8th Regt., Basic Camp Cadets performing Small Unit Tactics. One operation was Call for Indirect Fire Training. July 30. Fort Knox, Ky. Photo by AJ Barnes.
Fort Knox, Ky.- 8th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets were out at Training Area Six as they drilled on Small Unit Tactics.
Cadets practiced indirect fire, setting up ambushes, and taking on enemy contacts throughout wooded areas. Squads of 12-to-13 Cadets perform certain tasks and set up a 360 degree perimeter.
Bravo Co. was taken through a battle drill and ran an artillery simulator to evaluate their reactions in high-stress situations.
Cadet Lawrence Kirkman from Valley Forge Military Academy & College talked about the importance of Small Unit Tactics for training and real-life applications as a potential 2nd Lt.
“As an Officer we need to know how to command, we need to know where the Assault Gunner goes, where the Platoon Leader goes, etc.” said Kirkman. ” We need to know where they go so no one comes back as a casualty.”
8th Regt., Basic Camp Cadets hold an After Action Report to assess their Call For Indirect Fire drill. Cadre talks about the positive and negative attributes of the Squad’s performance. July 30. Fort Knox, Ky. Photo by AJ Barnes.
Kirkman also touched on the struggles of these drills.
“It’s a lot of commands and words and sayings that we need to say and some of them are very confusing and we need to know exactly what they mean,” said Kirkman. “The Army loves to use words and sayings for something to use in a combat situation and we need to use those at the correct time.”
Another challenge is getting Cadets with different backgrounds and training experience on a level playing field for all of them to understand what is being taught.
Cadet Agee Isbell from Jackson State University was feeling confident despite the challenges his Co. faced.
8th Regt., Basic Camp Cadet running through the woods as part of his Co. Call for Indirect Fire Training. July 30. Fort Knox, Ky. Photo by AJ Barnes.
“It was a bit challenging, but it’s nothing no one can overcome, leaders have to be able to adapt and overcome and lead from the front,” said Isbell. “In order for all of this to work you’ve got to be a quick thinker and be adaptable.”
