Fort Knox, Ky. – Cadets assigned to Charlie and Delta Company, 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed preliminary marksmanship instruction, June 18, 2025.

The instruction equips Cadets with the fundamental skills and knowledge they’ll need to succeed as they take their next steps to qualify with their M4 Carbine.

Though boots have been on the ground for eight days, for the regiment, strong relations are budding amongst the group.

Cadet Phil Greenwood, Davidson College, assigned to Delta Company, 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, already stands out as a leader ready to lend a helping hand.

Being from a small ROTC program, Greenwood says he is used to being around a tight-knit and helpful network of Cadets.

“My motivation to be in the Army is just all about the people,” said Greenwood. “I love taking people who may not be motivated to accomplish a certain goal and getting them to that place.”

This compassion resonates with his fellow Cadets and echoes their actions.

Cadet William Clayton, Valley Forge Military College, assigned to Delta Company, 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, has spent a great deal of time with Greenwood in their short time at camp.

“He’s always there to help,” said Clayton. “If he doesn’t know something, he’ll come and ask.”

From laundry to working their way around their weapons, he says they help each other with a variety of tasks.

“It helps build that camaraderie; we’re always open to talk about our lives outside of this,” said Clayton. “I got to know about his school, which is completely different than what I’ve experienced.”

Clayton switched from Air Force to Army ROTC and struggled to keep up with his peers at Valley Forge due to the size of the program.

“I had to rely on the people around me to help teach me things,” said Clayton. “I just like to take that element and give it back to other people.”

Clayton is continuing to apply this valuable lesson in camaraderie to CST.

“My performance will be nothing if the people around me don’t want to work with me,” said Clayton. “They know that if they have an issue, I’ll be willing to help them out.”

Both cited their common goal of graduating as a key factor in their camaraderie.

“We love good leadership; we love being leaders, and we all really want to serve our country in the military,” said Greenwood. “No community that I’ve ever been a part of has as much camaraderie as ROTC.”

Connected by purpose, the Cadets have made it clear that they are driven to stick by each other as they work to commission as Army officers.