FORT KNOX, Ky. – Today, July 17, Cadets from 4th Regiment, Basic Camp, learned map reading and other basic aspects of land navigation during Cadet Summer Training.
4th Regiment, Alpha Company, learned about terrain association and basic land navigation by diligently engaging their Cadre with questions concerning map reading and compass usage.
4th Regiment Basic Camp Cadets check their compasses, July 17, 2019, at Fort Knox, Ky. | Photo by Tristan Pilch, CST Public Affairs Office.
The Cadets relied heavily on their instructors and trainers to teach them these important skills. MS3 Leader Trainer Gabriel Gonzalez, from The Citadel, volunteered to stay longer at Fort Knox after his training (at Advanced Camp) in order to develop Basic Camp Cadets.
“I really wanted to stay to assist with training for Basic Camp Cadets and teach the knowledge that helped me out a lot,” said Gonzalez. “This initial training is a really important phase on their path to becoming a second lieutenant.”
Basic Camp Cadets will also conduct night land navigation at midnight. Cadets will try to find points on a map at night without the use of night vision or lights. Cadre will be on duty in order to ensure training is conducted effectively and safely.
Cadets recieve an area familirization brief at the land navigation course, July 17, 2019, at Fort Knox, Ky. | Photo by Tristan Pilch, CST Public Affairs Office.
Night land navigation is conducted in order for cadets to effectively operate no matter the time of day. Training like this helps guarantee the Army will retain control of any battle-space; no matter the rain, snow, sleet, sunshine or darkness. We [The Army] own the night.
Spc Dylan Garrison, 17th Field Artillery Brigade out of Fort Lewis, Washington, believes the training is extremely crucial.
“This training is a great opportunity for an intro to the Army, and this program is a great opportunity financially, concerning college,” said Garrison.
While introducing land navigation to the Cadets, Cadre also impart field tips and tricks. These can be anything from knowing how much distance you have traveled and how to stay moving in the right direction.
Moving forward, Cadets will continue on to work on more level one tasks and drills, which are mostly basic soldiering skills. This training not only makes them better for their future profession as Soldiers, but makes them a more capable and leadership-minded Americans.
