Pride of the Jaguar Battalion: Mathias Perrin

Each month, Jagwire features a cadet who is enrolled in Augusta University’s ROTC program and a member of the Jaguar Army ROTC Battalion. For April, we spoke with Cadet Mathias Perrin.

Where are you from and what high school did you attend?

I was born on an Army post in Heidelberg, Germany, moved to North Augusta, South Carolina, for 12 years, moved back to Kaiserslautern, Germany, in 2017, graduated from Kaiserslautern High School in 2020, and moved back to Augusta in 2020.

Why did you choose to attend Augusta University?

I chose Augusta University because it has an amazing cybersecurity program (in the College of Computer and Cyber Sciences), and it’s right across the street from Fort Gordon, the Army’s Cyber Center of Excellence.

How did you become interested in the ROTC/military?

Both sets of my grandparents and my dad retired as LTCs in the Army, and my uncle retired as a major general, so I’ve always been immersed in the Army lifestyle and I don’t think I’d be able to live otherwise. It seems I’m carrying on the tradition in my family.

Why did you choose to pursue the degree that you’ve selected?

I chose cybersecurity because I’ve been interested in computers for as long as I can remember, and cyber isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

What are your long-term plans for the military?

I plan on branching Cyber or Military Intelligence and staying in for 20 years. However, I’ll be doing whatever the Army tells me to do.

What is one of the biggest misconceptions of being in the ROTC?

One of the biggest misconceptions of being in the ROTC is that you have to be fit to join ROTC. You really don’t; you’ll get into shape while participating in the program.

Use one word to describe cadet life.

Diligent.

What has been the hardest adjustment to preparing for the military?

Starting to run again has been the hardest adjustment to preparing for the military, after not running since COVID started.

What are you most excited about now that you are a part of Jaguar Nation and the Jaguar Battalion?

I am most excited about the knowledge and connections I will gain from being a member of the Jaguar Battalion.

Use one word to sum up your experience as a Jaguar?

Amiable.