Future Soldier chooses U.S. Army over college

Future Soldier Angelica Tisdale

Story and Photo by
Shahron L. James
Raleigh Recruiting Battalion
Public Affairs Specialist

Angelica could have attended N.C. State, but instead she joined the U.S. Army.

Angelica Tisdale is a Future Soldier at the Greenville Recruiting Company (3J2).  She lives in Chocowinity, NC and has signed up for the 14T MOS, Patriot Missile Repair. She is 18 years old.  

When asked what made her choose the Army over a chance to play basketball at N.C. State she said, “I never thought I would be in the military, but I realize that I need discipline. If I had gone to college I would not be disciplined, which would be a waste of time and money.  I need to learn time management and to develop structure for my attitude and character.”

Even though Angelica is 18 she appears to have a plan for her Army career.  She intends to complete her college degree and to become part of the Army Athletic Program during her tenure in the ranks. 

“I played volleyball, basketball, softball, and I ran track.  So, I am very interested in the Army Athletic program”, she said. “Basketball is my sport and I played small forward and guard in high school.”

The Future Soldier understands that the players in the Army Athletic Program may be bigger, stronger, and maybe faster, but that doesn’t seem to bother her.  

            “I’m not afraid of a challenge, it’s all mental”, she said.  Angelica appeared confident in her ability. I asked her what she expected from her next few months of training.  

“I expect some challenges.  I can do the physical, but the mental part may be hard.  I know the Drill Sergeants will try to get in my head”, she said.  “If I don’t have a strong mentality, I won’t be able to do the physical.  I will have to push myself, that’s all.”  

I mentioned the Patriot Missile Repair and her eyes lit up.  

“I am excited about dealing with Patriot bombs.  I feel like the MOS fits me. I like excitement and noise”, she said smiling.

The recruit mentioned that that her parents were proud of her for making the decision to join the military on her own, but that they were concerned about her choice of jobs.  Her mother wished she had gone to college.  

“My parents are excited”, she said.  

“However, there was a lot of pressure to go to college.  My brother is attending NC State for Engineering, but that just wasn’t me. I didn’t want to just focus on academics.  I need the thrill of the Army.”

Angelica ships out for MEPS in Raleigh, N.C. this afternoon, but offered this encouragement to her peers

 “I would say to my generation ‘believe in yourself’.  Make it a competition and set goals.  Be proud of who you are…I am proud of myself.”