By Marc Balbarin, Anna Evilsizor, Jayden Vaughn

FORT KNOX, Ky – From weightlifting and sprinting to push-ups and planks, Cadets assigned to the 1st Regiment Advance Camp are evaluated intensely by the Cadre as they test their physical and combat prowess at Fort Knox on Friday, June 5, 2026.  

The Army Fitness Test (AFT) is the first event that incoming Cadets participate in for Cadet Summer Training (CST), and it is designed to reflect and support battlefield fitness. Cadets wake up hours before dawn in order to complete the five components of the exam. Since coming to Fort Knox, many Cadets have expressed their excitement for CST.  

“I’m excited to be here,” said Tristan Newhouse, a Cadet assigned to Delta Company from Seton Hall University. “I’m excited to get out here and compete and train with all these other Cadets.”

The exam asks Cadets to complete a three repetition maximum deadlift and as many hand-release push-ups as possible in addition to a timed plank, a two-mile run and sprint-drag-carry.

“AFT is just another test ready for you to reach your goals and score high,” said Taylor Hebenstrait, a Cadet assigned to 4th Platoon, Bravo Company from Dickinson College. “I’ve always had good people and a good environment around me, I just want to stay motivated with my peers.” 

Taylor Hebenstreit, a Cadet assigned to 4th Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Regiment from Dickenson College, holds a plank postion for the Army Fitness Test at Fort Knox on Friday, June 5, 2026. The AFT is designed tio measure both physical and combat readiness.

For Hebenstrait, who was inspired to join by his father’s previous service in the U.S. Navy, he believes that CST provides an opportunity to create connections and camaraderie among fellow Cadets.  

“The people is what makes it great,” he said. “It’s what keeps you motivated and keeps you going.”

Sharina Fowler, a Cadet assigned to the 1st Regiment from the University of Memphis, shares a similar experience working with her Cadre during AFT. 

“The Cadre keeps the motivation going by allowing us to push through and past what we think our limits are,” said Fowler. 

Some, if not all, Cadets have been training for this test for years. For Ryan Ellison, a Cadet assigned to 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company from Indiana University, his training consisted of running, deadlifts, and rucking – essentially exercise consisting of backpacking with approximately 35 pounds, according to Ellison.  

“I’ve been training for a few years for this moment,” said Ellison, who joined ROTC to serve and protect his family. “So, just [having] the opportunity to put in my work, and see it take fruition, is pretty nice.”

From Fowler’s experience as working in the army as a military police officer she believes the importance of not only maintaining a positive mindset, but also understanding who you are inside and outside of their uniforms. 

“I’ve been in the Army for three years. I recommend everyone gives themself a fair chance when it comes to us staying enlisted or going to ROTC.” said Fowler.  

While some Cadets are excited about CST, others have expressed nervousness about coming to Fort Knox. 

“I was nervous [about] coming here,” said Rachel Hines, a Cadet assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Platoon from St. Mary’s University. “ [But] I’m kind of easing into it a little bit.”

Now that they are at Fort Knox, Cadets are looking forward to what they will learn during CST.

“I want to be a good leader, but I don’t have a whole lot of opportunities to be a leader,” said Ellison. “ROTC is the main place, but CST is testing leadership the whole time. You get put in a bunch of uncomfortable situations, and that gives you experience.”