Born in Chicago in 2034, Gray Edwards was raised in a loving family.  The eldest son of a civil engineer, Gray's father tried to keep his family safe and intact during the years before the barrier cities were developed.  Forced to care for his family alongside his father at an early age, Gray showed strong signs of leadership.  Prior to the construction of the Chicago Barrier City, Gray was active in the youth task force, providing protection and assistance to the remaining citizens of Chicago.  In the draft of 2050, Gray was enlisted in the Los Angeles USMF.  Praised for his quick-thinking and skilled athleticism, Gray quickly rose to the rank of Cadet leader.  Showing great skill within the ranks of the Cadets, Gray was recruited into the Houston Military Academy at the age of 17.  Through the HMA curriculum, Gray received training in physical sciences and engineering along with humanities and the social sciences.