different year groups.
What mentor or mentor-like figure has helped you the most, and how?
LTC (R) Steve Henderson was the rugby Officer Representative when I was on the team. He set the standard of being a professional, compassionate leader who truly cared for his subordinates. (Not to mention - he could beat most of us in sprints as a LTC!!!)
I made several mistakes as a cadet and as a young LT, and his encouragement and mentorship helped me get through those darker times. To have someone believe in you, even when you’re at your lowest, is truly powerful.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
AVIATION
AUSTIN LACHANCE
USMA 2017
What is your branch? Aviation (15A) - I'm currently stationed at Fort Campbell, KY with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). In the almost five years since graduating, army aviation has taken me all across the globe - the humid forests of Fort Polk, the thin air of Fort Carson, the sprawling vista of the Tagab Valley, the snow-capped Bavarian Alps, and even back home to West Point for Branch Week!
What year did you graduate West Point? Class of 2017
What was your major? Mechanical Engineering (with a focus in Aeronautics)
When you started, what did you want to branch? I always had a passion for aviation and a mechanical intuition growing up. My major armed me with the hard science and deeper understanding of those intuitions, which I was able to use as a foundation going into flight school and a career as an aviator to internalize flight concepts with ease. In addition to the literal aviation & mechanical applications of my major, the generalized approach to problem solving engineering students are raised with has proven to be indispensable in a profession where each day presents a new problem to be solved!
What other activities were you involved in? Throughout my 47 month experience, I participated in Sandhurst, numerous company athletics, and the Cadet Spirit Band (as a proud War Tuba). Towards the end of my time, I worked with a number of like-minded friends & mentors of mine to try and stand up a club for cadets interested in visual storytelling (photo & video) aimed at capturing the cadet experience. While it never took shape during my stay, the effort eventually blossomed into the Cadet Media Group!
At what point did you decide you were going to branch Aviation? As I mentioned earlier, I was passionate about aviation from a very young age. I knew I wanted to branch aviation even before R-Day! And that desire never waivered throughout my time.
What is your favorite part about being in your branch? My favorite part about my branch is obviously flying the mighty CH-47F Chinook! But beyond that, I love being surrounded by the craftsmanship & professionalism of everyone from the senior warrant officers in the brigade down to the most junior crew chiefs.
What is the most memorable moment you've had in your branch? The most memorable moment I've had as an aviator has been the high altitude training we did in the Bavarian Alps while deployed to Europe for Operation Atlantic Resolve. Gorgeous views, plus incredible training, made for one of the best days of flying I've ever had.
How is your branch rewarding? Aviation is a tremendously rewarding branch due to the support you're able to provide the ground force, or "customer". Regardless of your airframe, there are few feelings better than leveraging your craft, ingenuity & the teamwork of your fellow pilots to solve complex aviation problem sets for the customer, then strapping on a helicopter to go execute.
What do you do in your time off work? I spend most of my free time practicing my main hobby of visual storytelling, in the form of photography & videography. In addition to that, I'm listening to music almost every chance I get!
What mentor or mentor-like figure has helped you the most, and how? There have been dozens of friends & mentors I've stayed in touch with going on nearly five years since graduation! In fact, some of my favorite mentors I've garnerd while out in the force have been fellow old grads that I never knew until meeting them through work, but with whom I was able to establish deep relationships due to the shared experience of West Point.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
ARMOR
JACK LUCIE
USMA 2018
What is your branch?
Armor
What year did you graduate West Point?
2018
What was your major?
Business Management (link to curriculum) with Environmental Engineering Track (link to curriculum)
How do you use what you learned?
The most applicable skill I use that I learned from my major in college is how to positively affect change within an organization. I give my soldiers/unit a vision that I intend them to meet and use control measures and performance evaluations to keep them on the glide path I want.
What is your day to day life in your branch?
I am an Executive Officer (XO) for a mounted reconnaissance troop. My day-to-day life revolves heavily around vehicle maintenance, logistical support, supply actions, and training resourcing. I am my commander’s right hand man, so I am prepared to make decisions and delegate tasks on his behalf. I work closely with the other XOs in the Squadron and assist in accomplishing the squadron mission (whatever it may be).
How is your branch rewarding?
It is rewarding because day in and day out I get to help young soldiers become experts in reconnaissance and security. Additionally, seeing them grow as soldiers and young men / women is a feeling that will never get old to me.
What continuing advanced education has the Army offered or do you plan to use to further develop in your career path?
I’m excited to attend the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course (MCCC) to learn more about leading company and battalion-level organizations. All of the coursework is transferrable for college credits. While I’m there, I’ll also have the time to take a few graduate-level courses, paid for by the Army, which will accelerate my plan for earning an MBA.
How many of your friends or mentors from West Point have you stayed in touch with?
I have kept up with so many of my old friends / mentors. The Army is a much smaller place than people realize so I frequently run into old classmates / instructors / etc.
What mentor or mentor-like figure has helped you the most, and how?
It’s difficult to narrow down one specific mentor, because I had a figurative army supporting and guiding me when I was a cadet. In an effort to avoid forgetting someone, I’ll name a few and explain their significance.
COL (R) Tom Cook: COL Cook is a wrestling Officer Representative (OR) and works in the Computer Science department at West Point. He was the first officer to open my eyes to the benefits and importance of the Armor branch. He was also a critical element to my success on and off the mat during my time as a cadet. He assisted me in the branching process and is a man I look up to and stay in touch with to this day.
Kevin Ward: Coach Ward is the head wrestling coach at West Point. He is a civilian, so the army-specific skills are not what I am addressing here. Coach Ward is one of the best leaders I have ever interacted with in my life. Wrestling aside, he knows how to inspire positive change in an organization. He took the Army team from one of the worst in our conference to a top 20 team by the time I left to pursue my military career. I frequently reach out to Coach Ward and seek his advice for challenges I face in the military and otherwise.
MAJ Jeff Fearing: CPT Fearing when I was a cadet. He was my firstie-year TAC officer. MAJ Fearing was intimately involved with my success as a firstie, and pushed me to focus on the big picture. He was a critical factor in my graduation, and I even landed on the Dean’s List in my last semester due to his mentorship.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
CHEMICAL CORPS
CAROLYN BOCKRATH
USMA 2018
What is your branch?
Chemical
What year did you graduate West Point?
2018
What was your major?
American Politics (link to curriculum)
Where has it taken you (travel), and where is your home now?
Since graduating and commissioning in 2018 I have been stationed at Fort Jackson, SC and Fort Bragg, NC. I am currently stationed at Fort Bragg, NC in the 44th Medical Brigade.
How do you use what you learned?
I think that everything I learned in my major has allowed me to navigate and discuss the current political landscape with my soldiers. Being a leader in the Army requires you to have these difficult conversations and my major has given me the tools to speak about politics in an educational manner with my Soldiers.
What other activities were you involved in?
I played on the Women’s Volleyball Team all four years at school.
What is your favorite part about being in your branch?
My favorite part of being a Chemical Officer is having the opportunity to be a part of many different types of units. I am currently in a medical brigade and love being a part of the medical mission. I am on Brigade staff which has allowed me to see many different types of operations and has allowed me to learn about different aspects of the Army.
What is your day to day life in your branch?
I am the Brigade Chemical Officer. My daily work primarily consists of current operations for the brigade as well as assisting in any chemical training our units are conducting. As soon as I arrived at my brigade we were assuming the DCRF (Defense Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Response Force) mission. This is a response force for natural disasters and any chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) attacks in the United States. I had the opportunity to be a battle captain and help prepare the Brigade to respond to any CBRN incident.
How many of your friends or mentors from West Point have you stayed in touch with?
My best friends are from West Point and we keep in touch on a regular basis. I also keep in touch with a few of my instructors who have become mentors over the years. The instructors I had as a cadet are some of the most inspiring people and looking back it is incredible how much time they committed to their students in and out of the classroom. Overall, my academic experience as a cadet was incredibly positive. Instructors were always available for additional instruction (AI), staying on post for late night study sessions before major tests and volunteering their time well outside of the normal duty hours. I was also incredibly lucky to have Officer Representatives (ORs) for the Volleyball team that were invested in my well-being as a cadet as well as my academic success. Without the support from my ORs and Instructors my experience would have been very different.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
MEDICAL SERVICE
CORA MOODY
USMA 2017
What is your branch?
Medical Service (MS)
What year did you graduate West Point?
2017
What was your major?
Business Management (link to curriculum) and Spanish (link to curriculum)
Where has it taken you (travel), and where is your home now?
Fort Campbell, KY (First Duty Station); Fort Polk, LA (Joint Readiness Training Center Rotation in 2018); West Point, NY (2018 Cadet Summer Training Task Force – “Task Force Falcon”); Fort Belvoir, VA; Fort Stewart, GA (Current home/duty station).
When you started, what did you want to branch?
I wanted to branch Aviation, but I could not qualify for corrective eye surgery, so Medical Service became my #1 branch choice.
What is your favorite part about being in your branch?
I enjoy working with the diversity of our enlisted Military Occupational Specialities (MOSs) and Officer Areas of Concentration within the Army Medical Department (AMEDD). I interact with Nutrition Care Specialists, Medical Maintenance Specialists, Nurses, and Doctors, among many others, on a daily basis. There is a high level of intelligence and commitment to service through healthcare in the AMEDD.
What is your day to day life in your branch?
I currently serve as the Company Commander for the Medical Company at Winn Army Community Hospital. We have about 315 Soldiers who work in the Hospital and provide medical care to the 3rd Infantry Division, their family members, and beneficiaries. I am responsible for ensuring that my Soldiers are also ready to deploy – meaning they are militarily, physically, and administratively prepared to go wherever and whenever they are needed.
How is your branch rewarding?
The Medical Service branch surrounds all things related to healthcare and serving others. In a field setting, we plan and execute medical evacuation and treatment to take care of our injured brothers and sisters in arms, which is very rewarding to observe in action.
How many of your friends or mentors from West Point have you stayed in touch with?
I am in touch with the majority of my close friends from West Point, and I continue to make new friends across different West Point class years as I meet them at different duty stations – the new friendships often come very naturally since we came from the same grind.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
FIELD ARTILLERY
TAYLOR WING
USMA 2018
What is your branch?
Field Artillery
What year did you graduate West Point?
2018
What was your major?
Chinese Language (link to curriculum) and Management (link to curriculum)
How do you use what you learned?
My majors don’t directly correlate to anything I need to know as a FA (Field Artillery) Lieutenant, but I definitely apply general leadership skills and life lessons learned as a cadet everyday.
At what point did you decide you were going to branch Field Artillery?
I decided after Yuk (sophomore) summer training, which is the first time we got to experience the gun line and firing M119s. Plus my TAC (tactical) officer, Captain Nadel, was Field Artillery and I respected him a lot.
What is your day to day life in your branch?
I am an operations officer for a MEPS (military entrance processing station), so my day to day life doesn’t really reflect that of a typical FA officer. At MEPS, we process, screen, swear in, and ship qualified applicants into our armed forces.
How is your branch rewarding?
I’ve had a lot of opportunities as a Lieutenant to experience every aspect of fire support. You can be an FSO (fire support officer) attached to an infantry company, a platoon leader or fire direction officer on the gun line, or working with rockets on the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. The scope is very diverse.
How many of your friends or mentors from West Point have you stayed in touch with?
I utilize the West Point network and the greater service academy network very frequently in the realm of real estate. Honestly, our network is one of the best aspects of being a graduate of West Point.
What mentor or mentor-like figure has helped you the most, and how?
Buddy Rushing, USNA grad, Marine Corps engineer officer. He changed the game for me when it comes to personal finance, investing, and overall mindset.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
ADJUTANT GENERAL
TAYLOR GAFF
USMA 2018
What is your branch?
Adjutant General (AG), but transitioning to Civil Affairs
What year did you graduate West Point?
2018
What was your major?
Management (link to curriculum)
What is your day to day life in your branch?
We start every morning with the most important activity we do all day—physical training (PT). After PT I start most days with a Calendar Sync meeting with my Battalion Commander, Command Sergeant Major, Executive Officer, and S3 (Operations) Officer. My shop then compiles the Personnel Status Reports from subordinate units and assesses the reports. In the morning or afternoon, depending on the day, we have rotational customer service hours, in which Soldiers can come in to correct pay issues, record issues, etc. After lunch, we process actions such as inquiries, record updates, awards, leave, evaluations, meal cards, promotions/reductions, postal and casualty operations etc.
How is your branch rewarding?
My branch is rewarding because I get to meet and interact with Soldiers every single day. I also get to help these Soldiers, knowing at the end of the day that they are in a better place either professionally or personally because of my and my shop’s actions. Sometimes there are extreme circumstances that require extraordinary personnel actions that are not so black and white. Being able to think critically and analyze the problem set enables Human Resource Professionals to solve issues swiftly and effectively.
What Army offered continuing advanced education have you used / do you plan to use?
I plan on utilizing the Advanced Civil Schooling program to obtain my Master’s Degree. It is an amazing program that allows Army Officers to attend graduate school as a “civilian” while still getting paid as a full time Officer. The additional service obligation is three days for every one day spent in school. I do not know where I would like to go to grad school just yet but am leaning towards an MBA – Operations Management.
What do you do in your time off work (work/life balance, have you taken advantage of free / low cost flights, family and recreation programs, etc.)?
I am a self-proclaimed baker and spend the majority of my free time experimenting with new recipes for cakes, pastries, and cookies. I look forward to sharing my baked goods with my Soldiers and can always count on them to give me an honest assessment. I also enjoy working out, golfing, hiking, reading, and visiting my sister, Alex (CPT, FA, Class of 2015) in Hawaii whenever I get the chance to take leave. I have participated in Post Intramurals at every duty station I have been at, softball in particular. I also volunteer my time and baking skills on the weekends to Brookwood in Georgetown, a non profit community for adults with special needs and functional disabilities.
How many of your friends or mentors from West Point have you stayed in touch with?
My closest friends are those I made while at West Point. I talk daily to a handful of my classmates and we try to meet up as much as we can throughout the year. I have also kept in contact with 2-3 mentors from school. I look to them for professional and personal advice on a regular basis and am fortunate to have such successful leaders in my life.
What mentor or mentor-like figure has helped you the most, and how?
My last boss, Battalion Executive Officer, MAJ Joshua Schulz, has mentored me the most since I have been in the Army and has served as my greatest mentor. He trusted in my abilities and my judgments enough to let me live up to my potential in terms of advising my Command Team and supporting their initiatives from an HR standpoint. He was not a micromanager, he encouraged me to take smart, calculated risks, and was concerned with the actual status of the unit and not just getting the slide to green for the higher headquarters. He encouraged me to take leaps of faith, to remember to invest time back into myself, and how to outwork everybody else to get what I wanted while remaining grounded, humble and maintaining my moral compass. I could not have asked for a better person to work for and with.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
TRANSPORTATION CORPS
WILLIAM WILSON
USMA 2018
What is your branch?
Transportation Corps
What year did you graduate West Point?
2018
What was your major?
Business Management (link to curriculum)
How do you use what you learned?
I think my major was fairly applicable to my field, as I now get to plan and work logistics for the Army, which has allowed me to see some of the “business side” of operations, and allowed me to work with civilian organizations and sister branches of the military.
What is your favorite part about being in your branch?
My branch has allowed me to travel to a ton of different places. Being in a unique brigade, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), I have gotten to participate in many exercises that are very atypical for other Soldiers/Officers, even within the Transportation Branch.
What is your day to day life in your branch?
As a platoon leader (where I spent 18 months and completed deployment while in this position) my day to day life was a lot of planning for training, putting out “fires” that always pop up, taking care of Soldiers, and planning for our role in exercises such as convoys, rail/vessel/aircraft loading operations, or field exercises. Currently I work as the deputy BDE S4 (Brigade Logistics Officer), which brings new challenges every day. I manage our brigade’s contracting, oversee maintenance, supply and property, food services, government purchase card programs, and exercise logistics planning.
What is the most memorable moment you've in your branch?
Definitely the surreal moment of being given a no-notice deployment notification in early 2020 (and being the unit movement officer for that, which was definitely “memorable” to say the least). Also, getting to be a liaison officer at a small camp in Kingdom of Saudia Arabia during that deployment.
How many of your friends or mentors from West Point have you stayed in touch with?
I have stayed in touch with a great deal of my friends from West Point. My two roommates were my groomsmen in my wedding (2% club for the win), and I have been/am going to be a groomsman in each of their weddings. I have also kept in touch with a couple of my mentors from USMA and BOLC.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY
LAUREN KARBLER
USMA 2020
What is your branch?
Air Defense Artillery
What year did you graduate West Point?
2020
What was your major?
English (link to curriculum)
Where has it taken you (travel), and where is your home now?
I was deployed overseas to Jordan and Kuwait, and am currently stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.
How do you use what you learned?
My major at school definitely helped in my ability to think critically, articulate, and communicate with my Soldiers effectively.
At what point did you decide you were going to branch Air Defense?
When I started I wanted to branch aviation, but at the end of my Yearling year I saw my then boyfriend (now husband) going through flight school and thought… yeah, not for me. Air Defense was always a close second because of its strategic relevancy and the leadership opportunities it provides.
What is your favorite part about being in your branch?
The opportunity I had to deploy and the responsibility I immediately saw that I held as a second lieutenant are some of my favorite parts of being in Air Defense. After my certifications, I held the responsibility of defending strategic assets where we were deployed. I love the fact that as a brand new Air Defense Officer, I was able to see the impact of my job, my training implemented in real-world situations, and how the decisions I made played a critical role in the overall mission I was a part of overseas.
How is your branch rewarding?
Being able to serve as a Platoon Leader over deployment and getting to know about my Soldiers and my job in that environment was extremely rewarding.
How many of your friends or mentors from West Point have you stayed in touch with?
I still talk to my friends from West Point almost daily. They were truly the best part of my time at school. I've also stayed in touch with a good amount of my mentors from West Point as well. I ran into my PL300 teacher in Kuwait and one of the Air Defense branch reps currently serves in the same Battalion as me.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
SIGNAL CORPS
COURTNEY SMITH
USMA 2018
What is your branch?
Signal Corps
Where has it taken you (travel), and where is your home now? Travel: 1. Fort Bragg, NC 2. Fort Polk, LA
From: Penns Grove, NJ Currently Live: Highland Falls, NY
What year did you graduate West Point?
2018
What was your major?
Systems Engineering
How do you use what you learned?
I use my undergrad to increase any system or organization’s overall optimization and readiness. I also use my undergrad skills to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to any project or managerial role I partake in. I use the skills I learned from my branch to lead, motivate, and inspire Soldiers and their Families to become the best Signal Corps Soldiers they possibly can be. I’ve gained a ton of signal technical, tactical, and strategic knowledge from leaders, mentors, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, junior enlisted Soldiers, government contractors, and DoD civilians. I used my top secret security clearance to conduct strategic and tactical operations dealing with controlled unclassified, classified, and top secret operations that has improved the readiness and capabilities of several Army organizations abroad and on home station.
What other activities were you involved in?
D1 Track & Field, D1 Women’s Rugby
When you started, what did you want to branch?
Initially, I wanted to branch Engineers, but I rethought this decision and wanted to branch Signal Corps instead to increase and enhance my career path into the world of information technology, cybersecurity, network systems engineering, and software engineering.
At what point did you decide you were going to branch Signal Corps?
I decided during my Firstie (senior) year Branch Week after talking to the Signal Corps representatives.
What is your favorite part about being in your branch?
I love leading Soldiers who possess the knowledge to man, maintain, and troubleshoot the Army network. I have been blessed to work with some of the Army most intelligent Soldiers and Paratroopers. In addition, I admire the technical knowledge that you develop over time to give key leaders the capability to communicate on and off the battlefield.
What is your day to day life in your branch?
As a Lieutenant in the Signal Corps, I was a Platoon Leader solely responsible for the health, welfare, and readiness of the Soldiers in my platoon. Weekly, I would plan signal training and validation exercises by testing all of our equipment to ensure it was ready for any upper echelon missions.
What is the most memorable moment you've in your branch?
The most memorable moment for me was continuously learning more and more about my equipment and its capabilities from the non-commissioned officers and Soldiers in my platoon. Knowing your equipment is vital to all missions.
How is your branch rewarding?
My branch offers a variety of opportunities to increase my tactical, strategic, and technical knowledge. My position requires me to have a top secret security clearance to help secure the Army network. In addition, opportunities such as training with industry corporations (Microsoft, Cisco, etc.) and lining myself up to obtain my Master’s Degree fully funded from the Army is the next way ahead for me. Since every duty station in the Army requires a Signal support element, I can literally be located and stationed almost anywhere in the world which is a plus.
What Army offered continuing advanced education have you used / do you plan to use?
The Army offered me to obtain industry IT certifications, a Master’s Degree, and eventually my Ph.D. degree. It has also granted me the opportunity to go to Airborne School to become airborne qualified to parachute out of planes. I have also been qualified on several positions outside of my normal signal position to help aid with the overall mission success of the organizations within the Army that I have partaken in.
What do you do in your time off work (work/life balance, have you taken advantage of free / low cost flights, family and recreation programs, etc.)?
Outside of work, I used the opportunity to travel to see family, friends, and the rest of the world. I have also used this time to conduct self-study in information technology as well as partake in my hobbies of snowboarding, reading, and running.
How many of your friends or mentors from West Point have you stayed in touch with?
I’ve stayed in touch with every single one of them, and they have given me the best insight that I could possibly ever ask for.
What mentor or mentor-like figure has helped you the most, and how?
Colonel Ricardo Morales has helped me the most. He has taken me under his wing and taught me what I needed to know to be a successful leader and mentor. I aspire to be just like him one day.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
ORDNANCE CORPS
MARAE KALIAN
USMA 2018
What is your branch? Ordinance with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), MOS: 89E
Where has it taken you (travel), and where is your home now? I did BOLC at FT Lee, VA, EOD School at EGLIN AFB in Niceville/Destin, FL, and I am currently at FT Carson, CO. However, in EOD, we do Very Important Person (VIP) mission support where we travel where the POTUS, VPOTUS, etc travel. So far, I have been to the Mar a Lago in West Palm Beach, FL, Detroit, Michigan (I cleared the runway for Air Force 1), and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
What year did you graduate West Point? 2018
What was your major? Business Management, Civil Engineering Track
How do you use what you learned? In general, West Point provided me with a ton of leadership skills. However, my major taught me how to manage in all aspects. Classes like Human Resource Management taught me how to best manage people and what helps employees to feel appreciated, help them be more productive, and how to be a good boss. Operations Management taught me how to operate smoothly and understand how things run, which is extremely helpful as the current XO/Operations OIC of my company.
What other activities were you involved in? I played rugby my first two years, was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa (honors fraternity), and helped plan the Special Olympics for the Hudson Valley.
When you started, what did you want to branch? Aviation or AG, but I couldn’t get LASIK and after I learned more about AG, I lost interest in it.
At what point did you decide you were going to branch Ordnance? During CTLT, the 2LT I shadowed was able to get me into different branches that her friends were a part of. I visited an EOD company one day and fell in love.
What is your favorite part about being in your branch? Our mission is special. We have super close relationships because platoons have 8 personnel—including the PL and PSG. We get to blow stuff up, use the robots, and are constantly having to change and adapt to new threats. This job is never boring and I have the privilege of working with the highest caliber of Soldiers and NCOs.
What is your day to day life in your branch? Our work call is at 0930. As a PL, I’d give my guys tasks for the days (350-1 training, cleaning/preparing equipment, etc), or we’d conduct training (ranges, EOD problem sets, etc). Now, as the company’s Operations OIC, I read a lot of emails, complete a lot of spreadsheets, plan training, and coordinate with BN to ensure that everything runs smoothly. I loved being a PL, because I got to hang out with my platoon all the time, but I think being the OPS OIC is giving me a brief glimpse of my future as a Company Commander. Usually, we are off around 1530 and only work late during ranges/training (by late I mean 1700/1800).
What is the most memorable moment you've in your branch? The first time I got to use C4 and TNT and set it up for a demolition shot. It was AWESOME. The instructors at EOD school handed each of us a block of C4, 1 stick of TNT, some det cord, time fuse and ignitors. We all went down and set up our shots and then pulled them and ran back to our safe area to wait for them to go off. Then, one by one, each lane’s shot went off and it was so cool to finally do something EOD related because mostly everything we had done was in the classroom up to this point. It was such an adrenaline rush to watch my shot go off and see that I was finally doing what I had chosen to do.
How is your branch rewarding? The job is not only cool, but the relationships we build in EOD are for a lifetime. We are all so close and I know that I can count on anyone in my company and vice versa. We have a ton of fun, work hard when we need to, and are all driven to be successful.
What Army offered continuing advanced education have you used / do you plan to use? I want to go back to West Point and teach in BS&L (my department) after I complete company command. That would require me to get my MBA, which I am hoping to do at Harvard, Stanford, Kellogg, or MIT. If that doesn’t work out, I would consider becoming a warrant and going to flight school.
What do you do in your time off work (work/life balance, have you taken advantage of free / low cost flights, family and recreation programs, etc.)? I love to spend my time working out, hiking, camping, cooking/bbqing, skiing/snowboarding, spending time with my cat and dog, and just enjoying the outdoors of Colorado. EOD is really good about not running its people into the ground. I live downtown in Colorado Springs, so all the cool restaurants are right out my front door. Outdoor Rec is awesome. I’ve rented mountain bikes from them and the prices are amazing. In general, they have everything you could need to rent for an outdoor adventure.
How many of your friends or mentors from West Point have you stayed in touch with? I say in touch with 6 of my instructors/mentors and all of my closest friends. The relationships you build at USMA are unbeatable. You go through so much together and your instructors/mentors are so caring/attentive. You cannot get that anywhere else.
What mentor or mentor-like figure has helped you the most, and how? MAJ Sandra Jackson and Dr. Lissa Young (still teaches in BS&L). I got in trouble my Cow year and both of these ladies developed and mentored me. They never gave up on me, supported me, and helped me through one of the toughest, most challenging, times of my life.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
CYBER
JINNY YAN
USMA 2016
Q&A
What is your branch? Cyber
What year did you graduate West Point? 2016
What was your major? Double major in Computer Science and Chinese Language and Literature
What is your favorite part about being in your branch? The community is very tight and encouraging. Members of the branch make time for learning during and outside of work hours and encourage others to pursue excellence in everything they do.
What is the most memorable moment you've had in your branch? My opportunity to deploy overseas as a member of the Expeditional Cyber Team, serving as the team's on-ground tool developer. During this experience, I received fantastic mentorship from senior officers across multiple branches, learned about how Cyber fits into the greater picture, and made friends for life.
What Army offered continuing advanced education have you used / do you plan to use? The Army sent me to receive my Master's in Computer Science at Northeastern University and MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Boston immediately upon graduation at West Point.
How many of your friends or mentors from West Point have you stayed in touch with? Some of my closest friends have come from my time at West Point. I am so proud of what they have accomplished all over the Army. I have friends in the Aviation, Military Intelligence, Infantry, Engineer branches who I talk to on a weekly basis.
What mentor or mentor-like figure has helped you the most, and how? Dr. Suzanne Matthews, professor in the EECS (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) department was a top mentor for me as a cadet. Not only did she teach me, but she was also my academic advisor and helped with my academic plan so that I was able to successfully complete my two majors as well as attend a semester abroad in Taiwan. Colonel Christa Chewar (EECS - Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) and Colonel Eugene Gregory (DFL - Department of Foreign Languages) were also instrumental to my success as a cadet as my respective department liaisons.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
INFANTRY -> SIGNAL CORPS
BRANDON CROMWELL
USMA 2018
Q&A
Brandon Cromwell
What is your branch?
Infantry Branch - Detail Signal Corps
Officers serve the first 3-4 years in a branch of their choice and then transition to a different branch of their choice for the remainder of their service obligation.
What year did you graduate West Point?
2018
What was your major?
Business Management (link to curriculum)
How do you use what you learned?
I use the coding that I learned in Excel, investment knowledge I learned in Managerial Finance, and how to effectively work with others in a work environment and how to motivate others to work hard, which I learned in Marketing.
What other activities were you involved in?
Football Manager (4 years)
Cultural Affairs Seminar Member (4 years)
Honor Rep ( COW Year – C1)
Activities Officer (Firstie Year – E3)
What is your favorite part about being in your branch?
Being a Platoon Leader throughout TRX (total resistance exercises) and learning a wealth of knowledge from my NCOs (non commissioned officers).
What is the most memorable moment you’ve had in your branch?
When my platoon received the Best Platoon Award for Team / Squad / Platoon LFX (live fire exercise).
How is your branch rewarding?
It’s rewarding to be able to directly influence and affect soldier’s lives for the better through memorable acts and leadership.
How many of your friends or mentors from West Point have you stayed in touch with?
I’m still in touch with all of my friends and mentors from West Point. They are some of the biggest supporters that I have.
What mentor or mentor-like figure has helped you the most, and how?
Professor Anil Mukerjee (USMA History Department) is the mentor that has helped me the most. He has known me since my 1ST Semester Plebe Year and has helped me during my most difficult times at West Point. He has also been involved in my life and making sure I’m always good. I can go to Professor Mukerjee for anything.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
MILITARY INTELLIGENCE
ADELINE HENLEY
USMA 2018
Q&A
What is your branch?
Military Intelligence
What year did you graduate West Point?
2018
What was your major?
Business Management (link to curriculum)
How do you use what you learned?
Being an Officer, in itself, is a management role. You’ve got to be organized, balance competing priorities, and ensure the wellbeing of Soldiers (among endless other responsibilities). A lot of classes outside of my major have also contributed to my impact as a leader. You will re-enlist soldiers, warrant officers, and NCOs, and having learned both the officer and enlisted oaths is very beneficial. We’ve used survival swimming in multiple physical training sessions. You’ll reference Cadet Character Education Program (CCEP) discussions when you’re conducting sensing sessions, barracks checks, and group discussions. Lastly, much of the content learned in various classes, such as history and Mil Art, will drive conversations and facilitate networking with various leaders that you meet. West Point definitely sets up its graduates for success.
What is your favorite part about being in your branch?
Military Intelligence gives officers the opportunity to participate in some of the most unique jobs and attach to some of the military’s most elite units. Not only are you constantly being challenged, but you meet some of the most intelligent and driven service members. A lot of broadening opportunities are offered to lieutenants, but even more to captains that have completed their key development time. For individuals that want to transition their service to outside of the Army after their initial commitment, it is my opinion that Military Intelligence allows the easiest transition into the civilian world. Agencies and businesses are constantly recruiting individuals with security clearances and analytical experience; high demand attributes that are found in very low quantities. Talk about job security!
What is the most memorable moment you’ve had in your branch?
I’ve experienced a lot of memorable moments within my branch, but serving overseas during a contingency operation as a Human Intelligence/Counter Intelligence (HUMINT/CI) analyst was definitely the highlight of my career so far. It was incredible to be immersed in an environment that relied so heavily on military intelligence. I was lucky enough to work with various agencies and Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) units, and was given the opportunity to explore what the military intelligence community has to offer.
How many of your friends or mentors from West Point have you stayed in touch with?
I don’t know the exact number, but quite a few. My two best friends graduated from West Point and were in my basic officer leader class. We talk at least once a week and I feel comfortable turning to them when I need to vent, laugh, or just talk. West Point creates an amazing network, and no matter where you go in the Army, you will always know someone.
What mentor or mentor-like figure has helped you the most, and how?
My initial first sergeant when I arrived at my current unit is the epitome of an excellent leader and as a new second lieutenant in a platoon leader slot, I required guidance and someone with experience that could answer my endless questions. When I became the executive officer, I had to work hand in hand with him on a daily basis, and I credit a large amount of my success to his wisdom and patience.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
- grads beyond west point -
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES is an ongoing series highlighting recent graduates of the United States Military Academy. It focuses on each graduates individual branch selection and what each officer/grad has learned from their West Point experience. Join us as we explore the unique journeys that started with the simple act of filling out an application and that will last a lifetime.
Visit WestPoint.edu/admissions to apply to the U.S. Military Academy, or to learn more about what it takes to join the Long Gray Line and become a leader of character as a West Point Cadet.
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