Brothers Enlist, Train Together In Army
by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Rodney Roldan
July 15, 2023

In the U.S., family members serving together in the military seems uncommon. Such situations represent not only family support for service to the nation, but the bond between those family members serving together in arms ... that is especially true for the Hunt brothers.

Pvt. Jermaine Hunt, a signal support systems specialist trainee, and Pvt. Deon Hunt, an information technology specialist trainee, enlisted in the United States Army at an NFL game in the fall of 2022 as Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command, administered the oath of enlistment. Jermaine chose the active component, and Deon chose the reserve component.

The Hunt brothers were born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland, and attended Annapolis High School together. Throughout their lives, they shared a common thread: an unwavering passion for serving their country. From an early age, their parents instilled the values of education, duty, and honor.

“I was exploring options after high school,” Jermaine said. “My mother encouraged me to go into the military. My grandfather was a Navy man and attended the Naval Academy. I thought about it and one day decided to go into the Army for various opportunities including college.”

He also received help in ways that went beyond encouragement.

“When it comes to family support, our mother was there with both of us helping us with paperwork and medical tests,” Jermaine said. “She was taking off work helping us with anything we needed.”

Advancing their education and relieving the associated financial burdens were key factors in their decision.

“I was always planning on going to college,” Deon said, “and I looked at going into the Army Reserve to not only help me with the education benefits but also help my mother save money instead of paying college expenses for us.”

The unity between these brothers has extended into their military careers as well. They often found themselves in neighboring companies during basic training and now attend advanced individual training together at the U.S. Army Signal School-Cyber Center of Excellence.

“It’s crazy how we ended up in basic at the same time,” said Deon, who enjoyed being able to see his brother. “We at times would run into each other, call one another at times, and have healthy competition. It was nice knowing that family was nearby, especially in the company next to me.”

This unique bond not only allowed them to offer support during difficult times but also fostered a sense of camaraderie while training together.

“We would send notes to each other at times, checking in and seeing where we were at mentally in our process,” Jermaine said. “It helped me a lot knowing my brother was there for me and me for him.”
Both Jermaine and Deon Hunt are scheduled to graduate from AIT in the next few weeks.

Deon plans to continue his service in the Army Reserve at a unit in his hometown of Annapolis, as well as studying to become a police officer with the Annapolis Police Department. He appreciates the balance the Army Reserve offers alongside his police pursuits, both allowing professional development “where what I learn in one can help the other.”

Jermaine plans to use his personal time to study while on active duty overseas. He appreciates the many opportunities and experiences possible in the Army.


“I get to learn new things and travel the world,” Jermaine said. “My family doesn’t have to worry too much about me knowing that I am taken care of financially and doing something that they have supported.”

As new members within both the Army and Army Reserve communities, Jermaine and Deon Hunt serve as role models for aspiring service members around the world. Their unwavering commitment to their country and each other serves as a shining example of what it means to be part of the military community – dedication, loyalty, and sacrifice – as illustrated by their advice for people considering service.

“For those thinking about coming in, come in the military with a positive attitude,” Deon said. “Things are challenging at times, but you get what you put in.”

He encourages looking at the humanity in everyone, including those who will lead you.

“Learn the positive side of training and what they are wanting you to achieve,” Deon said. “Talking to one another helps.”


“Don’t be afraid of this environment,” Jermaine said. “You are around new people and must learn from everyone. Yes, there might be pressure at times, but that’s how diamonds are made.”

He recalls a lesson learned during basic training when confronted with a 10-mile run. He realized that conquering such a challenge involved building himself up and that he wasn’t alone in this. It’s a process shared with all Soldiers.

“In the Army, we are all the same no matter what background you come from,” Jermaine said. “We all wear the same uniform, have the same training, and go through the same thing. It’s a great way to build your life.”

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