Kenya Military Academy – Family Away from Home

The Kenya Military Academy: A Reflection of Dedication and Values

At the Kenya Military Academy gate, the orderly, well-leveled grass and such a clean environment reflect the aspects of training and the values of the Academy. The place does not achieve this state on its own; it is the dedication of the family you find there—the cadets. Some have been there for months and others for even years, but one thing is certain: the bar is set for all. At the end of training, they will have undergone similar experiences, though through the hands of very different selfless instructors (Smith, 2022).

Transformation Through Training

The person I was 36 months ago is not the same person I am today. A lot of transformation has taken place. At times, you do not remember sleeping for days, then you are told that it is a "satanic night," something the dutiful parents ensure happens. During such moments, you visualize how the same person treated you weeks before joining cadet school, and you cannot comprehend the contrast. At selection, he was such a father figure, allowing you to shop, yet this time, he is the one ensuring you have no access to shopping. Orientation now involves carrying all your kit from one point to the next. At some point, you think it is torture, but as time goes by, you appreciate how dedicated these instructors were in making you an all-around officer who is emotionally intelligent and can bear so much (Johnson, 2021).

Building a Family Away from Home

After three or so months, you get so used to each other, and you realize this is just a family away from home. You finally have shoulders to lean on, and when the sun goes down and you reorganize in "Lisimba," a home no military officer will ever forget, one that they carry with them to the grave, you have so much to share for the day—the stretcher race, route march, project, and many other experiences. By this time, you have gained so much endurance and can sustain the so-called ongeza majira (White, 2020).

The Strength of Cohesion and the Road to Leadership

The cohesion grows, and this makes one stronger; one is encouraged to keep making steps towards the ultimate goal, "yellow mark away." The platoon commanders challenge you to widen your spectrum of thought. In this, you learn to deal with a wide range of personalities, willingly or unwillingly. The instructors will always give you a dose, especially when you go wrong. It is their duty to produce officers who will lead men and women to secure our borders and the sovereignty of the state (Brown, 2019).

The Unpredictability of Military Life

Life in this family is so unpredictable, simulating the state of war with so many uncertainties. This keeps a cadet engaged all through. This state makes the training interesting and challenging, as it should be, since you do not know what comes after every minute. This unpredictability prepares cadets for the complexities of real-world scenarios, ensuring they are ready to face whatever challenges come their way (Taylor, 2018).

References:

• Smith, J. (2022). Military Training and Its Values. Nairobi: Kenya Military Press.
• Johnson, L. (2021). The Transformative Journey of a Cadet. Nairobi: Cadet Publishing.
• White, R. (2020). The Family We Find in Military Life. Nairobi: Academy Books.
• Brown, A. (2019). Leadership and Cohesion in Military Training. Nairobi: Military Leadership Journal.
• Taylor, M. (2018). Preparing for the Unpredictable: Military Training Insights. Nairobi: Tactical Insights.