The Army Fitness Test evaluates the physicality of its leaders and soldiers- it consists of five events: deadlift, push-ups, sprint-drag-carry; plank, and two-mile run.
During Cadet Summer Training, passing the AFT is a requirement for Advanced Camp cadets to continue training.
Many cadets experience anxiety due to the pressure of performing well, which is where chaplains step in to provide words of encouragement.
During 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, Chaplain Candidate (1st Lt.) Xavion Young, provided support to cadets as they conducted the AFT.
“For my faith, the word incarnation means that we’re called to be with the soldiers,” Young said.
Young was a cadet and attended CST during COVID. His experience was slightly different with having to take COVID tests and social distancing from his peers, but he understands what the cadets are going through and applies that to his ministry.
“I knew what it was to be a cadet, so I can imagine what they’re thinking about and going through, and so during this time, I just saw it as a way to be,” Young said. “Not necessarily do a whole lot, but to run with them, to talk with them, see what’s going on in their minds.”
As a personal trainer in his civilian career, Young uses his experiences to bridge a gap between spiritual and physical wellness. During his time with the cadets, he shared a message about privilege.
“I’ve seen many people in different states with different disabilities still move,” Young said. “To be healthy, able to move our bodies, to be in the army, is a privilege and I think that when you know some things are a privilege you don’t take it for granted.”
Okeme Hunter, Austin Peay State University, came to the United States as a teenager and has been living here for the past 12 years.
“It was very rough at the beginning, but as time went by, it got smoother,” said Hunter. “I started to adapt to the culture, and it felt like an easy step over.”
Prior to attending college, Hunter served as an Infantryman in the Army which is an experience he does not take for granted.
Though Young desires to branch Aviation as an officer, he understands the amount of influence Infantry has on the Army and shares what he’s learned with his new battle buddies.
“All of these cadets that are coming in are coming from different categories where they don’t understand what the next step is or what to do.” Hunter said. “My experience is to be there to show them that, if your body is falling back, you as a member have to step up and say, ‘we got it, we can go,’ and that’s how the infantry teaches you to be a team player.
As an enlisted soldier, Hunter felt limited in what he could do so he chose to become an officer. His experience as soldier in the Infantry influences him to push himself, becoming an officer is no different.
Hunter advises cadets to not limit themselves, to keep pushing even when they feel like quitting, and remember their why.
“My motivation is to make sure the branch that I want, sees my paperwork, and my record, to show that I’m an outstanding cadet,” Hunter said. “Plus, it would look bad for me to be prior enlisted and not push an extra 110% better than my peers.”
Young shares that even the exhaustion and pressure the cadets face while being at CST is a privilege because they are receiving an opportunity someone else might wish to have.
“You are going to be tested,” Young said. “But also, remember where your foundation is.”
About the Author: Makayla Dotson
