Ft. Knox

On the Army.mil website there is an article posted about the end of the 2018 Cadet Summer Training (CST) cycle at Ft. Knox, Kentucky.  In the article there is some great advice from our very own 8th ROTC Brigade Command Sergeant Major Mark Cashman who served as this year’s CST Senior Enlisted Advisor:

“We’ve got all kinds of weather out here,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Cashman, the Senior Enlisted Advisor for Cadet Summer Training. “We want to make sure Cadets are protected from lightning, that we’re modifying training based on the heat and humidity and that the must-pass events aren’t started in the heat of the day.”

In addition to safety, Cashman also considered his own Basic Training experience to ensure Cadets get the most out of their 31 days at Fort Knox.

“In basic training, you’re given two weeks to work on marksmanship,” explained Cashman. This year, Cadets only had two days to participate in marksmanship. “Next year we’re going to give them four days instead.”

When asked about what Cadets should work on most before arriving for at CST, Cashman stressed the importance of preparing yourself physically.

“The more physically fit you are, the more mentally tough you’re going to be,” concluded Cashman. “If you know you can do something, mentally, you’re there.”

In running a program that graduates nearly 8,000 Cadets in under 90 days, Cashman is reminded of the true purpose of CST.

“It prepares Cadets to become a second lieutenant and life beyond that,” said Cashman. “It teaches them the things you need to know, like fitness, leadership characteristics and attributes, the Army values and what it’s like bringing together a team made up of people from all different backgrounds.”

“Bringing that team together to complete a mission, I believe, is the key to what we’re doing here.”  [Army.mil]

You can read more at the link.