(This article originally appeared in the March 2026 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members who can log in to access our digital version and archive. Basic members can save on a membership upgrade and access the magazine.)

For Maj. Anson Laird Bryant, USA, serving in the military was a calling.

“It’s just something I knew I was going to do,” he said.

Bryant received his commission from the Army ROTC program at the Virginia Military Institute. He served as an ordnance officer for four years before beginning civil affairs training, qualifying in 2015. Today, he is the civil affairs officer for the 44th Medical Brigade at Fort Bragg, N.C.

New Places and Faces

“A highlight of my service is the places I’ve been, whether as permanent stations or operationally,” Bryant said. “I tend to feel a strong connection to places, even new places. I’ve also enjoyed getting to know the people tied to those places, whether in a foreign country or in a new state. It always surprises people when I say that my favorite place the military has taken me is the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. – something about the beauty, the culture, and yes, the melodramatic weather.”

Second Chances

“I’ve learned not to let your first impression form your permanent opinion about somebody. Someone you have a negative first impression of can turn out to be a good person and vice versa. Also, if you find someone hard to work with, continue to engage with that person. Most of the time, you can figure out a way to work together.”

Embracing Change

“I’ve been surprised by how adaptive the military is. Certainly, tradition can lead to holding on to old attitudes. However, I’ve seen the military adapt to new situations much more quickly than I would have thought of before.”

Meaningful Connections

“I joined hoping to do some good around the world. I’m proud of the impact I’ve had on people and the bonds I’ve formed, with other folks in the U.S. Army and with partners and allies overseas.”