FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY– Masking for CS gas Cadets with 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp, take on the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Chamber on Fort Knox, June 29, 2024. The purpose of CBRN training is to help cadets build confidence and trust in their equipment, ensuring they can operate it effectively when needed.
Cadets with 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp, seal their MOPP gear for the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Chamber on Fort Knox, KY., June 29, 2024. The purpose of CBRN training is to help cadets build confidence and trust in their equipment, to ensure they can operate it effectively when needed. |Photo Credit: Ayiana Andrella, Ohio University, CST Public Affairs Office
Cadet Grace Gitau from Texas A&M University finishes the CBRN exercise strong emphasizing though it may be tough it serves a purpose. “The point of this exercise today is to help us, as emerging leaders, build confidence in whatever we do,” said Cadet Gitau. “Going through the gas chamber is challenging, but as a leader, you should always be at the front line for your soldiers, showing them that if I can do it, they can too.”
Cadet Grace Gitau from Texas A&M University, with 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp, seals her M51 Promask at the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Chamber on Fort Knox, KY., June 29, 2024. The purpose of CBRN training is to help cadets build confidence and trust in their equipment, to ensure they can operate it effectively when needed. |Photo Credit: Ayiana Andrella, Ohio University, CST Public Affairs Office
Cadet Gitau’s path to becoming an officer was driven by a deep-seated desire to lead and inspire others. “I was enlisted before, and since I started my Army career, I’ve always wanted to be an officer.” said Gitau. “Soldiers need leaders to guide them, and it’s been within me to help other soldiers and be on the frontline for them.”
Originally from Kenya, Cadet Gitau faced limited career opportunities upon arriving in the United States. “Someone talked to me about the Army, and I decided to take on the challenge. Basic training was intimidating, but once I completed it, I knew this was my calling,” said Gitau. Currently active in the Green to Gold program, she plans to remain active and branch into medical services. Balancing her military career with raising a six-year-old and a one-year-old is challenging, but she embraces it with determination and resilience.
Cadet Shreeya Pattekar from Loyola University Chicago believes the CBRN exercise purpose is “to ensure we know how to react to chemical warfare and to build our confidence for the future, we undergo exercises like today’s,” said Cadet Pattekar. “It’s called the confidence course, and it helps us understand that we are capable of handling such situations.”
Cadet Grace Gitau from Texas A&M University and Cadet Shreeya Pattekar from Loyola University Chicago with 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp, take on the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Chamber on Fort Knox, KY., June 29, 2024. The purpose of CBRN training is to help cadets build confidence and trust in their equipment, to ensure they can operate it effectively when needed. |Photo Credit: Ayiana Andrella, Ohio University, CST Public Affairs Office
Cadet Pattekar joined ROTC with a vision to combine military experience with her passion for journalism. “I wanted to gain military experience to help me achieve my goal of becoming a conflict journalist.” said Pattekar. “Serving in the military would also allow me to give back to the country that has provided so much for my family and me.”
Her parents immigrated to the United States from India, and their journey inspired her commitment to service. Cadet Pattekar has been in ROTC for two years and plans to branch into military intelligence upon graduation. After fulfilling her military contract, she aims to return to journalism, bringing her military insights into the field.
Both Cadet Gitau and Pattekar embody the diverse motivations and backgrounds of Cadets in the ROTC program. Their stories highlight the commitment, resilience, and leadership that the program cultivates, preparing future officers to lead with confidence and integrity.
About the Author: Ayiana Andrella
