FORT KNOX, Ky. – Starting the day off strong, cadets at Cadet Summer Training often find themselves up before sunrise. The reason for the early beginning often being some kind of physical training or specific event, with a prime example being the Battle March and Shoot. A 6-mile ruck up and down hills where cadets shoot targets at the end.

“Whatever their going through, we are also there with them. Helping them understand the task at hand and just kind of giving them what they need to get through the training safely,” said 2^nd Lt. George Gonzalez, assigned to Delta Company, 9^th Regiment, Advanced Camp.

Going alongside cadets at BMS, Gonzalez did a 15-minute pace for his company. He enjoys having the chance to help provide cadets with the best training possible through rotated cadre roles. Since they each had a different journey, Gonzalez comments that there is around 100 years of experience combined from cadre that helps to provide cadets with a varied perspective of the Army.

Prior to being a cadre at CST, Gonzalez was working for Fifth Corps as an enlisted aide on Fort Knox. His experience there allowed him to be exposed to the variety of possible training opportunities. Coming back as a cadet and undergoing the training allowed Gonzalez to develop a greater understanding of the type of training they conduct.

“That kind of leads itself forward to me wanting to volunteer to help the next generation of cadets and the future second lieutenants,” said Gonzalez, “So, I volunteered to come out here to train these cadets.”

Cadet Oriana Piazza, a University of Pittsburgh student, assigned to 9^th Regiment, Advanced Camp, is one of those next generation cadets. Being part of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, Piazza feels it helped shape her into a better person.

“I had to learn how to be responsible for cadets, make sure they had everything, making transportation plans, [and] time management,” said Piazza, “Then being at CST I think it’s really just shaped me and how to evolve into a team, how to be a true team player, and making sure everyone around me is also succeeding.”

As first sergeant in her company back at school she became proficient at being a leader. While at CST, she has had the chance to better expand her teamwork skills. Still finding a way to support those around her whether as a leader or team member. When facing BMS, she entered with a certain mindset to help her get through the physical challenges that are faced.

“I look to the left and right of me and I’m like, you want this, you want this more than the person next to you,” said Piazza, “Keep on grinding, keep on pushing, especially up these hills.”

Going through these trainings, Gonzalez wants cadets to give it their all and focus on what’s happening in front of them. Facing the 6-mile, Piazza pushed herself to rise above the challenges and do her best. She was able to focus on the moment and knew that she wasn’t in it alone.

“If you’re in the right place, in the right time, with the right attitude, then the cadre will notice you,” said Piazza, “They’ll want to help you because you are wanting to help yourself.”