2nd Lt. Joshua Searcy always wanted to serve his country in the military, FBI or CIA. His grandfather served in the U.S. Army for 24 years, and his father and cousin served in the military.
"For me, it is a family tradition," Searcy said.
The main question was which path he would take. In high school, Searcy looked at the University of North Georgia (UNG) and the Citadel. Earning the University of North Georgia Military Scholarship (UNGMS) made his college choice an easy one.
The state-funded scholarship is offered each year to 42 Georgia high school seniors to attend UNG, graduate with a bachelor's degree and commission as officers in the Georgia Army National Guard. The scholarship pays for room, meals, tuition, books, uniforms, and fees. They must be enlisted in the National Guard while in the Corps of Cadets.
"This is a clear path to join the Army, which is what I wanted to do," Searcy said.
Being a cadet offered him the chance to grow in a variety of ways.
"I enjoyed my time in the Corps of Cadets and having the opportunity to teach and lead the cadets around me," Searcy said. "If I can make a good impression on them, then they will turn out to be great leaders in the Army and civilian world."
The intersection of cadet and civilian life has made UNG, one of six federally designated senior military colleges (SMC) in the nation, an enjoyable experience for Searcy. The civilian experience sets UNG cadets apart from the service academies and all but two of the nation's other SMCs.
Searcy, who is from Newnan, Georgia, earned a degree in international affairs with a European concentration in December 2019. He was grateful for an atmosphere of diverse viewpoints at UNG.
"I am extremely proud of the environment created at the school," Searcy said. "Despite differences between people and what goes on with our nation, the student body at the school has found a way to continue on united and being accepting of everyone's views and ideals."
Searcy was awarded commission as a second lieutenant upon graduation.
The dream of a job at the CIA, FBI and U.S. Marshals Service is also still on his radar. He even has thought of running for public office in the future.
"I hope to continue to lead and help others in their career toward becoming an Army officer or even civilian leaders," Searcy said.
