For pictures of Warrior Skills training visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/armyrotc/albums/72177720327576708

FORT KNOX, Ky. – For many Cadets, training starts when their boots hit the ground on Fort Knox, Ky., but for Cadet Alston Lin, University of Massachusetts, 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, it started well before his arrival.

Alston has always been one to push himself mentally and physically, so when he saw the opportunity to join ROTC, he took it. He worked closely with his Cadre to ensure his eligibility to serve.

Alston spent hours on the phone to provide all the necessary information. Only 24 hours prior to Cadet Summer Training starting, he was approved and on base ready to work.

Once accepted into the program, his next goal was to commission. He sacrificed hours of sleep to prepare for training and the satisfaction of short-term gratification.

“If I want to do well, I have to train regardless of the circumstances,” Alston said.

To push through the tough days, he set small goals. Alston told himself he would max out his deadlift — 340 lbs. for three repetitions — during the CST Army Fitness Test, so he prepared. He woke up at 7 a.m. every day to drive 30 minutes to a military base and train.

Although Alston put in the work, he never forgot who helped him get here. This past spring, he had to brief a raid mission in his ROTC program at school. He had little to no experience in this task, so he studied.

The night before his briefing, another member of the program heard he was having a hard time, so they reached out to support him. The next day they were going over the mission together at 7 a.m. to prepare.

“Because I have those people that are willing to go the extra mile and help me study for stuff like that, I feel more prepared for field missions,” Alston said.

He hopes to continue passing that kindness to the next person while at CST. Whether that’s cleaning weapons, encouraging others, going over tasks, or leading through missions, Alston does everything he can to be the best team player.

Although dedication comes from within, motivation can come from all around. Alston found it in the people who helped him define his passion for ROTC and his battle buddies that continue to support him in the field.

“If you ever want something in life, don’t wait, start now,” Alston said. “Even if it is just a few minutes a day or a few minutes per week, it will add up.”