Although being involved in Army JROTC since his freshman year, senior Omar Perez recently enlisted in The United States Marine Corps. It is typical of PMA students to enlist in the Army or Army National Guard which is why it was shock when he enlisted in the Marines.

“I wanted to do something better than my dad and it seemed harder,” said Perez

Lots of PMA students enter the military upon graduation or even before. The question is: does PMA really prepare these soldiers for what they are about to experience?

“I think Wrestling at PMA with an actual Marine has and still does prepare me for what’s to come,” said Perez.

So in Perez’s opinion, it was mainly wrestling that helped him out. Perez also plans to take online courses until he is able to go to an actual university.

“I definitely want to go to college to get my masters and become an astronaut,” said Perez.

Marine basic training is going to be tough. It’s a challenge physically and mentally.

“I believe nothing can prepare you for something like Marine basic training but I am more than ready to push myself for the challenge,” said Perez.

Perez feels that it’ll be a challenge but it’ll pay off in the long run. He also has plans for after basic training.

“After basic training I go will go to Marine combat training and either go into 0311 infantry rifleman or reconacense or combat engineer. I don’t know what I wanna do specifically but I just know I wanna be on the ground in the fight and not hiding,” said Perez.

Perez is excited to start his career in the Marines, go to college and become an astronaut.