FORT KNOX, Ky.- Doing new things can be challenging, especially when it is one of the most physically exhausting events at Cadet Summer Training. For some cadets assigned to 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, on July 26, 2026, this was their first time going through the Army Fitness Test.

Cadet Timothy Pease from O’Clarion University is one of those going through the AFT for the first time.

Pease talks about how he is a little nervous for the test, especially the sprint-drag-carry. The spring-drag-carry is one of the toughest events where you have to sprint 25 meters and back, drag 90 pounds 25 meters and back, shuffle 25 meters and back, carry 80 pounds 25 meters and back, and lastly sprint again.

To overcome any mental blocks that come up during the test, Pease talks about his belief in God and how he uses his belief to fight through any challenges.

“I prayed and I said, Lord, I’m gonna repeat Philippians 4:13 every single exercise that I do,” said Pease.

Cadet Zarela Bizcarra from Sam Houston State University is another cadet who has never done AFT before. Bizcarra is also a little nervous due to the fact that it is one of the last things they are doing at CST.

The toughest challenge for her will be the sprint-drag-carry but she says after that it will be smooth sailing. Bizcarra plans on overcoming the challenges by remembering her strength and capabilities.

“By pushing through and telling myself that failing is not an option, I know I’m more than capable of getting it done,” said Bizcarra. “It’s just a matter of how much I’m willing to fight through.”

Cadet Olivia Bredeman from Washington University also plans on pushing through and trying her hardest for each exercise for her first AFT.

Although Bredeman knows a little bit about the test, she says she’s still nervous about how tiring it will be.

“I’ve done most of these events one by one, but I’ve never done them all together,” said Bredeman. “So I’m worried about how exhausted I’m gonna be at the end.”

Even though Bredeman likes to workout and lift weights, she talks about how piling every exercise on top of each other will be different and new to her.

Although nervous, Tracy Riche from The University of Texas at San Antonio, is also excited about this new opportunity.

To get through the nervousness, Riche plans on using her faith and belief that God will carry her through each exercise.

Riche talks about how the AFT is a great way to challenge yourself. She says that having an optimistic mind helps get you through win or lose.

“I’m pushing myself to do something that I never thought that I would do,” Riche said. “This is a great opportunity to show myself that I could overcome anything and everything.”