Drill Sergeants want you to know it’s not like the movies, at least not anymore. While some things will always stay the same — like respecting authority, physical training and reciting the soldier’s creed — today’s drill sergeants double as powerful change-makers in the U.S. Army, and their job training Army Soldiers is more important than ever. Drill Sgt. Ariel McClain came to Cadet Summer Training (CST) to teach Cadets from 3rd Regiment Basic Camp. She typically starts her work day around 04:00. “It’s long hours, [I’m] here from before the sun goes up, sometimes until the sun goes down, working [...]

For Cadets at Cadet Summer Training (CST), completing the Basic or Advanced Camp obstacle courses is a rite of passage. For visiting motivational speaker and double amputee Spc. (Ret.) J.P. Lane, it’s a chance to show off his willpower, determination and Iron Man legs. Lane, a former 12 Bravo Combat Engineer deployed to Afghanistan, lost both of his legs in 2011 to a 200-pound improvised explosive device (IED), also known as a roadside bomb, while clearing routes on a mission. In addition to the amputations, Lane underwent 28 surgeries repairing 26 injuries to his spine, his right arm and his torso, [...]

Entering the Kentucky wilderness, 3rd Regiment Basic Camp Cadets participated in Field Craft Training on July 21, 2021, where they learned tips and tricks for their upcoming Field Training Exercise (FTX). Cadets first learned how to set up a patrol base, a temporary area with a security perimeter where Soldiers spend less than 24 hours and are assigned specific tasks. Patrol bases are typically used to eliminate movement in dangerous areas, to plan and issue orders, to account for weapons and equipment, and to eat and rest. Cadets practiced nonverbal communication cues and set up their security in a triangle pattern, [...]

Cadets from 9th Regiment Advanced Camp attended chemistry class on July 21, 2021, except this time, the classroom was outdoors in the hot Kentucky summer, the professors were Cadre from across the U.S. Army, and the topic was CBRN: chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training.  Starting off their morning, Cadets learned how to effectively react to these hazardous substances by donning their Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear in allotted timeframes. Most importantly, these future Army officers had to efficiently put their gas masks on in nine seconds or less.  “There is a possibility we could encounter it [CBRN] in the future,” said Gabe [...]

Cadets from 11th Regiment Advanced Camp put their lifesaving skills to the test during Warrior Skills training on July 16, 2021. They learned Call for Fire and Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), two important sets of skills that could potentially save their battle buddies’ lives. Call for Fire involves suppression of the enemy by indirect fire from field artillery using a radio and target location descriptions to pinpoint the area. Cadets find the location on a map and go through a series of steps communicating messages clearly and quickly with the field artillery unit when soldiers on the ground are unable [...]

9th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets, especially those who love video games, showed off their marksmanship skills during Engagement Skills Training (EST) on July 16, 2021. Much like immediate feedback from a gaming system, EST connects the virtual world to real world experiences. “The Army figured out a way to replicate what real-life shooting would be like. We can use something virtual, on the screen, and we can still learn from that,” said Alexander Pizana, University of Illinois at Chicago. The simulation allows Cadets to enhance skills they acquired just days before at Primary Marksmanship Instruction (PMI). During PMI, Cadets receive in-depth [...]

Cadets from 1st Regiment Basic Camp were introduced to the concept of Land Navigation on July 11, 2021. For most Basic Camp Cadets, this was the first time they learned to find their way without a phone or GPS. Cadets rotated through three courses, learning how to properly use a compass, identify terrain features on a map, and set their pace count, or how many steps they take when walking a distance of 100 meters on flat ground. During Land Navigation, Cadets receive randomly assigned coordinate points that they will plot on a map using their protractor. Using the map, they [...]

As 1st Regiment Basic Camp Cadets exited their required 10-day COVID-19 monitoring period, they entered Handiboe Gun Range, firing live rounds with their M4’s while learning how to properly group and zero their weapons. For many Basic Camp Cadets, like Cadet Colby Lane, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Cadet Deja Whitt, University of Guam, Group & Zero served as their first time firing a weapon. “It’s about weapon safety, getting more comfortable with weapons in general, and gaining confidence on the range,” said Whitt. Prior to Group & Zero, Cadets attended Primary Marksmanship Instruction (PMI) where they received in-depth training [...]

4th Regiment Cadets were seen emerging from deep in the woods for refit day on the morning of July 5, 2021, in Fort Knox, Ky. Refit serves as a break day for Cadets completing their Field Training Exercise (FTX). Cadets are able to wash their uniforms, hang out in air-conditioned tents, and spend some time out of the field. “It gives us a chance to rest our feet a little bit and rehydrate. We should be getting a hot meal tonight which is really exciting after eating MRE’s all the time in the field,” said Cadet Alexandra Bisaccia, Siena College. 4th [...]

3rd Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets are on the last leg of Cadet Summer Training (CST), and on their way to becoming Commissioned Officers in the Army. As a final challenge, Cadets are put to the test during their Field Training Exercise (FTX), a 12-day-long event where Cadets live in the woods, encountering ticks, pouring rain, and opposing forces.   FTX not only assesses a Cadet’s physical capabilities, but it also teaches them how to adapt and depend on their leadership skills. In fact, leadership is at the forefront of every decision made in the field. FTX is divided into three phases: wolverine, [...]

A compass, a map and a protractor are a Cadet’s only companions during Land Navigation. While the journey may seem long and strenuous, Cadets possess all they need to succeed. Land Navigation is often one of the most daunting for Cadets as a must-pass event during Cadet Summer Training. Battling the elements of the Kentucky wilderness and humidity is only one part of that challenge. Every Cadet is tasked with finding three out of four assigned points on a map within four hours. 6th Regiment Advanced Camp Charlie and Delta Companies braved the rain in the early morning on July 1, [...]