FORT KNOX, Ky. – As Cadets assigned to 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the first two lanes of Field Training Exercise Panther on Fort Knox, Ky., June 23, 2025, one Cadet is overcoming the challenges of Cadet Summer Training, one event at a time.

Cadet Nyah Marzan, University of Texas at Austin, faced the FTX head on, relying on her training and her fellow Cadets to finish each mission. Marzan’s platoon had several difficulties, including downed radios, which caused communication between the squads to break down at various points during the exercise. Despite the technical issues, the platoon was able to complete their mission effectively.

“There (were) a lot of ups and downs, especially with my squad,” said Marzan. “But (overall), I think we did well.”

Panther is the second or walk phase of the FTX. Led by Cadets with guidance from Cadre, Cadets put their training to the test in one of the final events of CST.

“The purpose of doing (the FTX) is to develop our leadership in very stressful situations,” said Marzan. “It tests our knowledge of what we have been learning (in our training).”

Marzan, a nursing major, has to balance a heavy class load while completing all of the same physical training ROTC requires for all Cadets. This challenges her physicality, but she is able to overcome this, completing the training exercises alongside her platoon.

Marzan is hoping to further her Army nursing career after graduating and commissioning as an officer, saying that the Army gives many more opportunities for success over the civilian side of nursing.

“I won’t only be just a nurse,” said Marzan. “I’ll be able to be a leader over troops and a leader in my own field.”

Immediately after finishing CST, Marzan will be heading to Fort Bragg to complete the Nurse Summer Training Program, taking the next step towards commissioning as an officer and furthering her nursing career through Army ROTC.

“I really want to be able to give back to the Army and bring Soldiers (back) home to their families.”