FORT KNOX, KY. – More than 600 Cadets received their equipment for Cadet Summer Training (CST) on May 26 at Central Issue Facility (CIF).

“This is basic individual gear,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Haas of the Charlie Company Regiment. “From uniforms to their water source, it’s all basic stuff that the cadets will need on the field.”

First Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets are issued equipment at Central Issue Facility (CIF) on Fort Knox, Ky., May 26. CIF issues equipment to Cadets that will be used during their 31 day training. (Photo by Mattie Cook)

It was the Cadets’ first day of Cadet Summer Training, and they got the supplies that they will need during the summer.

“The process of getting equipment was a lot easier and friendlier than past experiences for me at least,” said Cadet Austin Glang of Centre College, Charlie Company First Platoon. “My previous experience was basic training and all they did was yell at us all the time. This was a nice change of the tides.”

The cadre is responsible for ensuring the Cadets have all of their equipment and that their equipment is serviceable. The cadre is also responsible for mentoring and monitoring the Cadets throughout their training.

“It’s not about any one Cadet going through the process here,” Haas said. “It’s about the leadership attributes they display while going through the training. That’s what we’re looking at.”

Now that the Cadets have their gear, they will be spending a majority of their time in the field.

First Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets sort through equipment issued to them at Central Issue Facility (CIF) on Fort Knox, Ky., May 26. CIF issues equipment to Cadets that will be used during their 31 day training. (Photo by Mattie Cook)

“The most important piece of equipment I got today was socks,” Glang said. “You can never have too many socks. You have to take care of your feet.”

Every summer, more than 8,000 Cadets attend summer training at Fort Knox in preparation for ultimately becoming a second lieutenant in the Army.