There are many paths that students can follow getting out of high school. The majority will be going to some form of higher education whether community college or a four year university. Jacob Swim, senior, is following in his family footsteps and is going into the military after graduation. He leaves for training on Monday, June 20.
“It’s been something I’ve been wanting to do since a little kid,” Swim said. “My grandpa fought in the military and I want to serve my country.”
His grandfather was a chopper gunner in the Vietnam War. However, his grandfather wasn’t the only family member who served his country. His older brother, Devon Swim, is still in training for the Marine Corps Security Forces.
“I want to go into the Marine Corps and work in the Ground Electronic Maintenance, then hopefully one day go officer,” Swim said.
In order to be in the military, there is a bunch of rigorous training involved as well. Jacob is going to be going through13 weeks of boot camp at Pendleton, Calif. and another 13 weeks of electronic training at 29 Palms, Calif.
Similarly, Devon went through 13 weeks of boot camp as well as nine weeks of advanced infantry training. Now he’s in training for the security forces.
Out of all the fears of going into the military, surprisingly the fear of dying is not his greatest fear.
“Probably my biggest fear is just missing everyone at home,” Jacob said.
Before his actual training for the military, Jacob has already gotten some experience as to what military life is like through ROTC.
“ROTC teaches basic leadership skills, how to apply for different jobs and about military life,” Jacob said.
In addition to that Lt. Col. John Olsen, ROTC teacher, said some of the activities that are part of the curriculum in ROTC are learning about aerospace and leadership, regular academics, lead drill trainings, teach how to march, color guard and Friday Wellness Day. Friday Wellness Day is where the ROTC students get to go outside and play sports, walk around the track, throw a Frisbee around or do aerobics.
Jacob has been in ROTC since freshman year and was able to be on group his sophomore year. Now, ending his senior year, he is a Cadet Colonel in ROTC due to promotions while on group.
Even though there are about five seniors going into the military this year, Olsen said this is an increase from previous years. Usually on average there’s about one senior who goes into the military, but the last two years we’ve averaged about four seniors entering the military.
“[ROTC] is a good opportunity to experience what military life is like and it’s different from the traditional style classes,” Olsen said.
Other seniors going into the military after graduation are Brett Hill, Jardin Hurst and Dylan Knaup.