Battalion S-2 (Intelligence Officer) Connor Edwards

Name: Connor Edwards

Rank: Battalion Security and Intelligence Officer (S-2)

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

At MMA Since: 2021

Activities at MMA: Fusileers

Favorite book: The Man in the High Castle by Phillip K Dick

Hobbies: Playing video games, military history, and of course, Fusileers

Favorite class: Any of the JROTC LET classes

Favorite food in mess hall: Taco day — it’s a rare delicacy that comes once in a blue moon. 

Plans after graduation: Hopefully attending the United States Naval Academy

Why did you enroll at MMA? I enrolled at MMA because I wanted something better for myself. My life before MMA was filled with no excitement. I realized sitting in my room, ransacking my parents’ refrigerator and sitting on my computer seven hours a day does not get me into the military and college. It took a lot of begging from my parents to send me here, but eventually, I made it where I am at now. 

Why do you now attend MMA? It is a stepping stone towards my dreams of attending the United States Naval Academy and commissioning as an officer in the Marine Corps. MMA has the resources and tools for me to succeed, and I don't want to miss an opportunity for something that can benefit me and my future. 

What is the most important thing you have learned so far at MMA? At MMA, you learn a lot of responsibility — not just for yourself, but for others. Whether that is being responsible for yourself, making sure you wake up during reveille and go to PT, whether you're a platoon sergeant responsible for a platoon of cadets, or even battalion commander guiding a successful corps of cadets, everyone at MMA is responsible and accountable for themselves and sometimes others.

What advice do you have for new cadets? New cadets, I personally want to congratulate you for being a part of something that will change you and your perspective on life. Whether you chose this path or someone chose it for you, you'll come to find this Academy has a set of personal challenges for you to overcome, and you will succeed at just that. My best advice for you is no matter what — don’t quit. MMA is not easy; it’s not meant to be. Maroon Phase will be difficult, but I know you will make it through. Now I challenge you, new cadets. I want you to find a goal in mind, big or small, and then try to achieve it. Keep setting goals, and don't ever quit. 

Is there anything you want other cadets to know about you? I am a people person. I love meeting new people and making friends. Just because I am a leader does not mean I can't make new friends. Don't be afraid to talk to me. Just catch me at the right place and time. I'd love to chat with you.

Cadet Intelligence Officer (S2); the intelligence officer is responsible to the battalion executive officer and has the following specific responsibilities; Keeps the corps informed on current events and weather activities.  Assists the S-1 during peak administrative periods. Assists the Cadet Battalion Sergeant Major in supervising all Tour Squad activities. Corrects uniform and grooming standard violations.