FORT KNOX, Ky.—3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp graduated from Cadet Summer Training after 31 days here at Fort Knox.
Commander of Troops, Soren Johnson, Wheaton College, leads his fellow 3rd Regiment Cadets through their graduation from Advanced Camp. Fort Knox, Ky. July 15, 2018. (Photo by Amber Vincent)
While most soon to be college seniors spend their summer sitting pool side, or working part time jobs, for Army ROTC Cadets, they have a very different summer experience: 31 days, in the humidity and heat of the Kentucky wilderness to better themselves as future Army Officers.
“My biggest take away has been the leadership opportunities I got in the field. We were put into some very stressful situations but it helped me grow and learn as a leader,” recalled Cadet Soren Johnson, Wheaton College.
Johnson was the Commander of Troops for 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp graduation. The Commander of Troops is selected out of the top performing Cadets of the Regiment. “It’s a great honor. I’m happy to lead my friends through this ceremony,” said Johnson.
3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp graduate from their 31 days of Cadet Summer Training. Fort Knox, Ky. July 15, 2018. (Photo by Amber Vincent)
Cadet Christopher Ernst, Metropolitan State University of Denver, commented on his feelings of completing Advanced Camp, “I am happy to move forward with my career, but I will miss the camaraderie and friends that I have built here at camp.”
Cadets are tested on many things here at Advanced Camp. They go through confidence courses such as the rappel tower, and CBRN Chamber. They learn basic Soldier tasks such as first aid, marksmanship, and basic platoon movements. Cadets are also pushed physically with the APFT, and multiple rucks that lead into the 12 Mile Ruck march.
Completing Advanced Camp is vital in a Cadet’s career to move forward and commission. “I’m glad that we come here and do this. It’s a big learning experience,” said Ernst.
