Pride of the Jaguar Battalion: William Green

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 March, we spoke with Cadet William Green.

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

I am originally from Tupelo, Mississippi, but I went to high school at Houston County High School in Warner Robins, Georgia, and earned my bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and liberal studies from Georgia College and State University.

Why did you choose to attend Augusta University?

Augusta University offers a Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies, which has always been an attractive degree to me and my life goals.

How did you become interested in the ROTC/military?

After undergrad, I moved to Mississippi to be the director of youth ministry at a large Catholic parish in a suburb of Jackson. It was very rewarding work, and I loved my time there, but I knew I had a call to federal service and had to scratch that itch. I applied to several federal law enforcement positions and graduate school at Augusta. Ultimately it came down to a decision between an offer from a federal agency and ROTC at Augusta, and I chose ROTC due to the ability to earn a degree and serve my nation.

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

I chose the MAISS program because I desire to be an enabler in my field. The MAISS program gives me the skills and knowledge needed to better enable soldiers and decision makers to accomplish their missions.

What are your long-term plans for the military?

My long-term plans for the military are to enter as an infantry officer to master the basics, then to move into a more technical branch which directly enables SOF.

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

One of the biggest misconceptions of being in ROTC is that we all eat, breathe and live Army. This is one of the most diverse groups of people I have ever been with. We have athletes, artists, outdoorsmen and bookworms. Everyone brings something new to the table, and it is a blast to see where people have come from and how their experiences shape their leadership styles.

Use one word to describe cadet life.

Rewarding.

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

The hardest adjustment is not being the behind-the-scenes person. Officers are the backboard and standard bearer of conduct and excellence. It’s been a difficult transition of having to own strengths and not seek to only work behind the scenes.

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

I am most excited about learning new skill sets and teaching those to others. It’s rewarding to learn the leadership skills and tactics, and then to see those play out at training exercises or at labs. I am very much looking forward to when I am in a place of teaching those skill sets and seeing other cadets succeed and learn.

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

Awesome.