FORT KNOX, Ky. – From Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Cadet Patrick Odone’s decision to join the Army ROTC is deeply rooted in family tradition and personal aspirations. For him, the ROTC offers not just financial benefits but also an opportunity to continue the legacy of military service in his family. “Well, they pay for your school and it’s kind of just a family history. My dad, my uncles, my grandparents—military service runs in the family. It feels right for me to follow in their footsteps,” Odone shared. His family’s military service spans multiple branches. “My dad was in the Navy and then switched to the Air Force after about seven years. My uncles were in the Navy, and my grandpa was in the Army,” Odone explained.

This diverse background in military service has inspired him to carve out his own path within the armed forces. While still undecided on his exact branch, Odone has narrowed his interests down to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) or aviation. “I’m an engineering student, and I want to learn something unique that I can only get in the Army. Flying Blackhawks or Apaches is something you can’t do anywhere else. Learning how explosives work is also fascinating to me,” he said. The challenge and specialized skills required for these roles, especially the rigorous training for EOD with its high attrition rate, appeal to his desire for academic and professional challenges. “I like an academic challenge, so I want to see if I can do it,” he added.

Odone’s Cadet Summer Training experience has been both rigorous and enriching. “So far, we’ve done some shooting, land navigation, team-building exercises, obstacle courses, and rappelling,” he recounted. These activities have helped him develop essential skills and test his leadership abilities.

One of the significant challenges Odone faced was adapting to a new team environment. “For the past three years, I’ve been working with a group that I know very well. Being thrust into an environment with 38 new people, each with unique personalities and different thoughts on how to approach things, has been the most challenging part,” he admitted. Despite the initial difficulties, he noted that the platoon has worked hard to align their tactics and operating procedures, adopting a sense of unity and camaraderie. “I think we’re probably a lot tighter than the other platoons in our company. It seems like everybody here gets along pretty well,” he said.

Odone also shared a personal milestone: “I struggle with names, but I think I know everybody’s names at this point. Two weeks in, that’s pretty good for me.” When asked if he would recommend the CST to others, Odone emphasized the importance of personal goals. “If you want to be an officer in the Army and you don’t already have a degree, this is the absolute best way to do it. It’s been a good experience,” he said.

For those considering a future in the Army, training such as Warrior Skills at CST offers a unique combination of educational benefits, professional development, and personal growth. Cadet Patrick Odone’s experience features the value of this path for those inspired by family legacy and eager for new challenges.