Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu has officially completed 17 weeks of rigorous U.S. Army training, successfully finishing both his Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Following his earlier announcement that he had joined the U.S. military, Momodu is now fully certified and officially stepping into the main Army as Specialist J.A. Momodu.
Momodu’s enlistment carried deep personal meaning. He joined the Army on April 12, 2026, exactly 20 years after the passing of his father, who served in the Nigeria Police Force. The actor dedicated his achievement to God, his late father, and his family, describing it as a continuation of a legacy his father began.
Reflecting on the experience, Momodu described the intense physical and mental demands of training: “From inception, I have always believed in achievements earned through merit, which is why I constantly push myself beyond limits. This particular one was forged through tears, fear of failure, resilience, endless days, short nights, fatigue, rain, and the scorching sun”.
He admitted there were moments of doubt but remained focused: “There were moments of doubt and times I questioned myself, ‘who send me message sef’? But I never lost sight of the finish line” . He added, “We trained tirelessly, were broken down and rebuilt. I went to sleep a civilian and woke up a soldier”.
Momodu now serves with the 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3-10, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He is the first known male Nollywood actor to publicly announce his enlistment in the U.S. military.
Celebrating the milestone, he shared a powerful reminder: “Life’s achievement feels more dignifying when things are EARNED, not GIVEN”.
