Cadet Recruit Training - Reception and Integration

26 years ago, I stood in lines similar to what our Cadet Recruits just did yesterday and processed into the U.S. Army. I remember being nervous and scared, but mostly tired, because I arrived at Fort Leonardwood, MO., at close to one in the morning from the long bus ride from St. Louis. In fact, most of that late night is nothing more than a blur. I do remember the emotions. What did bring some of it back for me was the Drill Sgt., our very own Sgt. First Class Anton Kremer. But that we'll come back to shortly.

From the comments I have been hearing, especially from Col. Joseph Land Sr., the commander of the U.S. Army Cadet Corps, we processed the biggest group of Cadet Recruits in known history, and did so in record time, thanks to the seamless teamwork and tenacity of the USAC cadre, staff, and some of the Cadets already on station. Because of them, over 150 Cadet Recruits were welcomed into our gates. The parents that came to be part of the process as well were very cooperative, and supportive (we would welcome comments from parents that came and watched as to how we did and looked).

So my day not only had me taking pictures (some of which are shared here and on our U.S. Army Cadet Corps – Strategic Communications page), but I also got to cut hair, and speak to some of the recruits. I would ask them where they came from, if they had an interest in joining the military in the future (strange question to ask right? Well one boy told me no...really!). What I learned is that this year's group of youth come from all over the nation from all walks of life. We are even privileged to have Cadet Recruits from at least eight other nations; kids who were looking for something different to do for their summers and came across our organization on the internet, and flew here for what I like to call the most expensive hair cut of their lives. Because after all the hair cuts and uniforms, no mater if they came from families of have's or have-not's, they were now a unified group of youth ready to take on what could be the most challenging point of their lives thus far.

So now I bring in the Drill Sgt. into the story. Unlike my experience with meeting my Drill Sgt. inside the back of a large truck trailer we called “cattle cars,” Drill Sgt. Kremer greeted his new charges with the same authority and command voice that strikes fear into even the strongest of men, as he rushed them down from the bleachers in the gym to go outside with their bags to begin getting settled in for the night.

“Get down from my bleachers!”

“Get your bags now!”

“You're moving too slow!”

“Do you need to get you a valet to help you with your bags?!?”

...and off the Recruits went. This happened at least four more times throughout the day as more Recruits were sent through all the stations and placed on the grandstand where they waited patiently and nervously for the whistle blow that ushered in his arrival. Even today, the sight of Smokey Hat, or as we call it in the Army, “the Brown-Round,” brings back fear and respect. You find yourself standing up straighter, walking taller, checking yourself for possible uniform violations, and unwanted attention from a man who can make you feel lower than the low no matter what rank you are just by simply looking in your direction. But along with the fear, comes the sense that this person who dons the Brown-Round is also a guardian, mentor, and teacher. USAC is fortunate to have Drill Sgt. Kremer on staff, and I can assure you that while your children are in our hands, he will take good care of them.

What are your Drill Sgt. stories? Share your thoughts with us.  And as always, you can write to me directly at brian.d.lehnhardt@armycadets.org.