FORT KNOX, Ky. – While a Soldier often relies on themselves and their own mental fortitude, Cadets also must learn teamwork and motivation from others are still vital parts of the role. Field training exercises are a prime example of CST training requiring Cadets to work together and help one another keep morale high.
Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, endure their second day of the Panther phase of their field training exercises on Fort Knox, July 27, 2024. FTX-Panther trains Cadets to lead Soldiers in the field by having them conduct either a raid, ambush, movement to contact, or defense, as well as become familiar with leading, encouraging and cooperating with their peers.
Cadet Erik Ibarra, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, was the acting Platoon Leader for this objective. Being PL means Ibarra has to get his platoon through their objective successfully, working alongside other leaders, such as the Platoon Sergeant and Squad Leaders. The PL begins the mission by planning, requiring lots of communication and cooperation between Cadets.
“I definitely took in some advice from other people and planned accordingly,” said Ibarra on his planning technique. “If you’re a PL, it is your decision ultimately, on how you want to complete that mission.”
Cadet Erik Ibarra from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, continues to lead his platoon onto their objective during the second day of their Panther phase of field training exercises on Fort Knox, Ky., July 27, 2024. FTX-Panther trains Cadets to lead Soldiers in the field by having them conduct either a raid, ambush, movement to contact, or defense, as well as become familiar with the challenges that come alongside being in a leadership role in the field. | Audrey Shaw, Florida State University, Cadet Summer Training Public Affairs Office
A PL has a unique leadership position in being able to have the final say and lead the platoon, a responsibility Ibarra has had only once before.
“I’ve only been a PL once in an actual mission back in my own university,” said Ibarra. “Doing it here at CST again is way more extreme. The objective is much bigger, making me have a larger scale I have to work with.”
The role of a PL, and CST as a whole, can be stressful, but many Cadets, like Ibarra, have their motivators. Ibarra’s? Family.
The Army Reserves as a 74D, or a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist, was where Ibarra found himself for 4 years until arriving at CST. Coincidentally, he is not far from his brother who is currently at CST as well in 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp.
Ibarra and his brother enlisted at the same time in the U.S. Army. They each have their own reasons for joining, but share one in common.
“We joined Army ROTC and Army as a whole, not only for ourselves, but also to help our parents finally get their citizenship here in the U.S.,” said Ibarra.
Ibarra’s family is originally from Jalisco, Mexico. In 1998, his parents and older brother moved to the United States, making a home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ibarra’s family is his inspiration.
“It inspired my brother and I to be here in the Army. To be the first ever in our family to ever join the military,” said Ibarra.
With family always in the back of his mind, Ibarra is ready to tackle every challenge head-on. Motivators vary across Cadets though.
Cadet Cristopher Comp, Central Washington University, has been previously enlisted as a 35M, or Military Occupational Specialty for Human Intelligence Collectors. Comp dropped out of college at nineteen and was at basic training at twenty. Five years later, he is back in college doing Army ROTC. Knowing he has successfully come back and is more ready than ever to take on both school and the military motivates him daily.
“If I can do it in six years and come back and be here with everyone, then anyone can do it,” said Comp.
Comp’s past experiences have allowed him to be an uplifting force in his platoon as well, making him an inspiration for perseverance to others.
“For a lot of people who come here, this is their first time in a regimental situation,” said Comp. “Being that positive person for someone who’s usually pessimistic is what makes the team cohesion work so well.”
Alongside his encouraging words, Comp encourages his peers to find what motivates them, just as he does by reflecting on his story.
Cadet Cristopher Comp from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, looks at the plan for the security squad to execute their mission during the second day of their Panther phase of field training exercises on Fort Knox, Ky., July 27, 2024. FTX-Panther trains Cadets to lead Soldiers in the field by having them conduct either a raid, ambush, movement to contact, or defense, as well as become familiar with the challenges that come alongside being in a leadership role in the field. | Audrey Shaw, Florida State University, Cadet Summer Training Public Affairs Office
“Give yourself that encouragement. Find whatever motivates you and stick with it,” said Comp on staying driven.
FTX-Panther is an exercise that makes Cadets work together to carry out the PL’s plan and complete their objective. Whether it’s taking advice to strategize or keeping motivation high, the help from those surrounding a Cadet, be it physically at CST or at-home, is vital to success.
About the Author: Audrey Shaw
