Fort Knox, Ky. – The quiet, scenic morning is quickly broken as Cadets assigned to 9th Regiment fire their M4 carbine while drones fly overhead during the Panther phase of the field training exercise at Cadet Summer Training, Aug. 2, 2025. Cadets use everything they’ve learned so far in a culminating practical exercise focusing on teamwork, determination, and speed.

Through their days in the field, Cadets work on a variety of different tactical situations, getting as much practice as possible.

Cadet Connor Webb, Ball State University, found his inspiration for CST back in his roots.

“My grandfather was a detective for IMPD, Indianapolis, so I just wanted to follow in his footsteps after all the stories he’s told me over the years,” he said.

Webb was inspired after hearing about his grandfather’s experiences as a detective and a police officer. His grandfather also made an intentional decision to instill certain values in his grandson’s life, such as self-motivation and boldness.

“He always is looking out for other people,” Webb said. “I’ve just always seen him as a strong individual. He shows emotion but also stays strong.”

With the mentorship from his grandfather, Webb felt led to pursue a major in criminal justice.

During his sophomore year of college, he felt a pull for something more, so he began looking for something new that fit well with his major.

“I honestly was just looking for more extracurriculars, more ways to stay involved and improve my career,” he said. “(ROTC) goes hand in hand with criminal justice.”

He knew he made the right decision, joining ROTC, based on feelings of fulfillment and improved self-worth.

During his summer here at CST, those foundations of fulfillment helped him confidently learn the key factors of CST and further understand the requirements for success at FTX.

“When you’re given a time by your headquarters, you need to make sure that you’re hitting that time,” he said. “Getting all your people where they need to be is very important because if you don’t, casualties can happen as well as mission failure.”

With ROTC, Webb has found enjoyment in a new skill, leading others in a similar way to those before him.

“I feel like that’s one of the things I do best at in and outside the program,” he said.

Throughout his life, Webb has relied heavily on the connections he has made along the way. His grandfather, the people in his regiment and, looking to the future, the people he aims to mentor, helped him find fulfillment with the relationships he builds.

“I look to my left and to my right and see that we’re all here together,” Webb said.