FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, worked together in teams to complete multiple obstacles during the Team Development Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 24, 2023. TDC builds Cadets’ leadership, teamwork and communication skills through the six obstacles they must strategically traverse. Cadet David Lucidore from Slippery Rock University, felt like his group did well. “I think we did pretty well,” Lucidore said. “We completed two of the six that we did and got close on a few of the other ones.” Lucidore’s team utilized strong communication skills to traverse the obstacles effectively. “We had good communication [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, conducted preliminary marksmanship instruction at Fort Knox, Ky. on July 22, 2023. PMI teaches Cadets the fundamentals of marksmanship before qualification. Cadets rotate through five different stations that teach them skills, such as how to properly clear their weapons, load a magazine and aim their weapons. Cadet Bethany Burke from The Pennsylvania State University, felt confident going into PMI, as she has prior shooting experience through her university’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. “I’ve been shooting about three or four times at my university,” Burke said. “I’m definitely not a [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, performed a series of exercises during the Army Combat Fitness Test at Fort Knox, Ky. on July 19, 2023. The ACFT measures Cadets’ physical fitness and endurance through a series of exercises, such as hand-release push-ups, planks and the deadlift. Cadet Cheyenne Dean from Auburn University is familiar with the ACFT as she has conducted the test previously and also comes from a military family. “I joined ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps), because I knew early on that I wanted to be an officer,” Dean said. “My dad was a Military [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, practiced shooting during the Group and Zero training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 17, 2023. Group and Zero prepares Cadets for weapons qualification by ensuring their Close Combat Optic (CCO) is on point. Cadet Dabin Kim from Drexel University, was confident going into the training despite not having a lot of experience with shooting. “I, myself don’t have much experience,” Kim said. “I’ve only shot an M4 [carbine rifle] once, but I’m confident that I’ll do fine based off of what I’ve learned from some of the other non-commissioned officers (NCOs) [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, listened to instruction at multiple different stations during Fire Movement Training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 16, 2023. The FMT showed Cadets how to conduct a mission by teaching them skills such as field maintenance, indirect fire reaction, how to use face paint, crawling methods and land navigation tactics. Cadet Grace Thomas from Shippensburg University, enjoyed the training despite it being new to her. “This is all brand new to me, but I love it,” Thomas said. “I really hope to do it more in the future, and I want to [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. —1st Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets crawled through the Night Infiltration Course (NIC) at Fort Knox, Ky. on July 14, 2023. NIC introduces Cadets to the sounds of the battlefield by having them low-crawl across an approximately 100-meter field with bullets being shot overhead. Cadet Nicholas Mahon from The Citadel, learned new skills as he navigated the course. “This is all new to me,” Mahon said. “I learned land navigation, battle strategies and tactics, and field operations.” Even though this training was new to Mahon, he used his strengths gathered from previous training to not only guide himself but [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, reviewed medical procedures and procedures on very high frequency radios to prepare them for simulated exercises during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 9, 2023. Cadets reviewed Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) procedures, such as wound care and proper transportation of an injured person. Cadet Jimmy Coleman from Texas A&M University, had prior experience with first aid training exercises through his university’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. “A&M trains us pretty well,” Coleman said. “We’ve been training on this stuff since freshmen year, so it’s a good refresher.” Coleman [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, worked together to complete a series of obstacles during the Field Leader Reaction Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 7, 2023. FLRC is designed to build Cadets’ leadership and teamwork skills by having them complete challenging obstacles within a time limit. It requires quick decision making and trust in each other. Cadet Corey Coombs from Texas State University, faced some anxiety during one of the courses, in which Cadets had to get themselves and a heavy box across ropes and over a wall. “I was a little skeptical, because for this [...]