Fort Knox, KY. – Clicks sound through the mid-morning ambience as Cadets test their weapon systems to ensure everything works properly. At the Weapons Draw, Cadets assigned to 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp receive the M4 Carbines that they’ll use for their time at Cadet Summer Training.

After they physically receive their weapon, they go through several function checks with Cadre to ensure safety and security.

Cadet Chase Allmon, University of Arizona, arrived at Cadet Summer Training through hard work and perseverance.

“I come from a football and basketball background. I played football up until my first year of college,” Allmon states, “COVID kind of took [away] that option”

Playing all throughout his life, he found a sense of purpose being on a team, building bonds with his teammates and tracking his improvement.

When COVID-19 pandemic hit, Allmon first found the break as a blessing, a little time off. As the lockdown continued, he found himself struggling.

“Obviously being stuck in a house, being stuck online, everything.” Allmon said, “It definitely does bring you down a lot.”

Looking for something new, Allmon got a call from an Army recruiter in the middle of the COVID, excited for the opportunity to be a part of a team again, he signed up immediately.

For years to follow, he served in Air Defense Artillery, working with missile launchers to take down drones and missile threats.

This summer, Allmon is at Fort Knox with hopes to become an Officer through the Cadet Summer Training program. Finding new challenges with the many events Advanced Camp has to offer while building up the teammates around him.

“My whole thing is [using] my prior experience, helping some of these other cadets push through those rough points,” Allmon explained.

Through his prior time in the Army, Allmon has a unique perspective to give to the younger Cadets in the program. Allmon also feels that he has plenty to receive from his peers out on the field, finding their excitement and energy empowering.

Looking ahead, Allmon is excited to continue and further learn the importance of teamwork and building essential skills.