A Tale of Two Brothers

By Shahron James
Public Affairs Intern
Special to The U.S. Army Raleigh Recruiting Battalion


Brothers David and Nicholas Merle enlist in Raleigh, N.C., June 18.

U.S. Army photo by Ron Toland

 

Two brothers simultaneously joined the U.S. Army, June 18.

The brothers, David, 25 and Nicholas, 22, Merle enlisted at their local MEPS in Raleigh, N.C. Both young, energetic and determined recruits seek new adventures and challenges. They expressed enlisting has long been a desire, and now that desire has been fulfilled. 

“It gives me goose-bumps to think of what I will be doing and to have the opportunity to serve my country,” David elaborated saying that he has a strong sense of pride when he thinks of serving as an 18 X-Ray, Special Forces recruit.

A North Carolina State University graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Forensic Science, David decided to enlist into a 5-year contract rather than entering as an officer candidate.

However, his brother has other plans.

Nicholas, who holds an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science and Medicine from Johnson Community College and is a licensed North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician, is entering basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. as a 68 Whiskey, Health Care Specialist and is equally eager as his brother.

 “I just couldn’t go through life wondering and then not knowing what it would have been like to be in the Army,” he said, using the rocking chair test as a reference.

“If I don’t do this, I will regret not doing it,” he said.

When asked what prompted them to make the decision to enter the military, both brothers replied, “We needed a challenge.  We needed to be around people who were like-minded as us,” they said. “We want to do more than what is expected.  Everybody around us just seemed to be letting life pass by and we didn’t want that to happen to us.”

They attribute their encouragement to join the military to their grandfather, Joseph Merle Sr., who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

“Our grandfather had six brothers who served in the military,” David stated.

They attribute their patriotism to wholesome upbringing and great morals which was taught to them by their parents, Arlene and Joseph Merle, Jr.

Both will enter with the rank of specialist. Upon completion of Basic and Special Forces training, David will automatically advance to the rank of Sergeant.

After Basic Training, Nicholas said he will be stationed in Alaska for AIT and David at Ft. Benning, but both brothers are committing to Airborne Training.