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News | Sept. 8, 2020

Southern Indiana Twins Compete for Military Academy Scholarships

By Randall Lescault U.S. Army Medical Recruiting Brigade

Two motivated, fit southern Indiana twins have their sights set on military academy scholarships, and they recently came to Fort Knox to complete their Candidate Fitness Assessments, a requirement for the scholarship application process.

With the oversight of two U.S. Army Medical Recruiting Brigade officers, Joshua and Caleb Pym completed various tests to determine their strength and endurance. The tests included:

  • Basketball throw from a kneeling position
  • Pull-ups
  • Shuttle run
  • Modified sit ups
  • Push-ups
  • 1-mile run

Each event is completed in succession. The test can be administered by physical education teachers, military academy liaison officers, military officers or non-commissioned officers, professors of military science or J/ROTC instructors. Two MRB officers, Capt. Alec Fritz, assistant operations officer, and Capt. Rachel Stafford, MRB headquarters company commander, coordinated the test at Natcher Gymnasium for the twins.

“They seemed incredibly motivated in taking the CFA and gave their best effort on every single event,” said Fritz, a 2016 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy. “They also were asking questions to improve their packet and ensure they are the most qualified candidate for admission.”

Capt. Stafford agreed with Fritz’s assessment.

“The twins performed exceptionally well,” she said. “They worked hard to exceed the standard and achieved high scores in all categories. This proved to me how dedicated and determined they are to be a part of the armed forces and to serve our country.” 

The twins have similar motivations for pursuing academy appointments.

“I’ve always had huge respect for the United States military,” Joshua said. “They preserve and maintain our foundational freedoms as individuals and collectively as a nation. Through a military academy, I would be able to not only receive a phenomenal education, but I would fulfill my desire to enter the U.S. military.”

Caleb echoed these sentiments.

“The academies will provide me the opportunity to serve my country, and a chance to simultaneously receive an excellent education,” he said.

Both young men declared that they were ultimately motivated to serve as a matter of faith.

“I am motivated by my relationship to God,” Caleb said. “Whenever He clearly orders the next step in my life, I become motivated by His instruction.”

Caleb’s first choice is the Air Force Academy, while Joshua is leaning toward West Point. Fritz used his time with the twins to conduct a little recruiting for West Point.

The twins will submit their applications in the coming weeks.

“Captains Stafford and Fritz did a phenomenal job administering the CFA and setting it up for us,” Joshua said. “I am proud to know we have such strong and enthusiastic Soldiers in the United States Army.” 

The U.S. Army Medical Recruiting Brigade recruits about 2,000 healthcare and chaplain professionals each year to serve in the Army Medical Department and the Army Chaplain Corps.

For more information about joining the U.S. Army as a medical or chaplain professional, visit https://recruiting.army.mil/mrb/.

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