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Military Minded: Nevada grad Harder gearing up for life as West Point cadet
Nevada High School 2018 graduate gets appointment to famed military academy
Branden Harder had options. Really good options.
This past spring Harder, a class of 2018 Nevada High School graduate, received congressional appointments to both the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
Harder said the decision was a difficult one, but that he felt like he was better suited for West Point.
“I had been to the (campus) before, and knew what to expect from West Point,” Harder told the Daily Mail, adding that he officially reports to the famed military academy on July 2. “I had not been to Annapolis yet. I talked to a lot of people at West Point, professors, candidates, and cadets, and I just liked the feel of it.”
Continued Harder, “When compared to the Naval Academy, Midwestern kids typically do well at West Point. From what I saw, kids who went to the Naval Academy were from naval families, or grew up on a coast. West Point was just so much more broad, and geared towards kids like me.”
Graduates of West Point are appointed on active duty as commissioned, second lieutenant officers, and must serve in the U.S. Army for a minimum of five years.
“Career-wise, when you think 10-15 years down the road, I thought that West Point was going to give me a little better shot with what I wanted to do,” said Harder. “But yeah, it was a tough decision.”
Added Harder, “With your service, there’s branches you go into after graduation,” adding that he’s interested in becoming a pilot. “Whether it’s aviation, infantry, intelligence, there’s 12 or 13 branches.”
Harder said he plans on majoring in Defensive and Strategic Studies. According to the school’s website www.usma.edu, a DSS major applies history, policy, and theory, and frames complex strategic problems. The coursework includes classes such as American Foreign Policy, Military Geography, War and Its Theorists; Strategy, Policy and Generalship; and Cyber Operations.
“This major is encompassing, and kind of ties into national policy,” said Harder. “And the greatest thing about West Point is its small class sizes and great professor/student-relationships.”
Harder said he’s excited about the prospects of studying, or serving abroad.
“That’s part of this thing you sign up for,” he said. “You know going into it that it’s your job. And what you’re going over there to do is serve your country, and to sacrifice your life if need be.”
West Point dreamin’
Harder, who carried a 3.989 GPA before graduating in May, said the candidacy process stretched back to his sophomore year.
“My sophomore year is when I opened my candidate portal,” said Harder, describing the application process. “You then just kind of fill in little things here and there over the course of however many months. And then, early in your junior year, you can start your official applications.”
Since a young age Harder has had strong interest in becoming a West Point Military Academy cadet.
“I was interested pretty young,” he said. “I knew what it was, from people telling me what it was about. And hearing all the stories about it, I can’t think of a better place to go and further myself. So I figured, why not got for it, it’s an opportunity.”
Harder said the realization that he’s about to become a West Point cadet is still sinking in.
“It’s been a pretty incredible experience,” he said. “You sit back, and you kind of realize that you’re getting ready to go do this. I’ve just been soaking it in as it gets closer and closer. The challenge itself at West Point is trying to control everything around you. You have your academics, your military, your sport, and all your duties. Just being able to sit down and manage your time well, and to look at the big picture at the end of the road, and enjoy the experience.”
Harder received his official appointment from U.S. Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4).
“I am pleased that this young man has been chosen to attend the U.S. Military Academy, and to pursue a career as an officer in the Army,” said Hartzler, in an April 21 press release. “The Service Academies are among the top academic institutions in our country, educating and producing some of our nation’s finest leaders. I am proud to congratulate Branden D. Harder on this accomplishment.”
Said Harder, “I’m extremely blessed that Congresswoman Hartzler gave me the opportunity to represent her and her office. I’m excited that she chose me. I had a great experience meeting with her about the military appointment.”
Baseball career
Harder, an All-West Central Conference shortstop, is planning on joining the West Point baseball team.
“Even though everyone is on scholarship, technically, every athlete there is considered a walk-on,” said Harder, whose all-time favorite player is Chipper Jones. “It’s just a try-out opportunity, really. I’ve talked with the assistant coach many times, and I’ll be there in August to practice with the team.”
Harder, known for his defensive prowess at shortstop, also pitched Nevada to its first district baseball championship in 15 years, as he was tabbed as the starter for the title tilt against Monett.
“Whether I’m an infielder or pitcher, it will kind of depend on what they think, and how I best fit with the team,” said Harder, who has previously played at Johnson Stadium at Doubleday Field in West Point, New York. “They had a lot of seniors on the team this past year. Just the way the military works, guys are kind of moving in an out, and it’s always military first and baseball second. Everyone’s on that same page, and we’ll see when I get there.”
Added Harder, “Army’s athletic facilities are top notch. Their indoor facility is absolutely insane. Doubleday Field is a great place to play, and it’s a great atmosphere to play in, and great coaches surrounding everyone. They play kind of a small-ball game, which is what we played here these last few weeks of the season. And I think I will fit well with that.”
NHS head baseball coach Danny Penn said he has no doubts that Harder can carry over his prep success to the next level.
“Branden has gotten better every year, becoming more consistent every year as well,” said Penn, who coached Harder all four years of his N.H.S. career. “His work ethic and drive for excellence has been constant. Branden will just need to continue solidifying his skills. His defensive range and awareness is already very good. I’d guess he will need to work on his offensive consistency at the plate, as well as developing a third pitch if he pitches at that level.”
Penn said Harder has many outstanding attributes he would bring to the West Point baseball squad. “Work ethic and resiliency, knowledge of the game, and situational awareness,” summed up Penn.
Penn said he has many fond memories of Harder, but No. 1 on his list is Harder’s performance on the mound in the district championship game victory over Monett. Harder didn’t have his best stuff, according to Penn, working out of several major jams, with his grit and determination on full display.
“His competitiveness and resiliency against Monett in our district championship game stands out to me,” said Penn. “On a broader note, I’ve really enjoyed watching Branden grow into the fine young man he is today.”
Said Harder of his senior campaign, “This season has helped me grow confidence-wise. To be a part of a group of seniors that helped lead this team in the right direction, and do something that Nevada hasn’t done in a long time, is an honor. And I’m excited that I was able to be a part of it. Coach Penn helped me develop my character, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”
Harder said his biggest influences are his parents.
“My mom (Alyson) is an extremely hard worker, and I was able to see that growing up,” he said. “And the same with my dad (Matt), they’re two of the hardest working people I know.”
In addition to his parents, Harder has two younger siblings, sister Abby and brother Drew.
“They both realize that I’m going to be gone, and they won’t see me a whole lot over the next few years,” said Harder. “They’re extremely proud of me, but it’s hard for them just as much as it is my parents.”
Harder, who was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, has spent the vast majority of his life Nevada.
“Nevada made me who I am,” he said. “The amount of hard-working people in this town is crazy. You see it everywhere you go. And I’m thankful that I was able to grow up in a place like this, where hard work and dedication is a virtue.”