During the plebe year, the Accessions Program will educate and provide cadets with initial branch exposure and the foundation for their branching file. This will include an introduction to the Talent-Based Branching Model. 

This is accomplished through 

• taking the Talent Assessment Battery (TAB) to see what they are a good match for
• a class-wide briefing
• branch static display rotations during Branch Week
• access to the Virtual Branch Education Forum via Teams
• an introduction to all branches during MS100

Gaining this broad perspective enables plebes to consider all the career options the Army has to offer and creates an informed passion for the Army.

End State: Cadets are informed on the basics of each branch in the Army.

During yearling year, cadets continue branch engagements to understand branch-specific warfighting fundamentals and branching file requirements. 

This is accomplished through 

• a class-wide briefing
• branch static display rotations during Branch Week
• access to the Virtual Branch Education Forum
• engagements during CFT that enable a more in-depth understanding of each branch's
  • mission
  • unit structure
  • specific capabilities
  • key equipment
  • junior officer responsibilities
• MIADs

These engagements assist yearling cadets with a selection of Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT). 

End State:  Cadets understand branch-specific warfighting fundamentals and branching file requirements and have narrowed their selection to 5 branches.

During cow year, cadets gain more branch experience and a broad understanding of how the branches integrate into Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO).

• Cadets retake the Talent Assessment Battery (TAB).
  • Results will be shared with the branches.
• Cadets validate their branching file and prepare for the interview process.
  • By the end of cow year, a cadet file should showcase agile/adaptive leaders and talent matches to the branches.
• During Branch Week, cows participate in static display open hours and engage one on one with USMA branch mentors and senior branch representatives.
  • Cadets also participate in the “Second Class Branch Engagement” with respective branches of their choice.
• In the fall semester of cow year, the process to apply for the Aviation branch, Explosive Ordinance Disposal branch, or Medical Service branch as a Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Pilot (67J) begins with medical physicals and prerequisites.

End State: Cadet decides branch choice,  files showcase agile/adaptive leaders & talent matches.

During the first class year, cadets complete the Branch Education and Mentorship Program(BEMP) and execute the Accessions Transition Assistance Program (ATAP).  This is accomplished through

• multiple class-wide and branch-wide briefs
• final Branch Week
• access to the Virtual Branch Education Forum
• one on one Accessions branch representative meetings  

Here's how the branching process works for firsties:

1. Cadets rank branch preferences: At the beginning of their final year at USMA, cadets update their branch preferences, their resumes, and conducting interviews by the end of Branch Week.
2. Branch Commandant releases ratings:  Cadets receive rankings from the branches and submit their final branch preferences for the Branching Board.
3. Branch assignment: The Talent Based Branching Process uses various factors to decide which branch the cadet earned.
   1. The purpose of the Branching Selection Process is to meet the Army needs by assigning cadets to branches for which they have the best talent alignment while optimizing cadet preference.
   2. This is achieved through the Talent-Based Branching Model (TBBM).
4. Branch Night: Branch Night is a much-anticipated evening in November/December when cadets find out which branch of the U.S. Army they will serve while they begin their Army career.
5. The Army Talent Alignment Process (ATAP): Begins second semester of cadets' firstie year, after cadets are assigned to their branch.
   1. The purpose of ATAP is to assist in the posting and orders production process, inform cadets of transition requirements, and prepare cadets for Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC).
   2. Post Night: On this night, cadets from their assigned branch gather to take part in a “draft” style selection to choose their first Army post/duty assignment.
   3. ATAP ends when cadets sign into BOLC at their respective Centers of Excellence.

End State: Cadets transitioned to lieutenants and prepared to win at BOLC and beyond.