Inspired By An AMP Cadet: Discovering His Life’s Trajectory Through The Army And West Point

Karsten Hansen grew up in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, with an older brother and sister. His father works in radiation oncology, and his mother is in wildlife conservation. He attended a small high school and played basketball and tennis. He joined the Army National Guard to pay for college while attending Boston University. He enlisted as a 13J Fire Control Specialist and attended Basic Training at Ft. Sill. He initially hated it, but came to see that it “set the trajectory for my life.” In Basic Training he met some close friends he is still in contact with. He also met a former Cadet who was going through the Army Mentorship Program (AMP), which is for Cadets who have committed Honor, Regulation, or Discipline violations and, in certain cases, is offered as a rehabilitative experience. Upon the successful completion of AMP, a former Cadet can apply for readmission to the Military Academy. In Karsten’s case, the former Cadet he met so impressed him with stories of the Military Academy that Karsten decided to apply. This Cadet had received alcohol boards and an honor board, and he presented a briefing about his experiences to his AIT (Advanced Individual Training) Class, describing both the challenges and the opportunities at the Academy. After AIT, Karsten enjoyed his experiences in the National Guard (C Battery, 1st Battalion, 103rd Field Artillery), and he learned some valuable lessons from SSG Monroe about how to treat Soldiers. When Karsten reported for R-Day, he found Beast Barracks to be fun, and he learned a lot from his Beast Cadre, even though he described Beast Barracks as completely different from Basic Training. Karsten has enjoyed his military and summer assignments including Cadet Field Training, Air Assault, and serving as a Platoon Sergeant during Cadet Basic Training. He notes that leading as Beast Cadre “validated my decision to be in the Army,” and that “as an upper class, I have influence.” He loves being in Company C3 and appreciates the company culture. Currently, he is serving as the 3rd Regimental Operations Sergeant Major. He is on the Parachute team and describes the friends and mentors on the team, including Luke Sapio, who encouraged and influenced him. He recalls jumping at the Collegiate Nationals in Tampa. He finds the culture at West Point “very uplifting,” and notes how Cadets “are always willing to help others.” He plans to branch Aviation and wants to seek out excellent units. Offering advice to future Cadets, he recommends “adopting a positive attitude no matter what.” Reflecting on West Point, he says the Academy means “best friend and rewarding experiences” to him.