James Clemens graduate Rylan Pettus likes cadet life at West Point

MADISON – Rylan Pettus, a 2022 graduate of James Clemens High School, has acclimated to cadet life at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Pettus is in West Point’s Class of 2026 and in Echo Company, 1st Regiment.

“I’m the first of my family to attend West Point, but, growing up in Madison, I had lots of friends with parents in the defense industry or with military connections,” Pettus said. “Our culture values it as an honorable profession.”

In addition, Pettus’ time in Junior ROTC at James Clemens developed an interest for a military career. “I decided I wanted to join the Army. I applied to both ROTC programs and West Point,” he said.

Pettus is majoring in computer science. “I’ve had a fascination with computers and technology since I was young. Computer science was an easy choice,” he said. Coding classes at James Clemens helped him with West Point’s first two computer science classes.

“I knew I could turn it into a viable career skill by applying it to cyber security — a much-needed aspect of modern defense,” Pettus said.

For Pettus, acceptance into West Point is far from the hardest challenge for a cadet. “This school is meant to challenge you physically, mentally and academically. But (if) you’re committed to serving the nation, you’re here for the right reasons. Come in with a desire to improve yourself . . . anyone can be successful here,” Pettus said.

The first or “plebe year” at West Point is the most difficult. “You’ll go through Cadet Basic Training in the summer. You’ll have additional duties and restrictions for the whole year,” Pettus said.

Pettus advised West Point cadets to “embrace the discomfort. I eventually realized new cadets who lean into the role have the easiest time. Recognize that we’re all just a bunch of 18- to 22-year-olds working towards the same goal of 2nd Lieutenants.”

“West Point is designed to make you confront failure — and to learn and grow,” Pettus said. “The sooner you realize that the more comfortable you’ll be at failing. You can start building yourself up.”

Students interested in applying to West Point have many pathways, even if grades aren’t outstanding. “You don’t have to come straight from high school. For example, attending a military prep school like Marion Military Institute or joining the National Guard for a year or two shows commitment to the Army and dramatically increases your chances of admission,” Pettus said. He wishes he had known this when applying.

In addition, start your application early. West Point has more admissions requirements than traditional universities. Start the process in August of your senior year — at the latest — or even in spring semester of your junior year.

At James Clemens, Pettus graduated in the top six percent of his class. He participated in National Honor Society, Cyber Patriot and Army JROTC for two years.

“The culture of Madison and Huntsville had a measurable impact on my career choice. It’s so engrained in engineering, academics and defense. It rubs off on you,” Pettus said.

Furthermore, Madison City Schools “is amazing. I’m more than impressed by my graduating Class of 2022 and how many (advanced) our education at prestigious institutions like Rice, Vanderbilt and Ivy League schools . . . lots of big names coming from a public school in Alabama,” he said.

Pettus also recognized the impact of “amazing friends and teachers that supported me from first grade to twelfth.”

His father, Dr. Joseph Pettus, is a urologic oncologist for North Alabama Urology. His mother, Michele Cost, works as a Product Manager for Optum, United Health Group.

Rylan’s brother, Tristan Pettus, is a Mechanical Engineer for Leidos. “My stepbrother, Patrick Byrne, is studying mechanical engineering at Auburn University. My stepsister, Kate Byrne, is a third-grade teacher at Mill Creek Elementary School.”

“My parents are originally from Huntsville. Our family linage stretches back many generations here,” Rylan said. “I spent my early life moving around for my father’s work, but my family moved back to Madison when I was five to be closer to my grandparents.”

After graduation, all West Point graduates are commissioned into the U.S. Army as 2nd Lieutenant. Rylan plans to stay in the Army for about 8 to10 years or until after he completes a company command position.

“I received my official branch (specialization) on Dec. 3 and will receive my first duty station in January. I want to join Cyber Corps or Signal Corps to apply my technical knowledge. My first pick of duty station would be Fort Carson, Colo. or Schofield Barracks, Hawaii,” he said.