By: Madison Thompson
FORT KNOX, Ky. – 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, performed Individual Task Testing (ITT), June 16, during Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox, Ky. ITT is testing for Cadets which evaluates the skills they have learned up to this point in their training.
Cadet Joseph Bond, University of Colorado Boulder, Aurora, Colo. Basic Camp, 2nd Regiment, performing Individual Task Testing Photo By Madison Thompson
“Today, we’re getting tested on everything we’ve learned up to this point. We’re making sure we know how to load a weapons system, do system checks on it and, if there’s a misfire, how to take care of it. We’re also being tested on first aid as well as different carries and how to treat shock. At another station, we’ll do burns and we’re getting tested on navigation,” said Cadet Joseph Bond, University of Colorado Boulder, Aurora, Colo.
Cadre are present at each testing area to ensure Cadets are performing proficiently. Each task has certain criteria that must be met for Cadets to receive a go ahead. Criteria like being able to carry your battle buddy, proper treatment of shock and the proper maintenance of equipment.
These tests serve multiple purposes for Cadets.
“For one, it’s to make sure those classes are working. Two, it’s to test on skills to make sure that, if they were to go into their second and third years that they would know what they’re doing,” explained 2nd Lt. Eric Perkins.
These skills are necessary for Cadets’ rolls as future leaders.
Basic Camp, 2nd Regiment, performing Individual Task Testing Photo By Madison Thompson
“We’re all future leaders and, of course, what leaders do is show by example. We expect our Soldiers to understand, but we, ourselves, need to be as proficient aswe can be. Because we’re going to be out there with them, we need to make sure that we know what they’re doing and that we can help them if they need that help,” said Cadet Michael Lankford, Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah.
Many Cadets know these skills are extremely relevant and stressed the importance of these skills.
“This is important for our training so that we can know what we’re doing so that when we’re on the battlefield, or wherever we are deployed, that everyone can trust us to know what we’re doing and we know what they’re doing. Because, down there, we have to put our lives in others’ hands and we have other lives in our hands,” said Bond.
“This is important because, when they go back to their schools … they’ll be able to train up their units,” stated Perkins.
Near the end of his training, one Cadet commended the ROTC program, expressing his gratitude to many members.
Basic Camp, 2nd Regiment, performing Individual Task Testing Photo By Madison Thompson
“This is a great experience for me. I joined ROTC late and I’ve learned so much from leadership skills, tactical skills and field skills. It’s just been a great experience and opportunity all throughout. I really appreciate what the Cadre are doing for me and I appreciate all of my battle buddies that I’ve met. This is a really educational and fun experience,” said Lankford.
Cadet Summer Training will bring 8,200 Cadets through Basic and Advanced Camp this summer on Fort Knox. These camps are designed to help challenge, grow and improve various skills and leadership qualities within the Cadets. If you think you have what it takes to be a Cadet or if you are interested in a job after college click the following link: https://my.goarmy.com/info/rotc1/index.jsp?iom=IP08-AUTO-R1NA-BR-XXX-XX-XXX-MO-XX-X-BRCMAC:IP08
