U.S. Army Outdoors Team Fisherman Gets Pro Invite

Photo By Victoria McAdoo | MSG Josh Watkins displays catch while practicing for a bass fishing tournament.  

FORT KNOX, KY, UNITED STATES

07.24.2023

Story by Victoria McAdoo 

U.S. Army Marketing and Engagement Brigade

FORT KNOX, Ky. – U.S. Army Outdoors Team member, Master Sergeant Josh Watkins earned his invitation into the National Professional Fishing League this year.

A Coulterville, IL, native MSG Watkins joined the Army immediately after high school out of the Carbondale recruiting station. Having served as a Military Police Officer for most of his 18-year career, MSG Watkins welcomed the opportunity to join the Mission Support Battalion as a member of the U.S. Army Outdoors Team.

With a family history of having his father, grandfather and uncles all serve proudly in the Army, MSG Watkins was excited to share his Army story as a legacy Soldier. As an avid outdoorsman his entire life, MSG Watkins uses his hobbies to connect with his audience and authentically speak on the unique opportunities the Army has afforded him, to pursue his passion while serving as an active-duty Soldier.

In December of 2022, Watkins received an invitation to compete in the National Professional Fishing League (NPFL) circuit, an invite reserved for a select few anglers each year.

“The NPFL is highly selective, only accepting around 60 applicants a year. It is an unbelievable honor” Watkins stated. “In my application I had to highlight my standings in various competitions then within a week I received my invite. I am so excited for my rookie season as member of the NPFL!”

The U.S. Army Outdoors Team consist of four Soldiers. MSG Watkins is joined at national competitions by Sergeant First Class Daniel Hodge who has been on the team for over a year and new team members SFC J. Branch and SFC J. Manwarren. The team travels across the nation to various bass fishing and hunting competitions and tournaments, answering questions about Army service, and engaging with spectators and competitors.

“We get to do what we love for a living.” Hodge stated. “By creating the Outdoors Team, the Army is giving us the opportunity to engage with our target audience through a shared passion.”
The team credits their Army training for their success on the fishing circuit.

“People think we just go out on a boat, throw a line out and wait for a fish,” Watkins said. “But there is so much more that goes into it. We are battling the elements, heat, cold, rain, waves, and wind for hours on end,” Watkins said. “Maintaining our physical training to Army standards has certainly prepared us for that.” “It even gives us an edge!” Hodge joked. “We are well prepared.”

In addition to competitions and tournaments, the team makes efforts to educate the public on the importance of maintaining the health and appearance of the outdoors. Starting with their own post, MSG Watkins and SFC Hodge picked up over seventy pounds of garbage out of the Lower Douglas Lake, on the Fort Knox post.

“We want to make sure people can continue to enjoy the lakes, and that the wildlife that lives there can thrive. That’s why whenever we have the opportunity whether local or on our travels, we stress the importance of outdoor conservation.” Hodge stated. “It is part of our responsibility as outdoorsmen to be respectful of nature.” "Especially as Soldiers we are ambassadors for the Army and want to set that example” Watkins added.

The Soldiers agree that the Army Outdoors team is a great asset to the recruiting mission, and having MSG Watkins, a professional on the team supports the Army’s dedication to soldiers perusing passions outside of military service at the highest level.

The U.S. Army Mission Support Battalion produces branding and incentive products, conducts professional exhibits and recruiting outreach to generate leads and enhance activation. The U.S. Army Outdoors Team’s role in the accessions mission offers prospective Soldiers the opportunity to engage with their local recruiting battalion representees and speak with Soldiers that travel the nation competing at an elite level as part of their active-duty service, while sharing their Army story.

For more information about the Mission Support Battalion, and the U.S. Army Outdoors Team, contact via call, text, or email Mission Support Battalion Public Affairs, 502-956-5998 or [e-mail]

• Date Taken: 07.24.2023
• Date Posted: 07.27.2023 12:36
• Story ID: 449849
• Location: FORT KNOX, KY, US
• Hometown: COULTERVILLE, IL, US
• Hometown: FORT KNOX, KY, US