FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the field leader reaction course at Fort Knox, Ky., June 12, 2023. The FLRC challenged the Cadets today on thinking critically, solving problems, working under pressure, and learning more about each other as a leader. Some obstacle courses had a solution, and some did not have any solution, but the whole point of the FLRC is to teach Cadets on how to work together as a team while assimilating the Army values.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Hernandez is an active-duty member of the U.S. Army. His military occupational specialty used to be a motor transport operator or 88M. The motor transport operator’s primary job is to operate military vehicles and transport cargo and personnel. After being a motor transport operator, Hernandez said he transferred into an instructor while still holding the MOS as active duty training.

Hernandez’s role at Cadet Summer Training is as a Cadre member. His job at CST is to teach the FLRC at Advanced Camp. He said that the purpose of the FLRC is to build team skills within Cadets’ squads. He said that they can train and learn to work well together not only for the FLRC event throughout but also for their time here at CST.

Hernandez’ said his goal at CST is to train Cadets on how to be a leader, get out there, formulate a plan, execute the mission, and get to the end result.

Cadet Chinguun Gankhuleg from Olivet Nazarene University said that he joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps to do something more as a Soldier leading others.

While thousands of Soldiers are enlisted members of the U.S Army, Gankhuleg decided to attend basic training while in ROTC during the summer of August 2021. Basic training is known as boot camp and it trains you to be an enlisted soldier. He said that he decided to do basic training because he wanted to get his naturalization through his military service.

Gankhuleg is now a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. He works with the 739th Multi-Role Bridge Company. Their MOS is 12C, Army bridge crewmembers, and they operate on bridge trucks and provide bridge support. 

Gankhuleg said the purpose of the FLRC is team building and problem-solving. He mentioned one thing the FLRC has taught him as a leader. He said the FLRC taught him to communicate with every member of his team.

Gankhuleg mentioned where his motivation comes from during FLRC. He said he remembers when he was wet and cold while doing land navigation. Land navigation is another Advanced Camp event that Cadets have to pass at CST. 

Gankhuleg’s favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11: “where God knows our plans, and He guides us through it all,” Gankhuleg said.

After Advanced Camp, Gankhuleg will go to air assault training at the U.S. Military Academy West Point.