On a rainy Wednesday morning, I arrived at the recreation fields before sunrise to watch a typical physical training session. Cadets endure these challenging morning routines three times a week, no matter the weather conditions, to prepare themselves for military service.

 

A group of ROTC cadets warm-up for a foggy early morning PT session. The captains in the center demonstrate and provide words of encouragement. (Photo taken by Ryan Seibold, 10/25/17)
Cadet Brianna Strobl digs in and focuses during a lengthy wall sit. Her peers are entertaining themselves with laughter and conversation, but Brianna is more reserved through this particularly painful drill. (Photo taken by Ryan Seibold, 10/25/17)
Sophomore cadet Brianna Strobl stretches with her platoon in preparation for an exhausting PT session. (Photo taken by Ryan Seibold, 10/25/17)

 

An especially playful senior cadre member taunts another female cadet. The lighthearted sense of camaraderie between the cadets and staff members brightens the intensive mood. (Photo taken by Ryan Seibold, 10/25/17)
During training, the cadets lay their rucksacks on the sideline in a uniform fashion. The signature bright green sashes increase visibility, which is especially important on dark foggy mornings such as this. (Photo taken by Ryan Seibold, 10/25/17)