by | Natalya Lunsford
T
he echo of rapid gunfire shattered the humid air of the Middle Eastern village as senior Katie Welch discussed the status and location of the prisoner of war. Determined yet cautious, Welch attempted to convince the enemy to release information concerning the detainee. Though Welch has yet to travel to war-torn lands, the current U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadet is planning her future around this dream. After four years of serving under both active and retired military personnel, the West student hopes to become a human intelligence collector in the military. Individuals in such position are typically responsible for interrogations or debriefings and screenings of intelligence sources and documents. “I will be doing plenty of map reading. Also, I will be extracting information and analyzing it,” Welch said. “For example, a part of my job will involve stripping all of my tags off and going into enemy
camps to talk to people in an attempt to gather information from them.” Welch made her career choice came after an involved process which included researching each branch of the military and the job opportunities involved. She reports that it took nearly three months to finalize her decision. During that time, the JROTC student also discussed plans for furthering her education. After her service, she may be eligible for full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. “I talked to a recruiter about what the military had to offer. We talked about college and how it will be paid for. Attending a college or university is very important to me, so I will eventually go,” Welch said. While many of her fellow peers will be heading off to school in August, Welch will be shipping off to 10 weeks of combat training followed by 20 weeks of advanced individual training with on-the-job instruction.
by | Amy Turlington & Olivia Slagle
T
he terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001 were tragedies that hold special significance for senior Connor Garcia. After Sept. 11, Garcia’s father went to Afghanistan. His service inspired Garcia to consider a career in the U.S. Army. Garcia has been a dedicated JROTC student for all four years of high school. The experience has been an integral part of his high school career and a defining factor of his identity. Garcia has earned the title of lieutenant colonel and plans to go into the Army for his career. According to Garcia, a career in the Army is an exciting opportunity that he is ready to experience. “I’m interested in the adventure of the Army and the money I will earn. I am also automatically given a job in the military because of my experience in college,” Garcia said. “I want to go to different places and explore the world.” Although Garcia has valued his time spent in JROTC, he realizes
that he still has a lot to learn. “My experience at West has not really changed my perspective of the Army,” Garcia said. “JROTC differs from the real Army, and you can’t really compare the two.” Garcia has set his future college and career plans. “I have an Army scholarship, so I will be at East Carolina University for four years,” Garcia said. “Then I will commission as an Army officer. By the time I get out of college, I will be a second lieutenant.” Going to college for the Army will open up many professional opportunities in the future for Garcia. “I will have a guaranteed job after college,” he said. “I will have a definite place to be after college. Also, my Army scholarship will help pay for college so that I won’t be in debt.” Garcia will have a few obstacles and challenges to overcome. “One challenge will be to maintain the GPA that is required of me,” Garcia said. “Basically, I just need to do what I’m supposed to — show up for class and do my work.”
senior features |11