  We present the proof-of-concept for minimalist market design (S\"{o}nmez,
2023) as an effective methodology to enhance an institution based on the
desiderata of stakeholders with minimal interference. Four
objectives-respecting merit, increasing retention, aligning talent, and
enhancing trust-guided reforms to US Army's centralized branching process of
cadets to military specialties since 2006. USMA's mechanism for the Class of
2020 exacerbated challenges implementing these objectives. Formulating the
Army's desiderata as rigorous axioms, we analyze their implications. Under our
minimalist approach to institution redesign, the Army's objectives uniquely
identify a branching mechanism. Our design is now adopted at USMA and ROTC.
