FORT KNOX, Ky., – Cadets from 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Army Combat Fitness Test at Fort Knox, Ky., June 28, 2023.

The ACFT consists of six events: the max deadlift, the standing power throw, hand-release pushups, sprint-drag-carry, plank, and a two-mile run.

“I definitely did better than I was expecting,” said Cadet McKinley Rainey, University of Hawaii at Manoa. “I think I did good because it’s a really positive environment, everybody is cheering each other on.”

The ACFT is the first training event that Cadets must participate in after their arrival to camp. The ACFT tests Cadets’ physical and mental fitness.

Rainey was the first Cadet in his platoon to cross the finish line of the two-mile run. He ran the two miles in 13 minutes.

Rainey said that the ACFT was more about team bonding than a competition.

“I couldn’t say I ran the two mile myself; it really was a team effort,” Rainey said. “That’s really what we are emphasizing this year; everything is built on the team to complete the mission.”

Rainey grew up with his parents who both are prior service members in the Army. His mother retired as a colonel after 24 years of service, and his father retired as a lieutenant colonel after 20 years of service.

His parents’ careers impacted his decision to join the Army’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps as he wants to carry on his parents’ legacy of service.

“I [would] definitely say my parents had an influence in it,” Rainey said. “We deserve the help to influence and motivate other people around us.”

Rainey is not sure what his plans will be after he graduates and gets commissioned in May of 2024; he only knows that he wants to grow.

“Everybody here has their strengths and weaknesses. With everybody coming together, I think we can really make something cool and memorable,” Rainey said. “Besides that, I really just want to push myself every day, try and get better, and achieve things that I use to only dream of. So, one day at a time, one step at a time.”

Cadet Shakirah Ketant, Emmanuel College in Boston, is also looking forward to becoming a better leader.

“I’m honestly looking forward to building on my skills as a leader, learning from others, and correcting mistakes that I made in the past,” Ketant said. “I want to learn and adapt all the skills that are required for me to be a future lieutenant.”

Ketant began her path to becoming a lieutenant at 17 years old when she joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

After graduating high school, Ketant decided to continue her education at Emmanuel College in Boston. She joined her school’s ROTC program after being introduced to the program through her basketball coach.

“I was interested in becoming an officer because I love motivating people and learning new skills,” Ketant said. “I want to be able to help other people improve upon themselves.”

Rainey and Ketant both hope to grow as leaders from the trainings at Cadet Summer Training.

“I think the Army is an excellent opportunity to learn about different people, different backgrounds, building camaraderie, and building upon your skills as a leader,” Ketant said.