The Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) is the premier leadership program of its kind in the United States. An intense four-week introduction to Army life and leadership training of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps, the aim of the course is to motivate and qualify Cadets for entry into the Senior ROTC program. CIET, as it's known, is designed for college students, typically between their sophomore and junior years. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates can take part in ROTC at their college as a third-year student in the four-year program. This past summer the Mountaineer Battalion sent five students who were in between their freshmen and sophomore year. Their write ups:
Cadet Samuel Boyles, Sophomore, Computer Science
This past Summer I had the privilege to attend Cadet Initial Entry Training at Fort Knox from July 15th to August 14th. I went into the training thinking it would be an easy experience. That mindset was instantly proven wrong the second I stepped foot on Fort Knox. Getting yelled at by a Drill Sergeant was the first thing I remember hearing. It was a very rude awakening, but it soon grew on me that the Drill Sergeants were there to develop us. They've been in the Army for a good amount of time and have a great perspective from the enlisted side. I realized that they were there to develop us into the officers that they would like to see leading them in the future.
Throughout my time at Fort Knox, we completed many tasks that I didn't think I would ever be able to accomplish. The High Ropes course was one of the scariest moments for me during my CIET experience. I am beyond scared of heights. During that experience, I was able to understand that if I just did it, the quicker it would be over, and the more I would be proud of myself for doing it. My next big challenge was the Gas Chamber. I couldn't figure out if I was scared about the gas chamber or excited about it. Either way, I was nervous. I honestly didn't know what to expect when I went in there. I had never been gassed before. As soon as I went in and came out, I was overly glad that I did it. It was an experience that I never want to give up. My last major challenge was commanding a squad in a stressful situation. After my squad went through a few missions, it became obvious that the cadre was not trying to show us how to accomplish a successful mission, but more of how to cope with stress in very intense situations. Every mission we did had a curveball thrown in it. For some reason, every time we did a recon, the enemy knew where we were set up. When I led my squad through a squad ambush, it somehow turned into an ambush on us. I had to speak up and determine what the best course of action would be as quick as I could and communicate it to my team leaders. That experience really showed who I was as a person and what I could do and what is expected of an Army Officer.
All in all, I don't regret a second of CIET. The experience developed me as a person and helped guide me on the right path towards my ultimate goal of becoming a future Army Officer. A key lesson that I learned is to tackle adversity with everything you have. Just do it and embrace the suck. Adversity is only there to develop you as a person. You can either take it, or you can leave it.
Cadet Benjamin Pritchett, Sophomore, Criminal Justice
I went to Ft. Knox, KY for my CIET summer training. My experience there was overall positive however going in First Regiment I expected and felt like it was a little messy. I knew that this would be the first run through that the Cadre would have and while there were a few adjustments that inconvenienced both those running and participating in the training, however overall the event was run well. At various stages, they would take our input on our experiences and suggestions for the future and in that way, I feel like the training improved over time. A large part of the time the things we went over seemed a bit redundant because of the previous training at Appalachian State ROTC, but was a good chance at solidifying previous skills learned as well as providing an opportunity to help lead and teach others who didn't already have the experiences. I did get to experience a few new and exciting events, such as experiencing a gas chamber, performing on a high ropes course, and a few obstacle courses. These were my favorite events. The gas chamber's objective was to familiarize ourselves with the equipment and instill trust in the gear as well as expose us to possible chemicals we may encounter in the future. The goal of the high ropes course was to again have us trust our equipment, trust our "battle buddies", and for some overcome any fear of heights that they may have. The obstacle course was a chance to build bonds as a team, work together to overcome challenges, and spur critical thinking in a physical way that gave us a more real picture than any challenges on paper could offer. I feel as though my skills and knowledge in drill and ceremony have increased as a result of practicing constantly, and have gotten to see more of the branches that interest me to see if I still am interested. The best part of summer training for me was meeting other cadets who are in the same position I am and getting to work with them. It offers new challenges that working with cadets I know at the school couldn't offer and gave me the opportunity to make new friends. I learned overall how to work as a team with new and unfamiliar people and get the job done.
Cadet Dustin Osborne, Sophomore, Nursing
Basic Camp at Fort Knox was an experience that I will never forget. The first week was spent in Garrison. We learned all the basic fundamentals of being a soldier such as: falling into formation, marching, calling cadences, the Cadet and Soldier's Creed, etc. We were issued a rifle and were taught the basics of handling and marching with it. At the end of the first week, our company completed a high ropes course. This challenged our personal courage as many were frightened of heights. After the high ropes course, our company moved out of garrison into a tent city. Throughout my time, we switched back in forth from garrison, tent cities, and the field. A major lesson I learned from switching back and forth between barracks was that accountability is key. You need to be accountable for your equipment and soldiers at all times. Around the third week, I was chosen by our Second Lieutenant to be platoon leader. During that time, I learned how challenging it can be to be accountable for others and to complete everything that needs to be done. By the third or fourth day of being PL, I really became comfortable with the position and the tasks that came with it. During Basic Camp, we went to the range, experienced C-Burn gas, went through a hand grenade course, and spent five days in the field. The time in the field is what I enjoyed most about Basic Camp. Each day our squads would run four or five iterations of a lane. The lanes included ambush, recon, react to contact and the last day we executed a platoon raid. I got the experience of being the squad leader of each lane and learned the components of each. When we returned from the field, we returned to the barracks and out-processed.
Before Basic Camp, I was not confident in my knowledge of the army and my tactical and technical abilities. I learned the importance of accountability, troop leading procedures, the 21st soldier competencies, and how to be a better leader. During training, I was exposed to different aspects of the army life and can now say that I am confident and prepared to help other cadets around me as well as to continue my training.
Cadet Jeremy Tuggle, Sophomore Criminal Justice Major
My experience at Fort Knox for Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) was different from the expected experience because I am not an initial entry cadet like it was designed for. Because of this, I had a much easier time than the cadets who had not yet taken a ROTC class or had any prior military training. I did not learn much in terms of curriculum, but I was able to develop my leadership skills and learn more about who I am as a leader. Being that I was not an initial entry cadet, the Drill Sergeants and my Lieutenant gave me extra opportunities in leadership positions.
Having extra opportunities in leadership gave me a better look at what it will be like to lead a platoon in the future. I was in charge of my platoon in the barracks and in the field for our final platoon mission. Going from squad training to platoon put extra pressure on me as a leader and really taught me a lot about what it is like to lead a platoon. It is no easy task and I learned many lessons through this experience.
The first and last few days of CIET were the longest days there. In the first few days, we spent most of the time standing at parade rest waiting in lines getting gear or simply in-processing. The last few days were spent cleaning gear and turning in everything to get ready to leave. It is amazing how much time is allotted for such simple tasks, and because of the long boring days, these were the hardest days of CIET to me. I prefer to be actively engaged in training rather than standing around all day. While we were training I had a great time and made great friends.
Overall, coming from CIET, my biggest lesson learned is that even when things seem pointless to me, there is still something to take out of it. For instance, already having knowledge on 9 lines, first aid, squad tactics, and more made it seem pointless to have to sit through those classes again. However, I found a way to gain something out of it by helping those who did not know these topics after classes and bringing them up to speed. This helped me develop more leadership and teaching skills.
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