Final answer:
Brinker wanted to join the elite Rangers branch of the Army, which called for triple volunteers - those already in the army, willing to go to airborne and glider schools, and ready for combat in Korea. The 82nd Airborne was a main target for recruitment, and many African American soldiers from segregated units, like Corporal James Fields, were eager to join. The Rangers, renowned for their superior training and efficiency in World War II, were being revitalized for similar purposes in the Korean War.
Step-by-step explanation:
The branch of the army that Brinker wanted to join was the Ranger Training program. This program was selective, seeking individuals who were already part of the army (volunteers), willing to partake in airborne and glider schools, and ready to commit to combat in Korea. The 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, known for its exploits during World War II, was specifically targeted for these recruits, which included a significant number of African American soldiers in segregated regiments. Among these was Corporal James Fields from the all-Black 8th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, who eagerly volunteered for Ranger School, inspired by prestigious groups like Darby's Rangers and the British Commandos.
In the context of the early Cold War, the U.S. military was undergoing a transition, moving towards a vision where ground forces would be smaller yet highly trained, ideal for complex tasks such as conducting raids and ambushes. This led to the revitalization of the American Ranger Companies, an elite group that had proven its capabilities during World War II. These companies, expected to outperform regular soldiers, became an important element in the military's strategy as illustrated by their use in the Korean War and establishment of the Army Ranger School in September 1950.
It is also important to note the segregation in the military during this time, with units like the 758th Tanker Battalion, the 80th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion (AAAB), and the 3rd Battalion of the 505th Infantry Regiment consisting of African American soldiers who were stationed in segregated areas of Fort Bragg. Corporal Fields stood out as a volunteer, eager to be a part of a distinguished unit akin to the Rangers.