Here are some photos taken this past Sunday of the reception and integration process - from haircut to meeting the Drill Sgt, the cadets are well on their way.  Enjoy!

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. 

Welcome to Military Adventure Camp 2013!

Greetings to all!

My name is Sgt. First Class Brian Lehnhardt, and I'm the new U.S. Army Cadet Corps (USAC) Media Relations and Public Affairs officer.  I have been involved with USAC for a little over a year now as a volunteer adviser to the National Capital Region unit in Maryland.  I just retired from the U.S. Army after a 26 year career as a Combat Documentation Specialist and Visual Information Manager.  What all that means is not only can I take a picture, but I managed those who help tell the Army story.  Now it is my job to tell the USAC story.  I'm very proud to be a part of this organization, and hope to be a voice for it for many years to come.

Seeing that this is only my third week working at USAC Headquarters in Millersburg, Ky., I'd like to think that as the new guy in town, I'm seeing all the inner and outer workings of everything that is going on with fresh eyes.  Those eyes are not so different as the youth that are about to arrive here on campus for the start of summer Military Adventure Camp.  So my future blogs will be talking about my observations.  I will be silently observing (and taking photos) of the youth in our care; their trials and tribulations, successes, and personal triumphs. I want to capture the emotion and essence of why our youth come to places like this, and share with you their thoughts and feelings so we all can maybe gain some wisdom for ourselves.  I also plan on highlighting the staff here at USAC who are training your sons and daughters and find out what makes them want to be here, and why programs like this are so important. 

I hope you will join me on this adventure!  Please go to our Facebook page U.S. Army Cadet Corps - Strategic Communications page to see photos and short blurbs about the action, then come back here every so often for future blogs about the inner-workings of the programs offered here at Forest Hill Station.  I would also like you to leave your comments, questions and critique of the blogs, as your opinions do matter to me.  If you would like to ask me a question directly, please email me at brian.d.lehnhardt@armycadets.org.

So with that, onward with the beginning of training!...

Mp's go for the punch!

Recently the MP program here at the Forest Hill Military Academy had to experience the roles and reality of what its like to be a police officer! With antagonizing pain each MP cadet had to have pepper spray lightly spread over their eyes with a cutip just to get a feel of what a police officer has to go through in order to be in the position they are in to this day.

Our MP program also had to go through the Obstacle Course today as each and every cadet could not get through any stage of this course without leadership qualities and most importantly TEAMWORK! Together Everyone Achieves More! That is one of the most important qualities that are taught here at the Forest Hill Military Academy.

   Following the Obstacle Course was the Rappel Tower that stands 50 feet in the air. Each cadet had to be strapped tightly in a harnace and hooked to a rappeling rope forming the "L" shape position as each cadet had to lean over the side and jump away, with hearts pounding and shaking bones each cadet made it safely to the ground and was ready for another round!

Our upcoming event will be graduation for each MP cadet this saturday as each and every cadet performed outstanding leadership and patience! Congratulations MP cadets you made it! :)

Kristina Webb
PFC, USAC
Assistant S1/5