Senior Ethan Jorgensen is planning his future to become an active member of the United States Marines. Jorgensen is currently part of the ROTC program, where he works hard further himself in his desired career path. Jorgensen will be swearing into the Marines Wednesday, Oct. 21. 

Jorgensen spends his afternoons working out with the marines, signing entry papers and partaking in Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS). The MEPS is an important physical exam that tests a person’s hearing, vision, and physical ability.

“When I was little I always had super unrealistic, fantastic expectations for what my life would be like,” Jorgensen said.  “I probably got that from all the movies I watched that give their character astronomical purposes or destinies, and I knew I didn’t want a mundane job I went to every day to clock in and clock out. I always saw the military as something so different from everyday life that it would give me that satisfaction of serving a higher purpose than to make money and climb the social ladder. That it would give me my own journey to live out and look back on for the rest of my life.” 

Jorgensen plans on becoming a part of the Marines Scout Snipers. The group consists of highly trained individuals who deliver long range precision fire on selected targets. It is one of the hardest military groups to be a part of. Before one can be selected to join, they must earn the rank of Lance Corporal and complete a 79 day scout sniper course. 

“I’m most interested in the camaraderie that will come out of it. I know there’s no stronger bonds than between people who trust each other with their lives and the chance to prove myself to my fullest potential, because I know I won’t get a greater challenge than in the marines,” Jorgensen said. “I’m shooting for joining the scout snipers, which is probably one of the hardest groups to get into.  I believe if I can prove myself and get into the scouts, there really isn’t anything I can’t get through and accomplish.”