1st Lt. Teagan Poliseno's Army career seems unlikely to some, having grown up near Hollywood as a child actor, but, for him, it feels like a normal progression.
When he was a kid, his siblings got a dirt bike and a new computer, but what he asked his father for was acting lessons. "My son has always been a little different with how he thinks! Not like the typical kid would think or act," his dad Sean Poliseno explained.
The younger Poliseno went on to star in television commercials for Direct TV, Honda, and do a pilot episode for a television show. Although he enjoyed acting, he also didn't see it as being in his future over the long term. He wanted to make a contribution and was inspired by his grandfather's service in the Air Force. In 2018, he enlisted in the Army and received his commission in 2022.
He currently serves as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician in the 303rd Ordnance Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command.
"I was super quiet and super shy. Honestly, acting exposes you; you’re super uncomfortable," Teagon said when asked about how his acting experience plays into his Army career. "Obviously, there are some parallels to briefing and clearly being able to openly and effectively communicate with your guys. I definitely needed that confidence, and acting gave me that."
Teagon, now also a Ranger School graduate, hopes to take a platoon leader position next year in his EOD unit.