FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadet Jon Waldon, 5th Regiment Advanced Camp, implemented his prior experience as a staff sergeant to help guide him through Cadet Summer Training, Fort Knox, Ky., June 28, 2023.

During engagement skills trainer, Waldon worked with fellow Cadets, rotating through the stations that are designed to improve their marksmanship skills.

“My experience today was good, I think that the Cadre have done a really good job with this training,” Waldon said. “I’ve been in the military for six years. I haven’t ever seen such attention to detail focused on the foundations.”

Waldon worked as an eye specialist in the military before he was selected for the Green to Gold program.

The Green to Gold program allows enlisted Soldiers in the Army the opportunity to earn a commission while pursuing a baccalaureate or graduate degree.

“When I initially joined the military, I was told that I wasn’t able to commission at that time,” said Waldon. “It wasn’t until I got into my military career that I discovered what programs were available to me. I found that the Green to Gold active-duty program, is the best for my lifestyle.”

While there are Cadre at each station during EST, some of the more experienced Cadets are also there to help out their battle buddies. 

“I think the biggest takeaway I have from [being a staff sergeant] was just being able to interact with different personalities,” Waldon said . “So being able to get everybody to work at their best, while also working yourself at your best, was my biggest takeaway for sure.”

Cadet BeAndra Haynes, from The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, also has prior military experience and likes to share her knowledge with others.

“I was already enlisted [in the National Guard], but I felt like I could do more if I was on the opposite side [commissioned officer],” Haynes said. “Being an officer, you have a bigger influence. I will have the opportunity to lead more people, and that’s why I joined ROTC [Reserve Officers’ Training Corps].”

Many of the prior enlisted Cadets want to continue on the path that has been paved by their former leadership. 

“I would also tell [future Cadets] to keep your head up; it’s not gonna last long, and it’ll all work out at the end,” Haynes said. “We’re doing this for a reason, so don’t stop or don’t give up. Things may get hard or challenging, but just remember the bigger purpose, and the bigger picture of why you’re doing it.”