1st Infantry Division Soldiers train future Army leaders

FORT KNOX, Kentucky — Every summer thousands of college students participating in their school’s ROTC programs travel to Fort Knox to attend Cadet Summer Training, a significant step in their military careers that prepares them to become officers in the United States Army.

This year, the 1st Infantry Division sent Soldiers, noncommissioned officers and officers to support training efforts and mold the Army’s future leaders.

“This is my second time being out here for Cadet Summer Training,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jacobus Smit, an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.

Functioning as CST cadre, these Soldiers worked to develop the leadership capabilities of the cadets through rigorous training exercises designed to test their mental and physical toughness.

Cadets attending summer training participate in a 32-day basic camp during which they learn the fundamentals of soldiering. Upon completing basic camp, cadets move on to a 35-day advanced training camping in which they continue developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

“When it comes to day-to-day work much less anything further if we ever had to go into combat in the future confidence is of the utmost importance,” said Staff Sgt. Spencer Clark, a cavalry scout assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.

Like Soldiers who graduate from basic combat training, cadets must undergo a number of trials designed to build their confidence and make them more effective as leaders of Soldiers. Cadets must navigate a series of obstacle courses and lead teams in tactical scenarios that engage many of the skills officers will need to operate successfully in diverse environments.

Good leadership results from the culmination of many characteristics, developed over time by individuals driven to a higher calling. Smit, who coached cadets as they learned to safely rappel down a forty-foot tower, acknowledged that as a leader it’s necessary to be loyal to your Soldiers, your chain of command and to yourself. Ultimately, the ability to assess yourself is essential when leading others.

“Never stop challenging yourself,” said Smit. “[Army life] is definitely tough. It’s not easy, but if you are looking to challenge yourself consistently then the Army is the place to do so.”