Fort Knox, Ky.- Today, 7th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets completed a portion of their FTX training at Tactical Area 5 on Fort Knox, Ky.
7th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets conduct FTX training at Fort Knox, Ky. on July 27, 2018. Photo By: Inayah Bolton.
When the Cadets arrived, they received an OP order for their mission, after that they go through the troop leading procedures which help them plan and prepare for the mission. This procedure is an eight step process: receive the mission or OP order, issue the warning order to their subordiante leaders, make a tentative plan, start necessary movement, reconnoiter, complete the plan, issue the complete order, and finally supervise.
Once completed, they conduct a patrol where they have two missions: an ambush and a movement of contact.
Sgt. 1st Class Adam Harris, the NCOIC at the FTX training, explained the purpose of the training and how it benefits the Cadets.
7th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets conduct FTX training at Fort Knox, Ky. on July 27, 2018. Photo By: Inayah Bolton.
“This exercise is mostly focused on leadership. We do want the Cadets to know the basic tactics and skill of the exercise, but the overall goal is to hone in on their leadership skills and plan execution.”
He continued, “Over the past two days they’ve been at Team Eagle learning all of the tactics, techniques, and procedures. So, today they are basically executing everything they’ve been learning.”
The Cadets went through a couple of lanes prior to this one. Cadet Julianna Bernado from Santa Clara University expressed some of the changes she hoped to make for the next lane.
“In the lane where we were conducting the deliberate attack, our squad leader died and I had to assume the leadership position as squad leader. It was stressful due to the time crunch, but eventually I worked well with the Bravo team leader and got the job done.”
She continued, “Our squad struggled with communication, calling out the side that was bounding, where was the last man, and other things like that. Hopefully, in the next lane we’ll be able to fix those issues.”
The 7th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets completed the FTX training and are prepared for their next mission.
