Story by U.S. Army Pfc. David Dumas

FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas – The 1st Cavalry Division organized a Career Fair for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps students from neighboring Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos) and Killeen area high schools. This event offered a valuable opportunity for students to gain insight into the military and explore the diverse benefits the Army provides, post-graduation.

Encountering the Troopers on the base, students displayed great enthusiasm learning about the everyday routine of the 1st Cavalry Division and its Troopers. This candid and up-close look into Trooper’s work lives helped the students feel more inclined towards considering a career in the Army.

“This was very informative for those who want to join the military,” Kaleyah Korb, a JROTC student at Shoemaker High School, said.

Students had the privilege of getting up close with some of the vehicles and equipment used by the “First Team.” Among some of the vehicles that were displayed and taught to students, the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 Main Battle Tank was the most popular, with a majority of students bombarding the tank crew with questions and photo opportunities.

“It’s nice to learn about joining and maybe on the type of career field you’d expect yourself to choose. Seeing the vehicles has made me want to join the Army even more,” Korb said.

While observing a tank can be fascinating, driving it is an entirely different experience. The JROTC students were ecstatic when finding out they would be visiting the Close Combat Tactical Trainer, where they would have the opportunity to operate a simulated tank or wheeled vehicle simulator.

“Showing students the simulations allows them to see what the Army offers and it gives them some insight as to what they might be doing in their service,” Javier Monrocouin, Lead Operations for CCTT, said.

Used to give Troopers high-quality training in a controlled setting, the CCTT’s virtual training simulation provides Troopers the ability to realistically train in a controlled environment.

“This is a great way to help future soldiers make their decision to join easier and give them a general idea of what we do here,” Monrocouin added.

After leaving the CCTT, students were fortunate enough to visit a few of the many aircraft assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade. Witnessing various military occupational specialties helped to reinforce the notion that the Army offers diverse career opportunities for individuals with varied interests and skill sets.

“We enjoy showing them some of the jobs they can choose in the Army as well as the many opportunities that are available to them,” 1st Lt. Connor Felty, detachment executive officer for Waco Recruiting Company, Dallas Recruiting Battalion, said. “Providing them with a glimpse into the daily life of a soldier can assist them in considering their choices post-high school.”

As students interacted with the Air Cav, they were taught subjects such as helicopter maintenance, what it takes to fly aircraft in the Army, and how the career field translates over once their service has ended.

“Today we showed them different jobs the Army aviation has to offer along with subsiding aviation MOS’s,” Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery Kilpatrick, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, said. “Bringing the students here helps bring the future of the Army forward.”

While the career fair can be used as a stepping stone for the students if they wish to join the military, it also serves as a valuable educational opportunity for students who may not be considering a military career, allowing them to gain a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of service members, as well as the diverse benefits that the Army can provide.