Elliot,

I would not focus on attending Infantry Mortar Leader Course, as it trains you to run a fire direction center for a mortar unit. I went to an infantry unit as a rifle platoon leader and then later attended IMLC prior to deploying as a mortar platoon leader. Most of the training or certifications I received at IMLC were not applicable outside of the mortar MOS. Unlike IMLC however, the mortar platoon leader position was invaluable and uniquely shaped me compared against my armor peers. The branch will ensure you get to ARC, what schools you choose after that should revolve on what unit your orders go to. Your branch will help bracket what schools you are likely to get funded for, with Ranger/Airborne going to personnel selected to attend IBCT units.

Armor branch considers the ABCT its center of gravity, but taking a tour in an IBCT or an SBCT won’t hurt your career early on. Just consider that you will strongly be guided towards an ABCT over the next 6 years. I’ll say that with emphasis again though, the U.S Army Armor branch considers the ABCT the focus of manning. Straight from the branch news letter.

Also will throw an additional chime in to say that ARC still stands as the best Army school I have attended in my short career, make the best of it.

Steve