Last Updated: June 13th, 2024By


FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, listened to instruction at multiple different stations during Fire Movement Training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 16, 2023.

Cadet Sophia Omar from The Ohio State University, 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, listens to instruction on the M4 at Fort Knox, Ky., July 16, 2023. This training shows Cadets how to conduct a mission. | Photo by Katie Catterall, Ball State University, CST Public Affairs Office

 

The FMT showed Cadets how to conduct a mission by teaching them skills such as field maintenance, indirect fire reaction, how to use face paint, crawling methods and land navigation tactics.

Cadet Grace Thomas from Shippensburg University, enjoyed the training despite it being new to her.

“This is all brand new to me, but I love it,” Thomas said. “I really hope to do it more in the future, and I want to keep going on this path.”

Thomas is encouraged to continue her path with the Army by all the new knowledge she is obtaining.

“I enjoy constantly learning something new and knowing that I could protect myself in a lot of situations that a lot of other civilians couldn’t,” Thomas said. “It makes me proud of my country and proud of myself.”

Although Thomas has enjoyed learning new things on her journey with the Army, she has run into challenges along the way.

Cadet Bryan Wade from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, 1st Regiment, Basic Camp undergoes training on how to react to indirect fire at Fort Knox, Ky., July 16, 2023. This training shows Cadets how to conduct a mission. | Photo by Katie Catterall, Ball State University, CST Public Affairs Office

“You have to have a really strong mentality,” Thomas said. “The mentality of being broken down and then having to build yourself back up to become a stronger person has really pushed me to my limits, but I think I’m coming out a better person and a better leader.”

The friendships Thomas has made during Basic Camp have helped her cope with the challenges.

“Leaning on my friends and knowing they are going through the same thing has helped,” Thomas said. “We teach each other what we can do better for the next day.”

Cadet Michael Rowe from the University of Iowa, has also run into challenges during Basic Camp.

“One challenge would be keeping together as a great platoon and not bringing anyone down,” Rowe said. “We need to help each other and just keep our whole group together up.”

Rowe copes with the challenges by the inspiration he draws from his older brother that was in the Army.

Cadets from 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, listens to instruction about troop leading procedures at Fort Knox, Ky., July 16, 2023. This training shows Cadets how to conduct a mission. | Photo by Katie Catterall, Ball State University, CST Public Affairs Office

 

“I had an older brother that went through the Army and all the different benefits,” Rowe said. “It made him a better human being, and I wanted to become a better person as well.”

Thomas has also been inspired by the Army through the camaraderie among the Cadets and the purpose the Army has gifted her.

“I love how everyone treats each other like brothers and sisters, and they will always have each other’s back no matter what,” Thomas said. “Being able to serve my country and do something for my country without expecting anything in return is not a feeling a lot of people understand.”

About the Author: Katie Catterall
Katie Catterall
Kathryn is a recent graduate from Ball State University with a degree in photojournalism and a minor in political science. She is also a current Cadet Command public affairs intern. She is interested in pursuing a career in photojournalism and is specifically interested in documentary photography and wildlife photography. In her free time, she enjoys photography, writing, skateboarding and spending time with family and friends. She also loves being outdoors and working around wildlife.