Eli Collins is an incoming Rat at the Virginia Military Institute. He grew up in Williamsburg, Va about two miles from Jamestown Settlement. He was born in Newport News, Va and lived the first year of his life a few miles from Langley Air Force Base in Hampton. He has two little brothers, Brendan and Jared, both 15–and yes, they are twins.

Eli’s interest in the military started around the age of 10 and he can’t think of anything that he would rather do now than to commission into the Air Force and try out for Special Forces. He loves to read and draw and isn’t afraid to talk about his walk in the Christian faith. He strives to be the best he could be, not for himself but for God.

In high school, Eli found that his thirst for knowledge exploded and he thoroughly enjoyed learning about new cultures and languages. Even though he only played one season of football in high school, he stayed fairly active and tried to keep himself physically fit. Eli graduated from Jamestown High School with an Advanced Diploma and two online certifications.

At VMI, Eli looks forward to trying his best to excel in all aspects of VMI life and is going to be majoring in International Studies and minoring in Chemistry and he plans to work hard with the Air Force ROTC. Eli plans on focusing most of his efforts not only with club sports but with academics and his Ratline duties.

After college, he plans on seeking a commission in the Air Force and try-out to be a Combat Rescue Officer. After a career doing that, he plans to be an instructor in either mountain rescue tactics, wilderness survival or even advanced hand-to-hand combat techniques for those that will follow in his footsteps as Pararescue men or as Combat Rescue Officers.