FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadet Summer Training 2018 came to a close today as the Cadets of 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp graduated in front of family and friends. The ceremony took place in Natcher Gym, which allowed for booming echoes as the Cadets sounded off and sang proudly. The atmosphere created was the perfect way to cap off this year’s summer of training. Maj. Gen. John R. Evans, Jr. took the microphone for the last time this summer to address the Cadets and guests. He spoke of the right of passage all these Cadets had just made it through, and the long [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” The Mark Twain quote used by Col. Scott Sonsalla during his speech to the Cadets of 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp and their families perfectly sums up the sentiments of today’s graduation. For the group of Cadets, the ceremony marks a coming of age and one giant step closer to becoming Army Officers. The morning sun shined on the cheerful faces of the young Cadets, as they stood proudly at attention. Maj. Gen. John R. Evans, Jr. began [...]

Standing in formation,  I wait. My heart, racing as I stare. Double doors open like flood gates,  I am hit. A tidal wave of emotion. I see you, the sea of people. Your smiling face, my beacon. Guiding me to your warm embrace, A tight, loving hug, A tender kiss. You choke back tears in your eyes And tell me how proud you are. I am exuberant in the moment. Free.          

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp spent the morning at Keyes Park, exploring all the different branches that the Army has to offer. The point of the Army’s take on a job fair, is to educate and enlighten the young Cadets so they can feel as confident as possible when creating their list of branches in the coming days. Just as this morning’s rain promised growth and new beginnings, so did Keyes Park for the Cadets of 9th Regiment. With over a dozen different branches to choose from, creating that dream list can often be challenging and scary. It’s [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Silence. For the Cadets of 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp the most soul-piercing moment about their Field Training Exercise does not come from the chaos of enemy fire, but from the nothingness that inhabits the silence. Waking up at the crack of dawn, the Cadets take their posts inside the Central Command Base, located deep in the Kentucky wilderness. They form a circular perimeter around the base and sit as the silence fills the calm, cool air. Thoughts begin to wander, drifting towards the coming storm – the inevitable attack from the Opposing Force troops. With each passing moment the [...]

FORT KNOX Ky. – With the end of a journey on the horizon, Cadets of 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp take to Brooks Field for graduation and the conclusion of Cadet Summer Training 2018. Eagerness and anticipation fill the cool morning air as crowds of family, friends, and special guests fill the stands. Their sons and daughters stand crisply at attention. In the moment everything freezes, all that comes to mind is, “Dear Cadets…” Dear Cadets, When you first came to us a month ago, you were greeted by the sounds of rustling gear and shouting Drill Sergeants. Day Zero was an awakening, [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Competition; the ability to measure your skills against those of your peers’. For the Cadets of 7th Regiment, Basic Camp, today was all about competition as they raced the clock in order to find the fastest male and female Cadets. Their challenge was not only with one another, but also against Beaudoin, the most physically demanding obstacle course they will see during their time at Basic Camp.  The day promised a few things; this group of Cadets were going to get dirty, sweaty, and physically drained as they maneuvered through the taxing obstacles. One by one, each [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The end of the month-long journey that the Cadets of 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp has finally come. For many Cadets, today was a day that almost seemed unattainable just a few short weeks ago. They have all fought hard and courageously as they were tested time and time again, but today all that hard work is paid back and the memories created during Cadet Summer Training 2018 are worth their weight in gold. Advanced Camp Graduation day, the culmination of a month of struggle, pain, and a number of sleepless nights all come together as this special [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Often in life we are forced to climb on in situations of hardship, while in other moments we must decide to take a blind leap and hope that all our preparation will lead to a graceful landing. The Cadets of 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp learned that great obstacles in their lives can be not only mentally challenging, but also physically demanding, as they took on the Rappel Tower and Confidence Course during Cadet Summer Training 2018. Most people started their morning rolling out of bed and enjoying things like the morning news, a nice breakfast, and a [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Grab your Battle Buddy and join the Cadets of 7th Regiment, Basic Camp as they march into the Kentucky wilderness in search of at least 3 of 5 different checkpoints, as part of their Land Navigation exercise. The challenge of the mission stems from being strapped for time, with only having three hours allotted, and having to engage in precise map reading skills. The Cadets rely on one another as they count steps and keep their heads on a swivel, staying alert as they look for the distinguishable orange markers in the deep green foliage. Following a safety [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Physical strength, mental perseverance, and unbreakable will were the name of the game as the Cadets of 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp powered through the final graded event of Cadet Summer Training…the 12-mile Ruck March. “The Odyssey” by Homer tells the story of Odysseus, a man faced with countless struggles and trials as he attempts to make his way back home following the events of the Trojan war. Throughout the story, Odysseus finds a way to persevere, regardless of the peril and uncertainty that stood in front of him. For the Cadets of 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp, their odyssey lacks the [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Preparation; the eleven-letter word that carries a pivotal meaning to the Cadets of 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp. Tasked with the objective of creating thorough and concise battle formations, the Cadets prepare for every outcome imaginable when conducting their Squad Battle Drills. Although today focused on walkthroughs and practice, the foundation being set will undoubtedly lead to success down the line. The late and great John Wooden, world renowned philosopher and hall of fame college basketball coach, built one of the most successful dynasties in all of sports during his time at UCLA. The key to his team’s successes [...]

FORT KNOX, KY. – Darkness. Cadets of 6th Regiment, Basic Camp learned the meaning of the word as they completed the Night Land Navigation portion of their training July 11th at Fort Knox’s Grizzly field location. The goal was to test Cadets’ ability to adapt to unfavoring circumstances, as they attempted to find two of three marked locations deep in the Kentucky wilderness. The ability to adapt is arguably the most important skill a Cadet learns during their time at Cadet Summer Training. Earlier in camp, the Cadets maneuvered the Grizzly training location when they tackled Land Navigation; aided by sunlight, the Cadets [...]

Fort Knox, Ky. – Buzz and excitement filled the air as the Honorable Mark T. Esper, paid a visit to Fort Knox on July 9th. The 23rd Secretary of the United States Army had a day filled with exploring all that goes into Cadet Summer Training, and took some time to engage with both Cadre and Cadets. The Secretary’s first stop of the day was the Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction Pit, where he met with Maj. Gen. John Evans, Congressman Brett Guthrie, and Cadre as they discussed Cadet numbers and how to increase ROTC involvement. Once briefed on the facts and figures that [...]

Fort Knox, Ky. – One month ago, the Cadets of 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp arrived at the Paul Disney Complex, ready to embark on a journey that would open the door to a bright and promising future. On the 5th of July, that journey met its fruitful end as the Cadets lined up in front of family and distinguished guests alike, graduating and ready to move on to the next stage of Army life. For the 31 days that the Cadets spent in Fort Knox, they did nothing but strive for success. They woke up every morning at the crack of dawn finding energy [...]

Fort Knox, Ky. – Cadets of 4th Regiment, Basic Camp were tasked with the challenge of maneuvering through the daunting Beaudoin Obstacle Course. With over a dozen obstacles, all testing the Cadets in unique and physical ways, it is often easy to surrender in the face of adversity. However, the Cadets of 4th Regiment refused to buckle under the pressure. When Cadets first arrive at Fort Knox for the summer, their lives begin to change the moment they get off the bus. The long month ahead of them is filled with challenges and the inevitable question, “What am I doing here?” Nevertheless, as the [...]

Fort Knox, Ky. – The Cadets of 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp arrived at Morgan Reiley Range with an array of emotions as they geared up to execute zeroing and weapons qualification – a vital part of Cadet Summer Training 2018. Two things stick out when talking with the Cadets. One, they are all just as chipper and energetic as they were upon arrival to Basic Camp (some even more so now with the confidence gained through the first half of camp). Two, there is an exuberance of competitive fire and spirit amongst the Cadets, especially when it comes to Platoon recognition. With the [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of 1st Regiment Basic Camp spent their afternoon with instruction and walkthrough of the proper Drill and Ceremony marching procedures. The afternoon was filled with the sounds of pacing boots and Drill Sergeants rhythmically chanting, “Left…left. Right. Left,” as the Cadets aimed to master the steps that will one day play a significant role in their young Army careers. Cadets were organized and lined up in their respective groups, before being marched down the streets of the Disney Complex. The site of Drill and Ceremony exercises, otherwise known as “The Pit,” provides a wide open space for [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The morning of June 9 greeted the Cadets of 1stRegiment Advanced Camp with the promise of staggering heights, challenging obstacles, and opportunities to take vital steps towards becoming the Soldiers they aspire to be. As the Cadets tackled both the Rappel Tower and Confidence Course, their mental and physical will-power were tested. The Cadets initially received a safety briefing followed by an explanation on their challenges for the day.  They were then divided into two teams, with one half heading to the tower to be fitted for their swiss seat rappel harnesses and the others marched back [...]