ROTC Eagle Battalion sees hard work pay off at Fort Knox

Carson-Newman University’s ROTC Eagle Battalion was well represented at this year’s Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Events included rifle marksmanship, rappelling, obstacle course, leader reaction course, first aid, chemical and biological radiation, grenade assault course, among others.

Lieutenant Colonel Leigh Kennedy, C-N’s professor of military science, said the success stories from the month-long event are a result of the cadets’ hard work and preparation.

“I could not be prouder of these 12 cadets. Their hard work and dedication over the past few years was highlighted by their incredible performance at CST,” he said. “This is a true testament, not only to the caliber of cadets we have at our program, but the expertise of my cadre to prepare these cadets and the overall quality of the ROTC program here at Carson-Newman.”

Top cadet performers were:

Trenton Bernat, Herndon, Virginia – Scored Top 20% nationwide and earned the RECONDO Badge.

Skyyler Kibler, Lenoir City, Tennessee – Scored Top 10% nationwide.

William Kirby, Kodak, Tennessee – Scored Top 5% nationwide and awarded the Distinguished Honor Graduate for 6th Regiment and the RECONDO Badge. He was selected No. 1 by peers in his squad. He is also ranked No. 2 out of all cadets in 7th Brigade, United States Cadet Command.

Grant Shrader, Jefferson City, Tennessee – Scored Top 10% nationwide and selected No. 1 by peers in his squad.