FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets with 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, were on Canby Range, July 21, 2024, to complete the Group and Zero exercise as a part of Cadet Summer Training. Cadets get hands-on practice with the M4 Carbine in order to hone in their marksmanship skills in preparation for qualification. 

Within the Army there is an abundance of positions and roles with various paths and plans for Cadets to reach their desired job. For two Cadets, they are changing their paths and going from Green to Gold. 

Cadet Patience Gbedema, Boston University, started her military career enlisted, and was stationed on Fort Hood, Texas, with the 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. 

“Throughout my time there, I learned a lot about the concept of family and people first,” Gbedema said. “Pretty much putting your Soldier’s needs above your own, and because of that, because of my leadership back at that unit, I want to spread that amongst the Army.”

Cadet Gbedema focuses a lot on the people aspect of the military, referring to it as a “big family”. Due to this passion, Gbedema has her eyes set on commissioning as an Adjutant General Officer. The Army requires a lot of teamwork, working with others, networking, and simply just getting to know other personnel. Gbedema enjoys learning from others and having people learn from her. Her ultimate goal is to be the best she can be in whatever she does. 

“The biggest resource that the Army has is its people,” Gbedema said. 

Cadet Kyleigh Neese, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, is another prior service member that has come to CST to earn her commissioning. Neese has been working logistics for almost a decade and is aiming to reach new heights. The ultimate goal for Neese is to commission as an officer and then utilize her masters degree in health and wellness promotion in the medical field. 

The sense of family continues to be a big draw to the Army and the military itself. 

“I kind of varied in foster care situations growing up,” Neese said. “I think I joined the Army at 19 years old because I was looking for a set of family, or a purpose, or a sense of belonging.”

No Cadet or Soldier is going to follow the exact same path, but it’s important to know how many options are available. Whether it’s the traditional ROTC programs, or prior service doing Green to Gold, there are opportunities out there to take the next step of your Army career.