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For many cadets, joining the Guard isn’t just a career move—it’s a commitment to defend the country and serve in times of crisis. Members of the National Guard are trained to respond to domestic emergencies and, when called upon, deploy alongside active-duty forces in support of national defense objectives.
The Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy (CGYCA) focuses on academic recovery, life skills and discipline—tools that Malik Houser, 18, said helped him shift his outlook. “Before that, I was just kind of floating,” he shared. “It gave me insight and direction.”
Now preparing for basic training, Houser sees military service as a way to build financial stability and access long-term career options. “It’s not just about a job,” he said. “The National Guard offers structure, benefits, and a clear track forward.” He also hopes to work at DC Central Kitchen and eventually start a restaurant.
Caleb Baron Taylor, 16, is one of the younger participants. A high school student at Friendship Collegiate Academy, Taylor says CGYCA was difficult at times.
Taylor now participates in the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program through the D.C. National Guard. The program, which provides paid summer work to youth ages 14 to 24, is run by the Department of Employment Services and named in honor of former Mayor Marion Barry (1979-1991 and 1995-1999), who founded the initiative in 1979.
“I wanted to spend my summer doing something meaningful,” Taylor said. “This helped me learn how to carry myself, communicate better, and take responsibility.”
Philip Burk, Director of the Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy, said the program's results speak for themselves.
“Cadets Houser and Taylor are examples of how successful we can be when the community comes together to support our youth,” he said. “The D.C. National Guard is intervening in and reclaiming the lives of our youth of the District. Embrace the ChalleNGe,” he exclaimed.
All three young men said their experiences changed how they think about work, planning, and personal growth. They’re not all heading in the same direction, but they’ve each gained clarity about where they want to go next and what it takes to get there.
The D.C. National Guard considers programs like CGYCA and MBSYEP as pathways to service and long-term opportunity. Beyond the immediate impact on academic and personal growth, the Guard provides members with tuition assistance, healthcare, retirement benefits, and a sense of belonging to a team that serves both the District and the nation. Leaders say this dual mission—supporting local communities while contributing to national defense—offers unmatched career flexibility and purpose.
Houser offered practical advice for others considering the program: “Be mentally ready. Some of the hardest parts aren’t physical—they’re emotional. You’ve got to stay focused.”
Mills put it this way: “Stand out, but for the right reasons. Don’t wait too long to take it seriously.”
And Taylor, the youngest of the three, is focused on building a stable foundation. “This program is helping me grow up,” he said. “I’m learning how to show up consistently, and that matters to me.”
| Date Taken: | 09.09.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.01.2025 16:31 |
| Story ID: | 547641 |
| Location: | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 3 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Former CGYCA cadets prepare for military, public service, by Ayan Sheikh, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
