FORT KNOX, Ky., – The first iteration to go through Cadet Summer Training 25, 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, has learned how to adapt to uncomfortable and difficult scenarios as a team. As their training concludes they are using these skills to complete the Grizzly field training exercise, June 18 to July 1.

The Army fitness test was their first exposure to the challenges they would experience over the next 36 days. As they pushed through one day at a time, they learned new skill sets within each training event.

The six-mile battle march and shoot marked half-way, but exhaustion set in. They still had more to accomplish, and it only got harder from there. All their training in tactical skills from land navigation to weapon systems prepared them for field training exercises.

During the ‘Grizzly’ FTX Cadet Sheymel Davis, Virgina State University, 1st Platoon, Delta Company, is motivated by the Cadets in his platoon to reminisce on his experience at CST and beyond.

Davis has over eight years of prior service. He enlisted in the New York National Guard as a cable systems installer-maintainer but eventually transitioned to the Maryland National Guard as a human resources specialist.

Davis’s previous experience helped him step into CST with an understanding of each role and their responsibilities. However, he stayed humble and took the opportunity to learn new skills and assets.

Unlike Davis, Cadet Andrew Williams, Bowling Green State University, 1st Platoon, Delta Company, has had no prior service, but came to CST from his ROTC program that prepared him for the nuance of Advanced Camp. Through the program, Williams attended several classes which prepared students for various lanes and assessments.

The ‘Grizzly’ FTX is a lane assessment consisting of five different Cadet-led missions: attack, defense, movement to contact, ambush and raid. Platoons are placed in a live training environment with a fully immersive scenario and variables that prevent predictability.

“We adapt to other people’s knowledge set,” Williams said. “If someone needs help, I can extend my knowledge to help them and vice versa.”

In the middle of a simulated attack mission during FTX, everyone had to rely on each other to execute it safely. Although tactical operations are important, communication and trust in your team is key.

“1st Platoon, Delta Company, has progressively gotten stronger,” Davis said. “As things got harder, we all stepped up and covered down for one another.”

According to Davis, one of the hardest parts of Grizzly was staying motivated. Spending 12 days in the field, drenched in sweat and matted in dirt, they are expected to conduct physically demanding and mentally exhausting missions.

Not only did 1st platoon encourage and help each other, but they also created a positive atmosphere. When they weren’t focused on the tasks at hand, they found ways to laugh and embrace discomfort by making it more fun.

As their time together comes to a close, the bonds they have created with each other go beyond training and their platoon. Cadets ending their journey at CST offer advice to incoming Cadets.

“Be patient and adaptable,” Williams said. “This program involves a lot of waiting and planning, but at the end of the day it gives you valuable experiences and skills.”