“The Army Moves Pretty Fast”: Planning For Success As A Chemical Corps Officer

Kate Meyer was sold on West Point after one springtime recruiting trip, committing to the Academy as a Women’s Soccer Player. Struggling with academics during her Plebe year, she learned organizational techniques at the Center for Enhanced Performance that have helped her achieve success not only at West Point, but also as a Lieutenant. She was on the Women’s Soccer Team for all four years, but injuries sidelined her during her Yearling and Cow years. She persevered, encouraging her teammates, and was recognized as the MVP during her final collegiate soccer game. She commissioned into the Chemical Corps and served as the Battalion Chemical Officer for an Armor Battalion, deploying to Korea for 9 months. She has also served as the Hazardous Assessment Platoon Leader, and is currently a Company Executive Officer. In this interview, she talks about her childhood, playing soccer and forging life-long friendships at West Point, and serving as a Chemical Officer. She recounts attending the Winter Olympics during her deployment to Korea, and enjoying exploring that country. She describes the jobs she’s held as a Chemical Officer, and shares how she helps Cadets understand what her branch is like (during Branch Week 2020). Finally, she reflects on what West Point means to her.