The United States Army was created on June 3, 1784, following the disbandment of the original Continental Army that was formed in 1775 and instrumental in the independence of the United States in the Revolutionary War.<\/p>\n
A lot of history has been made in the over 240 years since then, which makes it very difficult to be the first to do something. Occasionally, you do hear of something remarkable that proves that there is room for growth and new ground to break in a military branch that has been around as long as the Army.<\/p>\n
Sergeant Major Janina Simmons speaks of this from experience. Simmons has done a lot while wearing the nation\u2019s cloth, but her most famous accomplishments are being the first African American to graduate from U.S. Army Ranger School as well as the first Ranger-qualified woman to earn her current rank. Simmons expressed that the weight of her accomplishments can sometimes be overwhelming, but she clearly proved capable of carrying it. That is because even in the face of self-doubt at times, victories reinforce and validate belief.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m used to it now, but still I think back and it\u2019s like \u2018you made history twice in an organization that has been around since 1775. That\u2019s crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Self-Described Average Upbringing<\/h2>\n
Simmons was born in Germany and learned about the military life very early. Her father was from South Carolina and served in Germany where he met her mother. After moving to Washington state during one part of her childhood, they returned to Germany where she was raised. She described her own childhood as very average, noting that even though she played basketball, there wasn\u2019t much excitement in her life at that time.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was generic and basic.\u201d<\/p>\n
The thought of service didn\u2019t enter her mind until Simmons\u2019 father brought it up while she was in college. The concept initially didn\u2019t appeal to her due to the ongoing issues in Iraq and Afghanistan at that time. She ultimately decided to look into joining the Air Force but was told she couldn\u2019t join after acknowledging using an inhaler for possible asthma. She went next door to the Army recruiter, and the recruiter told her she could join there.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s kind of how all that happened.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once she started her military career, Simmons learned that the more she applied herself, the more she could get out of it. That was all she needed to go all in on service. The more effort she gave, the more positive reinforcement and structure she got.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter that, I went to the complete opposite of what I was before.\u201d<\/p>\n
Simmons original goal was to serve for four years. As she was progressing, more goals came within reach, which led her to focusing on achieving those. This led her to staying well beyond four years and not only becoming a one-of-one but now serving as inspiration for other soldiers and future servicemembers that hope to blaze their own trails in the future. Simmons hopes that while the obvious milestones stand out, they also see how she has evolved throughout her journey because that is what she is most proud of.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m most proud of the person that I became along the way and the consistency I put in,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve been grinding and sprinting for 15 years.\u201d<\/p>\n That grind for Simmons continues today, and it has also come with serious adversity. While at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, she was having a physical when lumps were discovered around her pelvic region. Simmons was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroendocrine cancer, and she initially thought the worst.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought I was dying, just keeping it real,\u201d she recalled. \u201cI was questioning why I was working out.\u201d<\/p>\n She found inspiration in the form of David Goggins<\/a>, and she asked herself what he would do if faced with this situation.<\/p>\n \u201cI would like to think that he would just keep it moving. If I hadn\u2019t been told, I wouldn\u2019t even know. So, the only thing that changed is that it\u2019s in my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n Doctors told her that it appeared to be growing at a very slow pace. However, she had to undergo radiation treatment because it had spread. She must receive monthly injections as well as more radiation every six months to contain it. She knew that with the treatments, faith in God, and a reason to look ahead, she could keep going. That\u2019s one reason why she created a bucket list, and a marathon was on it.<\/p>\n \u201cEven after getting treatment on a Friday and feeling like trash for a weekend, I ran on that Monday,\u201d Simmons explained. \u201cYou almost have to force yourself to act normal.\u201d<\/p>\n There is nothing normal about a marathon, but it has become a new normal. Not only did Simmons run, but she qualified for the Boston Marathon. Once again, a personal challenge and endeavor have resulted in her reaching a pinnacle. Her ongoing journey serves as a testimony that if you keep your mind strong, you can still achieve great things when faced with adversity of any magnitude.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou will still have to deal with bad things, but you can still get after it. That\u2019s really my message.\u201d<\/p>\n Simmons is still future focused and has plenty of reasons to be excited. One reason is her upcoming book that she just finished, set for release later this year. It chronicles her story in her own words, but she hopes that the readers apply what she shares for their own lives and forge their own legacies. There are many people that may see themselves as average or not meant to do anything significant, but Simmons\u2019 personal message is that you could be far more capable than you realize. It just starts with taking that first step, whether it is in service, fitness, or any other passion you have.<\/p>\n \u201cAs you build confidence with little wins, you just tend to shoot a little more for the stars.\u201d<\/p>\n Sometimes fitness isn\u2019t about the physical; it\u2019s about the mental aspect as well. It may come as a surprise that many high-level performers and achievers have struggled with Imposter syndrome. Simmons has been open about her struggle but now acknowledges that she was \u201cborn average but earns savage.\u201d She shares advice on how to combat it in order to keep moving forward and fulfilling your potential.<\/p>\n You can follow Simmons on Instagram @thats.tiight<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n M&F Senior Military Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this article.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nCombating Cancer by Running Marathons<\/h2>\n
![\"Army](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.muscleandfitness.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Army-Sergeant-Major-Janina-Simmons-looking-in-the-mirror-after-a-workout-1.jpg?quality=86&strip=all\")
<\/div>Simmons Tips for Combating Imposter Syndrome<\/h2>\n
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