FORT KNOX, Kentucky – Fog rises above the tree line as Cadets with 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp gather in preparation to enter the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or Confidence Chamber. The purpose of this exercise is to teach Cadets how to react and protect themselves as well as instill confidence in their equipment if they were to encounter CBRN elements in a combat environment.

They begin with instruction from Cadre on how to properly don their Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology over their uniform, secure their M51 Protective Mask, and how to decontaminate their equipment. Cadets must undergo an evaluation on these skills before they enter the Confidence Chamber.

Within the Confidence Chamber, Cadets receive a demonstration on the efficiency of their equipment by experiencing the feeling of being without it.

There is a mix of excitement and anxiety in the anticipation for the exercise seen with the 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets. For Cadet Kara Lee, University of California Irvine, this will be her first experience with the Confidence Chamber, feeling unsure emotions about what is to come. “In the beginning, I was a little anxious. I thought I wouldn’t be able to breathe.”

Born in the United States but raised in Korea, Lee spent the majority of her life split between the two cultures. The desire to serve her country led her to the ROTC program, a route that Lee considers relatively unknown to most Koreans since a United States citizenship is required to commission as an Army Officer.

“It was a little hard for me to look up everything but fortunately I got the opportunity to find out about the national scholarship and that’s how I ended up coming here.”

In order to enroll in the ROTC, students with dual citizenship must prepare to renounce their foreign citizenship to receive their commission. Choosing between countries she both considered hers was a difficult decision for Lee, especially since Korea is the home of her parents. Ultimately, what solidified Lee’s choice of the United States and the ROTC was the greater diversity in opportunities she felt both provided.

For many Cadets going through Advanced Camp, it is the unique opportunities they are unable to find elsewhere that drives them to finish through.

“The Army ROTC provides a lot for me that I think I couldn’t do in the civilian world.” said Cadet George Turnipseed from Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia. Turnipseed found purpose in the opportunities provided by the army. He plans to serve over 20 years into the future, hoping to commission into the Infantry Branch.

The thrill of undergoing an unique event like CBRN, knowing they have their squad right beside them, shifts it from nerve wracking to a unique opportunity to learn and bond.

“I don’t know how it’s going to feel but we’re going in with my squad so it’s gonna be really fun.” said Lee. “Now that I actually know how to put it on and I know it’s secure enough to protect me from the gas I feel way safer.”

After exiting the chamber, Turnipseed recalled his squad expressing the same enthusiasm. “We wanted to do it. We were excited.”

As the exercise continues, the air is filled with the coughs and cries of Cadets rushing out of the Confidence Chamber. However, it is joined by feelings of accomplishment and laughter as Cadets cheer each other on. When asked if he would go through it again Turnipseed responds.

“I would do it a million times again. Just for the fun of it.”