FORT KNOX, Kentucky – With sights set on the finish line, Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp set out to complete the 12-Mile Foot March, their final challenge of Cadet Summer Training, Aug 7, 2024. This event marks the end of their Field Training Exercises, taking them from their point of refit at the Tactical Assembly Area Densberger to back on garrison, where they shift focus towards graduation.

As Cadets steel themselves to endure this final obstacle, they also find themselves reflecting on the adversities they have overcome to bring them all to this point.

“I’m really proud of how far I’ve come, and just being able to finally reach this point,” said Cadet Andrew Hooks, Appalachian State University, North Carolina. “Although we are about to march 12 miles, we’re super motivated and excited to get back. I’m really looking forward to how we’re going to experience this together as a team.

When considering the changes from the first event of Cadet Summer Training to now, Andrew’s saw most noticeable come from the dynamic of his platoon as they learned to lift each other up through their training.

“You get to CST, and you don’t know anybody. But my platoon, we quickly became sort of like a family.  There was never any pointing fingers or just singling people out.  We’ve always kind of relied on one another and I’ve met some people that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life.”

This strong team bond also enabled personal growth and development, as Cadet Luke Wilson, Texas A&M University, experienced.

“Initially, I didn’t know anyone and I wasn’t very confident.” Wilson explained. “They pulled me out of my shell. I trusted my people and they learned to trust me. You’re building a team by going through hardship together and that’s really what the Army is all about”

Wilson saw these values shine throughout the 12-Mile Foot March as Cadets pushed each other forward to complete the grueling task together as a unit.

“There were a lot of people who were feeling like they were getting ready to fall out,” recalled Wilson. “Battle buddies would come up behind to relieve them of some of the weight. It’s just an amazing experience when you’re all going through the same struggle, but you all know that helping each other out is the easiest way to get through.”

With 12 Miles and a month of training behind them, these Cadets will now look towards their future past Cadet Summer Training as their graduation swiftly approaches.