In first grade, senior Carsten Brady joined Cub Scouts, and over a decade later, is planning on enlisting in the United States Army. “I want to hopefully get into airborne school and get the MOS, Military Occupation Specialty, of 19 Delta Cavalry scout,” he said.
A cavalry scout is a combat position, and is one of the more dangerous MOS’s. “I wanted to do an MOS that portrayed to being out in the field where the action happens,” he said.
Brady knows the risks of joining the Army, but he’s prepared. “It’s just part of the job and you know what you’re signing up for,” he said. “It’s just the stuff like being away from your family that makes it difficult.”

The senior believes that the sacrifice is worth it. “I was never scared because of all the good that comes from it,” he said. “The military is looking for someone who puts the team above themselves and contributes to something bigger.”

Brady began considering the military as a serious option in the eighth grade. “I was inspired by both my dad being in the military and the patriotic feeling I have of wanting to give back and serve my country.”
His father started out in the U.S. Army and now serves in the Army National Guard and better understands what Brady wants to do. He’s trying to coordinate going to MEPS with his dad’s schedule. “My dad’s in the guard so he could swear me in,” he said. His mother has more reservations. “My mom is on the worried-side because of what she had to go through with my dad being deployed, but they’re both excited for me,” he said.

Brady was inspired to join the army because of his experience as an Eagle Scout. He has 36 merit badges, 15 more than is required to be an Eagle Scout. “You get a lot of experience that crosses directly over to the military,” he said, “A lot is similar with the way they handle things, and the respect and skills they use.”

To prepare, Brady has been doing more cardio exercise and trying to build up his endurance. “I’m trying to build the strength that I will need to not give up and keep going,” he said.
In addition to physically preparing, he is also mentally preparing. “I think about the military and what’s going to be going through my mind and how I need to be committed and give it all I can,” he said.
Brady feels like he is ready to face the challenge. He plans to train more this summer and do basic training in August or September. “This is going to be my life for at least the next three years, and there’s going to be sacrifices, but in the bigger picture, it’s going to be something I’ll never forget.”