FORT KNOX, Ky. — In third grade, Cadet Allie Alaimo, Villanova University, woke up to the Marine Corps Hymn every Saturday and was expected to perform drills in her backyard alongside her siblings. 

Her father, Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, GySgt. Richard Alaimo, served in the United States Marine Corps public affairs community for more than seven years. The discipline he instilled in his children through those experiences would later serve a greater purpose. 

Allie’s sister, 2nd Lt. Isabella Alaimo, branched adjutant general after completing Cadet Summer Training in 2022 through Lehigh University’s ROTC program. Her brother, Richard G. Alaimo is currently attending Navy Officer Candidate School.

“In that moment it sucked, but looking back at it now it’s funny to see how we’ve all grown into that kind of lifestyle,” Allie said. “My siblings are my biggest supporters and I am so happy to have them and have their support through this process”

Now on her own journey, Allie has found the importance of connection at CST. Through shared experiences, she has learned that leadership is not an individual process — relationships matter. 

Whether in a leadership position or pulling security, everyone holds a purpose during field training exercises, where cadets operate in a simulated combat environment through increasingly complex training scenarios.

Allie served as platoon sergeant for 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, through the last few rotations of the ‘Panther’ phase of FTX.  Her previous experience as the company commander of Villanova University’s ROTC program helped shape her understanding of leadership before arriving on Fort Knox. 

Although holding a title may automatically make someone a leader, she believes leadership also comes from motivating others and reminding them they are working toward the same goal. 

While CST is physically taxing, Allie believes the greatest challenge is overcoming the mental barrier. Her solution is simple: “Rely on those around you.”

One of the first people she connected with was Cadet Avery McDonough, University of Kansas. 

“She expressed interest in getting to know me and integrating me into the platoon after being transferred nine days into this experience,” Allie said. “She’s taught me that not everything is about being the best. It’s all about being with your team, being relatable and connecting with everyone.”

Avery grew up frequently moving around the country as the daughter of an Army officer, retired Col. William McDonough. She attended 10 different schools, an experience that taught her how to adapt to new environments and build relationships quickly. 

With an optimistic outlook throughout CST, she continues to trust her training and rely on her fellow cadets through every challenge. 

“It’s going to be hard, but you know the end is coming,” Avery said. “Just knowing you can lean on the person to your left and right, you know you’re going to succeed.”

After overcoming adversity, navigating harsh terrain and enduring unforgiving heat, the cadets have experienced every challenge together. While the missions, training and leadership experience are essential to becoming Army officers, both Avery and Allie found the greatest value in the personal moments. 

From coincidentally having the supplies to repair each other’s broken glasses in the middle of the woods to sharing small moments of laughter, they realized the experience doesn’t always have to be so serious.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Allie said. “It’s not going to last forever, so I am really trying to soak it all in and enjoy the experience.”