Over 350 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Science Technology Engineering and Math, and Trade students from the Tacoma Independent School District received interactive training during a hands-on education event on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash, April 13.
The event, part of the S.T.E.M. program, highlighted the professional opportunities the military has to offer to young people.
"We'll be discussing the opportunities that are available to potential service members in terms of different duty positions that are available, other than what they might see on TV," said Capt. Henrik Chase, company commander for the Tacoma Army Recruiting Center.
The students rotated through several stations where Army personnel answered questions and gave practical demonstrations of equipment such as a medical litter and a TALON robot used to disarm explosive devices. Students also visited a K9 unit, where Soldiers demonstrated the patience and control necessary to preform this unusual career.
"We are giving a quick demonstration on the capabilities of military working dogs and showing off the different types of gear we have," said Spc. Joshua Martin, a dog handler in the 95th Military Working Dog Detachment, 504th Military Police Battalion here. "The goal is to show them what we do and to show them that it's not necessarily unreachable, and that it's fun to do."
Representatives from the Stone Education Center and the U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs also explained military benefits such as the tuition assistance, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers and post intramural sports.
"We appreciate that Joint Base Lewis-McChord was able to do this," said Andrew Mordhurst, a Tacoma Public School paraeducator. "This gives the students exposure to what is being done and to the improvements to military technology as well as one-on-one contact with military personnel."
Kazaria Walker, 18, a student at Henry Foss High School, hopes to someday join the Air Force and travel the world after attending art school.
"It was great to see what the Army is about and what kind of jobs and opportunities are available," said Walker.
"This is an opportunity to reach out to the community, to the school districts itself," added Chase. "It shows that the United States Army not only could be, but should be, a first career choice for high school students who may or may not be ready for the rigors of college."
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