FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets of 4th Regiment, Basic Camp, put their physical fitness skills to the test bright and early during the Army Physical Fitness Test July 2.
“To be honest, it’s tough, but its nice having the other Cadets around.” said Cadet Mikayla Blaska, Princeton, “We are all going through the same thing. Its nice to have unity and be going through the struggle together.”
Cadet Richard Reeves, University of Huston, does sit-ups with assistance from Cadet Richard Tischner, Virginia Tech. Cadet Brian Hedrick, North Carolina State, counts the number of sit-ups completed during the Army Physical Fitness Test on July 2. (Photo by Breanne Ward)
During the APFT, Cadets are required to complete push-ups, sit-ups and a 2-mile run to complete the entire test. Cadets were required to be awake well before dawn for the APFT, which is strenuous for most. The test began at 0430 for these Basic Camp Cadets, but despite the early wake-up call, the Cadets pushed through without ceasing.
“I think they make us do this early to kind of mentally challenge us and overcome that mental barrier.” expressed Blaska on the early starting APFT.
Lt. Col. Richard Helling, Western Illinois University, is the Alpha Company training officer.
“This morning, we are giving a diagnostic PT test for the new Basic Camp Cadets. This is really their first time that they’ve been able to take a PT test, so we are introducing them to the Army standards.” said Helling.
Cadets of Basic Camp, 4th Regiment, wait patiently as their fellow Cadets complete their runs during the Army Physical Fitness Test on July 2. (Photo by Breanne Ward)
Helling stated that the expectation for Cadets is that they do their best.
The APFT was the first start in a long journey for Cadets not just in their fitness, but in their march towards graduation day.
Cadet Summer Training will bring about 8,200 Cadets through Basic and Advanced Camp this summer on Fort Knox. These camps are designed to help challenge, grow and improve various skills and leadership qualities within the Cadets. If you think you have what it takes to be a Cadet or if you are interested in a job after college click the following link: https://my.goarmy.com/info/rotc1/index.jsp?iom=IP08-AUTO-R1NA-BR-XXX-XX-XXX-MO-XX-X-BRCMAC:IP08
