FORT KNOX, Ky. – The 1st regiment of advanced camp Cadets arrived for registration on May 25 for Cadet Summer Training (CST) 2017.
During registration, Cadets were required to go through their clothing, equipment and other items to ensure that they packed enough for the upcoming training.
Cadet Jacob Cochran, Virginia Military Institute, lays out his belongings during the check-in process for 1st Regiment Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, Ky. on May 25, 2017. Photo by Nicholas Bafia
This is to, “make sure they have everything they’re required to have, because if you get out in the field and suddenly you don’t have a poncho and it’s raining twelve out of fourteen days, you’re going to miss it.” Said 2nd Lt. John Altman, a Cadre member who will be training Cadets during CST.
The Cadre present at registration worked to make things run smoothly. They also look to their future assignments.
“I’m looking forward to being in the field with the Cadets. It’s going to be harder this year. The whole pace of advanced camp this year is going to be a lot faster than the last summer,” said Zachary Delph, a platoon trainer. “They’re going to do a lot tactically, I think that’s going to be beneficial.”
Other Cadre look to their past as part of the training to help the Cadets.
“I want to get a better understanding of how the other side works instead of being a Cadet how officers actually function and the forms we have to learn just different tasks the officers do that I didn’t know ahead of time,” Altman said. He is, “just helping out people who were in the same position I was last year so that they can learn from my mistakes. Helping people develop themselves better than what I was able to accomplish last year.”
“Honestly, I’m hoping to learn more than I teach. I’m probably going to drill a lot on interpersonal tact, how to work as a team, how to fill whatever roll you’re in, and that making sure that, when they’re in the field and they’re not having a good time, they know it’s not okay to deflect that out to the rest of their team, so they actually work well in a team and cooperate and still have army values.” Delph said.
The Cadets are also eager to put their skills and qualities to the test.
“I’m very excited, I’m glad to be here. It’s a whole other environment for me so I’m just excited to start training.” Said Cadet Kenneth McCoy, University of Alaska, from Anchorage, Alaska.
Cadet Kenneth McCoy, University of Alaska, Anchorage, takes inventory of his belongings while checking in to 1st Regiment Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, Ky. on May 25, 2017.
Photo by Nicholas Bafia
Some Cadets are looking forward to what the training will bring.
“So far, I’m looking forward to go out to the field and help develop myself and others while in leadership and when I’m not in leadership.” Said McCoy.
Throughout training, the Cadre and officers want to “provide the best learning experiences and opportunities for leadership for the Cadets. If the Cadets come out of here having learned something and having felt like they had a fair shot at leadership and being assessed fairly I’d say that I’ve done my job.” Said Delph.
