First Lieutenant Annie Parnell stands with arms crossed in utility uniform with digital displays in background.

FIRST LIEUTENANT ANNIE PARNELL

The educators and mentors who nurtured Annie Parnell's curiosity about technology helped her on her journey to become a cyberspace officer in the Marine Corps.

BECOMING A CYBERSPACE OFFICER

To become a cyberspace officer, you don’t have to have an understanding of computers or the technical side of things. I didn’t until I got to college. But that’s functionally what computers are; they’re very logical devices. So for those who like to just dive into things and understand how they work, they would be a great fit for this MOS (Military Occupational Specialty), and honestly for the Marine Corps as a whole. Being a Marine and a warfighter first, but just being curious about how to solve problems.

ANNIE PARNELL

FIRST LIEUTENANT

"I grew up in a very small town. My graduating class in high school was 78 people. I knew I wanted to get out and do something different. I was also drawn to the challenge. I knew it was going to force me to grow as a person and not just for myself."

Why did You Start Considering the Marines?

First Lieutenant Annie Parnell reviews tablet with fellow Marine during cyber operations training exercise at Camp Lejeune.

I met my now-husband in college, who was a Prior Service Marine. He never pushed me to join, but he introduced me to the network of Marines. As I started to meet them, I realized that the Marine Corps is made up of a wide diversity of people, and in the Marines I wouldn’t need to become more intense and intimidating; I could still be the person I am. I found a lot of commonality with Marines. Those were the people I got along with and had the most common understanding with. There was an underlying pride that came through that I didn’t have at the time. And I wanted that.

What Does 'Marine Pride' Mean to You?

Marines are driven. We like things to be done right and done well. We appreciate hard work in those around us. And we hold each other to a high standard. At the end of the day, we’re proud to be here. We wouldn’t choose to be anywhere else. We swear an oath to the Constitution, to a principle and an ideal, and there’s great pride in that.

Officer candidate observes team navigate rope obstacle course during leadership training exercise wearing protective gear.

Educator Workshops

Marine Corps Educator Workshops give teachers, coaches, and mentors an inside look at recruit training. Held on base, these immersive events show how the Corps builds discipline, leadership, and purpose—equipping educators to guide future Marines.

Learn About the Workshop

First Lieutenant Annie Parnell points at screen while conducting cyber operations at workstation with multiple monitors.

Earn More Than a Title

Becoming a Marine means gaining a sense of purpose and the confidence to lead in any situation. The rewards—like discipline, resilience, and pride—last a lifetime.

Start Your Journey