FORT KNOX, Ky.- Bright and early, Cadets with 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp began

their day at 4:30 a.m. with a battle march shoot. This involved a 6-mile road march

followed by engaging 40 targets at a 25-meter range. Following this, the cadets

proceeded to the Hand Grenade Assault Course where they received a briefing on the

course expectations and a demonstration.

After the instructions, Cadets were given 10 minutes to practice each task. Each lane

consists of 7 tasks, requiring Cadets to navigate various obstacles while engaging

targets by throwing practice grenades from 5 different positions. Before throwing the

grenade, Cadets are required to yell out to their Cadre, “proper grip, thumb to clip,

twist, pull pin, strike a pose, frag out,” to ensure they were handling the grenade

correctly.

Finishing strong and missing only one target, Cadet Ashley Brennan from Boston

University successfully passed the course. Emphasizing the tactic of “Slow is smooth

and smooth is fast” says Brennan. “You have to take it one step at a time.” She also

followed her Cadre’s advice during the demonstrations: to pass, put your throwing foot

forward and throw the practice grenade as far as possible.

Following in his teammate’s footsteps, Cadet Nick D’Armetta from Seton Hall University,

NJ., also passed the Hand Grenade Assault Course, missing only one target. Going

through Cadet Summer Training he believes it’s important to go in “with a positive

attitude taking it day by day,” says D’Armetta. “If you don’t come into this with a positive

attitude it’s going to make it more difficult.” CST is not an easy task; every day brings a

new set of expectations that push cadets mentally and physically. Maintaining a positive

outlook helps cadets go that extra mile, shaping them into future leaders.

Cadet D’Armetta has always been interested in the Army, having participated in Junior

Reserve Officers Training Corps in high school before joining ROTC in college. He

hopes to graduate and commission as an officer, utilizing his time at Cadet Summer

Training to learn from his cadre and superiors to help him one day lead his own team.

Cadet Summer Training provides tasks and qualifications while also allowing room for

cadets to grow into leaders. Encouraging them to push not only themselves but also

their teammates, demonstrating their capability to successfully complete their training

and excel within their regiment.