FORT KNOX, Ky. – After a year of planning and three months of execution, Cadet Summer Training (CST) 2019 has come to a close. The single largest training operation in the entire United States Army, CST trains over 10,000 Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets from universities across the nation in 100 days to prepare them for their future careers as Army Officers.  One of the CST core planners Maj. Juan Renaud explained how planning for CST is a process which begins nearly a year in advance for each summer.  “This allows task force leaders, commanders and other planners time to [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm-ABbPk7ro[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – “The Army will come and go, but family will always be there,” said CSM Timothy Guden, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, to Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp, at their graduation on August 11.  Family and loved ones traveled from near and far to see their Cadets graduate. For some Cadets, military service is a familial legacy which they are now continuing.  “I am not the first in my family to join the military. I am joining a long line of family members in service. It’s a family business,” said Cadet Cameron Cloutier. In [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp conducted an attack to destroy mission during their field training exercise (FTX), August 8. “An attack to destroy mission involves taking an objective by surprise and destroying where the enemy was placed so they can’t return and use it as a stronghold,” explained Cadet Layton Shorus, attending the University of Alabama in Huntsville. As they approached the opposing force’s base, 11th Regiment Cadets opened fire and quickly made their way toward the objective using individual movement techniques. During their assault, Cadets sought cover while communicating with each other over the sound [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp walked away from branch orientation enlightened and excited, August 8.  Branch orientation is an opportunity for Cadets to learn about the different branches of the Army from non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and officers in those branches. It may be the first time that Cadets are exposed to the array of potential careers available to them after they commission.  Cadet Emily Heil, attending Murray State University, decided to attend the special operations branch brief because of a pamphlet she had received.  “I am studying medicine at my university,” said Heil. “Apparently there is [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp got to shower and rest before embarking on their 12-mile foot march from TAA Densberger to their barracks, August 6. Before arriving at TAA Densberger, Cadets conducted their field training exercise (FTX) in the dense woods for over a week. There was a refit opportunity between each of the FTX lanes for Cadets every few days which allowed them to organize their rucksacks and relax before continuing their training. “Today is our first time taking a shower in four days,” said Cadet Zachary Suchy. With graduation in sight, the Florida Southern [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNNzeYQXSfU[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – After being trained in Army fundamentals for the past month, 4th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets had the opportunity to engage with Cadre – and even some equipment – during branch orientation, August 4. For most Cadets, finding a branch that interested them was not so difficult. One Cadet from Norfolk State University plans to pursue a career in the medical services branch because of his passion for medicine and serving others. “Growing up I had family that served in the medical field. I am studying medicine in school right now,” said Cadet Nathan Foster. “I [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZlGrPxV5lU[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 6th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets tackled the team development course (TDC) as part of their leadership development, August 3. The course evaluates Cadets on their ability to plan and execute objectives in simulated tactical scenarios with limited resources. The TDC is challenging as it requires Cadets to remain cohesive within their squads. “Everyone has different ideas and is capable of different movements,” said Cadet Christy Morales, attending the University of Central Arkansas. “We eventually got specific people to do specific things and others just followed as needed.” Throughout the course, squad leadership rotates giving more [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOEz1ltN7nc[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – “You made it. You can be justifiably proud of your accomplishments this past month,” said Gen. Paul E. Funk II, August 1. Graduation for the 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets was both a culmination and beginning event as Funk, commanding general, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), noted. “Your training is far from complete,” Funk told the Cadets. “My promise to you, as the TRADOC commander, is that we will maintain a laser focus on preparing you to be warriors and leaders that soldiers deserve.” In his commencement speech, Funk offered the Cadets some leadership [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CCo5MyOXPc[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. –  Advanced Camp Cadets of 11th Regiment reviewed their platoon standard operating procedures (SOPs) in preparation for their upcoming field training exercise (FTX), July 30.  According to Army Training Publication 3-90.90, an SOP provides the instructions for performing an operating procedure, which is an approved process to complete a complex task. “An SOP details how, when, and why we move during a mission,” said Cadet Braxton McDuffie attending The Citadel. “Reviewing SOPs ensures that everyone is on the same page. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s ‘aha’ moment.” Every Army unit has its own SOP that [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtJ5chAPwDY[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – With 35 pounds on their back, camouflage on their faces and the dark morning sky above them, 10th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets foot marched eight miles to TAA Densberger to prepare for their next field training exercise (FTX) lane.  On this particular movement, Cadets silently marched in two columns in what is known as a tactical formation to prepare them for combat situations after they commission.  “During a tactical formation, we avoid enemy detection by remaining silent,” said Cadet Brandon Piccinini, attending Auburn University. “We also don’t wear lights so that we can maintain stealth [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_j_mJJwRlE[/embedyt] FORT KNOX – 11th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets’ confidence and teamwork were put to the test as they climbed, crawled and weaved their way through the confidence course, July 27. Today marked the last iteration of training on the course for Cadet Summer Training (CST) 2019. “After the Cadets complete their training here today, we [Cadre] put everything away until next summer,” said Sgt. Frank Marscelli from San Diego State University. Staff Sgt. Mark Minnmann, a reservist stationed at Fort Knox, said that being a CST instructor had been a fun experience. “I am used to working with call [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIe2y_IRcbQ[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Throughout Cadet Summer Training, Shower and Laundry Specialists from Puerto Rico standby to provide warm showers and clean laundry for Cadets who are training in the field. For many of the specialists, this summer is their first time at Fort Knox. The nature of Cadet Summer Training (CST) operations provides a unique experience for them as their mission is uninterrupted by tactical operations. “We have had assignments in places where we needed to have security,” said 1st Lt. Bianca Viruet, referring to combat deployments the 430th Quartermaster Co. participated in over the years. “Tactical situations [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcko90yshPQ[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Rappelling may not have been in the repertoire of all 10th Regiment Cadets prior to Advanced Camp, but each one of them bounded down the 60-foot rappel tower, July 22. 1st Lt. Jason Keniston, the 10th Regiment chaplain, explained how the rappel training at Advanced Camp readies Cadets for their career as commissioned officers. “The rappel training prepares Cadets for combat situations but primarily demonstrates how overcoming fear is feasible,” said Keniston. “Everyone goes up the tower with some sort of fear. All Cadets have to do is trust their leadership, trainers, equipment and the [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZfbHQ6X-iU[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets conducted a platoon attack against opposing forces (OPFOR) as part of their second field training exercise (FTX II), July 21.  FTX II is the run phase of FTX, meaning that Cadets coordinate their maneuvers completely independent of Cadre assistance. At the end of each mission however, Cadre guide Cadets’ after-action reviews (AARs) to explain where Cadets made errors and how they can correct them in future.  “During each mission we learn something new, especially during the AARs. We take a lot from them,” said Cadet Kiera Dixon, attending the University [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The Cadets of 7th Regiment Advanced Camp performed a simulated platoon attack during their field training exercise (FTX), July 17. The training Cadets received was part of the walk phase of FTX, meaning that they were assisted by cadre. The Cadets’ mission was to assault an objective held by an opposing force (OPFOR), establish security and assess casualties before proceeding to conduct an after-action review (AAR) The Army’s Vice Chief of Staff, Gen. James McConville was visiting Cadet Summer Training and observed the platoon’s assault and participated in the AAR.  Although his visit was brief, McConville spoke [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YA5hvhCuCk[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 5th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets were reunited with their families before officially graduating from Cadet Summer Training, July 18. Family members rejoiced in seeing their Cadets on family day after having been separated from them while they trained. While family day warrants Cadets a free pass to leave Fort Knox in the company of loved ones, it also marks the eve of advanced camp graduation. “I’m very excited to be done with camp,” said Cadet Benjamin Sorg. “It’s been a long time coming. It feels good.” Before being released to see their Cadets, family members [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJWkoQ9CsnA[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 2nd Regiment Basic Camp Cadets were introduced to small unit tactics at Mill Creek Range, July 15. Each one of the eight lanes on the range introduced a fundamental Army tactic with a classroom component. Every lane assessed Cadets on their knowledge of the concept after a lesson taught by cadre. The cadre at Mill Creek Range make up what is known as a Total Army Force, meaning that they represent National Guard, Reserve and Active Duty Army components. “We [the cadre] are all leaders here in order to make the Army better,” said 2nd [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5O-fQfQ6fU[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets completed their rigorous confidence course training, 12 July. “The objective of this training is to build confidence and teamwork within each squad,” said Sgt. Frank Marscelli from San Diego State University. “Cadets aren’t expected to be tactically proficient, rather resilient and motivated. We [cadre] want to see how the Cadets lead each other.” Throughout the course, Cadets must maneuver themselves with agility under low wires, over steep hurdles, up towering ladders and down shaky cargo nets. Sgt. 1st Class Clayton Mayberry, a cadre on the course, compared the confidence course [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yDOtEEDDro[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. 10 July – “Cadets will implement the training they receive today during the most dangerous times of their career,” said Lt. Col. Jesus Cruz. “This training will prepare Cadets to keep themselves and their soldiers alive. This is arguably the most important training they will receive.” 1st Regiment Basic Camp Cadets began their field training exercise (FTX) preparation with eight comprehensive courses focused on fundamental battle drills.  The first of the courses that Basic Camp Cadets encountered was the Individual Movement Technique (IMT) Range. Every 50 meters Cadets engaged an objective with blanks to simulate gunfire. [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvVlCY0tl2g[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – As the fog lifted from George Blair Range, 8th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets began their weapons qualification, July 7.  “The objective is for all the Cadets to qualify,” said Capt. Patrick Laine, a cadre on the range. “Before weapons qualification, Cadets were taught how to group and zero their shots. They learned to make adjustments based on how they hit a stationary target.” Unlike their previous practice rounds, Cadets shot pop-up targets from three different positions. Each iteration of weapons qualification began with Cadets lying in the prone supported  position, which provides the most stability [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioeFtAhbzZk[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 1st Regiment Basic Camp Cadets began their live weapons training with group and zero, 6 July.   “Today is about establishing familiarity with the weapon [M4 rifle],” said Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Smith, a cadre member at Riley Range. “The objective of group and zero is for Cadets to safely shoot a weapon and hopefully zero.” From a prone position, Cadets zero their iron sights on a target 25-meters away using the front and rear sight posts on their rifles for accuracy.  For many Basic Camp Cadets, firing a live weapon is a novelty. Cadet Kendyl [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4f6QwUCCLg[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – After three days of preparation, 6th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets shot live ammunition on their final day of buddy team live-fire training, 3 July.  “We prepare the Cadets to do what is called a buddy team live fire, which is basically moving and shooting with a fellow soldier,” explained Sgt. Matthew Rinen, an instructor on the range and . “It is meant to improve their confidence, teach them to communicate as a pair, move down a battlefield to an assaultive objective and ultimately throw a grenade.” With cadre by their sides acting as safeties, Cadets [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keE3KMENXeI[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets were briefed on hazardous Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons before entering what is called the confidence chamber, 1 July.  Inside the chamber, Cadets are exposed to the simulated effects of CBRN weapons with a concentrated tear gas that irritates skin, eyes and the respiratory system. Cadets enter the chamber with masks dawned and sealed. After a series of tests to check that their equipment is properly functioning, Cadets are instructed to break the seal on their masks and expose themselves to the gas. The objective of this training [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – “By virtue of the fact that you are all sitting here right now means you are infinitely successful,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Gregory, from The University of Hawaii, to the Cadets of 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, Bravo Company. “You have different experiences and backgrounds which means that you have a different way of viewing the world based on those prior experiences.” 8th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets had to work in squads to complete the Field Leadership Reaction Course (FLRC), this morning, as part of their leadership development. “So far, the only thing Cadets have had to do [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – A desolate confidence course is abruptly rushed by 5th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets ready to train, June 27. The confidence course involves a series of obstacles Cadets complete with their battle buddies prior to braving the rappel tower. “They are tested on three primary competencies: confidence, courage, and teamwork,” said Capt. Patrick O’Neil, from Central Michigan University. “It’s about maintaining squad integrity and encouraging each other.” 5th Regiment Cadets were by no means short on encouragement. While they waited for their turn to attempt each obstacle, Cadets cheered for their battle buddies who were completing their attempts. “It’s pretty [...]