National Guard father and son conquer Air Assault School together > District of Columbia National Guard > Press Release

For U.S. Army First Lieutenant Andrew Devine and his son, U.S. Army Pfc. For Isaiah Castellanos, graduating from the grueling Air Assault School at Fort Moore was more than just a test of mental and physical endurance – it was a shared milestone in her military career. Father and son completed the 10-day course known as the “10 Toughest Days in the Army” together, forging an unlikely bond in a profession often marked by sacrifice and discipline.

“Father and son don’t get to do this often,” said Pfc. Castellanos, 19, a UH-60 Black Hawk mechanic with the District of Columbia National Guard. “It gave me more drive to do my best having him there.”

1st Lt. Devine, a 38-year-old with the D.C. National Guard’s 104th Maintenance Company, joined the Army shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The desire to serve remained with him throughout his two decades of military service.

“I remember my parents waking me up that morning and telling me to watch the news. It gave me an overwhelming sense of duty,” he said. “I knew right away that I wanted to join the Army.”

First Lieutenant Devine served on active duty from 2004 to 2010, including in Iraq. After leaving active duty, he joined the National Guard in 2020. It wasn’t long before his son expressed interest in joining.

A military bond

Grew up with 1st Lt. Devine and his biological father, a Marine, Pfc. Castellanos was no stranger to military life. He spent years between homes in Phoenix and Washington, D.C. before eventually joining 1st Lt. full-time. Devine stayed.

“I always had the military in the back of my mind,” said Pfc. Castellanos said. “The more I thought about what I wanted to do with my future, the more the military became my first choice.”

First Lieutenant Devine encouraged his son to join the DC National Guard where he could mentor him and help him discover his passion for aviation. “We talked about career options and I told him he should try guard first,” he said. “That way I could help guide him.” Pfc. Castellanos reported to the District of Columbia Army Aviation Command at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in January 2023 as a Black Hawk mechanic. Tasks include rotary-wing and fixed-wing operational support airlift, medical evacuations and interagency partnerships.

The idea of ​​both attending Air Assault School together had been around for some time. Pfc. Castellanos initially considered airborne training, but First Lieutenant Devine, who already had airborne capability, suggested an air assault instead.

“He hadn’t earned his air assault squadron yet, so we thought it would be cool if we could go together,” said Pfc. Castellanos said.

Perseverance and support

The Air Assault School tests Soldiers both mentally and physically for mobile air operations. The course includes assessments of combat assaults, time trials, obstacle courses, sling load inspections and rappelling from helicopters, as well as frequent written and practical exams.

First Lieutenant Devine admitted that the course was particularly challenging for him. “I went in a little bent, not broken,” he said. “I had a shoulder and foot injury and wasn’t even sure if I could walk. But the fact that my son was there kept me going.”

The program begins with a challenging obstacle course on the first day. Later phases include a 12-mile ruck march with 40-pound packs, 4-mile runs at nine-minute pace, and a final evaluation in helicopter operations.

“I couldn’t have finished without him,” said First Lieutenant Devine. “It is a unique opportunity to share such an experience with your son. When I wanted to quit, thinking about him and my family gave me the strength to keep going.”

For Pfc. For Castellanos, the academic portion of the course was the most challenging. “I’m not particularly good at bookmaking,” he said. “The written tests with 50 questions were the most difficult part for me.”

To stay on track, Pfc. Castellanos teamed up with a fellow mechanic in his unit. “We slept together and questioned each other every night,” he said. “It really helped.”

Despite the challenges, the two found ways to stay motivated. “We compete with each other a lot, so that’s what kept me going,” said Pfc. Castellanos said with a smile. “Even now we like to annoy my mother by saying ‘air raid’ around the house.”

Double victory

The course began with 11 D.C. National Guard soldiers, but only seven made it to the finish line. 1st Lt. Devine and Pfc. The Castellanos completed the final 12-mile march side by side and earned their Air Assault wings together on final day.

“It is a feeling of pride to receive these badges,” said First Lieutenant Devine. “It’s about proving yourself, and doing that with Isaiah made it even more meaningful.”

Pfc. Castellanos said his military father had a profound impact on his life. “He set high standards for us as a kid, and that helped me a lot,” he said. “It’s cool that we’re both wearing the same uniform now.”

Looking back, First Lieutenant Devine said it was one of the most rewarding moments of his career. “I’ve been in the Army for 20 years, but this was different,” he said. “I’m proud of Isaiah and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

For Pfc. For Castellanos, this experience marked the beginning of his military career, with his father supporting him every step of the way.

“Being in the Army with my dad means everything,” said Pfc. Castellanos said. “It’s not something a lot of people can do. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Upon completion of Air Assault School, each Soldier is equipped to learn the skills necessary to optimally utilize helicopter assets in training and combat in support of mission objectives. Last year alone, the National Guard served more than nine million days overseas supporting combatant commanders, conducting peacekeeping missions, and deterring strategic competitors and adversaries. In addition, Guard members supported homeland defense operations.