He used to think military was just a game played with friends. Now for senior Ben Wentz, the military is a real life commitment.

Wentz enlisted in the army in order to lead soldiers on the battlefield.

At the age of 17, Wentz put his lifelong dream into action and dedicated his life to the armed forces. Even as a young boy, Wentz felt his calling.

“In the sixth grade I knew that I wanted to pursue the military,” Wentz said. “At first I was afraid of what could happen to me if I did pursue it, but as I thought about it more I realized that if I don’t, who will?”

In order to enlist as a minor, Wentz’s parents had to sign their consent.

“They were both very supportive even though they were both a bit iffy about it,” Wentz said. “They both know that the military is where I’m supposed to be.”

Wentz will attend boot camp in Ft. Benning, Georgia in August and Reserve Officer Training Corporation (ROTC)at Texas Tech in the fall.

“Originally I was going to go into the Marines, but that changed the summer before my sophomore year,” Wentz said. “I felt a conviction and realized that I was choosing the Marines based on what I wanted and not what God wanted. I was humbled by that and prayed a lot about it.”

Although Wentz said he was always certain about the military, he was not always sure of what career to pursue within it. Wentz spent a lot of time praying and seeking council on his decision to join the ROTC program.

“Several people helped guide me through the process of my decision,” Wentz said. “One in particular was General Hoover, who mentored me in choosing between going to West Point, which is where I originally wanted to go, or the ROTC program. He helped me see that ROTC is where I needed to be. He was a huge blessing to me.”

Not only did General Hoover help Wentz in making a decision for his future, but he also taught him the type of leader he should be while living out that decision.

“He talked to me about leading soldiers in a moral and Christian manner,” Wentz said. “He really taught me the way to lead in general.”

Wentz said he wants to be successful in rank and to set a standard for those around him.

“I hope to set an example in my walk in Christ and my walk as a battlefield officer,” Wentz said. “I want to be courageous, but not arrogant. I want to be the type of officer who, when asking someone else to do something, is willing to do it themselves.”

Wentz said that the military is not for everyone and advises others to think through their decisions.

“To those contemplating the military, I would say pray about it,” Wentz said. “Seek council and instruction, and look for advice. Find peace with what you decide to do or not do.”

Despite the lack of peace in a career of war, Wentz has found a feeling of contentment in his decision.

“I am fit to do this,” Wentz said. “I know this is what God is calling me to do.”