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Joined for College, but Found Even More By Maj. Michelle Lunato He joined the U.S. Army Reserve as a way to pay for college back in 2010. Now, years later, Staff Sgt. Jovon Miles realizes that this one decision gave him more than a degree, it gave him a career, valuable experiences and a path to his best self. “I originally joined because I wanted to gain a college degree and get it paid for by the military,” said Miles, reflecting back. “I accomplished that goal in 2015, earning my Bachelor’s Degree from Grantham University in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security. After joining though, I gained a deep love for the military and it became a passion of mine.” Serving as a Soldier became something Miles took pride in. He enjoyed the discipline, the purpose, the motivation. In 2012, Miles deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. There, the young Soldier learned what it meant to have an Army family and realized he was a part of something bigger than himself. The Ocala, Florida native served as a motor transport operator, which kept him busy learning a skill, all while finishing his degree. By the time Miles reached the rank of sergeant, the young noncommissioned officer was ready for a new goal though. “I wanted to experience something new, and more challenging. I was approached
about becoming an Army Reserve drill sergeant, and I jumped on the opportunity and never looked back,” said Miles, who was then part of Charlie Company, 2/485th, 2nd Brigade, 98th Training Division out of Orlando, Florida. Deciding to become a drill sergeant was a natural choice for Miles back then. He remembers seeing the drill sergeant hat, even
before he became a Soldier himself, and to him, it signified something special. When he saw the hat, he saw an expert, a professional and a leader—and that was something he wanted to emulate. So, he worked hard on how he looked, how he moved and how he spoke. But it wasn’t all about presentation, Drill Sergeant Candidate Miles had to have substance as well. So he studied and studied some more to ensure he was the subject matter expert he always believed a drill sergeant to be. So when Miles finally earned the title of drill sergeant, he felt like he made it, and it was a big deal.
“For me to graduate and walk across the stage was the biggest accomplishment in my military career then, because I always wanted to be a drill sergeant.” Of course, while attending the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Drill Sergeant Candidate Miles was already planning his next career move. With the title of drill sergeant coming to fruition, Miles saw the impact his drill sergeant leaders at the Academy were making, and he knew that was his next goal. However, before he could FOUND EVEN MORE Cont’d on page 26
