Randell “Randy” Perkins is a freshman at Johnson C. Smith University and a member of the National Guard, making waves as the first university cadet to sign a military service contract before graduation.
Perkins always envisioned joining the military to fund his college education. After graduating high school, he swiftly entered basic training. Following his training, he relocated to Charlotte to study cybersecurity at JCSU, following in the footsteps of his brother, Ryan Perkins, also a student at the university.
Upon discovering that JCSU was part of a local consortium offering an ROTC program, Perkins recognized an opportunity to enhance his military training while pursuing his degree.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school, so I thought joining the army would benefit me,” he said. His commitment quickly paid off, allowing him to fulfill the physical requirements for ROTC due to his prior military experience.
Dr. Cheryl Curtis, the director of veterans and military affairs at JCSU, emphasized Perkins’s remarkable achievement. “Cadet Perkins was able to meet the course requirements faster than others in a record one semester of being an ROTC cadet,” she said.
Perkins’ says being part of the ROTC program is tough. His days start at 5:30 a.m. with physical training. “It takes a lot of dedication to be in ROTC. The program teaches leadership skills like how to take initiative and how to plan,” he said. He now shares this journey with fellow cadet Jasmine Hogan, marking a significant return of ROTC participation at JCSU.
“I want to fight and serve,” Perkins added. “I like knowing that I’m not just fighting for myself and the people I love and care about. When disasters happen and they call for people, some shy away. But not me.”
His eagerness to serve comes at a time when U.S. military recruitment faces significant challenges. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, 2023 marked the worst recruiting year for the military since 1973.
His motivation to serve is inspired by his father’s work as a federal agent. After his time in the armed forces, he hopes to pursue a career similar to his father’s.
Perkins is on track to graduate debt-free and ready to commence his commissioned role in the U.S. military. Dr. Curtis counts his achievement as a significant milestone for Perkins and JCSU. She is hopeful about expanding the ROTC program, with ten students currently on the waiting list. She urges interested students to reach out.
