Fort Knox, Ky., – Cadets of 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp were given the opportunity to attend a branch round table event during an evening at Cadet Summer Training, allowing them to explore possible branches to join after commissioning as Army officers. Cadet Cody Travis, student at Western Michigan University, native of South Lyon, Michigan, explored his chosen branch and others available while at the round table event. “We have the opportunity to visit all the different branches, or at least four of them today, and get information briefs from each one of them and just learn more about them,” said Travis. [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., – After a long month of camp, 7th Regiment Basic Camp Cadets returned to the Central Issuing Facility to scrub away their hard work and return their equipment in preparation for departure. Cadet Joseph Phillips, student at the Virginia Military Institute, native of Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, is ready to return home after a successful time at Basic Camp. “It feels good. A month is a long time but it feels good that it’s over, we learned a lot, and a lot of good leadership skills were learned here,” said Phillips. “Right now we are turning our gear back into [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., – Advanced Camp Cadets receive tactical instruction on planning and implementing an ambush, patrolling, and problem solving during Squad Tactical Exercise, a several day training component for CST. Cadet Dalton Pick, student at the University of California, Berkeley, native of Monterey, California, was one of the team leaders planning and creating the ambush. “Right now we are in what is called the darby phase of Advanced Camp. What we are trying to do right now is make sure that all these Cadets coming from different schools across the country, are on the same page tactically on what needs [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., – 7th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets tackled both the 64-foot rappel tower and the confidence course, strengthening confidence and resilience as they complete their final days of Cadet Summer Training. Cadet Luke Austin, student at Radford University, native of Leesburg, Virginia, conquered the rappel tower before moving on to the confidence course where he worked with the rest of his squad. “It was a lot of fun. I’ve done most of it before, it’s been a while since I’ve done it- the last time was in Basic three years ago… At the end it all comes down to [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., – Cadets of 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp were given the opportunity to attend a branch round table event during an evening at Cadet Summer Training, allowing them to explore possible branches to join after commissioning as Army officers. Cadet Geovanna Olan, student at Texas Christian University, native of Miami, was able to explore her career options while at the round table event. “Tonight we’re getting our branch briefings. It’s an explanation of each branch that you like or are interested in possibly joining when you commission. All they are doing is giving you an overview of each branch [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., – Leadership and warrior skill training was put to the test for Basic Camp 7th Regiment when they tackled Individual Task Training, a series of stations where their emergency combat and leadership skills were challenged. Cadet Sean Burger, student at the Citadel, native of Marshfield, Massachusetts, honed his medevac skills during ITT. “We are trying to qualify with putting together and using a radio, calling in a nine-line medevac, and seeing if we are capable of transporting and moving a casualty, so we are using buddy carries and different techniques. We are also assembling and disassembling M16 assault [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., – The Spartan Race was held on July 22, welcoming participants from all around the country, including Cadet Summer Training’s very own Cadets and Cadre. The Spartan Race is a 4.2 mile course designed to test strength and endurance as participants maneuver different obstacles and challenging terrain. Zari Weaver, student at Temple University, native of Maryland, and a 6th Regiment Basic Camp Cadet, participated in the Spartan Race. “I just signed up for the Spartan Race, and this is my first time. I ran cross-country and I’ve done half-marathons, so I thought I might as well give it [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., – Basic Camp 8th Regiment Cadets spent an afternoon learning how to properly handle and move with their weapons at drill & ceremony instruction. Cadet Joe Solem, student at Central Washington University, native of Ellensburg, Washington, went over the fundamentals of proper weapon handling at drill and ceremony instruction. “We received our weapons, so we learned how to take them apart and put them together, so that was really interesting,” said Solem. “Some people have never touched a weapon before. The Army has a quote: “leadership through excellence” so drill and ceremony is definitely practicing excellence. We’re learning [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., – The 30 days of Cadet Summer Training is finally completed for Basic Camp 4th Regiment. The Cadets were recognized for their hard work in a graduation ceremony held July 16, Brooks Field. Col. Jon M. Tussing, 8th Brigade Commander, spoke to the Cadets during the graduation about their time and accomplishments at CST. “Cadets of 4th Regiment, it’s been a pleasure working with you. You should be proud of your accomplishments here at Cadet Summer Training— I know we certainly are,” said Tussing. “Never forget the lessons that you have learned, your efforts have prepared you to [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., – Basic Camp 7th Regiment attended a seminar on Army History as part of their immersion into Cadet Summer Training, where Cadets form the building blocks that will be the base of their future careers as Officers. Cadet Kyle Curabba, student at Saint Leo University, native of Dade City, Florida, has been attending the immersion classes in the days leading up to actual field training. “We’ve had a really great block of instruction over here at Fort Knox. We’ve been learning about Army history, our values, kind of where we come from and we stand to do as [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., — Lt. Gen. Nadja Y. West visited Cadet Summer Training July 12, stopping at the George Blair weapon qualification range, where the 8th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets were qualifying. West is the first black female lieutenant general and the highest-ranking woman to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy, as well as the first black surgeon general. While at the range, West fired the same 40 rounds a Cadet would be required to shoot in order to qualify with the M4 carbine. After qualifying, West spoke to the assembled Cadets at the range for a few moments. “Get everything [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., – One of the last steps of completing Cadet Summer Training is to return to the Central Issuing Facility where equipment is cleaned, inspected, and returned to the warehouse. Advanced Camp 4th Regiment Cadets cleaned and processed their borrowed equipment at CIF in preparation for their departure from Fort Knox. Cadet Christian Ramsay, student at Florida International University, native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, returned his equipment at CIF without a hitch. “Before you get to CIF you need to go ahead and clean your equipment as best as you can. You need to get any dirt, grime, anything [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., – Basic Camp 3rd Regiment Cadets graduated from Cadet Summer Training on July 6, 2017, and Cadets were finally reunited with their families after a long 31 days of training. Cadet Lena Marinkovich, student at the University of Hawaii, native of Milwaukee, graduated from Basic Camp and was reunited with her family, including her father and older brother, who both currently serve with the Army. “It feels really great, I’ve missed everyone, especially being away with only other military people for a month, it’s really nice having the family together,” said Marinkovich. Marinkovich said she was inspired to join [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., – Basic Camp 3rd Regiment Cadets graduated from Cadet Summer Training on July 6, 2017 after successfully completing 31 days of training. Each Regiment that passes through CST is named in honor of a fallen veteran who also completed Reserve Officers Training Corps, and 3rd Regiment has the honor of being named after General Frederick C. Weyland. Cadet Zachary Dexter, student at Indiana University, native of Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, graduated basic camp was rewarded for his hard work at CST. “This morning was great for me, even though we had to wake up early. We got up, did graduation [...]

Fort Knox, Ky.,– Basic Camp 5th Regiment Cadets attended a seminar where they learned and discussed the Seven Army Values and how they can apply the values to their leadership training. Cadet Zachary St Laurent, student at Georgia Military College, native of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, attended the seminar alongside the rest of his regiment. “My fellow Cadets and I are learning about the Seven Army Values: which are Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. We are learning about the definition of all of those and how they relate to being an Officer or being an Non-Commissioned Officer [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., — Advanced Camp 4th Regiment Cadets qualified at George Blair range June 15, 2017, part of their marksmanship education for Cadet Summer Training, and several Cadets stood out as sharpshooters once the event was completed. Cadets have to shoot a minimum of 23 out of 40 to qualify as a marksman, and to qualify for the Recondo Badge they must hit 36 out of the 40 targets. However, in order to qualify as a sharp shooter, a Cadet must hit between 31 and 35 targets. Cadet Mikaela Shields, student at the University of Southern Maine, native of Cornish, [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., — ROTC develops strong leaders both mentally and physically, but some of the physical tests and requirements can certainly be daunting for those thinking of joining the program. Advanced Camp 3rd Regiment Cadets performed the Occupational Physical Assessment Test in the early hours of the morning where their physical abilities are measured in four events, and were ready to face the challenge. Cadet Emmitt Forbush, student at Michigan Technological University, native of Byron, Michigan, participated in the OPAT. “It’s a new Army physical fitness test, it measures, essentially, combat effectiveness and determines which branches of the Army you can [...]

Fort Knox, Ky.,– Advanced Camp Cadets tested their endurance during a vigorous 12mile ruck during the wee hours of the morning as part of their Cadet Summer Training. The 3rd Regiment Cadets began the ruck at 0300 in the morning, testing both physical and mental endurance as they trekked across Fort Knox. Cadets were given four hours to complete the ruck, and those still in the running for the Recondo Badge needed to complete it within three hours. Cadet Samuel Nichols, student at the University of North Alabama, native of Mobile, Alabama, completed the ruck after two hours and 51 minutes. [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., — Advanced Camp 4th Regiment Cadets tackled Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Training, braving the CS gas chamber, testing their ability to remain calm in stressful environments. Cadet Maria Elena Lopez, student at University of Texas at Austin, native of Dallas, was one of the Cadets that braved the CS chamber. “Today we had classes on CBRN training: how to put on a gasmask in nine seconds or less and how to put on our gear in eight minutes or less correctly,” said Lopez. “Once we passed those two tests, we moved into gas chamber prep, getting familiar with [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., — Fourth Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets train during Group Zero at Schroeder Range, practicing zeroing and sighting their rifle in preparation for weapons qualification at George Blair range the next day. Cadets will move from the prone position and kneeling, firing at paper targets and working with Cadre and fellow Cadets until they feel confident and comfortable with their rifles. Cadet Paige Herbst, student at the Citadel, native of Inman, South Carolina, was one of the Cadets training at Group Zero. “Today we are at the zero range, this is primarily so we can get our weapons ready [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., — Several 3rd Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets qualified expert on the M4 Rifle at George Blair range, move on in Recondo competition. The pursuit of the Recondo Badge for Advanced Camp Cadets is no easy feat, a fact proven after every challenge of training thus far. A few Cadets have managed to stay in the running and are continuing the pursuit of the honorable award. Cadet Jeff Chitwood, student at Indiana University, native of St. Charles, Illinois, is one of the lucky Cadets who qualified expert at George Blair. “You need to hit a minimum of 23 out [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., — Live fire could be heard throughout the morning as Advanced Camp 3rd Regiment Cadets qualified at George Blair range, part of their marksmans hip education for Cadet Summer Training. Cadet Abby Kingery, student at University of South Florida, native of Cape Coral, Florida, was one of the Cadets qualifying at the range. “Today we are at the range and we are qualifying. We had to practice and zero our weapons yesterday, and today we actually get the opportunity to qualify. You shoot 40 rounds and you have to hit at least 23 of the pop-up targets. There [...]

Fort Knox, Ky.,– Cadets must first learn the basics of handling rifles at Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction before they can begin to fire at the ranges. While at PMI, Cadets will learn how to prepare themselves to be ready to fire, put together and take apart their weapon, and move as a formation. Cadet D’errah Richardson, student at Michigan State University, native of Flint, Michigan, learned proper weapon-handling skills at PMI. “We are going over rifle readiness positions, how to lay prone and in kneeling positions, and how to take apart our rifles,” said Richardson. “Being able to take apart and put [...]

Fort Knox, Ky., — Basic Camp 1st Regiment Cadets conducted the Alternate Course Qualification where Cadets are tested on basic marksmanship abilities using M-16 rifles. Many of the Cadets have not shot a gun before, and are instructed on breathing techniques, proper form, and general safety procedures. Cadets are also expected to receive a score of at least 23 based on the targets they hit in order to qualify in marksmanship. Cadet Jennifer Rivera, native of Puerto Rico, student at University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, was one of the Cadets who were tested at Alt C. “We are at Alt [...]

Fort Knox, Ky.,– The boots of the Cadets of 3rd Regiment Advanced Camp have touched the ground, and so begins the next 31 days of Cadet Summer Training. The Cadets arrived at in processing where they were signed in and assigned to the different companies and platoons within the regiment. The Cadets then inspected their gear, were briefed by the chaplain, and settled in to their barracks. Capt. Joseph Perkins, instructor at the Virginia Military Institute, native of Chicago, was present to greet 3rd Regiment and instruct throughout in processing. “Today we are receiving our Cadets for 3rd Regiment. We bring [...]