FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadet Summer training is coming to a close, entering the last few weeks, but Cadets are still pushing to the end. Cadets with 10 Regiment, Advanced Camp, test their endurance by marching eight miles through the night, Aug. 4, 2024. This event tests not only the physical and mental attributes of a Cadet, to be able to keep putting one foot in front of the other, but also the comradery, picking up the ones that have fallen behind. 

For one Cadet, he is going pedal to the metal to finish camp strong. Cadet Evan Kienle, Ohio University, has made his way to CST to eventually branch into EOD, Explosive Ordnance Disposal. His ROTC journey started back in elementary school.

“I met a few Green Berets when I was in fourth grade and ever since then, I’ve wanted to be in the military,” Kienle said. “From there, a friend of mine from high school introduced me to ROTC, brought me into Ohio University and from there, I’ve loved it.”

Kienle has aspirations of being the man that protects other soldiers from explosives. While at camp, Kienle has already been able to take away lessons and skills to implement in his desired field. Throughout the 8-mile march, Cadets are fitted out in their gear, while also carrying their weapon. This translates to some of the physical aspects Kienle will be expected to complete as an EOD officer.

A major aspect of camp is being able to face adversity, and some of Kienle’s personal hobbies have prepared him expeditiously. He is planning on having his first Mixed Martial Arts fight shortly after he graduates from camp. Performing well during camp is Kienle’s main focus, but he has found the time to slip in a few workouts from time to time. MMA is Kienles’s passion, running his university’s MMA club as well helping teach at a local gym. Mixed Martial Arts shares many of the same aspects of being an Army officer. 

 “It goes back to resilience,” Kienle said. “Being able to take those hits and keep moving and to keep a plan after you get hit.”

The military offers Army Combatives, which Kienle plans on joining later in his Army career. This program allows groups willing to train, to gather and practice a variety of martial arts including jiu-jitsu, boxing, kickboxing, etc.  

Kienle completed his 8-mile with ease and is ready to take on the back end of training. He has learned a lot from his time here, not only about the camp, but about himself. 

“I’ve learned as a person that I like a challenge,” Kienle said. “I like to do hard things, be in those uncomfortable situations, I like to deal with adversity.”

Cadet Summer Training will continue to breed the next generation of Army officers. Many future Cadets will be prepared for CST by peers and those who have already completed the program.  

Kienle shared his words of wisdom and encouragement to future Cadets.

“Make sure you’re training right, train hard, and get ready to get punched in the face,” Kienle said. “You’re going to get punched in the face a lot here.”

While Cadets aren’t actually getting punched in the face at CST, Cadets battle an array of challenges that push them to their limits. 

Kienle has all the tools and preparation to keep knocking Cadet Summer Training out cold.