FORT KNOX, Ky– Cadets from Alpha Company, 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, participate in a training exercise July 25, 2024. Cadets receive lessons on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear, otherwise known as CBRN. Cadets are tested on how efficient their safety gear is equipped and then were put in the confidence chamber and exposed to Tear Gas. 

Before Cadets enter the chamber they spend quite a bit of time learning how to dawn their M51 Pro-Mask and be able to fully clean and attach each piece of gear. The goal of the confidence chamber is in its name, it is to build up the Cadets confidence, in not only their gear, but in themselves as well. However, that is not the only attribute being tested. 

Leadership skills are constantly growing throughout the summer and it is present at CBRN training. Cadets are seen helping and coaching each other while learning their equipment. Cadets are also the biggest motivators during and after the chamber, helping one another push through and keep moving. 

One Cadets leadership skills have been influenced by another culture.  Cadet George Hage, College of William & Mary, Va., comes from a multicultural household with both Russian and Lebanese roots. 

“I spent most of my young life outside of the States and I came back and then COVID pretty much happened,” Hage said. 

Hage spent the majority of his life in Lebanon, where the majority of Americans he had met were service members. This was pivotal in the decision of joining the Military, stating that the service members character and work ethic stood out. 

“Part of my reason for wanting to join is I like the idea of wearing a uniform and that in both literal and metaphorical sense, “ Hage said, “ you know, we’re all wearing the same thing. We’re all here for the same purpose and we all serve the same cause. So that’s something I really enjoy.”

Hage is using the skills he has learned from transitioning between two countries to improve his leadership qualities. His living situation has allowed him to be exposed to many different people from different walks of life. 

“I’m very used to diversity in culture, diversity in background, and diversity in language,” Hage said.

When asked if this has given him an advantage at CST, Hage replied, “Yeah, if not, at least it’s a continuation of what I’m already used to.”

Hage plans on continuing using his life experience throughout the rest of camp. Working his way towards being like the service members he had encountered as a kid. 

“I couldn’t relate to it at the time, but I hopefully can relate to it soon,” Hage said. 

9th Regiment continues to put in the work, being one of the last regiments, it is imperative that the Cadets keep the morale high and keep pushing forward.