Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, pose for a photo during a situational training exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., August 2nd, 2023. STX helps Cadets build confidence in the field and in their standard operating procedures. | Photo by Danielle Smith, Ohio University, CST Public Affairs Office Special Awards Recipients AUSA Leadership Excellence AwardCadet Mark Suggs, Duke University First Command Financial Services AwardCadet Madison Cesnick, West Virginia University USAA Warrior Spirit AwardCadet Justin Kearney, Fayetteville State University Armed Forces Bank AwardCadet Michael Zirpola, Troy University ARNG Minuteman AwardCadet Matthew Brunton, Purdue University Reserve Organization of America AwardCadet Grace Kirtley, Vanderbilt University […]

Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp attend their graduation ceremony at Fort Knox, Ky., August 8, 2023. Graduation marks the end of Cadet Summer Training for 8th Regiment, pushing them one step closer to becoming Army officers. | Photo by Nathan Abbott, Ball State University, CST Public Affairs Office. Special Awards Recipients AUSA Leadership Excellence AwardCadet Andrew Gotshall, University of Portland First Command Financial Services AwardCadet Andrew Gotshall, University of Portland USAA Warrior Spirit AwardCadet Andrew Calvert, University of New Hampshire Armed Forces Bank Performance AwardCadet Tomas Romero, University of Arizona ARNG Minuteman AwardCadet William Velazquez-Morales, University of South Florida Reserve […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp completed the high ropes course at the Forest Hills Climbing Complex on Fort Knox, Ky., August 1, 2023. The high ropes course consists of the Rudder’s Rope Course, two Alpine towers and a rock wall. Each course is designed to help Cadets overcome their fears in a fun and challenging way.  “First, we did the Rudder’s Rope Course which involves a lot of climbing, crawling across ropes and then a little zipline at the end,” said Cadet Jason Dzik, University of Delaware. “Then, we went to these Alpine towers, which is […]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, participated in the Military Blood Drive at Fort Knox, Ky., August 3, 2023. The Military Blood Drive allows Cadets to have their blood drawn which is tested and collected to be given to service members, Department of Defense employees and civilian families in need. Cadet Melissa Esswein from the University of Michigan shares her thoughts pertaining to the blood drive. “I think the blood drive is important because it’s a great way to give back to the community,” Esswein said. “In a military setting, accidents happen, people get injured, and it’s […]

Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp attend their graduation ceremony at Fort Knox, Ky., August 3, 2023. Graduation marks the end of Cadet Summer Training for 7th Regiment, pushing them one step closer to becoming Army officers. | Photo by Nathan Abbott, Ball State University, CST Public Affairs Office. Special Awards Recipients AUSA Leadership Excellence AwardCadet Matthew K. Matula, Norwich University First Command Financial Services AwardCadet Christian T. Wood, Eastern Illinois University USAA Warrior Spirit AwardCadet Owen C. Farquer, Illinois University Armed Forces Bank Performance AwardCadet Ryan J. Morehouse, University of Tennessee at Knoxville ARNG Minuteman AwardCadet Chaim I. Zuniga, Brigham […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadet Anna Johnson from Michigan State University, Advanced Camp, 8th Regiment, recovers after the Field Training Exercise, at Densberger, Fort Knox, Ky., August 2, 2023. While cleaning her M-4 Carbine Rifle, Johnson described the pressure she felt while working together with her entire platoon to complete tactical missions in the field. “When you’re under stress or under pressure, you start to see a different side of people and how they develop as leaders,” Johnson explained. “At the baseline everyone has to know these tactics and the basics of being a Soldier, so working as a whole not […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – During Cadet Summer Training, Cadets from Advanced Camp, 7th Regiment, donate blood at the Armed Services Blood Program’s blood drive at Smith Gym, Fort Knox, Ky., July 31, 2023.   Throughout CST, the Armed Services Blood Program hosts multiple blood drives, giving Cadets the opportunity to potentially save lives through their blood donations. Sgt. Andrew Smith III from Fort Moore, Ga., explained why the blood drive is an important activity for Cadets to participate in. “These Cadets are going to be our future leaders, so we want to get it in their mind that once they become […]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from the 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their Warrior Skills training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 30, 2023. The Warrior Skills training is an event that teaches and improves Cadets’ tactical skills for the field. Cadets learn about the fundamentals of munitions and practice what they have learned in a hands-on environment. Cadet Elena Oliver from Pacific Lutheran University shares her thoughts on the Warrior Skills training. “I think I did pretty well, and it was nice to refresh our skills in the field,” Oliver said. “It was good to interact with everything, and see how […]

FORT KNOX, KY. – Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, engage in various tactical training exercises during warrior skills at Fort Knox, Ky., July 29, 2023. Warrior skills teaches the Cadets foundational knowledge about grenades, handling an M240 machine gun, and proper field movements that are continuously built upon throughout Cadet Summer Training.   Cadet Eden Hyatt, University of Connecticut, participated in warrior skills and she acknowledges the importance of this training. “We’re essentially trying to prep for two things; both tactical awareness and leadership,” said Hyatt. “Warrior skills ensure that we are prepped so that we can teach and lead […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.,–Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp completed their Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training on Fort Knox, Ky., July 29, 2023. CBRN is seen as major obstacle for Cadets to complete their training, and Cadet Keaton Silver, Ole Miss, shares his knowledge from prior experiences with the confidence chamber. “The first time I ever went through the chamber, I thought to myself, ‘Oh wow this is easy, I’m never going to have a problem with CBRN’. I’d been in one of the earliest groups so I barely felt it,” Silver said. “The next FTX we went on I was […]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from the 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their Tactical Combat Casualty Care training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 29, 2023. The TCCC is an event that teaches Cadets important life-saving strategies during a battlefield scenario. This training is crucial to becoming a well-rounded leader and Commissioned Officer in the likelihood of a battle-related injury. Cadet Robert Carr shares his thoughts on the process of TCCC. “We learned about how to use radios, about formations, and how to move injured soldiers on a stretcher to the casualty collection point and get to a medevac,” Carr said. “This […]

Special Awards Recipients AUSA Leadership Excellence AwardCadet Shane McCutcheon, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University First Command Financial Services AwardCadet Nagee Smith, Fayetteville State University USAA Warrior Spirit AwardCadet Maddie Hippensteal, Bucknell University Armed Forces Bank Performance AwardCadet Madison Kierein, Arizona State University ARNG Minuteman AwardCadet Dylan Green, University of North Georgia Reserve Organization of America AwardCadet Madelyn Hansen, University of Wisconsin at La Crosse Military Officers Association of America AwardCadet Theordore Race, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Military Order of the World Wars AwardCadet Riley Mix, University of Arizona Bold Leader Spirit AwardCadet Matthew Williiams, Bowie State University Magellan Federal High Performer AwardCadet […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their land navigation qualification at Fort Knox, Ky., July 28, 2023. Armed with a compass, protractor, pencil, map, and a list of coordinates, the Cadets set out, fueled by determination, to find each of their points in under 4 hours. “Today we’re conducting a day land nav., where we are supposed to find three to four points on the course,” said Cadet David Nevarez, Middle Tennessee State University. “When I first got my points, my goal was to make some type of plan to get from my first point to […]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from the 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their Rappel Tower training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 28, 2023. The 64-foot Rappel Tower teaches Cadets to trust in their equipment and themselves to descend the tower. Cadets learn to be confident and brave when faced with the challenges presented at this training event. Cadet Kade Blackwell from Tarleton State University in Dallas, Tx, shares his thoughts on the Rappel Tower. “I was pretty confident at this event, and I knew most of the process for the rappel tower,” Blackwell said. “It is exciting to jump off the […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Confidence Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 28, 2023.  The Confidence Course consists of ten obstacles that are designed to physically and mentally challenge Cadets. Despite how intimidating the obstacles may look, the purpose of the Confidence Course is to build confidence in Cadets.   One of the obstacles from the confidence course was named the belly over. It’s where Cadets have to get their stomach on top of a log, then roll over to the opposite side. Cadet Alexis Rivera from Central Michigan University talked about her personal experience […]

FORT KNOX, Ky., — Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, entered the second stage of their Field Training Exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., July 26, 2023.  Spending a total of 12 days in the field, Cadets complete groups of exercises, which are divided into 3 parts: Wolverine, Panther, and Grizzly. The Cadets are challenged mentally and physically before their skills are graded on the last day.  “We’re on our second mission, on the first day of Panther, and we’re completing an area defense,” said Cadet Phillip Jones, Alabama A&M. “Leadership is still processing the last few parts of our plan to […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—When you don’t know where you want your story to lead, pursuing a path in the Army can provide a place to start. Whether looking for a way to give back to the family that’s dedicated themselves to providing you with opportunities or to carry on a legacy of service, the Army can provide that foundation. For Cadet Alex Park, University of Pittsburgh, 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, the Army gave him the tools he needed to begin writing his own story of gratitude through his service. “My journey started back in high school. I graduated pretty young, so I […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadet Malachi Gilbert from Alabama A&M University, Basic Camp, 3rd Regiment, smiled as he turned in his target during Group and Zero training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 26, 2023.  At Group and Zero training, Cadets apply the fundamentals of shooting while aiming to improve upon their individual marksmanship skills. Gilbert described his experience shooting at the range.  “I tried to take it minute-by-minute, second-by-second,” Gilbert said. “The gunfire coming from the person next to me startled me a little bit, but at least I was able to focus on my target.”  Group and Zero puts’ Cadets […]

Special Awards Recipients Military Order of the Purple Heart Badge of Merit AwardCadet Anna England, University of North Alabama Military Order of the World Wars AwardCadet Malia Jenkins, Howard University Military Officers Association of America AwardCadet Michael Carvajal, University of Vermont AUSA Warrior Ethos AwardCadet Thomas Demuse, University of North Dakota First Command Financial Services AwardCadet Joeseph Kepple, Valley Forge Military College Armed Forces Bank Performance AwardCadet Kyra Schmoker, University of New Mexico Reserve Organization of America AwardCadet Jonathan Braswell, Bethel College Society of American Military Engineers AwardCadet Bryant Dixon, University of Memphis Bold Leader Spirit AwardCadet Matthew Patterson, Texas State […]

 FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from the 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Situational Training Exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., July 23, 2023. STX is an event that focuses on squad communication and tactics in a combat-like setting in order to qualify and become future U.S. Army leaders. Multiple scenarios test Cadets on their ability to work as a team and carry out their responsibilities in a timely manner. Cadet Trey Crow, from Harding University, shares his thoughts about the process of the STX. “It just helps you to learn teamwork with the new group of soldiers that you have just […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.— 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets Hayden Eoff, The Citadel, and Sung Jae Kim, University of Oklahoma, share a bit of their experience after completing their group and zero at Handiboe Range on Fort Knox, Ky., July 24, 2023. In order to complete Cadet Summer Training, Cadets must go through their M4 carbine qualifications. This process take place over several days where Cadets gain marksmanship skills and learn how to properly utilize their weapons before their final qualifications. “Basic riflemanship is one of the essential soldier tasks. It’s something that, no matter what you do in the Army, you […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Armed with only their wits and a gas mask, Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, faced the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear chamber at Fort Knox, Ky. July 24, 2023. Many Cadets go into the chamber to challenge themselves in a different environment by preparing them for possible encounters with toxic substances in the future. “CBRN is the process and the description of being able to defend yourself from chemical warfare or any attack,” said Cadet Taylor Randazzo, Texas State. “We’re learning how to don a pro mask and how to protect ourselves against that chemical warfare […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadet Triston Eddlemon from Western Illinois University, Advanced Camp, 9th Regiment, watches his fellow squad members practice their first aid skills during Tactical Combat Casualty Care training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 24, 2023. During TCCC, Cadets learn about the standard procedures and practices they would use in the event of a medical emergency involving a casualty. “Currently the Cadets are running through lanes where they are assessing a casualty for possible injuries, addressing those injuries, and treating them,” Eddlemon explained. “You never know when something bad is going to happen. If somebody sustains an injury, you […]

Special Awards Recipients AUSA Leadership Excellence AwardCadet Clark N. Kelley, Florida International University First Command Financial Services AwardCadet Daniel J. Richter, Youngstown State University USAA Warrior Spirit AwardCadet Sawyer C. Davis, University of North Georgia Armed Forces Bank Performance AwardCadet Steffon M. Savage, Alcorn State University ARNG Minuteman AwardCadet Judah D. Wolf, University of New Orleans Reserve Organization of America AwardCadet Nielsen P. Lundgren, Weber State University Military Officers Association of America AwardCadet Tavia P. Rapozo, University of San Francisco Military Order of the World Wars AwardCadet Declan J. Kapusta, Norwich University Bold Leader Spirit AwardCadet Benjamin J. Gessner, Austin Peay […]