As the first drops of July rain begin to fall down on 5th Regiment, Cadets move their equipment from the woods to inside a warehouse so they can continue conducting their CBRN training. 5th Regiment completed CBRN training on July 1, 2021 at Advanced Camp while at Cadet Summer Training in Fort Knox, Ky.
CBRN training is generally held in the woods, close to the confidence chamber. When lightning was spotted in the immediate area Cadre decided to move the event indoors. This transition was smooth and effortless because protocols are in place to accommodate inclement weather.
Cadet Tia Terry, from the Rattler Battalion at Florida A&M University, says the weather didn’t affect their training at all.
“I wouldn’t say it was much different. It was probably more comfortable to be inside than outside because we’ve been outside three days now,” said Terry. “I feel like we still got the same level of instruction, still learned a lot.”
Some of the Cadets at the CBRN chamber were testing for RECONDO. The RECONDO badge is awarded to Cadets who display superior skills at Advanced Camp. They must exceed the standards in events such as the ACFT and land navigation. Being a first time “go” at CBRN is another requirement.
“It was high stress at the moment throughout each event that we had to test for RECONDO,” said Cadet Kathleen Branz, from the University of Idaho. “Now that we’ve completed each event it’s extremely relieving.”
Even with the rain affecting her training, Branz tested for RECONDO today and she was able to get a “go”.
“It makes me feel really good about myself, very confident,” said Branz. “I feel like I’m very capable of my abilities now that I’ve achieved that.”
Although the training was modified because of the weather, Cadets were appreciative of the rain and still in high spirits.
“Oh my God, I’m so thankful for the rain. I feel like it kind of cleared it out quicker because it burned a lot. My eyes still hurt,” said Terry. “Even though it was painful, it was extremely painful, it kind of boosted morale a little bit.”
