FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 6^th Regiment, Advanced Camp, saw their loved ones during Family Day, July 28, 2024, on Fort Knox. Family Day provides Cadets and their families with time to spend together before their graduation the next day.

Cadet Prescila Bryan, University of Scranton, Pa., has completed a month of Advanced Camp training. Her experience was marked by both challenges and triumphs and has shaped her perspective on teamwork. Bryan expressed her excitement about reuniting with her family after her training.

“I’m super excited to see my family after a whole month in training.,” Bryan said. “They had big smiles on their faces. We’ll find a good restaurant, call it a day, come back tomorrow, and then I’ll be out of here.”

Reflecting on her training, Bryan emphasized the mental toughness required to endure the obstacles presented during CST.

“It was an experience and a journey. It was a mental experience, I would say more so than a physical one,” Bryan explained. “You really had to get through it and lean on your battle buddies to get through it with you.”

The training was relentless, as Cadets often faced weather conditions and interpersonal conflicts. Despite these challenges, the importance of teamwork and mutual support became apparent.

“There were times rain was pouring hard. But we still had to go through our missions,” Bryan said. “There were times where a lot of us would conflict with one another. But you still have to come back as a team because no matter what you’re going to be with each other for a couple more days.”

As Cadet Bryan approaches the end of her training, she reflects on the lessons learned throughout the summer. One of the most significant takeaways for her was the importance of relying on others and asking for help when needed.

“I think the biggest lesson I learned is to lean on one another. Because you can’t do it alone. You can never,” Bryan said. “You may think that you can, but you cannot lean on yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Bryan also highlighted the value of maintaining a positive and supportive environment among fellow Cadets. Encouraging and uplifting each other was crucial to their success.

“Tell your battle buddies what they need to hear so you can boost morale. Make sure they tell you what you need to know so that you can improve,” Bryan said. “I think that’s one of the most important things, by making sure we’re all on the same page in the same mental state. That’s how we get through it together.”

The emotional impact of reuniting with her family after the training was overwhelming for Bryan. The absence of communication while in the field made the reunion even more significant.

“Oh my god. I cried so hard even while trying to hold back the tears,” Bryan shared. “It was an amazing feeling. Being in the field, I didn’t have my phone for a good 12 days, nearly two weeks I couldn’t contact them and that was hard.”

Seeing her family was an overwhelming experience filled with joy. It made the reward of completing training even more valuable.

“I am elated, I’m joyful, I am thankful, and I’m grateful,” Bryan expressed. “Words cannot describe how I feel right now.”

Cadet Prescila Bryan’s journey has been transformative, teaching her lessons about resilience, teamwork, and the strength that comes from mutual support. As she looks forward to the next steps of being a future leader, the lessons learned will inspire her to do so.