Some people are already thinking towards their future. Their goals are there just waiting to be accomplished. Senior Raheem Mason juggles between being a regular student in high school and working for the U.S Army in the Split Option Program.

“If you’re joining, you’re basically set for life,” says Mason.

Once Mason found out about the Split Option Program, he instantly took advantage of it. He is currently in a program called the 88 November, which is a transporting job. He transports people, weapons, equipment, and cargo, all over water on a small navy battleship owned by the army.

“I’m ahead of the game, when it comes to my job,” says Mason.

Mason knows what he is doing is for the better. This is not only for himself, but also for his family. His mother provides mostly for herself, so he knows doing what he does makes his family stronger. He has a 34-year old brother who is a big influence in his life. Mason told his brother to join the army since he was not doing much with his life.

“The army is a branch of your family,” says Mason.

Mason plans to go to Afghanistan, Iraq, Germany, Russia, and South Korea. Where he travels is where his family has to be stationed, and the government will make sure his family is taken care of.

“A day in my life is completely different from your regular school day by far,” said Mason, “I wake up at 4:00am-5:00am to do push-ups for an hour. I go to breakfast in our cafeteria, which is called a Defac. We only eat organic breakfast. Then it’s to the unit to meet for formation and get assigned duties, which would probably be paperwork, tracking people or equipment.”

Mason has completed basic training during the beginning of his military training. Basic training takes ten weeks and involves getting their uniform and medical records situated. Then they get picked up by a sergeant for their actual training. After basic training he goes wherever he is stationed.

There are not only men in the army; there are also women, who are separated by housing but train together. These troops are separated into what is called platoons. These platoons are filled with sixty people that train inside a battery. Goofing off in the army involves some harsh punishments. One such punishment is called ‘getting smoked’ and involves doing push-ups until your arms burn.

The gas chamber is what tests your gear and stamina. Once inside you have just enough oxygen and to live, and is there to make you suffer. You line up for someone to get picked to go to what is called the ready-line. This is where you take off your gas mask.

“They humiliate you, and get it all on tape, but they failed to catch me on tape.” He says. “It’s very crazy, but we all have no choice when it comes to the gas chamber, we all have to do it.”

As soon as you take off the gas mask your body is filled with water, which makes you throw-up. Then the liquid fills your eyes, so its best if your eyes and mouth are closed. Once your eyes and mouth are open your eyes can burn for day and body will be brutally sore.

“It feels like dying, I got very cold.” Says Mason,

“Your body basically shuts down, but you wont die. You will be unconscious. Once out, flap your arms to get the gas out.

“This is one of the most intense moments… there is yelling and cussing, says Mason.

The military isn’t all fun and games; it can also get soldiers scholarships to any college of their choice.

“I’m shooting for the four year ROTC scholarship and it’s good at any college. This scholarship pays for your tuition, food, housing, and also I will be paid as a sergeant; it’s basically how you get paid for school.” says Mason. “The Military opens a lot of doors for you.”

Mason’s plans are already set. He is ready for the future and what it has to bring.

“Military has made life for me and my family much easier, once my contract is up in 2017, I would be proud to re-enlist and continue my career.”

Edited by Matthew Russell