Cadets arrive for summer camp at Fort Knox

By INAYAH BOLTONJune 15, 2018

Cadets arrive for summer camp at Fort Knox
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Cadets arrive for summer camp at Fort Knox
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The first regiment of Advanced Camp cadets arrived to Fort Knox from all across the United States June 4 to begin summer training.

By 1 p.m., the first group of cadets began to appear on post.

Day one of Cadet Summer Training is considered a light day for the cadets. They arrived by bus and headed to registration and integration, where cadre checked their height and weight. The cadets then had organizational clothing and individual equipment inspection. From there, they were transported to their barracks to settle in and, once completed, eat dinner and relax for the evening.

Though enjoying the first day, some cadets expressed anticipation and intrigue about what specifically lays ahead for the Advanced Camp training cycle.

"I'm really excited to start training, get in the field, and begin the hard work," said Cadet Johnathan Condly, of the Red Diamond Battalion at Temple University.

When asked are there any worries that you have for summer training, Condly responded, "No, we have been trained really well at my school, so I'm really confidentthat they prepared us well enough -- although I am a little nervous, but that's because it's always a new challenge around the corner."

Cadet Neil Mendonca, of Fourth Platoon BC, shared similar feelings.

"I have an open mind, despite not knowing what to expect," he said.

Cadre members said the cadets are going to be in for a summer full of surprises.

For 30 days, the cadets will be tested physically and mentally, and pushed to achieve their highest possible level of excellence. Throughout the summer, they will be expected to execute everything they have been prepared for throughout their school year.

"In my 300 [junior] year at school, we honed in on patrol-based operations, ambushes, raids, land navigation and much more," said Mendonca. "We have been equipped with all the necessary training to succeed, so I'm excited."

Some cadets will arise as strong influential leaders, according to cadre members, while others will learn to trust leadership. Bonds will be formed, and an unbreakable trust will be established throughout the battalions.

The hope, according to Cadet Command leaders, is that everyone will walk away from Advanced Camp stronger than when they arrived.