FORT KNOX, Ky. – While absorbed in lively conversation, 2nd Regiment Cadets’ Noah Scott from Norwich University, Kyle Sopplar from Clarkson University, and Hannah Yun from Loyola University of Chicago put on their camouflage in an attempt to blend in with the rest of the forest during their situational training exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., June 23, 2023.
Yun said she is ‘shocked’ by how close she has gotten with her fellow ‘teammates’ in such a short period of time.
“We’ve all met each other two weeks ago, and I think I’m just surprised by how easy it was for us to get to know each other and get along,” Yun said.
Despite coming from different levels of experience, these 2nd Regiment teammates have been able to find common ground during Advanced Camp. Cadet Noah Scott said his team’s dynamic as ‘a mix’ of both prior enlisted and ROTC Cadets.
“Our team brings a good balance between the ROTC life and what the actual military teaches.” Scott said, “For the most part, our camaraderie and our teamwork has been very fluid and safe.”
During STX, the Cadets start the wolverine phase, or the first phase of their mission, on ‘the same playing field’ said Maj. Jonathan Kirkland from the University of North Georgia. Kirkland said that within STX lies a bigger goal than just being able to properly conduct an attack.
Kirkland explained, “Understanding the tactics isn’t so much about grading them on their ability to conduct the attack. They need to understand the concepts so we can watch their leadership abilities, and they display those attributes in making variations.”
Having to make adaptations to previously learned technique can be ‘a handicap’ for those like Sopplar and Scott; both had previously served as enlisted soldiers in the Army. Sopplar has found that ‘letting go’ of what he learned in the past, while working with ROTC Cadets like Yun, has helped him become a better leader.
“For anybody who has prior military just to come here with an open mind. There’s always something more to learn,” Sopplar recommended. “If we want to be better leaders, we always need to be open to learning.”
Yun described the team’s combined knowledge as her ‘greatest surprise’ of Advanced Camp. The trio is looking forward to completing the 12-mile ruck march together as a team. Until then, they will all continue to motivate each other throughout the upcoming phases of their mission.
About the Author: Kate Koennecke
