Captain Cantu is proud to recognize Sergeant Ethan Rhodes as the Alpha Company Soldier of the Quarter.

Tell us a little about yourself. I'm Sergeant Ethan Rhodes I’m 22 Years Old and from Perth, Western Australia (don't worry if you don't know where that is). Im currently a university student studying
International Relations, Politics & History; A Bartender and an Infantryman in the Australian Army (Reserves) for the past 3 Years. The military has been a big part of my
life with my dad having served on the Australian Army (Reserves) for 13 Years. I’ve just finished my University Exchange in the United Kingdom and am looking forward to returning to Australia and graduating from my Bachelor's Degree. I've also been gaming since I was 12 and loved the classics like Counter Strike & Quake to Arma, Battlefield and Company of Heroes.

What is your favorite aspect of the unit? My favorite aspect is the camaraderie! I've gained some very good friends with a lot of people in this unit. It something that is very unique to the 3rd and in my 7-8 Years of MILSIM experience I've never found anything that has come close to what this unit offers. So much so that I’ve turned this into actual friendships when I caught up with SGT K.Fear back in November on my exchange in the United Kingdom and with me planning to catch up with 2LT E.Hermanson as well.

Any favorite/funny/memorable moment throughout your whole time in the unit?
Would have to be when 2LT E.Hermanson was unable to read a map on one of our operations further cementing the notion that a Butter Bar’s worst nightmare is a Map &
Compass. The only other extremely memorable moment would be when the Platoon worked out that I can do a lot of things except drive.

Any advice to give to your fellow soldiers? Be committed and never give up or quit. Every opportunity you say no to is a lost one. You can't succeed or fail if you don't attempt. No matter the obstacles or challenges, every single one will you become not only a better person but teach you life lessons whether in the 3rd Infantry Division or our in the real world! One example I can attest to personally is making time for the unit. I currently have Operations at 3AM every Monday morning and whilst I originally thought this would be impossible, I've found that managing my time and overcoming this challenge has not only allowed me to have better time management but also to become a better person and enjoy the rewards of being in such an amazing community, something I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do if I just gave up!

What army value is the most important to you and why? Loyalty, if you cannot be loyal to those around you, whether that be your friends, family, work or branch/service then those relationships and commitments aren't worth anything. Put people above yourself and they will do the same to you. Any valuable lessons you have learned while being in the unit? Rewards come to those who wait and those who deserve them. Do 110% even when no one is watching, whether your rewarded or not, the act of putting in your best should be rewarding to yourself as anyone highlighting your achivements.