Story and Photos by: COL (R) Marc A Garcia

Liberty City Miami, FL – Private Jestiny McBride, a former Army JROTC Cadet and 2023 Miami Northwestern Senior High School graduate, didn’t realize she made history this month. That is when the Northwestern “Bull”, proved she had what it takes to serve in the U.S. Army Infantry and graduated from Basic Training and 11B Infantry Advanced Individual Training (AIT). 

Her decision makes her a pioneer for Bull Nation. Although the centuries ban on women serving in the Infantry of the Army only ended in 2016, females still make up less than 2% of combat arms forces, according to the U.S. Army News Service.

“…I think her JCLC and JROTC Raider experiences had a huge impact on her decision to go Combat Arms,” said Colonel Garcia. 

Mcbride commented, “My only regret is not being in JROTC for the entire 4 years of High School, I could have enlisted as a PFC.” 

Private McBride returned to her Alma Mater on Thursday, December 14, 2023, on Holiday Leave to share with students her experiences before she departs for her new Duty Station at Fort Campbell. KY home of the 18th Airborne Corps, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). 

Ansbach Middle High School: Aiming for Excellence

March 24th, 2026|Comments Off on Ansbach Middle High School: Aiming for Excellence

Ansbach Middle High School’s marksmanship team found success at Camp Perry, Ohio, as cadets prepare for this week’s National Air Rifle Championships (photo by Army Instructor Christopher Buchanan) Written by Cadet Schuettpelz The [...]

Daegu Middle High School: A History Lesson On the Korean War

March 11th, 2026|Comments Off on Daegu Middle High School: A History Lesson On the Korean War

Cadets from Daegu Middle High School in Daegu, South Korea gather around the "Helmet with Holes" exhibit at the Waegwan War Memorial Museum, which collects and displays authentic artifacts from the Korean War. (Photo [...]