Life has come full circle for Josh Kandybowicz. After growing up in Arizona, leaving to join the U.S. Army and moving to multiple other states for work, he’s now back in his home state and loving life in Flagstaff. As professor and chair of NAU’s Department of Military Science, Kandybowicz prepares Lumberjacks in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) for whatever they might face after graduation—whether it’s active-duty military service or civilian work. Find out how Kandybowicz almost became a cobra scientist and could still become Louie.
What brought you to NAU?
Army orders! My wife and I grew up in Arizona and always loved the Flagstaff area. I was previously stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and wanted to get back to Arizona, so when this became an option, I jumped on it. My wife and sister both graduated from NAU, so it was really cool to have the ability to come work here.
Tell us about a day in the life of your job.
Most days, we conduct our physical training (PT) at 0600 (that’s 6 a.m. in civilian time) on or around NAU. PT consists of cardio endurance training, weightlifting or long ruck marches (carrying an Army-issued backpack weighing 35 pounds) around the beautiful trails of Flagstaff. After PT, I clean up, eat and take my kids to school before classes start. I teach the military science class Monday, Wednesday and Friday to our seniors and oversee the Thursday leadership labs. The rest of the week when I’m not deep in emails or administration, I try to get to know the students and faculty of NAU.
Why do you think joining ROTC is a great opportunity for young people?
We build leaders! Our goal is to develop our cadets and their leadership skills to meet their fullest potential. We want to empower our cadets with the tools they need to be leaders in whatever organization they eventually end up in. I think most people believe that if you graduate the ROTC program you must go to active duty, but that is not the case. Cadets can request to join the National Guard or Army Reserves prior to commissioning and head off into the civilian workforce instead.
How has your military background shaped your life and career?
When I joined the Army, I thought I was only going to serve four years and get out. Turned out, I really loved serving in the Army! I have been all over the world working next to some of the most amazing people in the world. I won’t lie and say every place I have been I would want to return to, but overall, the experiences are second to none. When I talk to people about my career, I get the impression most people can’t believe I have done half the things I tell them about. The Army empowered me at a very young age to be confident in leading teams to accomplish tasks and work through problems that most people couldn’t fathom.
Tell us about a significant childhood memory and how it has impacted your life today.
Most people from my generation will probably tell you 9/11, which is truly a day I will never personally forget. However, I think back to my childhood and remember my brother and me talking to a survivor of the USS Indianapolis, a famous World War II Navy ship. His story of joining the Navy at 16 to serve in the war, then overcoming impossible odds to survive after his ship was sunk, will forever be ingrained in my mind.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Well…little embarrassed on this one but I wanted to be a cobra scientist. I had watched a National Geographic special on them and always found them to be fascinating. I thought I could go to parts of the world where they are common and find a way to relocate them so people wouldn’t get bitten and they wouldn’t be killed. Alas, it didn’t quite work out that way.
Where will you go from here?
I fully understand that someday, probably sooner rather than later, I’m going to retire from the Army. I really enjoy working in teams of motivated individuals toward a collective goal, but what that means in terms of a civilian job, I’m not sure. I am an Army military intelligence officer, but I’m not sure if I will go back to work in the intelligence community. Perhaps I can apply to be Louie!
What have you been most proud of recently?
Personally, my family, especially my kids. Being an Army brat is hard on the kids at times; we moved three times in five years, so the constant packing up the house, saying goodbye to friends and reestablishing their lives is hard. I have an incredible wife who always finds ways to make things fun and exciting along the way, which has been a tremendous help. They have done great, though,;they love Flagstaff and haven’t complained (too much) about moving from Kentucky to Arizona.
Professionally, my cadets after completing their fall field training exercise. For 72 hours, my cadets experienced challenges that pushed them mentally and physically. My seniors stepped up to the challenge and planned an incredible training event for the younger cadets. The younger cadets exceeded any expectations I had of them by consistently impressing me with their resilience and desire to get better. Watching the cadets grow as leaders is far and away the best part of this job.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
Taking the family out to enjoy the area, followed up by watching some football at home and grilling in the backyard. I’m a pretty boring individual, but my wife ensures we are always busy, so I do my best to keep up and support her whenever she needs it.
What are three things on your bucket list?
- Take my wife to Scotland or Greece
- Meet Patrick Mahomes (my favorite football player)
- Watch all my kids graduate from college
Jill Kimball | NAU Communications
(928) 523-2282 | jill.kimball@nau.edu
