Interview with Jordan Goolsby, September 11, 2020

Partial Transcript: Alright, my name is Jordan Goolsby...

Segment Synopsis: Jordan Goolsby begins by talking about her experiences growing up in Georgia as a high school athlete. She states that she is a current junior at UGA pursuing a degree in Economics with a certificate in Urban and Metropolitan Studies.

Keywords: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA); Basketball; Gwinnett County, Georgia; Snellville, Georgia; Terry College of Business; Track; Volleyball

Partial Transcript: Tell me about...

Segment Synopsis: Goolsby shares more about her high school experience, such as participating in JROTC and living with her mom, who is an Army Reserve Veteran. She recalls her first year of college before impulsively deciding to join the Georgia Army National Guard as an Intelligence Analyst. She credits this decision mostly toward the tuition benefits that the Army provides.

Keywords: Air Force; Army; GI Bill

Partial Transcript: You join the Georgia National Guard...

Segment Synopsis: Goolsby discusses being assigned to an RSP (Recruit Sustainment Program) to get ready for Basic Training and AIT (Advanced Individual Training). She talks about what she learned in RSP and recalls her Basic Training experience at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Keywords: Battery; Ceremony; Drill Sergeants; First Aid; Lawrenceville, Georgia

Partial Transcript: Okay, so, you're doing with basic training...

Segment Synopsis: Goolsby describes her experience at Fort Huachuca in Arizona for AIT (Advanced Individual Training), which she enjoyed much more than Basic Training. She discusses the training and courses she took to learn more about her MOS (Military Occupational Specialty).

Keywords: Briefs; Intelligence Reports

Partial Transcript: And we would've done more...

Segment Synopsis: Goolsby recalls the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic had on her AIT. She explains that most of the training operations were completely changed and minimized, but the leadership instilled the idea that "the mission continues." She describes some of the key differences between life on the base before and during the pandemic.

Keywords: Classroom Dynamics; Field Training; Mask Mandates

Partial Transcript: What was the best part...

Segment Synopsis: Goolsby shares her best and worst memories of AIT. She describes what it was like being one of the only college students.

Keywords: College Student; Drill Sergeants; Friendship; Training; UGA

Partial Transcript: Early May, you come home...

Segment Synopsis: Goolsby describes being in a state of limbo after AIT due to complications imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She describes feeling like she is not actually a part of the National Guard at the current moment, but she hopes that this changes soon.
*There are technical difficulties from 27:20-28:50.

Keywords: COVID-19; Drill Calls; Online Modules; Payroll; RSP (Recruit Sustainment Program); Uncertainty; Uniforms

Partial Transcript: What are your plans...

Segment Synopsis: Goolsby shares her plans of going to graduate school and pursuing a doctorate degree in Economics. She explains her hopes of deployment before her time in the National Guard comes to an end. She also talks about the benefits she is currently receiving, such as the Montgomery GI Bill.

Keywords: Commissioned; Consulting; MOS (Military Occupational Specialty); Selected Reserve; Stipends; Tuition Assistance

Partial Transcript: How about as a student...

Segment Synopsis: Goolsby discusses stigmas surrounding Black people in the military, but she does not hide from others' perceptions of her. She offers a final piece of advice for anyone considering joining the military, which is to do extensive research before making a final decision.