25th Infantry Division gives insight on what it means to be a Soldier

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Andrew Porch | Future Soldiers pose for a photo as part of the 25th Infantry Division hosted Army National Hiring Days 2021 event on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 7, 2021The Future Soldiers and applicants executed physical readiness training with 3rd Infantry Brigade Team, ate at the 25th Division Sustainment Brigade Bistro, observed an M119 Howitzer Fire Drill by 25th DIVARTY, visited an M4 range ran by 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, watched a rappel demonstration at Lightning Academy, operated 25th Combat Aviation Brigade's helicopter simulators, attended the Division's weekly patching ceremony and executed an Oath of Enlistment Ceremony.  (U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Andrew Porch, 25th Inf. Div.)  

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI, UNITED STATES

06.07.2021

Story by Master Sgt. Andrew Porch 

25th Infantry Division   

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – When choosing to raise their right hand, recite the Oath of Enlistment and serve our Nation, few individuals actually know exactly what a day in the life of a Soldier actually consist of.
For 20 applicants from the U.S. Army Hawaii Recruiting Company, Portland Recruiting Battalion, 6th Recruiting Brigade, their eyes were opened to a whole new world as the 25th Infantry Division hosted them as part of Army National Hiring Days on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 7, 2021.
The morning started with the “Future Soldiers,” conducting physical readiness training as they participated in the Army Combat Fitness Test.
“My favorite part of today was PT; the ACFT, said Silakivai Sunia, a prospective 13J, fire control specialist. “It was good to see all the hard work I put in and to see where I stood, compared to everybody else.”
“I got a chance to experience how we will be doing the Army test (ACFT) and it was a challenge for me,” said Gabrielle Jacalne, prospective 88M, motor transport specialist.
The Division planned a full slate for the Future Soldiers as they would go on to eat breakfast at the 25th Division Sustainment Brigade’s Bistro, oversee an M119 Howitzer call for fire mission demonstration by 25th Division Artillery Brigade, visit a live small arms range executed by 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, watch a rappel demonstration at the 25th Inf. Div. Lightning Academy, train on the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade’s aerial simulators, participate in the Newcomers Patching Ceremony and end the day with an Oath of Enlistment Ceremony held on Weyand Field in front of the division headquarters building.
The reason for the visit; to support Army National Hiring Days 2021 and set the Future Soldiers up for success before they head out for basic training.
“It’s important for awareness so they can mentally and physically prepare themselves for the job they are about to take on,” said Capt. Sean Weber, commander, Hawaii Recruiting Company. “The Army isn’t just about the benefits or the pay. It’s also about what your daily duties and you job looks like.”
As the Future Soldiers interacted with Soldiers throughout the day, senior leadership pressed upon them the importance of serving taking full advantage of what the Army has to offer.
“Your experience in the Army will be what you make it, there is absolutely unlimited opportunities,” said Col. Brian Scott, commander, 25th DIVARTY.
For the Future Soldiers, their drive to succeed and the benefits available to them are motivating factors for joining.
“What I look forward to the most in the Army is creating a brotherhood, with new individuals, learning about new cultures, and just putting myself out there,” said Sunia.
“What I want to get out of being in the Army is being able to get my college degree and hoping to retire in the Army,” said Jacalne.
For Sunia, joining the Army is one way to instill pride in himself while developing his independence.
“I just want to be able to prove that I can do this on my own, and that I can take care of myself and not have to depend on anybody else,” said Sunia.
This was the second Future Soldier visit the Division has hosted in support on Army National Hiring Days and the partnership between the Hawaii Recruiting Company and the local Hawaii community continues to grow stronger.
“25th ID has been a phenomenal partner,” said Weber. “25th ID’s influence and reach in Hawaii has helped Hawaii Recruiting Company reach larger markets and more people throughout the state.”

• Date Taken: 06.07.2021
• Date Posted: 06.10.2021 20:24
• Story ID: 398647
• Location: SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HI, US
• Hometown: HONOLULU, HI, US
• Hometown: MILILANI, HI, US
• Hometown: WAIMEA, HI, US
• Hometown: WAIPIO, HI, US