Georgia Guard Soldier turns ambition into achievement

MARIETTA, Ga. – As a high school student at Creekside High School in South Fulton, Georgia, U.S. Army Sgt. Jacoby Carswell never expected that a pizza and a chance to miss class would help shape his future.

Through the school’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program, Carswell was offered the opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a test used to assess skills and determine eligibility for military careers. At the time, he saw it as an easy way to get out of class and grab a bite to eat. Now, Carswell, a human resources specialist at Georgia Army National Guard Headquarters, is using military education benefits to complete his college degree and pursue his long-term goals.

Joining the Georgia Army National Guard in 2024 set Carswell on a path of personal and professional growth. Through mentorship, military education benefits and new leadership opportunities, he has continued turning his ambitions into achievements.

“I joined the Army because I wanted to break generational curses and have a better life for my siblings and future kids. And I always wanted to go to college,” Carswell explained.

Growing up away from home in Georgia, Carswell had limited guidance and little knowledge about the military. Although he wanted to attend college, he had to navigate his options largely on his own.

After scoring an 89 out of 99 possible points on the ASVAB, Carswell explored opportunities across several military branches. With guidance from Georgia Army National Guard recruiter Sgt. 1st Class Loukitchar Jeremy, he navigated the enlistment process and chose the Guard over active duty. Following his enlistment, Staff Sgt. Joshua Taylor, also a recruiter, helped him transition into military life and his unit.

In 2025, while training at Fort Stewart with the 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery Regiment, Carswell met Sgt. 1st Class Kendara King, who helped him understand and access the educational benefits available to Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers. He enrolled at Georgia State University to pursue a degree in criminal justice, using federal tuition assistance and the Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve to help fund his education. In spring 2025, he also took multiple College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, earning college credit for courses accepted by his university. The credits helped him accumulate 90 credit hours before completing his first year of college, putting him on track to graduate two years early. He is expected to complete his undergraduate degree in December 2026.

Carswell’s drive, strong work ethic and dedication to military service helped him push past age expectations and advance quickly. During a 2025 active-duty mission in Washington, D.C., he volunteered as a human resources specialist with the 170th Military Police Battalion, supporting personnel operations for more than 300 Soldiers. His work earned him the Joint Service Achievement Medal. In March 2026, at just 19 years old, he was promoted to sergeant and is currently the youngest Soldier holding that rank in the Georgia Army National Guard. His college credits, awards and weapons qualification helped support his promotion.

Reflecting on his growth as a Soldier and leader, Carswell said military service has strengthened his discipline and integrity while pushing him beyond his comfort zone. He believes embracing challenges is essential to personal growth.

“Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Staying in your comfort zone keeps your skills and mindsets stagnant,” he emphasized.

Being one of the youngest sergeants in the Georgia Army National Guard has also presented its own challenges. Carswell sometimes feels underestimated because of his age, but he draws inspiration from a Bible verse that reminds him to lead by example, regardless of how young he may be.

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity,” Carswell said, quoting 1 Timothy 4:12. Carswell is currently studying for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) as he prepares to begin law school in August 2027. He plans to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill to help fund his education and ultimately hopes to become an attorney or judge, potentially specializing in family law or criminal defense.

For young people considering military service, Carswell encourages them to look beyond the uniform and pursue opportunities in education and professional development. Inspired by the late Rep. John Lewis, he urges the next generation to take initiative rather than wait for someone else to act.

“If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” Carswell said, referencing Lewis’ words.

What started as a chance to miss class and grab pizza became a pathway to higher education, military leadership and a future in law, as Carswell continues turning unexpected opportunities into achievements.

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