2026 Encampment Day 1
Encampment Day 1
Awards
Honor Flight: Golf Flight
Honor Squadron: Squadron 3
Line Support NCO: C/CMSgt Ezekiel Anzeumafack
Line Support Officer: C/2nd Lt Michah Victor
Staff Department: Administration Team
Staff Support NCO: C/CMSgt Henry Thatch, Public Affairs
Staff Support Officer: C/Lt Col Casey Clarkson, Administration
Students arrived early this morning, saying quick goodbyes to their families before diving into the week ahead. After stepping off the buses, they moved through in‑processing and baggage checks, then headed to the barracks to unpack, settle in and meet their new roommates.
Once everyone was situated, the students gathered downstairs for their first introduction to their flight commanders and flight sergeants. After meeting their leadership, they were organized into flights and immediately began practicing basic drill and learning the names of their flight staff.
Following lunch, the group made its way to the auditorium for the first academic class of the week. Uniform inspections came next, along with time spent reading the newest encampment handbook—where a few yawns made an appearance as the long day caught up with them.
In the evening, cadets faced their first big challenge: the towering rappelling wall. The obstacle is designed to build confidence and push flights to work together, and it definitely grabbed everyone’s attention.
The day wrapped up with retreat of the colors, closing out a full first day. The cadet staff is excited to guide these students, help them grow as leaders and make memories they’ll carry long after encampment ends.
Written by Cadet First Lieutenant Julia Tubbs
