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Articles
News | Aug. 24, 2018

Meet Your Guard: Officer Candidate Dylan Gates

2nd Modular Training Battlaion,124th Regional Training Institute

CAMP JOHNSON, Vt  –   Name: Officer Candidate Dylan Gates
Military Specialty: Officer Candidate (09S)
Years of Service: 1
Unit: 2nd Modular Training Battalion, 124th Regional Training Institute
Hometown: Hardwick, VT
Current Town: Colchester, VT
High School/Graduation Year: 2012
College/Graduation (If applies/If want known): Champlain College, 2016



Q. Why did you join the National Guard?
A. I joined the Guard to serve my community and country, gain job skills, and pay for college.

Q. What do you do in the Vermont National Guard?
A. I’m an officer candidate (09S) which means I am in training to become a commissioned officer. My classes
consist of training in soldiering skills, planning, leadership, and the paperwork associated with being a
military leader.

Q. What do you do for civilian work?
A. I work for Paragon Systems which is a federal security contractor. I am an armed guard in federal
buildings.

Q. What do you think is the greatest benefit of being in the National Guard?
A. Literally speaking, the greatest benefit is Tricare Reserve Select by far. More generally, the greatest
benefit is the opportunity to grow, be challenged, and gain experience on top of the work I do on the civilian
side.

Q. How has being a National Guard member benefited you in your local community and job?
A. I was able to obtain my current position and get connections within my company quickly because of my
service.

Q. What is your most memorable military moment?
A. My most memorable moment is the repel tower at basic training because I am afraid of heights.

Q. How long have you lived in Vermont?
A. I’ve lived in Vermont for 21 years and I am 24.

Q. What is your favorite aspect of living or working where you do?
A. The area is just perfect. My favorite aspect is that I can visit any store I need nearby but I can also drive 30
minutes and be back in rural Vermont.

Q. What has surprised you about the Vermont National Guard?
A. There are more opportunities for education and training than most people realize.

Q. What is your favorite part about serving in the Vermont National Guard?
A. The Guard is always challenging me to be a better person.

Q. How many push-ups did you get on your last physical fitness test?
A. 79

BONUS: Ask a question for the next Soldier or Airmen?
A. How do you plan to use your military experience to help you advance in your civilian career?

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