FORT KNOX, Ky. – As the morning sun peaks through the dense canopy of the trees, cadets, assigned to 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp, gear up to work through their second day of Field Training Exercise (FTX) Wolverine.

The wolverine phase teaches cadets the basics of tactics in a practical training environment. All these skills will be used throughout their future careers as commissioned officers.

Cadet Crawford Thornton, Virginia Tech University, finds that the exercise isn’t only to learn from the cadre on site, but also to learn from the experiences of his fellow cadets.

“Wolverine is a learning phase where everyone comes together, brings all their shared knowledge and understanding from each of the universities and programs, and works out the kinks and issues between how we see and do things,” Thornton explained.

Reflecting on his program back at college, Thornton finds that he learns best when put in new situations where comfort isn’t the priority.

“They prepare us best by just kind of putting us in uncomfortable situations, lots of time in the field, lots of time at lab, conducting these operations,” Thornton explained, “that forces us to grow and learn [through] trial by fire, it works really well.”

Not only does Cadet Summer Training (CST) give practical experience being out in the field, but it also connects people with all different levels of proficiency. This leads to cadets sharing information, experience, and different perspectives.

Thornton is currently studying Political Science with a minor in National Security. This gives him the skills necessary to pursue his aspirations for the future.

With the end of Advanced Camp right around the corner, Thornton hopes to branch infantry, because of the responsibility that comes with the position.

“It’s kind of the cutting edge of the nation’s sword, so whatever conflict the United States is in, it’s on [the infantry] to find, fix, and finish whatever enemy we come across,” Thornton explained.

Even outside of CST, he finds that the act of working through uncomfortable situations is crucial to learning, something his role model taught him.

Thornton recalls his grandfather being a huge role model for him at a young age, teaching him how to hunt, fish, and the importance of being a confident, capable leader.

It was through these ideals, and prior service, that his grandfather inspired Thornton to be part of the Army and pursue infantry. Those same ideals instilled in him at a young age, still show through his determination at CST in learning to work as a team despite the discomfort.

“We’re seeing the growth pains right now, but by the time we get [to Grizzly phase], it should be smooth sailing and a well-oiled machine.”