FORT KNOX, Ky. — The classroom resounded with the unsynchronized clicks and clacks of M16 assembly, disassembly, and functions check. Yesterday, 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets were issued their rifles. “For some of them, this is the first time that they have touched a weapon,” 1st Lt. Chaplin Maritza Curet explained. Drill sergeants helped Cadets recognize each part of their firearms. Cadre and Cadet Trainers walked the aisles providing one-on-one instruction. “It can be a little tricky,” Cadet Chloe Cline from Louisiana State University said. “There are a lot of little pieces; it can be frustrating.” As with all exercises, the trainers […]

Fort Knox, Kentucky – 1stRegiment, Basic Camp Cadets received their first introduction to Army land navigation today at Training Area 8 on June 16th. Lt. Col. Jason Eddy, the Regimental Training Officer for 1stRegiment, Basic Camp, from University of Pittsburgh stated “Land navigation is an incredibly important and perishable skill that serves as a baseline. When the Cadets attend Advanced Camp next year they will be given a task, and part of the challenge is figuring out the location of the task and its relation to their mission, point A to point B.” These Cadets are learning how to read and […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — It’ll never be home, or entirely dry or clean, but when in the field, can these luxuries even be expected? Yesterday, during field craft tactic classes, 1st Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets learned basic protection from the elements. “If I could sum it up in a few words, it would be ‘how to be comfortable in the field and in the outdoors,’” Cadet James Iaia, Widener University surmised. “It’s not necessarily your survival skills per se.” Properly packing a rucksack, applying convincing facial camouflage paint, and pitching a poncho lean-to, all work to fulfill each Cadet’s goal of […]

FORT KNOX Ky.- What is weapons assessment? Why is it important that the Cadets learn how to properly dismantle and reassemble their weapons? What is Drill and Ceremony? If you have ever pondered on these questions, luckily for you we have the answers! We spoke to a few of the drill sergeants who were leading the Cadets and they were more than happy to share their answers on the matter. Sergeant Kenneth Davidson answered a few of those questions stating, “today the Cadets are disassembling and reassembling the M16 rifles. They are also going learn how to do a functions check […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 1st Regiment, Basic Camp undertook the Dunagan Teamwork Development Course on June 14 with two squads going through each event simultaneously. Cadet Jeanette Corpuz, a student at West Virginia State University, said the TDC is all about Cadets working with each other to accomplish a larger goal. “Basic [Camp] is building your confidence to becoming a good leader,” specified Corpuz. “This helps us going to the real military and leading our own Soldiers.” “Cliffhanger” (Event #2) At the “Cliffhanger”, Cadet John Belser, a student at the University of North Georgia, was one of the first […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Early this morning, drill instructors introduced Army Physical Readiness Training (PRT) to the Cadets in 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp. Physical Readiness “is the ability to meet the physical demands of any combat or duty position, accomplish the mission, and continue to fight and win,” according to the Army Public Health Center’s website. Intro PRT familiarizes new Cadets with exercise techniques, which build the strength, endurance, and mobility needed for combat. “The PRT that the Army has adopted has a good set of drills, stretches and routines that properly prepare the Cadets and Soldiers,” Lt. Col. Matthew Stanley, Professor of […]

Fort Knox, Kentucky – Cadets from Alpha Company,1st Regiment, Basic Camp, were  accompanied by visiting Centers of Influence on June 13th, while overcoming their fear of heights at the Forrest Hills Complex. The Forest Hills Complex contains a three-part High Ropes Confidence Course, which includes a ropes course, alpine tower, and rock wall. The course is meant to instill self-confidence as well as encourage Cadets to trust their battle buddies and equipment. “Overcoming their fears gives them an opportunity to build confidence. It’ll help them as they move forward through life,” said Brig. Gen. John Evans, Commanding General, U.S. Army Cadet Command, […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.- Today Brig. Gen John R Evans. Jr stopped by Olive Theater to give a welcome brief to the Second Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets before they continued their journey into camp. SHOWTIME! echoes through the theater as the general makes his way down the aisle, shoulders back, head held high, commanding the rooms attention. He begins his briefing with reminders about what this experience will be like, as well as what to expect. “By design we are going to make this tough”, explained Evans. The Cadets will go through some of their toughest challenges while at camp but through […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of 1st Regiment Basic Camp spent their afternoon with instruction and walkthrough of the proper Drill and Ceremony marching procedures. The afternoon was filled with the sounds of pacing boots and Drill Sergeants rhythmically chanting, “Left…left. Right. Left,” as the Cadets aimed to master the steps that will one day play a significant role in their young Army careers. Cadets were organized and lined up in their respective groups, before being marched down the streets of the Disney Complex. The site of Drill and Ceremony exercises, otherwise known as “The Pit,” provides a wide open space for […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Two hundred ninety Cadets arrived at Fort Knox on June 10 with a mix of enthusiasm and nervousness radiating from the group. After getting off the bus, the group moved to a nearby overhang to ground their gear and prepare for inspection. All items lay on the gravel to be combed through by Cadre. Cadet Stephanie Martino from the University of Kentucky shared her feelings during arrival. Martino joined ROTC upon completion of her bachelor’s degree and is continuing into a Master’s program. “It was kind of an adrenaline rush, which that’s something I’ve missed for a while,” Martino […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – “You could have been home enjoying your summer,” shouted one drill sergeant from atop the raised platform. “Why are you here?” Rising Freshman, Sophomores, and Juniors fresh to ROTC and the Military lifestyle woke up bright and early June 9 to learn the basics of Physical Readiness Training (PRT). All Cadets face two questions: “Why am I here? What’s my personal motivation?” Lt. Col. Jason Eddy from 1st Regiment Basic Camp observed from the side. “This is our first day of real training,” Eddy explained. “Many of them do not have prior military experience or training back […]

FORT KNOX, KY – On June 6th, Basic Camp Cadets with 1stRegiment arrived at reception. As the Cadets exited the bus, they were instructed to not step on the grass while making their way to first formation. Sgt. 1stClass Otero stated, “If you are stepping on the grass, it symbolizes that you cut corners in your work.” The Cadre want to prepare these Cadets for success, by teaching them to go the extra mile. The Cadets began a layout of all their belongings, and were checked for contraband. They also had the opportunity to check in valuables for safe keeping during […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from the 1st Regiment, Basic Camp went through in-processing at the Copple Center on June 6. The process checks out Cadets’ documents, as well as their financial and travel information, including whether or not family members will be attending graduation and related information. 2nd Lt. Brian Coleman explained that the Cadets’ finances and pay are set up during in-processing so that they can get reimbursed for travel to and from camp. Cadet Dustin Axarlis, a student at the University of Dubuque from Newmanstown, Pennsylvania, stood near the front of the line for in-processing. “It’s a lot […]

By: Mattie Cook FORT KNOX, KY.,- Forest Hills Climbing Complex has been buzzing with Cadets all summer long, but today was their last day of operation for Cadet Summer Training as 8th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets conquered their fears and the course. Ziplining, low crawling, climbing and hanging; Cadets spent their last day of training before graduation encouraging each other and conquering their fear of heights. Cadet Judy Senesabath, University of Tennessee Knoxville said as a climber, communication with her belayer was key. “The belayer is not only like a safety but they guide you, letting you know where you can […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets rotate through more than 20 tents set up at Keyes Park August 9.  In each tent, Cadets are briefed on a specific branch the Army has to offer.  From military intelligence to air defense artillery to the Nurse Corps, the choices and opportunities for the Cadets are wide-ranging.  Of the 18 branches showcased, three received the biggest draws: armor, aviation and infantry. With her eyes set on commissioning as an infantry officer upon graduation from the University of Oklahoma, Cadet Annie Ryan said her decision to pursue infantry was made when she […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets of 4th Regiment, Basic Camp, put their physical fitness skills to the test bright and early during the Army Physical Fitness Test July 2. “To be honest, it’s tough, but its nice having the other Cadets around.” said Cadet Mikayla Blaska, Princeton, “We are all going through the same thing. Its nice to have unity and be going through the struggle together.” During the APFT, Cadets are required to complete push-ups, sit-ups and a 2-mile run to complete the entire test. Cadets were required to be awake well before dawn for the APFT, which is strenuous for most. […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets of 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, were introduced to new tactics on Tuesday, June 12, at the Christensen Range, Fort Knox, Ky. The training focused on small unit tactics. The training was broken down into three rotations: individual movement training (IMT), hand grenade training, and a classroom style briefing. Cadets dressed in their field gear and used camouflage face paint, branches and leaves to blend in with their surroundings. “What we are doing here today is infantry training. A lot of the Cadets are given blanks and are being put in a situation where they are going to be […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Basic Camp Cadets learned the importance of the Center of the Army Profession and Ethics (CAPE) Sunday afternoon, June 11. Cadets were briefed in a classroom setting on the values of trust, morals and ethics. These are key to having a successful profession in the Army. Following the briefing, Cadets were given a scenario to put what they had learned into effect. “It’s basically a team building exercise which will continue over into the Bravo Company,” said 2LT Jessica Turner, platoon leader, of Alcorn State University, Woodridge, Virginia, “You get to see what they really think about this as […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets of 4th Regiment, Basic Camp, Alpha Company, were instilled with the seven key Army values June 18, taking a break from the heat with some indoor training. Sergeant Victor Jimenez, originally from Cayey, Puerto Rico, is one of the Drill Sergeants from the Reserve drill sergeant unit stationed in St. Petersburg, Florida. He will be assisting with Cadet Summer Training until July 7. “You are getting a weird opportunity to train your supervisors.” said Jimenez. “Our oldest Cadets are going to commission and become platoon leaders, so we want to instill the basic mentality of the Army’s values, […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 6th Regiment, Basic Camp, took on the Confidence Course (High Ropes), July 31, as their time at Cadet Summer Training, Fort Knox, Kentucky comes to an end. Cadets are required to climb all three different courses; the High Ropes course that is a series of different obstacles that are suspended up in the air about 32-feet. The next one is tower that the Cadet must climb with various techniques to make it up to the top before their partner is allowed to lower them. The final course is the rock wall climb that has different […]

By: Mattie Cook Fort Knox, Ky.,- In their 28th day of training, Cadets of 7th Regiment, Basic Camp leaned on one another to conquer the confidence course and climbing towers at the Forest Hills Climbing Complex, Aug. 4. The complex is designed for Cadets to face their fears, develop confidence, trust one another and overcome the obstacles set before them. MS3 Basic Camp Trainer, Cadet Charles Moorehead, University of Virgin Islands St. Croix, said it’s important for Cadets to see the bigger possibilities in conquering the course. “This course is testing out their confidence in themselves, their equipment, and each other, […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, and 7th Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets welcomed Ambassador John Limbert at Olive Theater, August 3, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. Ambassador John Limbert was invited to speak to Cadets about a variety of topics including advice for Cadets when they commission as second lieutenants as well as opening the floor for questions. In his opening statements, Ambassador Limbert thanked Cadets. “Let me thank you today for choosing a career of public service. There are rewards, frustrations and dangers, but it’s something I did … and it was never […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – After a rigorous 31 days, Cadets of 6th Regiment celebrated the long-awaited completion of Basic Camp with a graduation ceremony on Brooks Field August 2. Looking back, Cadet Alexander Ayres of the University of Northern Colorado says his experience at Basic Camp was more enjoyable than it was difficult all thanks to his peers in Alpha Company. “It was kind of a culture shock transitioning from my civilian life to basic summer training. I made a bunch of friends and I’ve made lots of new battle buddies and they really helped me pull through thick and thin. […]

Fort Knox, Ky., – After a long month of camp, 7th Regiment Basic Camp Cadets returned to the Central Issuing Facility to scrub away their hard work and return their equipment in preparation for departure. Cadet Joseph Phillips, student at the Virginia Military Institute, native of Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania, is ready to return home after a successful time at Basic Camp. “It feels good. A month is a long time but it feels good that it’s over, we learned a lot, and a lot of good leadership skills were learned here,” said Phillips. “Right now we are turning our gear back into […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – As a team and as individuals, the Cadets of 8th Regiment, Basic Camp learned the basic movements essential to their safety in the field. “The Cadets are getting a baseline level of skills, whether it be in classroom sessions or out here in IMT [Individual Movement Techniques],” said 2LT Matthew Asis. With weapon in hand and battle buddy by their side, Cadets made their way to safety through a barrier-filled lane. Proper communication and movement were vital to them making in across. Cadet Tyriek Wyley explained, “These are like a simulation of what we would be doing […]