Fort Knox, Ky. — The journey from Cadet to combat-ready soldier is not for the faint of heart. Today, Aug. 5, 2024, the Cadets of 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, embarked on the Panther phase of their field training exercises, stepping into a world where every decision could mean the difference between success and failure.

Field Training Exercises are used to immerse Cadets in realistic combat scenarios, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience. The primary goal is to prepare these future Army leaders for the challenges they may face in enemy territory, refining their skills and readiness for real-world combat situations.

One Cadet who stands out during this phase is Cadet Harrison Riggs of Western Kentucky University. Today’s exercise was almost like second nature for Riggs. His familiarity with the terrain at Fort Knox, thanks to previous FTX experiences hosted by the military base, gave him an undeniable advantage. “Living near a military base has been instrumental in my development,” he said. “It’s given me access to top-tier resources and a different perspective on military life.”

Coming into CST, Cadets may have advantages for different reasons. Prior enlisted, coming from a well funded ROTC program, or having family within the military are all common examples. Though Riggs feels like the ultimate upper-hand is living near a military installation, being able to share his knowledge with his peers has helped endlessly in creating bonds within his platoon.

Riggs’ journey into ROTC was inspired by his family’s history in the U.S. Army. His grandfather, a Lieutenant Colonel, set a high standard, and Riggs is determined to follow in his footsteps. “I’ve always looked up to my grandfather. Achieving his rank and making my family proud is a big motivation for me,” he shared.

Despite his familiarity with Fort Knox, Riggs expressed a longing for a more distant deployment experience. “Sometimes I wish CST was further away, just so I can get a real taste of what a deployment feels like,” Riggs admitted. “Even though we’re close to home, the lack of communication with family while out in the field makes it feel like we’re a thousand miles apart.”

Travel is a definite draw for Riggs, he sees the military as a ticket to exploring the world. “One of the things I look forward to in my military career is the opportunity to travel,” he said. “I love Kentucky and my college town, but I’m excited about being able to move around and see new places.”

As Riggs and the rest of the 10th Regiment Cadets continue their Field Training Exercises, they look forward to improving their combat and leadership skills. These intense training events are not just preparing them for their future roles in the Army but also shaping them into the officers they have spent all summer training to become.