FORT KNOX, Ky., — Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, entered the second stage of their Field Training Exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., July 26, 2023.
Spending a total of 12 days in the field, Cadets complete groups of exercises, which are divided into 3 parts: Wolverine, Panther, and Grizzly. The Cadets are challenged mentally and physically before their skills are graded on the last day.
“We’re on our second mission, on the first day of Panther, and we’re completing an area defense,” said Cadet Phillip Jones, Alabama A&M. “Leadership is still processing the last few parts of our plan to make sure the enemy doesn’t take back the terrain we’ve taken, and we’re just standing by waiting for further instruction.”
Completing multiple missions, training their leadership skills, reaction time, and wits, Cadets cultivate their strengths and work together to reach their goal of becoming Commissioned Officers.
“Whenever we are back at our schools, we have FTXs throughout the semester, which are kind of the crawling phase,” said Cadet Issabel Agbogbo, Xavier University, “We learn our tactics and how to conduct these missions. When we came here, we’re just building off whatever we’ve learned, and we’re learning how to go through it together as a squad, and as a platoon.”
In reaching their goals and completing their FTX successfully, the Cadets must first define the roles each person will have during each mission.
“For this past iteration, I was a team leader, and my job as a team leader is to take orders from my squad leader, and make sure my team is squared away,” said Cadet Isabelle Davis, University of Kentucky. “My role is to make sure everything falls within our commander’s intent.”
By defining each person’s role and knowing each person’s strengths and weaknesses, the Cadets can better work as a team.
“One thing that helps us work together well is being able to know our squad, and know their strengths and weaknesses,” Agbogbo said. “Being able to utilize personnel wherever they’re needed helps the mission run smoothly.”
By taking these steps, Cadets can better communicate with each other and build connections with their peers.
“Building your communication creates a good bond with your squad mates, as well as your platoon mates,” Jones said. “When it comes to serious stuff, they’ll always listen to what you have to say, and the advice you give. When you have that in your corner, then there’s no way your enemy can get the better of you.”
While some come to CST fearing they may not be able to create these bonds, there are many opportunities for Cadets to bond and communicate.
“Everyone’s worried about not making friends or not being able to communicate with their team effectively, but they’re not the only new person here. We are all Cadets coming across the nation and we are coming together all strangers.”
Continuing to the next phase of their exercise, the Cadets know they can move forward trusting each other, communicating effectively, and working towards their goals as one.
“The Army and ROTC represent a family. When it comes to being away from loved ones, these guys become your family. You’ll always be there for each other when it matters most.”
