Tennessee Army National Guard Spc. Rebecca Sovia, a 25B Information Technology Specialist assigned to the Multifunctional Reconnaissance Company, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, joined the military to pursue higher education while continuing a family tradition of service. Since enlisting, she has earned an associate degree while deployed to Kuwait, gained experience supporting information technology operations, and discovered a passion for working alongside Soldiers in the field. Sovia plans to transition into the Army's growing drone career field and reclassify as a 15W Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator.
Why did you decide to join the Tennessee Army National Guard?
"I come from a very large family, and military service has always been a family tradition. I knew I wanted to go to school and serve, so the National Guard provided an opportunity to do both. I joined for the opportunities, experiences and potential to travel the world while still being able to prioritize my education.”
Where are you attending college and what are you studying?
“Right now, I am studying entomology and exploring geology at Middle Tennessee State University. I recently earned my associate degree from American Military University while deployed to Kuwait. The National Guard has allowed me to serve on a deployment while continuing to pursue higher education.”
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in the Tennessee Army National Guard?
“I think it's exciting that the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment is transforming into a Mobile Brigade Combat Team. The modernization reflects how the battlefield is evolving. There will always be a need for reconnaissance, but drones are becoming an increasingly important capability."
"Having deployed with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, I'm interested to see how these changes affect training and future operations. As a 25B Information Technology Specialist, much of my work takes place behind a desk, but experiences like the Spur Ride and RQ-28A Short Range Reconnaissance training showed me how much I enjoy working alongside Soldiers in the field. Those experiences have motivated me more to pursue reclassification as a 15W Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operator and continue learning about drone operations and maintenance.”
What has been your biggest challenge since joining?
"When I first joined, I didn't really know what I wanted to do. Because I joined early in life, I was still figuring out who I was and where I fit in. Since then, I've learned that I enjoy being outdoors, working with my platoon and participating in tactical training."
"The Tennessee Army National Guard helped me discover what I enjoy and where I fit in. It also taught me the value of being open-minded because everyone comes from different backgrounds and experiences."
What advice would you give someone considering military service?
“Do it sooner rather than later. There are so many opportunities, and the earlier you start, the more doors can open. Even if you begin with a six-year contract like I did, you'll still have the rest of your life ahead of you."
"Join, serve and network. Through the Tennessee Army National Guard, I've been able to continue my education, deploy overseas, and meet people from all different backgrounds. I'm grateful for the opportunities and experiences that service has provided.”
278th Cavalry Regiment Continues Transformation to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team
In May 2025, the Tennessee Army National Guard's 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment was selected as one of three National Guard units to reorganize into a Mobile Brigade Combat Team as part of the U.S. Army's transformation initiative. Since then, the 278th has begun its rapid conversion from an Armored Brigade Combat Team to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team, a lighter, faster and more lethal unit.
A Mobile Brigade Combat Team, which is an enhanced Infantry Brigade Combat Team, is a combat formation with new capabilities that emphasize dispersed, fast-moving operations and the integration of emerging technologies and systems such as the Infantry Squad Vehicle, unmanned aircraft systems, extended-range precision weapons and electronic warfare systems.
As the transformation continues, the 278th is updating its equipment and vehicles, learning new skills and reorganizing to meet the new force structure.
The 278th, which reorganized to its previous armored configuration in 2018, consisted primarily of M1 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles organized across six squadrons: three armored squadrons, one support squadron, one field artillery squadron and one engineer squadron, comprising more than 3,500 Soldiers.
The new Mobile Brigade Combat Team is organized with three infantry battalions, an additional multipurpose company assigned to each battalion and one multifunctional reconnaissance company assigned to the brigade. The brigade is leaner and more agile, with approximately 1,900 Soldiers.
As a newly designated infantry formation, the 278th has begun receiving and training on new equipment such as unmanned aircraft systems. Soldiers are learning to operate multiple aircraft platforms and becoming experts in UAS operations so they can continue adapting as the technology evolves.
Another significant change is the transition of Soldiers into new military occupational specialties. Guardsmen across the regiment have already begun attending transition courses to train for their new missions and learn how to integrate these new vehicles and systems into future operations.
Soldiers enlisting and commissioning in the Tennessee Army National Guard now have additional opportunities to serve in infantry and other emerging career fields across the state.
Over the next year and a half, Soldiers across the regiment will continue training on their new missions, equipment, and capabilities as the 278th completes its transition to a Mobile Brigade Combat Team, strengthening its ability to serve Tennessee and fight and win the nation's wars.