FORT KNOX, Ky.— Beneath the canopy of the woods, 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets broke through the stillness of shadow as they advanced toward their objective during the first phase of their Field Training Exercise (FTX), June 20, 2025.

Throughout Cadet Summer Training, Cadets complete three FTX phases—Wolverine, Panther and Grizzly—each following the crawl-walk-run methodology, a progressive approach used to develop Soldiers to the peak readiness.

Combining warrior tasks, marksmanship and leadership skills, each platoon is assessed by Cadre members during increasingly complex training scenarios. In the Wolverine phase, considered the crawl phase, Cadets still have the safety of Cadre as they continue to sharpen their skills in a simulated combat environment.

“The time we plan on being back is 1200, alright,” said Cadet Kloe-Mae Malson, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. “If we do not return, make sure to radio us up at least three times, OK.”

Malson, serving as platoon leader for the mission, reviewed her plan with her team, using a terrain model kit to coordinate the operation.

Platoon sergeants and radio operators took notes, preparing to brief their Soldiers before movement.

Nearby, Cadet Emmanuel Abad from Norwich University prepared for a different mission-keeping his platoon safe.

As the platoon medic, Abad was responsible for identifying extraction points in the event of simulated casualties. Before contact with the opposing force, he tracked headcounts, checked hydration, and coordinated with the platoon sergeant.

“Seeing everything that I was able to accomplish as a healthcare worker during COVID, I wanted to extend that impact into the future,” said Abad. “It was really fulfilling for me to be working in healthcare.”

Abad’s interest in medicine began in high school, where he interned as a research assistant, organizing patient records and helping implement a new electronic medical system at a clinic.

Initially hesitant to enter the field, Abad quickly recognized its significance during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. He worked across multiple departments including pediatrics, neonatal care, and the intensive care unit.

“The hospital I worked at specifically, we had 40 beds on one floor alone dedicated to COVID patients,” he said.

Abad’s passion or nursing is also rooted in family. His grandfather was a doctor In the Dominican Republic, and his mother served alongside him as a nurse in the 1980’s and ‘90s. That legacy continued to influence him.

Eventually, Abad enrolled at Norwich University and joined ROTC, seeking to combine his medical background with military service. He draws inspiration from instructors like Command Sgt. Maj. (retired) Sean Beebe, a former special forces medic with the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne).

“He worked as a medic and told us how forward ready surgical teams would meet nurses halfway to transition patients,” said Abad. “That’s something that I’m really interested in getting attached to.”

Now, Abad is working to bring his civilian healthcare experience into the Army environment.

“One of my main dreams is getting attached to an FRST,” said Abad. “It’s not only combining my current passions of working in healthcare but also is going towards my old dreams of being towards the front lines.”