An Army Reserve instructor, attached to Task Force Wolf, monitors a cadet leadership course candidate on the confidence course during Cadet Summer Training at the U.S. Army Cadet Command, Ft. Knox, Ky., June 11. U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Karen Sampson/ Released
FORT KNOX, Ky. — Army Reserve Soldiers and the U.S. Army Cadet Command work together to train the Army’s future leaders during two training opportunities this summer with annual Cadet Summer Training.
Reserve Soldiers assigned to the 104th Training Division (LT) Task Force Wolf arrived here late last month to begin preparation for seven iterations of Cadet Initial Entry Training and 10 Cadet Leadership Course rotations.
“Completing CIET is a cadet’s desired goal and valuable accomplishment,” said Lt. Col. Steven R. Herold, Task Force Wolf commander.
CIET is a four-week, scenario-driven tactical exercise that pushes the cadets’ physical and mental fitness while testing their critical thinking during squad-level training opportunities.
The challenge requires ample mettle, fortitude and the resiliency of future leaders. Their mission success is reliant on influence of engaged leadership, and mentorship extending their strength and integrity to all forms of support.
“Task Force Wolf is employing the guidance of thousands of Reserve Soldiers. We are staffing instructors as well as operation and administrative support for the CST16 mission, he said. “There will be approximately 750 Reserve Soldiers on ground at the peak of the mission.”
Herold added the annual mission benefits Reserve units’ readiness by implementing occupational training for real-world missions.
An Army Reserve repel instructor, attached to Task Force Wolf, assists a cadet during leadership course training, at the U.S. Army Cadet Command, Ft. Knox, Ky., June 11. Cadets learn how to tie a Swiss seat knot during repel training. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Karen Sampson/ Released
A positive contribution for Reserve units at the cadets’ summer training is familiarization with planning and creating a battle rhythm.
Maintaining mission continuity is also a reality established by the Army’s rotation of units in theater operations. As a team’s mission ends, another team is in rotation and all mission responsibilities are transferred in place.
Training incoming counterparts is important, says Sgt. 1st Class Stephanie Boyle, Task Force Wolf human resources noncommissioned officer in charge.
Boyle and her team are in charge of in-processing and designating a Soldier’s role in the mission.
“All units contribute generously to mission success,” she said.
Reserve Soldiers from approximately 29 states plan, create, operate and maintain the cadet life support area (LSA) and, monitor and instruct tactical skills in training environment.
At the heart of LSA Pickett is Capt. Josue Nieves, Mayor Cell officer in charge.
“Our Army Reserve Soldiers work hard and dedicate long hours to ensure cadets’ receive the best support during their training,” he said.
Nieves is an officer augmented to the CST16 mission from the 143rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command in Orlando, Florida.
Nieves initiated standard operating procedures dedicated to mayor cell operations at LSA Pickett for future commands to insure mission continuity.
“The LSA is constructed with nearly 50 tents that provide housing for cadets and staff along with medical, chaplain, shower, laundry and dining facilities.”
Among the several moving parts of the CST16 mission, Task Force Wolf appoints Reserve quartermaster units fulfilling annual training the task of shower and laundry services.
The 1013th Quartermaster Company from North Platte, Nebraska, currently man the area with 23 Soldiers, said Sgt. Tyrel Carson, Quartermaster Operations noncommissioned officer.
“We are the second rotation of Soldiers from our unit,” said Carson.
Another group from the 1013th Quartermaster Company assumes responsibility in late June.
“We are informed how many Soldiers we’re supporting, informed of our water supply and fuel supply – aware of the assets essential to succeeding in the mission, said Carson. “It’s helpful to know the numbers we’re falling in on.”
“In our occupation it’s an imperative part of our training and this mission affords the opportunity to our whole unit.”