FORT KNOX Ky.- How does the military make soldiers who are prepared for anything? The answer is simple, though the methods are not. Greatness is not acquired overnight. It requires preparation, training, and dedication. Here, at Fort Knox Kentucky, Cadre are dedicated to strengthening, guiding, and training every Cadet to be the best representation of a soldier. Today, the 2nd Regiment Advanced Camp trained on weapon qualifications at the George Blair range. What is weapon qualifications? Cadet Joseph Beatrice of the University of Cincinnati gave us some insight, “today we are qualifying on 300-meter range with the M481 weapon system. It’s […]

Fort Knox, Kentucky – Cadets from 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, conducted a Situational Training Exercise (STX) based on reconnaissance and platoon raid June 17 at Forward Operation Base Wolverine. “Right now we are in the crawl phase, where our lanes are Cadre led,” said Cadet Patrick Patterson from Augusta University. “We learned a little about the terrain and some things that will benefit us when we start doing this on our own.” After preparing and planning their mission, Cadets move out from their patrol base and set up an Objective Rally Point. At their ORP, the majority of the platoon pulled security, […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp underwent a Pre-Combat Inspection this morning in preparation for 4 days of Cadre-led Field Training Exercises. Standing by their rucks in the low grass at Assembly Area Baker, the Cadets checked their gear, hydrated, and helped each other apply camo face paint. Cpt. Andres Bautista, an Observer-Controller-Trainer, explained the purpose of the PCI is to prepare for deployment, which in this case is to the country of Atropia. Bautista asserted the PCI is essential for troop preparedness to fight the enemy. Cadet Haley Peterson, a student at the University of Nevada, […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from First Regiment Advanced Camp continued preparation for the Squad Battle Drill by planning, as a squad, the tactics that they will be implementing for the drill. Staff Sgt. Richard Baxter with the University of Maryland explained that during the Squad Battle Drill Cadets would be conducting an ambush on a point target, which will later lead to an ambush on an area target. Baxter described just what the Cadets’ mission is for this drill,  “The purpose of it is to surprise the enemy, basically, and to destroy the enemy.” The Cadets, gathered around a makeshift […]

Fort Knox, Ky.- 2nd Reg., Advanced Camp was on the Canby Hill Range this afternoon at the ALT-C weapons qualification course. Weapons qualification is one of the must-pass events Cadets face to graduate from Advanced Camp. Cadets are given a set amount of ammunition and shoot down the 25-meter range at silhouettes of various sizes on a paper target to simulate distances up to 300 meters. To qualify, Cadets must hit 26-out-of-40 shots; expert marksmen who make more than 36 shots have a shot at the Recondo Badge- an award bestowed upon select qualifying Cadets at the end of Advanced Camp. One […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp tried for an expert score in Basic Rifle Marksmanship, a necessary criterion for the Recondo Badge, on the pop-up course at the George Blair Qualification Range on June 15. They had the opportunity to qualify with still targets on the Alternate Qualification Course the day before. Spc. Rocky Alvarez, the shakedown Non-Commissioned Officer at the range, ensures that Cadets don’t leave the range with any live rounds on them. He described the range as primarily for Recondo, but said that Cadets go for normal qualification as well. Cadet Johnathon Price, a […]

FORT KNOX Ky.- Field Leaders’ Reaction Course or as it is commonly referred to as the FLRC is another training event the Cadets partake in during Cadet Summer Training. The FLRC is what you could call an extreme trust exercise. Cadets from all over come together and test their abilities as leaders and good followers. They are sent into the woods where they are challenged with several stations that simulate real life obstacles. These obstacles range in height, length, and complexity. It’s not common that a single team completes every obstacle within the given time. They are designed to challenge the […]

Fort Knox, Ky – Second Regiment Cadets mastered the hip rappel seat and the 64 ft. rappel tower. Before starting the rappel course cadets had to learn how to properly prepare themselves. Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Evans, University of Arizona, provided instructions on how to properly create the Swiss Seat. Understanding the Language Brake Hand- The most dominant hand, usually the writing hand. Guide Hand – The weaker hand. Carabiner-  Coupling link with a safety closure, used by rock climbers Tie the Seat. Place gloves on the guide hand shoulder and the snap link is hooked on the brake hand side pocket. […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadet Timothy Burnham, First Regiment, Advance Camp, approaches his casualty which was shaded in the wood line. Warm from the morning heat, he begins his graded exercise. Dropping to his belly ‘firing’ his weapon to clear the area for his wounded battle buddy, a large plastic dummy weighing in at around 105 lbs., plastered in artificial wounds of red tape. He calls out, “Are you alright? Can you provide self-aid and can you get to cover?” Burnham, from The Ohio University, begins providing the lifesaving first aid he perfected earlier, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3) under the […]

FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY – The highly motivated Cadets of 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp experienced the sensations of a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear chamber. A CBRN strike is simulated by activating tear gas in a confined space, which provides a necessary incentive to train properly. The exercise requires Cadets to don Mission Oriented Protective Posture equipment, that is used to protect Soldiers in toxic environments. They then performed safety checks on their gas mask seals, outerwear, over boots, and gloves. The Cadets file into the chamber after safety checks are completed then perform exercises to get their heartrate up and breathing elevated. They […]

Cadets Practice Adapting to Terrain in Preparation for Land Navigation Course FORT KNOX, Ky. – Map and compass in hand, Cadets from 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp squelched through the soggy ground as they set off during a land navigation practical exercise this morning. The Cadets were tasked with finding two points at Training Area 14, the land navigation site, to prepare for the official land navigation course later today and tonight. Capt. Elliott Emerich, a CST Platoon Trainer, explained that Cadets are tested on their ability to physically navigate and locate points on the course and evaluated with respect to their […]

  FORT KNOX Ky.- Today, was an exciting day for the 1stRegiment of Advanced Camp Cadets! Leadership skills, problem solving abilities, and teamwork were all put to the test at the Field Leader’s Reaction Course on June 11th. While in the field, the Cadets were split into several small groups where they tackled various challenging obstacles. Each obstacle was a simulation of an actual event that the Cadets could encounter. Some courses required moving “ammunition” from one side to the other without touching the “land mines” below them. Others required transitioning each person across without verbal communication. With each event time […]

FORT KNOX Ky.- Today the first regiment for Advanced Camp participated in qualification on Robert Blair Range. The Cadets were brought to test out their basic marksmanship on the pop-up range, the pop-up is a little different from what some of the Cadets are used to because they are dealing with targets that pop up at different distances. “It was a little bit of a learning process, this was my first pop up range, so just making sure I switch from target to target” explained Cadet Michael Henao from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The qualification is for Cadets competing for the Recondo […]

FORT KNOX, KY – The Cadets of 2nd regiment Advance Camp were processed through the Central Issue Facility, Sunday June 10, to ensure they had all necessary equipment to complete their training. The Cadets need to have gear that is reliable and in good condition, as well as addresses the packing list issued before camp, that listed essential items. It’s important that these Cadets have approved rucksacks that can carry all of their equipment for the duration of their time in the field. They also require assault packs that allow for high mobility during Situational Training Exercises. “These college students are aspiring […]

FORT KNOX, KY – The Cadets from 1stRegiment Advanced Camp had high morale despite the extreme temperatures as they completed the alternate course qualification with their M4 carbines, on June 9th, at the Canby Hills Range. The ALT-C qualification is the Army’s 25-meter alternate course for rifle qualification. The Cadets are required to shoot at targets containing 10 silhouettes, scaled to represent distances ranging from 50 to 300 meters. They are timed on 3 strings of fire; one for each firing position: prone supported, prone unsupported, and kneeling. Cadets began by firing 20 rounds in 120 seconds from the prone supported […]

  Fort Knox, Ky.- 1st Reg., Advanced Camp was at the George Blair range shooting pop-up targets. As a mandatory event, Cadets must pass their weapons qualifications in order to graduate. Instead of a stationary paper target, the pop-up range has targets that do exactly that: pop-up. Targets are between 50-to-300 meters away and Cadets must be able to maneuver their weapons into good firing positions. Cadet Megan Zurliene from the University of Illinois and Urbana Champaign expressed her relief at being done with weapons qualification and credits her prior weapons experience to how she did today. “Having concentration and being able […]

FORT KNOX Ky.- Today the Second Regiment for Advanced Camp arrived to Fort Knox excited and eager to get started on their new journey towards military success. Upon arrival, Cadets are put into lines where they check in and are given their assignments. The Cadets then do a gear layout where they unpack their bags and are checked for any contraband and to see if they packed correctly. This is the first taste that Cadets get for what camp will be like. Many Cadets were enthusiastic to learn and better themselves throughout the summer. “I want to learn to be a […]

FORT KNOX Ky.- Today, the 1st Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets trained vigorously in preparation for their weapons qualification. The purpose of their training is to learn how to get a tight shot group, which demonstrates proper firing. The technique for that includes proper positioning of the rifle, sighting, breathing, and trigger squeeze. It’s important the Cadets learn how to move their sights so that their shot group is at the center of the target, which ultimately gives them a better zero. Weapons qualifications can be an intense part of Cadet Summer Training simply because it is a make or break requirement for […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The morning of June 9 greeted the Cadets of 1stRegiment Advanced Camp with the promise of staggering heights, challenging obstacles, and opportunities to take vital steps towards becoming the Soldiers they aspire to be. As the Cadets tackled both the Rappel Tower and Confidence Course, their mental and physical will-power were tested. The Cadets initially received a safety briefing followed by an explanation on their challenges for the day.  They were then divided into two teams, with one half heading to the tower to be fitted for their swiss seat rappel harnesses and the others marched back […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.- Today, the first regiment of Advanced Camp Cadets arrived from all across the United States to begin summer training. The first group of cadets arrived on base around one o’clock on June 4. Day one on base is a light day for the Cadets. They arrived by bus shuttle, headed to registration and integration, where they were checked for height and weight. They then had organizational clothing and individual equipment inspection. From there, the cadets were transported to their barracks to settle in and once that was completed they went to dinner and relaxed for the evening. Anticipation […]

  Fort Knox, Ky.- Cadets from the 1stRegiment Advanced Camp’s Alpha and Bravo Companies tackled the Field Leadership Reaction Course (FLRC) for twelve hours yesterday as part of their first week of training exercises. As the first group to go through the FLRC, these Cadet’s set out to prove their capabilities as leaders by going beyond their comfort zones. Navigating both the Black and Gold courses, Squads set out to conquer the mental and physical challenges placed before them. Austin Campbell from Texas A&M University was one cadet who understood the difficulties of being successful on leading a squad through the […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets come to Fort Knox to give it their all, but Fort Knox summers are historically hot and humid. With that in mind, Cadet Summer Training (CST) Leaders held a mass casualty evacuation exercise on Friday, June 1, to prepare for the upcoming 12-mile ruck march, a must-pass event for advanced camp cadets. How Cadets do during training will determine where they finish on a national merit list, so many of them will push themselves to extremes, explained CST Chief of Staff Col. Scott Sonsalla, who observed Friday’s exercise. “When you hit that heat cat [category] 5, […]

Fort Knox, KY. – U.S. Army Cadet Command’s 1stRegiment Advanced Camp was briefed by Brig. Gen. John R. Evans, Jr. yesterday evening in the Olive Theater on base. Cadets were instructed about the critical qualities of leadership and the expectations set in place. Over the next three and a half weeks, cadets will be placed through physically and mentally demanding challenges to prepare themselves for the trials they will face as 2ndLt.’s. Training capitalizes on talents and strengthens weaknesses, creating officers that will shape the future of the Army. “Even though you may be the newest member to the platoon make […]

By Mattie Cook Fort Knox,Ky.- Cadet Summer Training (CST) 2017 came to a close Aug. 16 with the graduation of 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp. The Maj. Gen. James E. Rudder Regiment sounded a big Hooah as they marched off of Brooks Field for the final time, as 17 Regiments have done before them. Cadet Nathan J. Woodcock, Saint John’s University New York, received the regiment’s only RECONDO (Reconnaissance Commando) Award. The RECONDO is given to Advanced Camp Cadets who have scored a 90 or above in various scored events, received a first time “GO” in first aid, call for fire and […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – With five days remaining in Advanced Camp, Cadets of 10th Regiment became acquainted with the different branches the Army has to offer at branch round table at Hill Hall August 11.   Branch round table helps Cadets to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing their military career path.    Lt. Col. Stewart Van Buren, an adjutant general (AG) officer at Human Resources Command and a presenter at branch round table , advises Cadets to remember that despite whatever branch they find themselves in, their first priority is bigger than themselves. “Regardless of what branch […]