OWASSO, Okla. - Twins at birth, brothers in arms: Chad and Cory Watson of Owasso, Oklahoma, recently made history by commissioning together as second lieutenants in the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Both now serve as infantry officers in the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment.
The Watson brothers always heard stories about military life through their family lineage, but wanted to get some experience firsthand.
“It’s a family tradition for us,” Chad said. “Both of our grandfathers were in the military…so we decided it seemed like fun to go ahead and try something new and different.”
Both brothers work for their family’s insurance company in Owasso. To keep the business running, they took turns attending basic training, ensuring one of them was always in the office. However, they never expected to end up serving in the same unit.
“I went to [basic training] in Fort Jackson, South Carolina and was in Bravo 439th assigned to 3rd platoon,” Chad said. “[After completing basic training] I told Cory, ‘Alright, it’s your turn.’”
Not only did the twin brothers commission together, but also served in the same basic combat training unit.
“When I got off the bus to my [BCT] unit, the drill sergeant recognized me and knew that Chad was my brother,” Cory said. “They all knew who I was but luckily Chad left a good reputation.”
After returning from basic training, the next obstacle they tackled together was the OKARNG’s Officer Candidate School (OCS).
Having gone through both basic training and Officer Candidate School (OCS), the brothers have experienced the Army primarily as students learning to become Soldiers and now commissioned officers. Now, they are eager to step into their new leadership roles at their respective units.
“There will be a learning curve for sure,” Cory said. “But we’re excited for the challenge and we’re excited to get to our units and just experience what the actual Army is like. I have no idea where the Army is going to take us, but I’m just excited to be a part.”