Army ROTC Cadet Summer Training graduates last regiment for 2014

By Alex Mclaughlin, U.S. Army Cadet Command internAugust 13, 2014

Army ROTC Cadet Summer Training graduates last regiment for 2014
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Army ROTC Cadet Summer Training graduates last regiment for 2014
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FORT KNOX, Ken. (Aug. 12, 2014) -- Army ROTC Cadets assigned to 6th Regiment, Leader's Training Course, graduated August 12, here, marking the end of summer training for 2014.

This was the first summer that the entire CST program was conducted at Fort Knox with the arrival of Leader Development Assessment Course, or LDAC, from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

At the conclusion of Cadet Summer Training, known as CST, a total of 7,580 cadets graduated from their respective training programs -- 6,123 cadets were in LDAC, with the remaining 1,457 in the Leader's Training Course, or LTC.

Col. Brian J. Mennes, deputy commanding officer, U.S. Army Cadet Command, was the guest speaker at the graduation ceremony, and reflected on his own experience at CST.

"I was standing in your shoes 28 years ago," Mennes said. "I liked what I saw in the people around me. I knew I wanted to be involved in something bigger than myself."

Mennes said CST at Fort Knox was a unique event and could not be completed without help from what many people at Fort Knox call "America's largest pick-up team."

CST is conducted by Soldiers from throughout the Army. A total of 5,717 cadre members came together for this training event.

Cadre members represented U.S Army Cadet Command, U.S. Army Forces Command, the U.S. Army Reserve, and U.S. Army Medical Command. Without the leadership power provided by these organizations, CST could not be a successful event.

The first group of Cadets arrived June 7. More than 2,000 Cadet Command cadre members have been here all summer, and many of them return to their home ROTC detachments next week to begin a new school year.

Mennes addressed the success of not only 6th Regiment, LTC, but CST as a whole.

"This ceremony is a great example of why I have the best job in America," Mennes said. "I don't think there is a more honorable profession than protecting our inalienable rights. You Cadets represent all of those who sacrificed before us and I know you will do us proud. It has been a humbling experience to be a part of the community in Fort Knox."

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