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.- Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp perform combat casualty care as part of first aid testing. This is a mandatory pass event for the Cadets due to its importance to know throughout a Soldier’s career. Cadets began testing during the early morning hours and continued throughout the afternoon. One by one, they performed standard first aid treatment in front of a Cadre member who monitored the treatment. “Today we’re being tested on tactical field training and first aid. Specifically, we are required to properly bandage wounds, apply tourniquets, open airways, CPR, and apply fresh dressings,” stated Cadet Christ […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – It was a rough morning for Cadets from 2nd Platoon, C Company, 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, as they lost a third of their platoon in a defensive battle exercise July 23, 2018. “Yesterday, we had taken a mortar position from some Op-For (opposing forces),” Cadet Eric Ward, University of Minnesota, explained  “Today our mission was to defend that position for a period of time, from 0900 in the morning to 2000 tonight.” They had been expecting the enemy to come any time from 0900 onward. As they waited, people were starting to fall asleep. However, platoon leader […]

Fort Knox, KY- With the sun beaming down on George Blair Range, Cadets of Delta Company, 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp are prepared to qualify with their M4s, on the afternoon of July 24. Qualifications with the air cooled, gas operated and magazine fed rifles consists of Cadets shooting pop-up targets that range from 25 to 300 meters. Cadets are given 2 out of 3 sets of 40 rounds worth of ammo to practice their shooting techniques. In the prone supported, prone unsupported positions and the kneeling positions inside of a foxhole, Cadets start using their breathing, aiming and trigger squeeze techniques to […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – When I say “land,” you say “nav!” yelled 2nd Lt. Eddie Quinton as Cadets anxiously listened through their morning briefing. Land Navigation, a must-pass event for these 9thRegiment, Advanced Camp Cadets requires Cadets to successfully locate at least three of four points within four hours. “We all have a compass, a protractor and a map of the area and they’ll basically give us a card with four points,” said Platoon Sergeant, Cadet Nathanial Gafford from Liberty University. “With that, we’ll have to plot our points on the map… navigate where we’re going, utilize azimuths and successfully find our […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – It was a strenuous morning for 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets, as they made their way through the Confidence Course and down the Rappel Tower July 22, 2018. To start off the day, the Cadets began with demonstrations from Cadre who lead the training, showing them the rappeling process and how to complete each obstacle. Many Cadets arrived unsure of themselves and with fear in their eyes. “I don’t like heights, so that was definitely something that I had to overcome,” Cadet Natosha Courtney from Mississippi State University said, still shaken after completing the Confidence Course. The Cadets […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets started their Squad Training Exercises at Fort Knox July 23. Cadets huddle around their Cadre as they learn about tactical exercises. Capt. Francisco Ramirez, State University of New York, works closely with this group of Cadets and guides them on the proper ways to set up and run their missions. According to Ramirez the training gives Cadets from different programs, with different levels of support, a standard way of doing missions. “I try and go step by step,” Ramirez said “that way everybody has the exact same information.” The training consists of […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from A Company, 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp took on all the bumps and bruises involved in rappelling a 64-foot tower and conquering an obstacle course on July 23. The company received a safety brief and a demonstration on the Rappel Tower before being split into two groups. Before entering the Rappel Tower, the Cadets learned how to tie a Swiss seat then continued on to a slanted wall to ease into rappelling. After getting their Swiss seats re-checked, they climbed the stairs to the top of the tower to go off the walled portion or the […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – As one of their final field training exercises, Cadets from 4th Platoon, Alpha Company, 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp defend their newly acquired territory from an opposing platoon in a swift firefight on July 21, 2018. Being placed back into the field after inclimate weather the night before, the Cadets had their boots back on the ground in the early morning to reclaim their position. “We set up an objective rally point,” stated Cadet Kurtlynd McLane, New Mexico State University. “[Then], we scouted out this area to make sure it was still cleared… Right now we are just […]

Ft. Knox, KY- Cadets of Bravo Company, 9th Regiment were up early to receive intensive training in Call for Fire. As these Cadets rubbed their eyes and had their morning stretch, they were all concentrated on what the day had in store for them. With over an hour and a half of classroom lectures, protractors, binoculars and their trusty canteens, these Cadets received thorough training in requesting artillery fires to destroy or disrupt the enemy. Call for Fire requires Cadets to quickly locate enemy tanks and report it to an observer. After reporting coordinates, it is the Cadet’s responsibility to destroy the […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—9th Regiment, Advanced Camp completed their chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear, otherwise known as CBRN, confidence training—but this time with a birthday twist. CBRN confidence training is where Cadets learn about MOPP gear and then they go through the gas chamber. MOPP gear consists of boots, pants, a jacket, a gas mask, and gloves. Cadets have to be able to dawn all of the equipment in less than eight minutes and they have to be able to properly seal their mask in less than two minutes. Once inside the chamber, Cadets are lead through a little bit of PT. Once […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—9th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets were tested to shoot down pop-up targets during the Weapons Qualification July 21, 2018, at George Blair Range. Shooting practice is one of the most exciting events that happens for Cadets during their summer training. The weapon qualification helps Cadets prepare for future collective training and have confidence in their weapon systems. Cadets learned fundamental skills of shooting at their universities such as breathing, trigger squeeze or body positioning. Every Soldier and, particularly, every Officer should be familiar with the weapon systems. Alexandra Branson, St. Cloud State University, has been a national guard for […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—10thRegiment, Advanced Camp completed their Army Physical Fitness Test. On a cool and clear morning, 10thRegiment, Advanced Camp lined up and waited to take their PT test. The current APFT is made up of three events: two-minute push-ups, sit-ups, and a timed two-mile run. The APFT is a must pass event for Advanced Camp and a Cadet must score a minimum of 60 points in each category. “It’s exciting to get up this morning and do something physical since we’ve been in-processing for two days,” commented Cadet Roderick Jamieson, Boston University.

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.—6th Regiment, Advanced Camp puts their skills to the test at the largest part of their training here at Fort Knox: Field Training Exercises. The FTX is the largest part of the training Cadets take part in during their time at Cadet Summer Training. The FTX is designed to be the “run” stage of their tactical knowledge. Prior to coming to the FTX, they complete the crawl and walk phases at the STX Lanes. FTX is where all the missions Cadet leadership run have to be done all on their own. Cadets receive operational orders from Cadre about the missions […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Good times never seemed so good when Cadets from C Company, 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp went through Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear training on July 19. At 7AM, the Cadets grounded their gear at the CBRN training site. The company was briefed before being separated into platoons and squads for Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear training. MOPP gear, consisting of a gas mask, gloves, boot covers, and a hooded suit, is designed to protect Soldiers in a toxic environment. Cadet Adam Minor, a student at Ohio State University, served in the 135th Military Police Company before joining […]

Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp spent their morning learning proper ambush techniques and teamwork during their Situational Training Exercise (STX). As Cadets took on day three of the 15-day field training, Cadre gathered the future leaders to explain proper ambush techniques. Once the Cadets were briefed on their mission, it was time to rehearse. For Cadet Jacob Roberts of Towson University, missions remind him what it means to be a leader in the United States Army. “We are all here to learn to be leaders and be able to take instruction and implement a plan. The best lesson I have learned […]

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. – 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets challenged themselves, while learning the importance of motivation at the Rappel Tower and Obstacle Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky July 13. Climbing, rappelling, falling and scaling, the Cadets face challenges of personal courage and dexterity while developing interpersonal and communication skills required to achieve greatness in the US Military. “The main thing we want them to get from the confidence course is that they can face these obstacles,” Capt. Kyle Gellhaus, Army Reserve, stated. “A lot of times they have a fear of heights, they don’t think they can do it and […]

Fort Knox, Ky.- Cadets from all across the country come to Fort Knox for Cadet Summer Training and are tested and pushed to their highest level of excellence. One test in particular 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets faced is the Confidence Chamber. The purpose of the Confidence Chamber is to instill trust in their equipment and prepare them for all kinds of unfortunate events in the world. Master Sgt. Erica McCarter, the NCOIC for the Confidence Chamber, explained why Cadets master CBRN. She stated this a precautionary measure in the case Cadets find themselves in a CBRN environment. They will know […]

A bullet from an M4 travels to its target at a rate of 2,970 ft/s. The impact of that bullet on the target is relative to the impact it has on a soldier’s career. Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp improve and test their weapons training during Weapons Qualification at the George Blair Range July 16, 2018. “They’ve already received their primary block of instruction, or PMI as we call it, which is classroom time,” stated Staff Sgt. Murray, the assistant to the Range Safety Officer. “…Then they come out here to apply those lessons learned.” “They have three shooting iterations. […]

  FORT KNOX, Ky. – Everyone always asks, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Today, 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets had to think about their answer. As Cadets filed into Keyes Park, tents filled with information and presentations on various branches lined the perimeter, inviting them to enter and learn their options.  Branch Orientation physically demands nothing; however, the difficulty lies in mulling over life direction. Throughout the orientation, Cadets rotate through seven to eleven stations of their choosing to help them decide which career they want to make their own. Branches in the Army are not one-size-fits-all, although one […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. –  7th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets participated in their first Situational Training Exercise at Fort Knox, Kentucky July 17, 2018. These Cadets took their first step toward Cadet led field exercises. They spend the first few days in the field learning the basics and this exercise functioned as their first practice exam. To prepare, Cadets eat and live exclusively in the humid wilderness of Kentucky. They receive tips and clear orders from Cadre while quickly cycling through a range of roles and positions allowing each Cadet to learn the basics in the early stages. This specific exercise was […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp had the opportunity to hear presentations from 19 Army branches and functionaries represented at Branch Orientation on July 12. In a grassy area beside a large, black, armored Special Reaction Force vehicle, a gaggle of Cadets stood and watched as a Military Police K-9 handler demonstrated giving his dog commands. Sgt. 1st Class Travis Watkins, 14th MP Brigade out of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., explained Branch Orientation helps Cadets get a feel for different branches. He considers it an opportunity to explore branch options and figure out what will actually be […]

FORT KNOX – 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets faced off against other Cadets today as part of their Field Training Exercise at Fort Knox, Kentucky July 16. The Cadets mission was to protect their patrol base. For an added challenge, Cadets would have to hold their perimeter for hours while it rained over them. The Cadets had multiple methods of limiting how wet they would be getting. Some Cadets wore their rain gear, while some decided to manipulate the rain gear to make tents or simply used them as blankets. Before dawn broke on the wet morning, a small figure, perhaps […]