Having freshly arrived at Fort Knox the day before, Cadets from 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, woke up bright and early to practice drill and ceremony (D&C) in front of their barracks. The Cadets were drilled on the basics of marching by cadre responsible for preparing them for the drill sergeants that will be training them later in the week.

“Some of these Cadets never did D&C,” said 2nd Lieutenant Jaunn Caldwell. “They never did drill ceremony, they don’t know how to present arms, no customs and courtesies. It was just the basics, the fundamentals.”

This day is the perfect opportunity to prepare before they get instructed by the drill sergeants.

“We’re trying to get them shaped up, so that when they do see drill sergeants they will know a little something,” said Caldwell.

Fortunately for these Cadets, they don’t only have the cadre to rely on. Some of the regiment had experience with D&C from their time in their JROTC programs.

 “I already know the basics of left face, right face, right flank, left flank, [and] rear march,” said Kelyse Wallace from New Mexico Military Institute.

According to Caldwell, it seemed that the Cadets who lacked prior experience were already taking lessons from those in their ranks that had some.

“they have only been out here one day and they are all out here just learning from each other,” said Caldwell. “Everybody knows different methods, same results.”

Soon it will be time for the Cadets of 1st Regiment to experience training under a drill sergeant. When that comes to pass, they will need to take everything they learned from the D&C practice if they hope to have a smooth transition into Basic Camp.

“I am excited and I can’t wait for the drill sergeants to arrive,” said Wallace. “It’s more of a challenge.”