FORT KNOX, Ky – Finding their way through the forests of Fort Knox, Cadets from 7th Regiment, Basic Camp learned the fundamentals of Land Navigation, or Land Nav. for short,  on the night of July 17, 2018. “At the basic camp level, it’s just exposure to some of the techniques of how to navigate during the day and at night,” explained Cpt. Javier De La Torre. “If they can do it at night, they can pretty much do it during the day.” At the beginning of their time at camp, the Cadets were taught the theory behind Land Navigation, including plotting […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Competition; the ability to measure your skills against those of your peers’. For the Cadets of 7th Regiment, Basic Camp, today was all about competition as they raced the clock in order to find the fastest male and female Cadets. Their challenge was not only with one another, but also against Beaudoin, the most physically demanding obstacle course they will see during their time at Basic Camp.  The day promised a few things; this group of Cadets were going to get dirty, sweaty, and physically drained as they maneuvered through the taxing obstacles. One by one, each […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – As the Cadets of 4thRegiment, Basic Camp are reunited with their friends and family members and reflect on their time at Cadet Summer Training, one Cadet in particular reminds us of the true meaning of staying humble. Meet Cadet Josiah Kinsey. Out of the nearly 200 Cadets present at Saturday’s graduation, Kinsey, from Clark Atlanta University, was presented with the Armed Forces Bank Performance Award. This prestigious award is given to the Cadet who best demonstrates respect for other cultures and people by effectively utilizing the training scenarios to gain a better understanding of cross-cultural competencies as […]

Fort Knox Ky.- 7th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets are learning to save lives during combat at Cadet Summer Training! Today, Cadets perform basic first aid skills on dummies by using a device called a tourniquet. This device is used in emergency settings to stop traumatic bleeding such that medical care can be provided before the victim bleeds out. In a combat zone there are measures to be taken before providing care to the wounded victim. First, make sure the enemy fire is suppressed by firing back at the enemy. Second, ask the victim three questions in order of importance: Can you […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 4th Regiment, Basic Camp were met with hugs and kisses from friends and family at Family Day on July 20. The Cadets marched in formation into the Waybur Theater parking lot, waiting for their parents to exit the auditorium. As expected, tearful meetings ensued. Cadet Kenneth Figueroa, a student at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, jokingly told his family that all they do at Basic Camp is sweat and march. “Sweat, road march, sweat, ruck march, sweat – everywhere,” said Figueroa. He was most looking forward to going to Buffalo Wild Wings with his […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 7th Regiment, Basic Camp felt the burn at the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear or CBRN Training July 20th, 2018. Cadets put the upmost faith in not only their equipment, but also each other and their Cadre while tackling the CS gas in the CBRN Chamber. Chaplain Victor Matos decided to enter CBRN and feel the effects of the CS gas alongside the Cadets to boost morale within the platoon and motivate them to enter the chamber. “As a Chaplain, you have to go through what the Cadets go through as well and that is one way […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets from 8th Regiment, Basic Camp tackled the Teamwork Development Course and improved their communication and leadership within their platoons July 19th, 2018. TDC improves skills and communication between Cadets and their peers. Varying obstacles challenge Cadets both physically and mentally. During one of the obstacles on the course, Cadet Audrey Del Rosario, Seattle University, held a straddle position for a long period of time to assist her fellow Cadets and their equipment across a series of ropes. “I was just kind of sitting in the middle of the ropes trying to get people across, trying to help them and […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. –  5th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets took a walk in Keyes Park, refitted into a tent city, as they weigh their career options for when they commission as second lieutenants. The beautiful, sunny weather was perfect to allow the Cadets to decompress and focus on the their futures with the US Military. Cadets consider options like the Engineer Corps, the Field Artillery branch, the Chemical Corps and the Signal Corps. Capt. Mia Williams, nurse counselor for Cadet Command, talked with Cadets about the differences between choosing active duty or the reserves, highlighting it is important to consider what is […]

Ft. Knox, KY- Between mock indirect fires and screaming, Cadets of Bravo Company, 6th Regiment conducted small unit tactics training the morning of July 19. With assistance from the 3rd Battalion, 414th Regiment, reservists from Vancouver, Washington, Cadets learned how to maneuver and maintain a low silhouette. “We’re going through some movements. Trying to figure out low crawls and high crawls and how to get from cover to cover,” explained Cadet Gabriel Huerta, Loyola University. Cadets were paired in battle buddy teams and were taught how to use individual movement techniques to avoid contact from enemy fires. “I’m feeling good,” expressed Cadet […]

Fort Knox, Ky.- Discipline is the word of the day at the 4th Regiment, Basic Camp Drill and Ceremony Competition. When talking to several Cadets and Cadre, most emphasized discipline as a characteristic and necessity for outstanding drill movement. The Drill and Ceremony competition focused on how well a platoon can execute the basic movements a Soldier would make while marching along with a Drill Sergeant. Specifically, the foot and arm movement while marching, left and right turns, about-facing, saluting, and standing positions.   Though it may sound simple to execute, it’s not a single person effort. It is about learning […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.— 8th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets conquered their fears and boosted their confidence by completing the Forest Hills Climbing Complex July 18, 2018. Cadets tested their mental and physical strengths while participating in various obstacles suspended high in the air. Sgt. Donovan Speers greeted Cadets with a smile at the last obstacle of the Rudder’s High Ropes Course and instructed them on how to use their equipment for their decent to the ground on the zip line. Speers believes that by preserving through the High Ropes Course, Cadets overcome their fears and build the confidence they need to become an Army […]

Fort Knox, KY- Cadets of 5th Regiment, Basic Camp were deep into the woods Tuesday afternoon performing a squad level ambush against mock oppositional forces. With camouflage painted across their faces and their M4 weapons locked and loaded, these Cadets were more than prepared to accomplish the mission. Accompanied by a second lieutenant as a mentor, these Cadets waited patiently. Uneven terrain filled with heavy shrubs helped with concealment while they waited for the enemy to cross their into their area. “We have to be as silent as possible,” explained Cadet Henry Jackson III, Bowie University. “We have to get to […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – With both hands gripping the cargo net in front of her and the cheers of her fellow Cadets echoing around her, Cadet Victoria Anderson, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, pulls herself up over the obstacle, remaining cognizant of the brace protecting her injured knee. As she places both boots on the ground, Anderson is overcome by applause, hugs and shouts of, “that’s our Superwoman!” It’s here, at Beaudoin Obstacle Course, where the Cadets of the 6th Regiment, Basic Camp, learn the true value of teamwork. Sure, climbing a cargo net, shimmying up a rope and swinging from rung […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Grab your Battle Buddy and join the Cadets of 7th Regiment, Basic Camp as they march into the Kentucky wilderness in search of at least 3 of 5 different checkpoints, as part of their Land Navigation exercise. The challenge of the mission stems from being strapped for time, with only having three hours allotted, and having to engage in precise map reading skills. The Cadets rely on one another as they count steps and keep their heads on a swivel, staying alert as they look for the distinguishable orange markers in the deep green foliage. Following a safety […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – It was a day of smiles and tears at the Waybur Theater, July 15, 2018, as 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets saw their loved ones for the first time in weeks. “I was ecstatic,” exclaimed Cadet Tandra Logiudice, Truman State University. “He’s like ‘ [you have] two minutes to get your bags’ and I was like ‘give me two seconds and I’ll run over there.’” As the parents exited the theater after a short presentation, the Cadets march over to greet them in the parking lot. The Cadets lined up in formation, displaying the discipline they have […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – This morning Cadets from 6th Regiment, Basic Camp took the Army Physical Fitness Test, which consists of two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups, and a two-mile run. The Cadets must try to complete as many push-ups and sit-ups in the allotted time and run two miles as fast as they can. Cadet Jhordyn McWhorter, a student at Marion Military Institute, said they have undergone corrective training at Basic Camp to correct and improve form, as well as to enhance endurance, in preparation for the APFT. She described corrective training as good for team building, adding […]

FORT KNOX, KY –  Even through inclement weather and gray skies, the Cadets of 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp managed to smile as they marched across Brooks Field for their graduation ceremony which signifies the completion of their training.The young college students from around the nation endured 31 days of rigorous training during Cadet Summer Training. Events like day and night time land navigation tested Cadets to manually navigate through various terrains, trusting their pace counts and road measurements to locate a pinpointed area. Weapon qualifications helped ensure a Cadet’s comfort level and concentration capabilities when aiming at a target up to 300 […]

Fort Knox, Ky.- John F. Kennedy was quoted for saying, “leadership and learning are indispensable to one another.” Leadership does not always mean the leading of others; it can also be interpreted as working alongside others and inspiring them to do great things. To be a great leader, there must be a thirst for knowledge and learning. A thirst to want to know the ins and outs, the right and wrongs, and the strengths and weaknesses of who and what you are leading. Today, Cadets are learning to lead. They are learning to be great leaders within their small groups during […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—6th Regiment, Basic Camp took on their obstacle course with high morale, loud chants, and multiple sets of squats. At this point during their training, 6th Regiment, Basic Camp is 16 days into their 31 days of training here at Fort Knox. During this time, morale can sometimes run low and motivation has the tendency to drop even lower. However, this wasn’t the case for 6th Regiment as they took on the obstacle course in the pouring rain. “I’m from an island in the Pacific and back home we do a chant and it pumps up our people and gets their mind […]

FORT KNOX Ky. – 6th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets spent their morning at the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) training area at Fort Knox, Kentucky July 15, 2018. The training’s highlight is the Confidence Chamber, a room full of CS gas where Cadets personally experience the importance of their gear. However, it isn’t the only part of their CBRN training. Cadet Summer Training has brought two, out of only 60, M1135’s and a handful of chemical detection tools to show the Cadets. The training can sparking interest in the chemical division, it is also important Cadets know about these tools in case they […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. –  5th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets enjoyed a beautiful day at Morgan Reiley range at Fort Knox, Kentucky July 12, 2018. The beautiful day provided a more comfortable day on the range than previous Cadets had experienced. The Cadets arrived at the shooting range with a clear mission, qualify. Qualifying means the Cadets have received a go and proven themselves to be a skilled marksperson. Having a chance to work with rifles and experience the process of qualifying gives Cadets a chance to work on a skill they will be required to pass during Advanced Camp. Before qualifying […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – Going under the wire and over the wall, Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp learned the importance of motivation and swift action at the Beaudion Obstacle Course July 11, 2018. “Today, we did an obstacle course that was testing the agility and strength of individual Cadets,” explained Cadet Said Eljadidi, Bryant University. “…It was all about timing, strength, and seeing who could persevere the longest.” The course consisted of 14 different activities, including a rope climb, balance beams, a net climb, and monkey bars. “This helps with a number of different individual movement techniques: how to get across […]

FORT KNOX, KY. – Darkness. Cadets of 6th Regiment, Basic Camp learned the meaning of the word as they completed the Night Land Navigation portion of their training July 11th at Fort Knox’s Grizzly field location. The goal was to test Cadets’ ability to adapt to unfavoring circumstances, as they attempted to find two of three marked locations deep in the Kentucky wilderness. The ability to adapt is arguably the most important skill a Cadet learns during their time at Cadet Summer Training. Earlier in camp, the Cadets maneuvered the Grizzly training location when they tackled Land Navigation; aided by sunlight, the Cadets […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – In true career day style, Cadets from 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp explored their options within the Army and got a special visit from the Secretary of the Army Dr. Mark T. Esper during Branch Orientation July 9, 2018. Tents and military vehicles lined the field of Keyes Park, as Cadets spoke with representatives from each branch of the Army. “It gives them an opportunity to know what the Army has to offer, all components: National Guard, Reserves, any active component, and all the branches they would asses in the fall of their senior year,” said Lt. Col. Steven […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – With rivalry in the air and guns in their hands, Cadets from 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, spent the morning of July 8, 2018 practicing and competing to be the top company in the Drill and Ceremony Competition. Drill and Ceremony, also known as “D and C,”  is a practice within the military where soldiers march and follow various commands, such as “right face” or “right-shoulder arms.” The squads must keep unity within their formation at all time, which requires a strong team and strict discipline. The companies practiced for two hours this morning, giving final critiques and […]