Mikayla M. Arnal

July 2026 Issue—Red, White & Brave

Photography (top) by Cassidy Dunn Photography


Mikayla M. Arnal

Current Residence: Beaufort
Hometown: Santa Fe, NM

Career & Rank: Drill Instructor and Data Specialist/Staff Sergeant

Family: Single/No Children

Favorite Passion: Body Building

What inspired you to enlist in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and work your way to Drill Sergeant?
The USMC is by far the hardest and most challenging branch in military service. I chose the hardest branch because I wanted to become a part of something much bigger than myself. I love the USMC; I have found my place in this institution. I have been pushed past my limits to become the best version of myself. I was inspired to become a drill instructor because I want to be part of a life changing transformation for people without a path or career choice in their lives and hopefully help them be the best version of themselves, too.

What is the No. 1 thing you would teach women about safety?
Trust your discomfort and act on it early. Women are socialized to be polite, to avoid making scenes, and to give others the benefit of the doubt. But if a person, a situation, or a place makes you feel uneasy, you don’t have to wait to remove yourself from the situation or address it. I’d rather seem rude for five seconds than be in danger for five seconds. I would also advise women to own a firearm and learn weapons safety.

What in your background gave you the courage to fearlessly pursue your passion?
I am from a small town in New Mexico and have been a military brat my whole life. My upbringing, especially the way my father raised me, gave me the courage to join the USMC.

If you could tell the world anything, what would it be?
Every person you meet is living a life as complex, difficult, and meaningful to them as yours is to you. Don’t victimize yourself and work as hard as possible. Nothing in this world is given. Everyone must work hard for the things they want.

What’s the best encouragement you’ve ever received in pursuing your field/branch? 
After 13 weeks of hard work, transforming civilians into Marines is the best encouragement to endure such a demanding tour. As strenuous and stressful as the tour is, there is so much reward in seeing your peers and the civilians transform, excel, and succeed.

If you ever get down on yourself, what do you do to pull yourself up?
I am very blessed to have the opportunity to work, and it’s such a privilege to be able to have a career and do what I do. However, it’s very easy to get down on yourself when some standards seem unattainable. The thing I always try to remember is that no matter what, we have such a big opportunity to make others and ourselves better.

You work in a demanding field, what do you do to relieve stress and cope with some of the day-to-day challenges?
Stress management is very important when working in a high-stress job. The best way I manage my stress and decompress is by going to the gym. With a history of bodybuilding, the gym has always had its way of saving my mental health.

What are the words you live by?
You teach people how to treat you by what you tolerate. Boundaries are extremely important in every relationship in an individual’s life. No matter what kind of relationship it is, people should hold others accountable, staying within the boundaries set.