SAN ANTONIO- U.S. Army Installation Management Command G-3/5/7 Sgt. Maj. Kenyatta L. Mack served as a special guest speaker to the students in Joel C. Harris Middle School Leadership Officer Training Corps class on their annual career day on November 19, 2021. Mack shared some of his story in hopes to inspire youth on how the Army can offer lifelong success.
Mack was born a long way from Texas in Saginaw, Michigan. Although a gifted athlete, he turned down a college scholarship to join the Army. “My father and I knew I needed to get out of my current situation. The Army provided that opportunity. I left for the Army the day I graduated high school and never regretted that decision.”
Mack enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanic and attended basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He later changed his military occupational specialty to Military Police, attending advanced individual training at Fort McClellan, Alabama.
Mack allowed the youth to hold his precious identification tags as he told them some of the history his “dog tags” hold from throughout his Army career beginning at enlistment to being wounded in combat to today. He emphasized how valued these youth are regardless of where they come from and the circumstances beyond their control that impact them. The Army is a potential avenue for them to share their value and live a purposeful supported life. “Not everyone has a scholarship, or even parents who can stick together, but you can have a good life. There are people who care about you, who want you to succeed and know that you can.”
Mack credits some of his success to his long time mentor, retired IMCOM Provost Marshal Protection Sgt. Maj. Allen Taylor Jr. who teaches the Leadership Officer Training Corps class. “This man has been there for me through a lot of my Army career. He has truly helped me.”
Taylor gains from the mentorship opportunity, too. “SGM Mack is a great man and I know these kids see it. It’s been really great to have him here today.”
These Army leaders agree a person’s network and their relationship building capabilities relate to career progression. A strong work ethic is also key due to the increasing competitiveness of the military. Classes like the Leadership Officer Training Corps in middle or junior high school as a precursor to the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps in high school offers potential recruits a step ahead.
Taylor highlights the need for military preparation education to students and their stakeholders. “I strive to let people know that the military isn’t a fall back from college. Not everyone meets the high standards our military demands for a ready force. These kids are gaining the structure, exposure to the military community and ways to prepare them for success in life.” Mack reinforced the need to work hard. “You’re either going to work hard on the front end of life or the back end. Which do you want it to be?”
Mack’s work shows through his service with awards and decorations that include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal (5 Oak Leaf Clusters) and Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters). He looks forward to sharing more of his story and further supporting youth at future opportunities.
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