FORT KNOX, Ky.- Soldiers from all different parts of the Army come to Fort Knox, Ky., to support Cadet Summer Training. Staff Sgt. Lidia Zavalza came to Fort Knox from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington to cook in one of the mobile kitchen trailers, making food for Cadre while they are on the job.  Zavalza joined the Army 10 years ago as a 92G, also known as a Culinary Specialist.  “I joined the Army because I grew up with my dad’s side of the family all being in the military, and I wanted to try it too,” Zavalza said. “My grandmother, she [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their preliminary marksmanship instruction in preparation for their weapons qualification during Cadet Summer Training, Fort Knox, Ky., June 30, 2023.  Cadets spend a few days working through PMI, the engagement skills trainer, and zeroing before they must qualify with their M4 carbines.  For some Cadets, such as Cadet Dynasty Esposito, City College of New York, CST is their first exposure to the Army’s weapons training. “I’m a little nervous since this is my first weapon qual[ification],” Esposito said. “Hopefully, I get a 40 out of 40, which I’m pretty confident [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky.,- Cadets from 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their land navigation test for Cadet Summer Training, Fort Knox, Ky., June 26, 2023.  For the day test, Cadets must find at least three points out of four within the four hour time limit.  Cadet Brooke Hawkins, University of Denver, said she felt confident going into her test.  “My program really prepared me,” Hawkins said. “There’s also a lot of gravel trails out here, which is nice, so you don’t have to dead ruck the entire thing. It’s so pretty out here, so it’s also a plus when you’re doing land [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp learned about teamwork and leadership while completing their field leader reaction course training, Fort Knox, Ky., June 25, 2023. Cadets train on the FLRC, working together to solve problems and complete simulated missions on various obstacles.  Maj. Brian Alexander, professor of military science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, said the course helps Cadets learn to delegate tasks and trust their teammates, as a leader.  “The field leader reaction course is important because it introduces complex problem sets to these small unit teams, and it requires these Cadets to kind of think outside [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky.- 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets completed their training on the engagement skills trainer for Cadet Summer Training, Fort Knox, Ky., June 23, 2023.  This training allows Cadets to learn how to handle their weapons properly before they move onto their group and zero training, weapons qualification, and their battle march and shoot.  “Well, today we’re doing EST, the electric range, so we went out there and we practiced ‘dot 40,’ we did stage five and stage six, and we’re qualifying,” said Cadet Joel Frederickson from Missouri University of Science and Technology. “We’re getting ready for grouping and zeroing [...]

FORT KNOX,Ky.- 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets completed the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear phase of their Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., June 19, 2023.  “Today we got to experience CBRN and learn all about the branch, but also what they do and how they help the forces throughout the Army,” said Cadet Brandon Fox, Texas Christian University. “And then we also got to learn to trust our equipment by trying out the gas chamber, which was really fun.”  Cadets were taught about how to react to various forms of attacks, the gear needed to protect them, and went [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky.- 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets completed a simulated raid mission as part of their platoon tactics training during their situational training exercises, Fort Knox, Ky., June 18, 2023.  Cadet Faith Miller, from University of Texas at Austin, acted as one of the squad leaders during the training exercises.  “We are out here running platoon lanes,” Miller said. “We’re getting ready to go into Panther and Grizzly phase. So walking through them, making sure everybody’s comfortable in the platoon and working as a team and all that good stuff.” These training exercises in the field are one of the [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky., – The 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets completed their confidence course training for Cadet Summer Training, Fort Knox, Ky., June 16, 2023.  Cadet Hilda Sanchez from James Madison University said teamwork was important for completing the confidence course. She credited her squad’s motivation with helping her finish the training. “They just kept saying ‘Sanchez, you got this, you can do it,’” Sanchez said. “And, I’d be like ‘no, I’m too small.’ They’re like ‘no don’t even think about it, don’t even say you’re gonna try, you’re gonna do it,’ and they just kept motivating me and then, helping [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky.- 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets marched four miles to Schroder Range to complete their battle march and shoot training, Fort Knox, Ky., June 11, 2023.   “We did a tactical road march in full kit, so we had our 45-pound rucks on, our eight-pound rifles and our 10-pound ACHs, which are Army combat helmets,” said Cadet Luke Bausler from the University of San Francisco. “It’s supposed to be a stress and shoot, so the four mile is supposed to stress you out, and then, by the time we get to the range, you should be pretty tired and then, [...]

2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets completed the field leader reaction course portion of Cadet Summer Training Fort Knox, Ky., June 10, 2023.  This training teaches Cadets to work together as a team and is one of the first events they complete after their in-processing days.  Many Cadets experience the Army for the first time through the Reserve Officer Training Corps and especially CST.  However, for some Cadets such as Cadet Ian Valente from Central Michigan University and Cadet Nick Nolan from Texas A&M University, the Green to Gold program allows them to commission as officers after serving as enlisted service members.  [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky.- Although people join the Army for different reasons, Cadet Naomi Richardson from Montana State University was partially drawn by the selfless actions of those in service, and the opportunity to join the nursing corps.  “I joined the Army because I wanted to join a group of people working for something greater than ourselves, serving your country, but also joining a community of people that are selfless in a lot of ways,” Richardson said. “I am in nursing school and really excited for the opportunity to get to experience the medical field in the Army.” Cadet Michael Kaminski from [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The Fort Knox Water Park reopened approximately a week ago, providing a way for families on Fort Knox to enjoy the summer days.  The water park includes two slides, a baby pool for the smaller kids and water fountains to play in, as well as the general swimming area.  Lesley Clark, a lifeguard at the park, said her favorite part about working at the water park is the energy of all the kids.  “I taught swim lessons at Anderson [Indoor Aquatics Center] before this, so a whole bunch of my students keep popping in here, showing me [...]

CST staff prepared for the summer by completing casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) training.

Cadet Lalia Stallions, from University of Tennessee, Knoxville, said she decided to join the Reserve Officer Training Corps in high school.  “When I was a junior in high school I just had a moment where I knew I wanted to join the service in some capacity, but I still wanted to get an education,” Stallions said.  Stallions said she heard about ROTC and the military academies and ultimately decided ROTC was the right choice for her.  “You get to be a regular college kid and get to have those life experiences, but you also get to serve your country and go [...]

5th Regiment Cadets completed their training on the rappel tower and confidence obstacle course at Fort Knox, Ky., June 30, 2022.  For some Cadets this training is difficult due to a fear of heights.  Cadet Klaudia Abbott, from Slippery Rock University, said her biggest fear is heights. She said she was nervous just looking at some of the obstacles in the course.  “When we were walking through getting briefed on each one, I was just like, my jaw was open,” Abbott said. “I was just looking at it like ‘oh boy, how am I going to do this?’ and then with [...]

1st Regiment Cadets graduated from Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., June 29, 2022.  The ceremony started with a formation of the troops. It also included an invocation, honors to the nation, a Cadet cannonade, the Cadet Creed and more.  Cadets who earned awards during their time at Cadet Summer Training were recognized and presented with an award during the ceremony.  Cadet Jessi Harmon from Northern Arizona University, received the Bold Leader Spirit Award. She said she felt happy to receive the award.  “I feel like it’s kind of nice to get a little validation after we all put in [...]

2nd Regiment Cadets completed field training exercises at Fort Knox, Ky., June 27, 2022.  The exercises, which are part of Cadet Summer Training, take place in the field and teach Cadets how to plan and carry out various simulated, tactical missions.  Cadet Asher Freese, from Texas A&M University, was the squad leader during one of the missions. He said his job involved making sure his squad followed the platoon leader’s orders.  “I’m in charge of about 10 people, I’m making sure they know what’s going on, and I’m making sure they do exactly what the platoon leader wants them to do,” [...]

5th Regiment Cadets worked on grouping and zeroing M4 carbines at Fort Knox, Ky., June 26, 2022.  Cadet Ryan Miller from Rutgers University, said they were zeroing their weapons in preparation for their upcoming weapons qualification. He also said this was not his first time completing the M4 weapons qualification.  “It’s my second time ever qualifying with this weapon, so I’m not too nervous since I have previous experience,” Miller said.  Miller said his first time qualifying was at Basic Camp last year.  “I got a lot of good training from drill sergeants, a lot of good tips and tricks,” Miller [...]

Some Cadets in the Reserve Officer Training Corps plan to stay with the Army for a few years before moving onto civilian careers. Other Cadets want to stay in the Army for a couple decades, which is the case for Cadet Madeline Wickel with the 4th Regiment at Cadet Summer Training.  Wickel, from Lehigh University, said her goal is to stay in the Army for 20 years and afterwards work as a Department of the Army civilian.  “I really enjoy the military,” Wickel said. “Every step of the way since before freshman year applying for this scholarship and even now, the [...]

Cadets at Cadet Summer Training join the Reserve Officer Training Corps for various reasons.  For Cadet Andrew McPoyle from James Madison University, one reason for joining was a family history of military service. His grandfather, uncle and three of his four brothers serve or have served in the Army.  “I was interested to join the Army, become an officer, because my family has a military history and I wanted to join that tradition,” McPoyle said. “I’ve always wanted to serve.”  McPoyle said he wanted to join the Army and pursue an education, so joining ROTC was the best choice for him.  [...]

4th Regiment Cadets completed training with the engagement skills trainer (EST) at Fort Knox, Ky., June 20, 2022.  EST, which is part of Cadet Summer Training, teaches Cadets some of the skills they need to qualify with their weapons. It is a simulated, digital range where Cadets can grow more comfortable with the M4 carbine. The training also allows them to practice techniques that will help them when they move to the live fire ranges.  Cadets at CST have varying levels of familiarity both with weapons and with the EST training itself.  Cadet Trejaun Smallwood from Liberty University said he has [...]

3rd Regiment Cadets completed grouping and zeroing with their M4 carbines in preparation for their rifle qualification at Fort Knox, Ky., June 16, 2022.  Cadet Vincent McGinnis, a graduate of Penn State Brandywine, said he enjoys grouping and zeroing. Grouping and zeroing, which is part of Cadet Summer Training helps Cadets be sure their sights are set properly.  “Grouping and zeroing entails taking five shot rounds and trying to place them as close to the center of the target as possible and making adjustments on your sight so that your sight lines up with where your rifle is aiming,” McGinnis said.  [...]

4th Regiment Cadets completed their chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear training and testing at Fort Knox, Ky., on June 15, 2022.  The training is part of Cadet Summer Training. It involved a safety brief, classes, tests, and then a short time in the confidence chamber. In the chamber, Cadets are exposed to CS gas. They have to perform several small exercises while wearing their masks. Then, they remove their masks.  Many Cadets feel nervous when thinking about entering the confidence chamber. For these Cadets, their squad and platoon can be a source of encouragement and motivation.  Cadet Hunter Cashmer from Clarion [...]

1st Regiment Cadets trained on the rappel tower and confidence obstacle course as part of Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., June 9, 2022.  Cadet Conor Custer from Lock Haven University enlisted in the U.S. Army when he was 18. He attended air assault training, which he said helped him conquer his fear of heights. One obstacle involved climbing a rope, walking across beams and climbing down a rope net.  “Unfortunately, I didn’t get to do the ‘tough one’ obstacle, but other than that I passed all the obstacles that were over there and repelling – repelling is always fun,” [...]

2nd Regiment Cadets tested for their basic rifle marksmanship qualification as part of their Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky.,  June 12, 2022.  Master Sgt. Benjamin Chumley with the 7th Brigade works at Middle Tennessee State University and was one of the Cadre at the qualification. Chumley said scoring is based on accuracy and how many hits a Cadet gets with 40 rounds of ammunition.  “23 out of 40 is a pass, but they are broken down into marksmen, sharpshooters and expert,” Chumley said.  Chumley said 23 to 30 is a marksman, 30 to 36 is a sharpshooter and 36 [...]