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Nollywood Actor, Joseph Momodu Joins U.S. Army, Completes Grueling Military Training in Missouri
Nollywood Actor, Joseph Momodu Joins U.S. Army, Completes Grueling Military Training in Missouri
Nigerian Nollywood actor, Joseph Momodu, has officially announced his enlistment into the United States Army after successfully completing the rigorous 10-week Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
The actor made the announcement on Friday through a heartfelt post on his Instagram page, revealing that he had been out of public reach throughout the demanding military training programme.
Reflecting on the journey, Momodu explained that his decision to embrace military service was driven by his long-held belief in earning success through dedication, discipline, and hard work.
“From inception, I have always believed in achievements earned through merit, which is why I constantly push myself beyond limits.”
Describing the intensity of the training, he added:
“Ten weeks of being incommunicado. Ten weeks of learning to find comfort in discomfort,” he wrote.
Following the successful completion of the programme, Momodu is now officially serving as Specialist (SPC) J.A. Momodu with the 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3-10, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Announcing the milestone, he wrote:
“Today, it is official: Specialist (SPC) J.A. Momodu, United States Army @usarmy, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3-10, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.”
Momodu described the Basic Combat Training as one of the toughest experiences of his life, saying it tested him physically, mentally, and emotionally. He recounted enduring weeks of limited communication with loved ones, physical exhaustion, relentless drills, and immense psychological pressure.
According to him, the journey demanded extraordinary resilience and perseverance.
“This particular one was forged through tears, fear of failure, resilience, endless days, short nights, fatigue, rain, and the scorching sun.”
He also admitted that there were moments when self-doubt crept in, but his determination to succeed never wavered.
“There were moments of doubt and times I questioned myself, “who sent me a message?” But I never lost sight of the finish line. We trained tirelessly, were broken down and rebuilt”
Summing up the life-changing experience, Momodu said the transformation from civilian life to military service happened within just ten weeks.
“I went to sleep a civilian and woke up a soldier”.
Beyond the personal achievement, the actor revealed that his enlistment was deeply emotional because it served as a tribute to his late father, who served in the Nigerian Police Force. He explained that exactly 20 years after his father’s passing, he chose to continue the family’s legacy of public service.
“On April 12, 2026, I honoured my late father in a historic way. 20 years after his passing, I picked up the baton where he left off in the Nigerian Police Force and carried it forward by getting enlisted into the United States Army”, he wrote.
Momodu also expressed gratitude for reaching another important milestone by passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) examination on his first attempt and completing the entire Basic Combat Training without setbacks.
He dedicated the achievement to God, his late father, and the Royal Family of Oba Momodu II of the Avyuele Clan in Agbede, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
“I dedicate this achievement first to God Almighty for the grace to pass my ASVAB on the first attempt and successfully complete Basic Combat Training. Secondly, to my late father, whose legacy I proudly uphold. And finally, to the Royal Family of Oba Momodu II, the Avyuele Clan, Agbede, Etsako West, Edo State.
“Special appreciation to @akeemogara for expertly managing my social media throughout this journey, and to the US Army Recruiting Station, Burbank, California, for making the transition seamless”, he concluded.
Momodu’s announcement has since attracted congratulatory messages from fans, colleagues, and supporters, many of whom praised his determination, discipline, and successful transition from the entertainment industry 
to military service in the United States.