From Law School Dreams to Army Leadership: Jeremiah Wilks ’25

This article is part of The Next Step series. While the four years at VMI are designed for cadets to push themselves academically, physically, and mentally to tackle the demands of life at a premiere military college, they also prepare cadets for life after graduation. Whether that life be one in the military or one in the private sector, VMI faculty and staff provide guidance to cadets along their journeys. One department specifically dedicated to that endeavor of post-Institute success is the Office of Career Services. In The Next Step series, we highlight cadets preparing to enter the workforce after graduation, as well as those still in the midst of their cadetship preparing for internships over the summer. 

Jeremiah Wilks ’25 never intended on commissioning when he came to Virginia Military Institute. 

“I had a misconception of what the military is like. I originally planned to attend law school following graduation from VMI,” he admitted.  

His time at VMI swayed his decision, though. 

The international studies major from Richmond, Virginia, will be commissioning into the U.S. Army as an infantry officer following when he graduates. He branched Signal Corps detail infantry, where he will be an infantry officer, from second lieutenant to captain, and will transition to Signal Corps as a captain.

“I chose to commission into the U.S. Army because I will gain experience as a platoon leader early in my career, ultimately developing me as a leader and learning how to influence individuals in an organization,” he explained. “This generation has a shortage of leaders, and this role will sharpen my leadership and project management skills. Additionally, the stable income and benefits that the U.S. Army offers is hard to turn down.” 

He said commissioning will also allow him the opportunity to attend law school later in his life with federal tuition assistance the Army provides, alongside health care, the GI Bill, and loans with exceptional interest rates. 

“This environment will make me more adaptable, increase my workload, and give me a good foundation for my career with real-world leadership experience and top-secret clearance,” he said.  

As an infantry officer, Wilks will be responsible for leading infantry soldiers at all levels of command and combined armed forces during missions on the ground. He will assess the situation and lead an attack, defense, and other operations. Other duties second lieutenants fulfill include platoon logistics, and training. 

In the next decade, Wilks hopes to be working for the government in Northern Virginia or Washington, D.C., preferably in the tech field or intelligence.  

He credits his dyke, 1st Lt. Johnnie Walker III ’22, as his inspiration for this career path.  

“VMI gave me a foundation of discipline and many opportunities to lead others,” he said. “I believe VMI on your resume is unmatched.”