Guarding the Tomb of Unknown Soldier

Hurricane Irene is hitting the East Coast of the United States, and is major cities are being affected.  Washington D.C. is among the cities being affected by the hurricane and earlier last week also had an earthquake.  In Washington D.C. lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which is manned by the Old Guard and have never missed a day since April 6, 1949.  Through Hurricane Isabel in 2003, and the blizzards in 2009-2010 which shut down the Washington D.C. area for days the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers remained manned. 

Hurricane Irene is no different.  The Old Guard remained at the Tomb through Irene’s heavy rain and high winds.  These Soldiers stood guard and didn’t let the elements affect their duties.  These Soldiers are a fine example of living the Soldier’s Creed, and the Army Values. (RL)

Future Soldier Henry Ramos

Ramos, Henry a photo by Official Army Future Soldier Center on Flickr.

I don't come from a military family, my dad was a mechanic in the Air Force, and that's about it. But I grew up watching all the war movies, then playing with G.I. Joe's, and playing video games and all that. But that only sparked my interest; as I grew older and into my teenage years, my respect and passion for the military had only grown. I still watched the movies, all the TV shows, and military channel and all that good stuff, but I also saw some documentaries, like Restrepo, the best documentary I had ever seen. It shows who the Soldiers really are, they goof off, talk, play guitar, play video games like regular people, but then in action, they are strictly professional, and focus on the task at hand. I want to join the United States Army because I love this country, I love the people in it, the opportunities it provides, and everything about it. And sure, there are ways to give back to your community and your country, but nothing as great, and selfless, as the U.S. Military. I want to stand up for those who can't for themselves, fight for freedom, for honor, for my family, and for my country. And I am proud to say I will be at MEPS soon and I will be a part of something greater than myself, the U.S. Army. I can say for a fact, it will be the proudest moment in my civilian life. HOOAH!

Military Intelligence

Hey Future Soldiers!  When I enlisted in 2004 I enlisted as then a 96B Intelligence Analyst which is a 35F now.  You will learn all sorts of stuff.  You will learn a lot about maps, more than you ever thought.  You will learn how to spot choke points, where to set up LP/OP’s (Listening Post/Observation Post), where to put equipment/weapons for best use.  If you are a 35F a map will be your best friend, lol.  There are many courses that you can attend as a 35F to better do your job.  After 35F I changed over to 35P Cryptologic Linguist.  Cryptologic Linguist was the perfect fit for me.  I have to work a little harder at this job but I think it is more fun because I have to try to find the signal.

Every job in the MI field is very important for the big picture.  There is not one MI job that is more important than the other. They are all important to accomplish the mission. (RL)

Future Soldier Joan Plazaotero

Plazaotero, Joan a photo by Official Army Future Soldier Center on Flickr.

My name is Joan Plaza Otero, my MOS is 12W Carpentry and Masonry. I decided to join the ARMY because when I was a little girl I watched the ads and always said that someday I will join the ARMY; now I'm about to leave as an active duty Soldier in around 6 months and I'm totally excited. I never waited so long for something I really want to do.

Future Soldier Toreon Rafter

Rafter, Toreon a photo by Official Army Future Soldier Center on Flickr.

PFC. Toreon R. Rafter aka The Ghost

MOS:
31 Bravo - Military Police

Well All of my life I've been living for the moment; never thinking about the future.. just doing everything for me and only me. That's what society has made me believe is the only way to get by in this world. But, in actuality that's not the real me. I like to help others and I'm a protector at heart. Not the reckless hooligan that my past would lead people to believe. The United States Army will allow the real me to come out and shine.. Assist Protect and Defend is the Military Police motto and that fits me perfect. The U.S. Army will allow me to build a great future for myself and my future family that I could not achieve as a civilian. I LOVE YOU US ARMY! HOOAH!

I am most excited about the bond and the relationships that I will make with my fellow soldiers while I'm going through BCT and AIT.. Those Bonds, Friendships and Relationships will last forever because of what we've been through together and how we've made our fellow Soldiers and Drill Sergeants proud.. United We Stand!

Only thing I'm nervous about is not making my unit/fellow soldiers proud. I will give 100% at all times and never quit. I just hope that its good enough to make my squad proud.

With my last words I just want to say.. I Am An American Soldier, I am a Warrior and a Member of a Team.. HOOAH!

Future Soldier Kristen Gardenhire

Gardenhire, Kristen a photo by Official Army Future Soldier Center on Flickr.

My name is Kristen Gardenhire my MOS is 68E. I have wanted to join since I was little. I would always hear my grandpa talk about it and it sounded so cool. When he passed I made a promise to myself that I would join and make him proud. I am nervous about not being able to perform as well as they want me to and I am excited to climb the confidence tower! I am ready to go! HOOAH!