Pfc. Alexander Sieng, a fire control specialist for 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment; 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, was selected through a program to represent the 7th Infantry Division at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York state.
The four-day program, Rapid Application Completion Exercise or RACE, is designed to assist Soldiers in completing their service-connected admissions with West Point admissions team members who guide the applicants through questions they might have and help make their applications more competitive.
“Serving under great leaders and witnessing how they mentor and lead Soldiers inspired me to pursue becoming an officer,” said Sieng, 19, who was one of 12 Soldiers selected to visit West Point in New York.
To participate in the RACE program, Sieng first needed to be recommended by some of his leadership.
“He has the ability to learn. He’s a smart kid. He takes initiative to get things done,” said 1st Sgt. Scott Beardsley, first sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery for 2-17 FA, who was one of Sieng’s leadership who recommended him for the program. “For me, I’m looking for Soldiers who have a yearning to learn, who’s teachable, and who puts the best foot forward every single day to try and get better.”
To become selected, Sieng had to complete requirements, including surveys, letters of recommendation, and admissions forms. This was followed by a Candidate Fitness Assessment, a fitness test with six events that predicts a candidate’s aptitude.
But Sieng prevailed.
“He’s really intelligent, has common sense,” Beardsley said. “He’s going to be a great officer because he has the qualities needed and enough drive to go above and beyond.”
During the four-day visit, the selected Soldiers experienced the military academy’s daily routines, shadowed cadets, and attended academy events.
“I enjoyed seeing the day-by-day life of cadets and seeing the balance of academics, sports, and military life that cadets manage every day,” Sieng said. “I appreciated seeing the school pride and the culture that West Point has to offer.”
West Point, also called the United States Military Academy, is an academy where cadets can earn a Bachelor’s Degree, and their commission as a second lieutenant.
Sieng expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity and his aspirations to become a U.S. Army officer.
“I feel a drive to uphold the Army standards and be a role model to Soldiers while also learning from them,” Sieng said. “It’s not only understanding the responsibilities an officer bears, but also the career opportunities, skill development, and personal growth I gravitated towards; and I believe, for myself, that West Point is the best place to find that.”
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