Richmond, Virginia- It has been said that twins share a special bond throughout their lives. For the Nunnally boys, that means sharing more than just a birthday.
Jacob and Joshua Nunnally, 17 year old seniors at Greensville High School, both swore into the Marine Corps’ Delayed Entry Program, Nov. 3, 2014.
For both, choosing to take on the challenge of earning the title Marine was what drew them to a recruiter’s office.
“Marines are the hardest branch to get into,” said Jacob, who was the first brother to decide on joining the Marine Corps. “I like working out and challenging myself, so the Marine Corps was the best fit.”
“I always wanted to be in the military, ever since I was old enough to recognize the color camouflage,” added Joshua. “I wanted to be a part of that Marine Corps lifestyle.”
The Nunnallys have always been close, so they decided to enlist in the buddy program, which will allow them to attend boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina together.
“It helps to have someone you know go through everything with you,” said Joshua. “Who better than my brother?”
Both young men decided to enlist in the Marine Corps Reserve, meaning that once they complete their initial training and their military occupational specialty school, they’ll return to civilian life. Their remaining military commitment will be to serve one weekend a month and an additional two weeks during the year.
Reserve Marines are vital to the Marine Corps operational readiness. They may be called upon to strengthen active forces in peacetime and in war, provide support during national emergencies or lead community service efforts like the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. The Nunnalys decided on the reserves so they could pursue college degrees, while still serving their country and earning the title of Marine.
That is where these twins, who decided to embark on this journey together, will part ways.
Jacob wants to be an Amphibious Assault Vehicle crewman, while pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Joshua wants to become a combat engineer, and study engineering at a community college before transferring to a university.
For these two young brothers, they will be joining the brotherhood of Marines, and will continue to challenge and push one another toward success, just as their new Marine family will.