FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY – Cadet Valeria Gudino, 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, University of Washington, brings a wealth of different experiences to Cadet Summer Training. Navigating a global pandemic and thinking fast through unpredictable situations in the field as an Army Medic, Gudino is prepared to tackle the challenges Cadets encounter at CST.
Gudino and her fellow Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, were given the task of successfully applying equipment and going through the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) chamber on Fort Knox, Ky., July 19, 2024. Prior to entering the chamber, Cadets learn how to properly apply CBRN equipment, then apply this knowledge to get themselves through the test. Cadets must push through discomforts to make it through, something Gudino has learned during her 4 years in the Army.
Cadet Valeria Gudino from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, takes her mask off in the CBRN chamber July, 19, 2024 on Fort Knox, Ky. CBRN stands for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear and prepares Cadets for various types of warfare they could face as a Soldier. | Audrey Shaw, Florida State University, Cadet Sumer Training Public Affairs Office
After meeting her National Guard unit and completing training from a National Training Center, in 2021, Gudino was sent to Poland where she was a medic for an infantry unit at first, but then moved to a clinic to do COVID-19 testing and lab work.
Enlisting in 2020 as a medic meant Gudino’s first few years with the Army looked a little different than those upholding the role in years prior. Following safety precautions and protecting oneself has always been an aspect of the job, but a pandemic adds onto the procedures a medic must follow.
While in the clinic, Gudino found a love for being in the lab. The clinic she worked in ran a COVID lab for all nations present: Britain, the United States, Romania and Poland.
“We tested those going in and out of the country or experiencing symptoms,” recalled Gudino. “It took a long time to go through the steps, but I enjoyed it when I was doing it.
Gudino’s prior experience as a Soldier aided her greatly in overcoming the CBRN chamber. Enlisting as a medic with the Army National Guard in 2020, Gudino went through the chamber in basic training as well as experiencing gas obstacles in her field training exercises with her National Guard unit.
During one exercise, Gudino and her peers were practicing their medical duties in the field when a Soldier began shouting the warning phrase, “Gas! Gas! Gas!” When a Soldier shouts this phrase, those around know this means a CBRN element is in the area and they need to apply the appropriate equipment.
During Gudino’s FTX, a medic had to worry about the casualties and injuries they were dealing with, ensuring everyone had a mask on, including those incapable of applying one themselves, and making sure the mission was still completed. While Gudino had a lot of steps to think through, she was able to immediately react utilizing the skills she was taught at CBRN.
“Putting on the mask really quickly saved me,” said Gudino. “I was still coughing a little, but it wasn’t as bad as others who didn’t know how to put it on.”
After Poland, Gudino came back to the states. While Gudino had the opportunity to be promoted as an enlisted Soldier, she decided to pursue the officer route and join University of Washington’s ROTC program.
Being in the Guard, Gudino had a few routes she could take with ROTC, but she eventually landed on the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP). The SMP allows a Cadet to be in the Guard and ROTC at the same time. It is a two-year course where the Cadet is partnered with and taught by a unit officer alongside going to drill once a month with your Guard unit.
“I was supposed to get picked up for Sergeant, but I turned it down and joined the ROTC program. The SMP allows me to still be with my unit, be in the program and be able to commission,” said Gudino.
Cadet Valeria Gudino from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, cleans her mask after leaving the CBRN chamber July, 19, 2024 on Fort Knox, Ky. CBRN stands for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear and prepares Cadets for various types of warfare they could face as a Soldier. | Audrey Shaw, Florida State University, Cadet Sumer Training Public Affairs Office
On the road to commissioning, Gudino must complete the CBRN chamber. While Gudino, as most Cadets do, still finds chemical tests uncomfortable, she also finds herself intrigued by it and is considering chemical as a possible branch option. If she branches chemical, Gudino wants to help others through their nerves when it comes to CBRN training exercises and encounters.
“I want to teach others it’s not that bad and you’re going to have a lot of fun with it,” said Gudino.
Gudino’s love for helping others has been on display throughout CST. One of her Cadre, Captain Sam Dirienzo, the Platoon Training Officer lead for Charlie Company, Third Platoon, speaks of the ways he has seen Gudino lead.
Capt. Sam Dirienzo from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp exits the CBRN chamber on July, 19, 2024 on Fort Knox, Ky. Dirienzo went through to encourage his Cadets from Charlie Company, 3rd Platoon.
“You can definitely see that she loves to share the knowledge that she has,” states Dirienzo.
Cadre members look to help develop Cadets into officers and teach them specific leadership qualities throughout Advanced Camp.
“When we look at the leadership attributes and competencies while developing Cadets, you can immediately see that she has a strength in developing and leading others,” said Dirienzo.
Gudino’s past experiences with the Army have set her up for success when it comes to completing CBRN and CST. Whether branching chemical or medical, Gudino is prepared to continue aiding those around her and take on the responsibilities and challenges this new phase of her military career will bring.
About the Author: Audrey Shaw
