FORT KNOX, Ky. – With the final days of Cadet Summer Training approaching fast Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp took on the Rappel Tower on July 28, Fort Knox, Ky. Cadets are put to the test by rappelling down 64-foot wall twice. Once on the wall side; once on the no wall side. Some Cadets had no problem going down but others had questionable thoughts about rappelling. “I don’t have a phobia of heights but I was definitely uncomfortable,” said Cadet Brianna Russell, Western Michigan University. “As soon as I stepped out on the ledge I was more scared than […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp had the opportunity to do branch orientation on July 25, at Fort Knox, Ky., to help them decide which branch they would like to serve in once they become Army Officers. “Basic Camp gets a minor orientation, the Cadre from each tent just give them a brief overview of what they do and this is the reason why you might want to join our branch,” said 2nd Lieutenant Matthew Booker, Alumni to Canisius College, Buffalo, New York. “Once they get to Advanced Camp they do this again but they select the […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Into the field they go. 7th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets are executing battle tactics out in the wilderness of Fort Knox as part of their field training exercises July 28. Cadet Micah Griffith, a Citadel student and a resident of Saluda, South Carolina, says the purpose of the field training exercise is to give Cadets a sense of what it’s like to conduct actual mission operations against enemy units.   “It gives us an idea of what we’re supposed to be doing,” Griffith shared.   Cadet Michael Vilker of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign says it’s […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets executed their Individual Task Testing, July 28, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. ITT is a course evaluation where Cadets take their culminated knowledge from training and apply it to a practical, real-life situation. “The ITT testing we’re doing today is basically a check on knowledge to say, ‘hey, for the last week and a half, you all have been learning these things. Now that we give you a scenario, a real world scenario, can you apply the knowledge that you’ve learned and use them like building blocks’,” […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of 8th Regiment, Basic Camp erupted in cheers and applause as their peers raced through demanding obstacles out at Beaudoin Obstacle Course July 27.   Making the obstacle course a competition cultivates a deeper sense of motivation and teamwork for the Cadets, according to 2nd Lt. Kevan Bjornson of Canton, Ohio. “Our focus for Alpha Company has been team-building and getting them ready to go out into the field.  They’ve been working really hard, and this is fun.  This gives them a break and gives them some time to run around in the woods without the […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – Second lieutenants, working as Cadre for 6th Regiment, Basic Camp, arrived at the Central Issuing Facility, July 27, to turn in equipment and gear during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. Gear is issued to Cadre and Cadets alike to make sure that they are taken care of while out in the field training. “We got to turn in our gear that we used during camp. We basically had to take all of our gear that we used such as our rucksacks and assault pack, cleaned them up and make sure it was clean […]

By: Mattie Cook FORT KNOX, Ky.,- Cadets of 6th Regiment, Basic Camp started the first of their out-processing events today at the Central Issue Facility (CIF) where they returned all the equipment they were issued at the beginning of camp. The CIF sees thousands of Cadets and Cadre throughout the summer, making sure each individual has the necessary equipment they need to be successful throughout training. CIF is set up in stations of specific equipment items, where personnel check for cleanliness and imperfections. “Today we’re turning in all of our gear we checked out; cleaning it and re-cleaning it, hoping it’s […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – “Incoming!” When Cadets hear that, they know to immediately repeat the message to warn their peers around them and hit the ground in a covered position.  Seconds after, several loud and booming bangs are simulated through speakers to represent an enemy artillery round. They then return to the mission at hand once they hear, “All clear!” The simulation helps the Cadets of 7th Regiment, Basic Camp remember to focus on everything going on in their surroundings, helping them to maintain situational awareness while implementing individual movement techniques (IMTs) to move from one end of the terrain to […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – By now, most Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp, know that Cadet Summer Training is no walk in the park. But how about a walk on rope ladder suspended almost 25 feet or higher in the air? With their bright red safety helmets strapped around their chins and harnesses secured tightly around their waists, Cadets from 5th Regiment faced their fears at the Forest Hills Confidence Course on July 26. “A lot of the Cadets that come out here have a fear of heights, which translates into a fear of falling,” said Sgt. 1st Class Barry Ray. […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets zeroed and qualified with their M16 rifles at Canby Hill Range, July 24, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. At this course, Cadets used live rounds to practice firing at paper targets, which simulate varying distances from 50 meters to 300 meters. “They’re going through basic marksmanship instruction. For a lot of Cadets, it’s the first time they’ve ever shot a weapon. First, they have to zero the weapon. So, get a couple rounds close together on the target where they’re aiming. Then they’re going to qualify, where […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – It came as a surprise when someone told her chaplains are the unicorns of the Army. After sitting and thinking it over, however, Chaplain Candidate 1st Lt. Florence Moss says she came to agree with the peculiar statement. “For one, they’re not that many of us. We have a shortage,” Moss said, and as one of the only female chaplain candidates here supporting Cadet Summer Training (CST), the scarcity of Army chaplains emboldens her to meet the spiritual needs of the Army’s workforce. “We are courageous enough to say, ‘I see my fellow Soldier hurting or in […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets were in for a treat when the Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky, Jenean Hampton, paid a special visit to Fort Knox July 21.   She was accompanied by her chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, the executive director of the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs, and two interns studying political science.    Hampton’s visit began with a trip to the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) chamber where Cadets of 5th Regiment, Basic Camp were learning how to trust their equipment during the gas mask confidence course. During the stop, Cadets asked questions spanning an array […]

Fort Knox, Ky., – Leadership and warrior skill training was put to the test for Basic Camp 7th Regiment when they tackled Individual Task Training, a series of stations where their emergency combat and leadership skills were challenged. Cadet Sean Burger, student at the Citadel, native of Marshfield, Massachusetts, honed his medevac skills during ITT. “We are trying to qualify with putting together and using a radio, calling in a nine-line medevac, and seeing if we are capable of transporting and moving a casualty, so we are using buddy carries and different techniques. We are also assembling and disassembling M16 assault […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey visited 8th Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets at the Dunagan Teamwork Development Course, July 20, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. Luckey’s visit covered multiple courses and multiple regiments of Cadets training. “We’ve been looking at all kinds of different training venues, First Aid, Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear training events. Spent a little time in the confidence chamber, an Army euphemism for gas chamber,” stated Luckey. “We put on masks, jumped around, did some jumping jacks, breathe deep for a while and, if you’re me after about 45 seconds, […]

FORT KNOX – Ky. – Sweat dripped off the rim of a Cadet’s patrol cap as he and his fellow Cadets from 8th Regiment, Basic Camp maneuvered their way through the Team Development Course (TDC) in the ninety-degree heat on July 21. Despite the heat, humidity and the demanding nature of each obstacle throughout the course, Cadets learned valuable lessons on the importance of communication, teamwork and leadership. “TDC is all about team building,” said Sgt. 1st Class Gene Ray. “It’s teaching Cadets to work together out of a group they’ve just met while they learn how to lead and how […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 7th Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets executed Alt-C weapons qualification at Canby Hill Range, July 19, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. Cadets worked to qualify by zeroing and grouping the M16 rifle in the controlled setting of the Alt-C course. “Zero involves getting your weapon aimed down sites the right way. Grouping is to make sure that they get a certain amount of shots within a certain area so that they’re consistent in their aiming,” stated 2nd Lt. Justin Atkins, graduate of University of California, Riverside. Cadets practiced these two skills by firing […]

Fort Knox, Ky., – On July 19, the Cadets of 7th Regiment Basic Camp learned to disassemble, clean and fire their standard issue M16 rifles. For many Cadets this was their first time even holding a rifle. To help Cadets become comfortable with their rifles, cadre personnel demonstrated rifle field-stripping, proper shooting form, and introduced acronyms to help Cadets remember the fundamentals of marksmanship. After becoming familiar with their rifles, the Cadets were brought to the firing line to demonstrate what they learned by sighting-in, or ‘zeroing’ their rifles prior to attempting Alt-C Qualification. Since it was their first exposure to […]

FORT KNOX – Ky. – Between the sounds of simulated explosions and the shouts of Cadets calling to their battle buddies, Cadets from 6th Regiment, Basic Camp participated in Small Unit Tactics on July 20. The purpose of small unit tactics is for Cadets to learn how to work cohesively in small squads during potentially combative situations. Here, Cadets worked on forward movement, moving in buddy teams, battle drills and formations, specialty teams and communication. A buddy team is the smallest tactical element that Cadets learn to operate at. When Cadets participate in larger element movements, they can draw from their […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – It was a little past 11 o’clock at night when Cadet Mercedes Hayes of New Mexico Military Institute reminded herself that she was over halfway done. There were only 3.2 miles remaining. “I came up with a little mantra to tell myself – that I’m a strong person, everyone else is doing the same thing I am, and no matter what, it’s just about finishing,” she said as she sat to take a water break with the other Cadets of 5th Regiment, Basic Camp. “I feel like I want to sleep, honestly. But I feel that I […]

Fort Knox, Ky., – Basic Camp 8th Regiment Cadets spent an afternoon learning how to properly handle and move with their weapons at drill & ceremony instruction. Cadet Joe Solem, student at Central Washington University, native of Ellensburg, Washington, went over the fundamentals of proper weapon handling at drill and ceremony instruction. “We received our weapons, so we learned how to take them apart and put them together, so that was really interesting,” said Solem. “Some people have never touched a weapon before. The Army has a quote: “leadership through excellence” so drill and ceremony is definitely practicing excellence. We’re learning […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – With the grass illuminated by a single light post mixed with the beams of passing cars, Cadets from 6th Regiment, Basic Camp arrived at Fiddler Field at 4:30 a.m. to complete the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) on July 19. Through yawns and dew-covered grass, Cadets participated in the three-stage fitness test to assess their current physical abilities. The APFT is one of the six must-pass obstacles Cadets must overcome while at Cadet Summer Training. “If any Cadets choose to contract they’ll have to do this twice a year for the remainder of their time in the […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 7th Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets practiced land navigation at Assembly Area Baker, July 17, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. Land navigation is a vital skill for Cadets and Cadre alike. Armed with a protractor, compass and map, Cadets must locate key points, plot a course to those points and successfully navigate to them. “We get a map, a protractor and a compass. Then, we plot the points with our protractor. Then you have to find the distance and navigate your way through the woods, find the different points to make sure you […]

Fort Knox, Ky., – The 30 days of Cadet Summer Training is finally completed for Basic Camp 4th Regiment. The Cadets were recognized for their hard work in a graduation ceremony held July 16, Brooks Field. Col. Jon M. Tussing, 8th Brigade Commander, spoke to the Cadets during the graduation about their time and accomplishments at CST. “Cadets of 4th Regiment, it’s been a pleasure working with you. You should be proud of your accomplishments here at Cadet Summer Training— I know we certainly are,” said Tussing. “Never forget the lessons that you have learned, your efforts have prepared you to […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The Cadets of 8th Regiment, Basic Camp embraced their uniformity while learning the Army drill and ceremony. To be in the Army means to adopt discipline and order – two words that come to mind when thinking of drill and ceremony. Uniformity is a convention of the military, and the Cadets learn the significance of it only a few days into training. Cadet Shamar Johnson noted, “The importance of these things is for us to be able to march together as one team.” Johnson, an MS3 Trainer having already been through Basic and Advanced Camp, along with […]

Fort Knox, Ky., – Basic Camp 7th Regiment attended a seminar on Army History as part of their immersion into Cadet Summer Training, where Cadets form the building blocks that will be the base of their future careers as Officers. Cadet Kyle Curabba, student at Saint Leo University, native of Dade City, Florida, has been attending the immersion classes in the days leading up to actual field training. “We’ve had a really great block of instruction over here at Fort Knox. We’ve been learning about Army history, our values, kind of where we come from and we stand to do as […]