FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp participated in the high ropes confidence course July 9. The confidence course is designed to force Cadets to confront their fears, learn to trust the equipment provided and promote team motivation and communication. The course consists of an obstacle course and two towers to be climbed. The 35-foot obstacle course has multiple events such as rope crawls, ropewalks and a zip line. The 45-foot alpine tower forces Cadets to be creative and confident as they ascend the tower. Lastly the 55-foot rock wall is the simplest but tallest feature on the […]

2nd Regiment Basic Camp Cadets participated in terrain association/map reading July 8. This begins with knowing the standards for the course. Maj. Bruce Pauley, the officer in charge of the range, said, “The task is to get from one point to another while dismounting. They have to get three out of four points during the day for a go. We have verified all the points out there and they have to go find them.” Cadet Collin Apape attends the University of Northern Iowa and is from Arlington Heights, Illinois. He put the days objective in his own words. “Our objective is […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEtzrzTRlok[/embedyt] Cadets of the 3rd Regiment of Basic Camp completed their intro to the M-4 Carbine this morning, July 8. Taking Classes Taking them through the proper way to dismantle their weapon, the regiment drill sergeants taught Cadets where their gun would get the most grime, and where they’d need to clean a little more in depth. They were also taught the terminology of the parts of their M-4 Carbines. “They’ve already taught us how to clear the gun, and I never even knew that,” Cadet Hailey Cook, from Houston, Texas, and attending Marian Military Institute, said. “I never knew […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 1st Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets focused on teamwork, leading, and listening to one another at the Team Development Course (TDC) July 7, 2019 during Cadet Summer Training. “We’re doing some team building events and obstacles. It’s basically not about strength, but thinking about how we can work together to get through these obstacles and how we can get everyone through it,” stated Cadet Asia Foster from the University of Kentucky. The obstacles, as Cadet Jacob Wakeley from the University of Kentucky explained, are puzzles where Cadets must get from one point to the next with all of […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ-siJgIQCc[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — Second Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets learned how to navigate terrain during Land Navigation training on July 7 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. “Here at the land navigation course, they learn how to get from point A to point B in the most effective manner, using only a map, protractor and compass,” Texas A&M University Military Science Instructor, Staff Sgt. Calvin Hickman, said. Cadets were paired into buddy teams to complete the training. “They are paired in twos so they learn to trust their partners,” Sgt. 1st Class Debra Weir, a land navigation grading tent instructor, said. […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1hLs8R3yoE[/embedyt] Cadets from 4th Regiment, Basic Camp, arrived in Fort Knox, Kentucky, yesterday, beginning their training to become Army Officers. Basic Camp provides first and second year Cadets with the basic soldiering skills they need for Advanced Camp and for their future careers in the Army. Coming into Day Zero of camp, Cadets were nervous. “I’m a little nervous because it is my first time really doing anything like this,” University of Mississippi Cadet Matthew Vandarwater, from Nashville, Tennessee, said. Vandarwater is in ROTC at the University of Mississippi but has never been in the field because he is not […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnNSzNH2G1w[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Basic Camp, 2nd Regiment Cadets went back to the basics of Field Craftsmanship to prepare them for the Field Training Exercise (FTX) later in the Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 6. Field Craftsmanship helps prepare Cadets to be able to live in the FTX lanes for multiple days. Cadets learn the fundamentals of how to camouflage their gear and themselves. Along with how to set up camp to protect themselves from the elements around them. Alongside the camouflage and shelter, the Cadets learn how to pack their ruck in a way that has […]

[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=pipOwYUsXoc[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, KY.— “We do not know what our enemies are going to do,” said Cadet Alisha Anderson, a student at Brigham Young University-Idaho. “They can go at us full force with weapons or they can [use] chemical or radioactive weapons. As Soldiers, we need to prepare [for] everything so we can be able to react quickly and efficiently so we can help people around us.” Should our enemies use those weapons, the Cadets from the 1st Regiment Basic Camp are better prepared to defend themselves with chemical suits and masks after their initial CBRN training today. Cadets learn […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 2nd Regiment of Basic Camp completed the High Ropes Confidence Course at the Forest Hills Climbing Complex this morning, July 5. Climb On The Forest Hills Climbing Complex is comprised of three different courses: The Alpine Tower, the Rock Wall and Rudder’s High Ropes Course. Each obstacle comes with its own challenges. Some challenges may be easier to fight through than others, but the mental challenge of overcoming those obstacles can be the toughest that the Cadets encounter at this event. Sgt. Dylan Dalton, with the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment in Fort Carson, […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp were introduced to physical readiness training, July 4. The training is a collection of strength exercises and stretches such as, push-ups, squats, lunges, and wind-mills. The physical training is led by Drill Sergeants, who mix motivation with stress inducing tactics like screaming, demanding time restraints and scrutiny to detail. Cadets are expected to work as a unit even when performing personal training. Leading the Drill Sergeants to extend workouts until everyone is able to complete them together. This stress causes Cadets to be responsible for building each other up when some […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 1st Regiment, Basic Camp continued land navigation training today as they learn to plot points and identify terrain marks during terrain association map reading, July 3. Cadets of all skill levels become equals during the training. Cadets with no experience can expect to leave the training with a valuable skill set for any Solider. “I think we are all confident now,” said Cadet Kristen Maxwel, University of Delaware. “We have all been doing this for a few days, but some of us do have more experience than others and we try to help.” Maxwel and […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g65zqR9-gms[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets completed Land Navigation training, a vital tool for all soldiers on July 3. “From the Private to the General, this is a skill that every soldier needs to know,” Staff Sgt. Richard Heinzman, a land navigation instructor, said. Cadets were responsible for finding at least three out of four given points in order to achieve a passing grade. While time played a part in this training (three hours to complete the course), rushing could cause Cadets to make unwarranted mistakes. “I think a lot of it is being precise,” Cadet […]

Basic Camp Cadets participated in Drill & Ceremony to hone their skills in a formation. Drill Sgt. Matt Archer, from the 8th Brigade, 95th Division, explained what they are being taught. “Currently what we are going over is proper wear of the uniform, followed by D and C. Which is just basic movements form.” Drill and Ceremony is an event that was introduced to the 2nd Regiment Cadets on Day 2 of Basic Camp. Cadet Dylan Deston, who attends University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, said that Basic Camp has been a culture shock for him. His Regiment has done Drill & Ceremony every […]

FORT KNOX, KY – Third Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets arrived Monday afternoon at Fort Knox, Kentucky, on Day Zero to start their Cadet Summer Training (CST). On the day of arrival, Cadets began with checking-in, organizing and accounting for their equipment. Belongings were checked to ensure the safety of the Cadets, and to make sure they did not bring any contraband items. Cadre went through these procedures to get the Cadets ready to set up their lockers and make sure everything is squared away. As Cadets arrived the air was filled with many different emotions. Some Cadets were excited for the […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0hauZP5z1w[/embedyt] Basic Camp Cadets of the 1st Regiment, Bravo Co., completed the High Ropes Course at Forest Hills Climbing Complex this morning, June 30. The Climb With the sun beaming down, Cadets were divided out amongst three obstacles: the Rock Wall, the Alpine Tower and the Rudder’s High Ropes Course. Each obstacle presented its own challenges, and each Cadet overcame those challenges in their own way. From swinging a certain way to leaping off one section of an obstacle to a completely new section, Cadets tackled every single task. “It’s a mixture of, they’re learning about themselves, they’re obviously nervous, […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzY1PfXdi1Y[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets learned the key to success from performance training experts, Maegan Guevara and Emerson Gagnon, as part of their training at Fort Knox, Ky. Performance training is for Cadets to gain the fundamentals about how to be successful in whatever they pursue. Guevara taught the Cadets the different types of motivations. Guevara described the four different types of motivation in this case for ROTC were scholarship, the fear of letting someone down, being an officer is the best way to get success in the military and family legacy or wanted to […]

Basic Camp 1st Regiment Cadets participated in Drill & Ceremony to begin learning how to operate as a unit. Sgt. 1st Class Alonzo Banks, who oversees Alpha Company, explained what Drill & Ceremony is and why it is important to teach to the brand new Cadets, “Drill & Ceremony helps build a core within the unit. It’s also used to move from your element, from one location to another location in an expedient manner. Being able to keep command and control over the entire unit while in movement.” Cadet Weston Landon, who attends the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, described the day […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yMPg0P6lRw[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — Basic Camp Cadets begin their first steps in their training in the classroom to gain helpful tips in overcoming the ahead. Jon Walker is the Lead Performance Expert at Fort Knox and one of the leaders from the R2, Ready and Resilient, Performance Center running the 1st Regiment Basic Camp Cadets’ Performance Training. Described by Walker as, “PT for the mind,” this training focuses on five mental toughening skills to help the Cadets prepare for their month here at basic camp. Confidence, concentration, composure, goal setting/motivation and integrated imagery are all things the Cadets are […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Nearly three hundred Cadets arrived at Fort Knox yesterday for Basic Camp. Over the course of the next thirty-one days, 1st Regiment Basic Camp Cadets will be tested on various activities such as going off the rappel tower, experiencing Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defense (CBRN), and getting familiar with weapon systems. Most Cadets were anxious to arrive at training, as they are taking their first steps in becoming an Army Officer. Cadet Taylor Richardson explains, “There are a lot of emotions going through my head. First day of summer, first time on a plane, first day ever […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmo41GLDHdk[/embedyt] The Cultural Understanding and Leadership Program (CULP), a part of Cadet Summer Training for U.S. Army Cadets, was designed to immerse Cadets in the culture of another country to understand the lifestyle of those who live there and work alongside that country’s military. This year, the CULP office is maintaining the same important purpose of the program while changing the name – Cadet Coalition Warfighter Program (CCWP). The name change is a result of a misconception of the program’s ultimate goal. While cultural understanding is a large part of the program, there is much more involved than tourist activities. […]

Fort Knox, Ky.–The Cadre participated in an event called Alternate Course of Fire (ALT-C) at Schroeder shooting range. In this event they practiced on a Known Distance Range, a range that allows the participants to shoot at 100, 200 and 300 meters to test their lethality and grouping. Task Force Lethal and the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) led the training. Task Force Lethal is a unit from Fort Carson, Colorado who came to Fort Knox to teach Cadets for the summer. The Army Marksmanship Unit is a part of the Army that provides arms training for the soldiers. First Lieutenant Adrian […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA90w2YDKmk[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – This summer there will be several special events and ceremonies taking place at Fort Knox highlighting the success of thousands of U.S. Army Cadets. Cadets will reunite with family members on Family Day, discover the 17 different branches of the Army during Branch Orientation and proudly graduate on Graduation Day. Previously, Fort Knox hosted a commissioning ceremony for the Cadets. This year, the commissioning ceremonies are taking place at their universities instead. Each of these ceremonies are rooted in years of tradition. Darrell Olson, Cadet Summer Training (CST) special events planner, said tradition is a […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – In Randy Pausch’s autobiography “The Last Lecture,” a chapter titled “An Injured Lion Still Wants to Roar” depicts how, despite the setbacks that came with illness and injury, the famous Carnegie Mellon professor continued to do what he loved while following his childhood dreams. Today during 8thRegiment, Basic Camp’s graduation ceremony, a Cadet shared a similar story of heartbreak and perseverance. Meet Cadet Calista Bond from Valley Forge Military Academy and College. Unlike her nearly 300 fellow Cadets that have called 8th Regiment home for the past 31 days, this is Bond’s second time to Fort Knox to […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets gathered in formation, sporting giddy smiles and chanting upbeat cadences as they approached Waybur Theatre to be released to family and friends for their Family Day, at Fort Knox, August 8. After a month of rigorous training, Cadets are rewarded with a day of family, friends and good food. “I haven’t had fast food in 30-days so we are doing that,” said Cadet Alexander Jatto, East Tennessee State. “I am looking forward to some fresh food and a good nights sleep,” said Cadet Daniel Mulraney, Valley Forge Military Academy and College. Mulraney was […]