The United States Army traces its origins back to June 3, 1784, when it was officially established after the dissolution of the Continental Army formed in 1775, which played a pivotal role in securing American independence during the Revolutionary War.
Over the subsequent 240-plus years, the Army has amassed a rich legacy of achievements, making it exceedingly rare for individuals to pioneer entirely new milestones. Yet, every so often, extraordinary stories emerge that highlight the ongoing potential for innovation and boundary-pushing within this venerable institution.
Sergeant Major Janina Simmons embodies this spirit through her personal experiences. Throughout her distinguished service in uniform, she has notched numerous accomplishments, but she stands out most notably as the first African American woman to complete U.S. Army Ranger School and the inaugural Ranger-qualified female to attain her present rank. Simmons has admitted that the gravity of these feats can feel daunting at times, yet she has demonstrated remarkable resilience in shouldering that responsibility. Even amid moments of personal uncertainty, her successes have continually bolstered her self-assurance and affirmed her capabilities.
“I’ve grown accustomed to it by now, but when I reflect on it, I’m struck by the realization: ‘You made history twice in an organization dating back to 1775. That’s incredible,’” she shared.
A Self-Described Average Upbringing
Janina Simmons entered the world in Germany, where she was immersed in military culture from a young age. Her father hailed from South Carolina and was stationed in Germany, during which time he met her mother. The family relocated to Washington state for a portion of her early years before returning to Germany, the place where she spent much of her formative period. She portrays her childhood as utterly ordinary, mentioning her involvement in basketball but emphasizing that life lacked any particular thrills or standout moments back then.
“It was pretty standard and unremarkable,” she noted.
The notion of enlisting in the military didn’t cross her mind until her father suggested it while she was attending college. At first, the idea held little appeal, given the conflicts unfolding in Iraq and Afghanistan during that era. She considered pursuing a path in the Air Force but was disqualified upon disclosing her past use of an inhaler for potential asthma issues. Undeterred, she approached the adjacent Army recruiter, who assured her that she was eligible to enlist there.
“That’s essentially how it all unfolded for me,” she recounted.
As Simmons embarked on her military journey, she quickly discovered that the level of effort she invested directly correlated with the rewards she reaped. This realization was the catalyst she needed to fully commit to her service. With each surge of dedication came greater structure, encouragement, and personal growth in return.
“From that point on, I transformed into the complete antithesis of my former self,” she explained.
Her initial plan was to serve just four years. However, as she advanced through the ranks, new aspirations emerged within her grasp, prompting her to extend her commitment far beyond that original timeline. This progression not only positioned her as a trailblazer—truly one of a kind—but also transformed her into a beacon of motivation for fellow soldiers and aspiring service members eager to carve their own paths. While Simmons recognizes the prominence of her landmark achievements, she hopes others appreciate the profound personal evolution she underwent along the way, as that represents her greatest source of pride.
“What I’m most proud of is the individual I’ve developed into during this process and the unwavering consistency I’ve maintained,” she stated. “I’ve been pushing relentlessly and sprinting forward for 15 years now.”
Combating Cancer by Running Marathons
Simmons’ relentless drive persists to this day, though it has been tested by profound challenges. Stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, she underwent a routine physical examination during which medical professionals identified concerning lumps in her pelvic area. The diagnosis came back as Stage 4 neuroendocrine cancer, and in that harrowing moment, her mind raced to the darkest possibilities.
“I genuinely thought I was facing the end; I was just being honest with myself,” she remembered. “I started questioning the purpose of my workouts.”
Drawing motivation from David Goggins, she posed a critical question to herself: What would he do in her shoes?
“I believe he’d simply press on. If I hadn’t received the diagnosis, I wouldn’t have even noticed anything different. The only shift is in my awareness of it.”
Her medical team indicated that the cancer seemed to be progressing at an exceptionally sluggish rate. Nevertheless, because it had metastasized, she required radiation therapy. Her ongoing regimen includes monthly injections and additional radiation sessions every six months to manage its spread. Bolstered by her medical care, her deep faith, and a forward-looking purpose, Simmons resolved to persevere. This mindset led her to compile a bucket list, prominently featuring a marathon among her goals.
“Even after treatment on a Friday that left me feeling utterly drained over the weekend, I laced up and ran that following Monday,” she detailed. “You have to push yourself to maintain some semblance of normalcy.”
There’s nothing commonplace about tackling a marathon, yet for Simmons, it has evolved into her redefined baseline. Beyond merely participating, she earned a qualifying time for the prestigious Boston Marathon. Once more, her self-imposed trials have propelled her to extraordinary heights. Her enduring saga stands as powerful evidence that a fortified mindset enables one to accomplish remarkable feats, regardless of the scale of the obstacles encountered.
“Life will inevitably throw hardships your way, but you can still charge ahead and seize opportunities. That’s the core of my message.”
Looking ahead, Simmons remains optimistically oriented with much to anticipate. Among her exciting ventures is a book she recently completed, slated for publication later this year. In its pages, she narrates her experiences firsthand, encouraging readers to draw lessons from her path and craft their own enduring impacts. Countless individuals might view themselves as ordinary or ill-suited for greatness, but Simmons counters that narrative by asserting everyone possesses untapped potential far beyond their current perceptions. The journey begins with that initial, courageous step—be it toward military service, physical fitness, or any heartfelt pursuit.
“As you accumulate confidence through those small victories, you naturally aim higher, reaching for the stars.”
Simmons Tips for Combating Imposter Syndrome
Fitness extends beyond the physical realm; it profoundly intersects with mental fortitude as well. It might astonish many to learn that even elite performers and top achievers grapple with imposter syndrome. Simmons has candidly discussed her own battles with it, now embracing the mantra that she was “born average but earns savage.” She offers practical strategies to overcome these doubts, enabling continued progress and the realization of one’s true capabilities.
- Pay Attention to Accomplishments – “It’s easy to get swayed by external voices rather than honoring your own achievements. That used to make me downplay my successes. Now, every milestone serves as tangible proof I can revisit. Invest the effort, but always collect and cherish those receipts when they come your way.”
- Earn it Every Day – “Reaffirm your commitment daily and ensure you’re worthy of your spot at whatever table matters to you. This isn’t about outcompeting others; it’s about validating your value anew each day.”
- Celebrate the Wins – “I value humility, but celebrating your accomplishments doesn’t require diminishing anyone else. Those are distinct practices. I wish more people embraced this balance.”
