My inability to serve in the military is, and will remain, the biggest disappointment of my life. Since the tragic events of September 11th, the only thing I wanted was to serve the nation as a soldier. Young as I was, I came to understand that this unfolding “War on Terror” would become my generation’s war; a Manichean worldwide struggle which I felt obliged to contribute to.
I recited the Soldier’s Creed, the Infantryman’s Creed, and the Ranger Creed daily. I studied military history, strategy, and small unit tactics assiduously. Upon graduating high school, I began the process to serve in the 75th Ranger Regiment - the Army’s elite light infantry special operations force. I maxed the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) while being able to squat, bench press, and deadlift a 1,200+ raw total at 165 lbs.
I registered a 97/99 on the Armed Services Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Unfortunately, medical maladies ended my incipient military career before it could formally begin. Even though chance and circumstance foiled my ambitions, I still occasionally feel deep pangs of guilt for not being able to directly contribute to what I view as a patriotic obligation. I resolved to serve in another way, and have since worked toward my goal of serving warfighters and national security policymakers as an analyst.
I retain the deepest respect for our service members, especially those who serve in the combat arms, and would consider it my life’s honor to be able to contribute to their charge of protecting and advancing the national interest.