Notes from the First Week of Cadet Summer Traning 2022

NOTES FROM THE FIRST WEEK OF CADET SUMMER TRAINING 2022

By Sgt. John R. Miller Jr. and Maj. Randy L. Bishop, 2nd Battalion, 319th Regiment

Another year, another summer of providing the Nation’s next generation of leadership with seasoned professional instructors for Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The value of documenting a week of set up for this nationally important event cannot be overstated. If one has ever wondered what goes into providing this critical service, or if there’s a need to educate the un-enlightened on successfully completing the priorities of work despite natural adversity, an invitation to read the following journal is in order.

May 22 was primarily a travel and in-processing day for the first rotation at the CST 2022 for Enforcer Battalion...2nd Battalion, 319th Regiment, 1st Brigade, 104th Training Division (LT). Our Soldiers left early in the morning to make the seven-to-eight-hour drive before the close of business, with most arriving in the early afternoon. First checking-in with the Cadet Command at the Copple Center to complete in-processing paperwork, the movement to barracks assignment for room and meal card issue followed.

On the morning of May 23, van drivers picked up and signed for vehicles. The next day, the first stop was the land navigation site to identify the setup locations and to verify the navigation point locations with an eye to note and correct any deficiencies. Concurrently, the pace-count site was cleared and clearly marked with engineering tape. At day’s end, Task Force Wolf leadership conducted the orientation in-brief.

On May 25, our team collected and transported materials and supplies to begin setup of the TOC (Training Operations Cell, the main hub for all activity on the lane), the cadet bleachers, and the compass verification area. Any identified course hazards were then marked with engineering tape and clear signage to prevent any accidents. Lightning and persistent weather paused preparations in the early afternoon, but after the weather cleared, the first three tents were set up by the end of the day using a bit of determination and resilience.

On May 26, the TOC area tents were completed despite the resuming heavy persistent rain onsite. Setup of camouflage netting over the tents and training areas then began and included the bleachers, the compass verification site, and water sources providing key concealment from the air, but more crucially in this environment, much-needed shade to cool tent interiors and common areas. Before the end of the day, brush-clearing operations were completed for the compass verification point after the weather cleared up, enabling the final setup of the location.

The medical tent took priority on May 27, along with camouflage netting on training areas and all lane checkpoints on the course, including respective water sources. Shade is important, but more brush clearing from checkpoints and water points on the course needed to occur to prep for the arrival of generators and lighting installation at the end of the day. After 12 hours on site, the final netting adjustments were completed and the site fully prepped for the Land Navigation Course to begin operations-- following course validation and arrival of the cadets.

May 28th would kick off a welldeserved break for Memorial Day Weekend after a final validation of the course by CST leadership. Task Force Wolf leadership team provided a full barbecue meal at the barracks pavilion communal area for the team to thank everyone for their arduous work in less-than hospitable conditions ensuring the mission could begin on time and without issues. Willing and Able!