FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets of 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp, zipped, shimmied and built their ways to becoming future leaders at the Alex Field Leader Reaction Course. “We work in squad-based teams and we are conducting a leadership exercise to best navigate obstacles as a group.” explained Cadet Alex Northington, Virginia Military Institute, “The objective is to increase communication and best accomplish each obstacle by working together with hopes of bonding the group through teamwork.” Northington acted as Squad Leader during Station 7, Cliffhanger, and he was able to brief his team as well as observe how his team worked together to problem solve […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets of Advanced Camp, 5th Regiment, built leadership skills, June 16, at Alex Field Leadership Reaction Course. “We are still in the getting-to-know-you process, so we are trying to work together and build better relations so that when we get out to the field, we can work better as a unit.” said Cadet Apoorva Parab, University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas. The Cadets on Parab’s team were at Station 10, Rope Bridge, and were required to get the entire team across without anyone falling through the bridge within the allotted time. They were able to finish with almost […]

Fort Knox, Ky., — ROTC develops strong leaders both mentally and physically, but some of the physical tests and requirements can certainly be daunting for those thinking of joining the program. Advanced Camp 3rd Regiment Cadets performed the Occupational Physical Assessment Test in the early hours of the morning where their physical abilities are measured in four events, and were ready to face the challenge. Cadet Emmitt Forbush, student at Michigan Technological University, native of Byron, Michigan, participated in the OPAT. “It’s a new Army physical fitness test, it measures, essentially, combat effectiveness and determines which branches of the Army you can […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – After returning from days in the field, Cadets from Fourth Regiment, Advanced Camp broke into platoons to prepare for their next round of field exercises on June 29. During the troop leading procedures (TLPs), Cadets gathered to discuss their course of action for their next few days and the importance of decisiveness, personal discipline and aggressiveness in the field. “The point of planning is so that everyone knows where they need to be,” said Platoon Leader Sara Febbo, Clemson University. “It’s not easy but it’s important and necessary.” As Platoon Leader, Cadet Febbo oversees the roles and […]

Fort Knox, Ky.,– Advanced Camp Cadets tested their endurance during a vigorous 12mile ruck during the wee hours of the morning as part of their Cadet Summer Training. The 3rd Regiment Cadets began the ruck at 0300 in the morning, testing both physical and mental endurance as they trekked across Fort Knox. Cadets were given four hours to complete the ruck, and those still in the running for the Recondo Badge needed to complete it within three hours. Cadet Samuel Nichols, student at the University of North Alabama, native of Mobile, Alabama, completed the ruck after two hours and 51 minutes. […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Advanced Camp 2nd Regiment Commission ceremony took place, June 29, at the Waybur Theater on Fort Knox, Ky. The commissioning ceremony starts off with the Cadets marching up to the stage to be sworn in with the Oath for Commissioning Officers. After they finish the oath and they are sworn in the cadets march back to their seats where they begin the process of pinning the Cadets Gold bars, which represent the rank and position they received. By tradition the silver dollar is the only coin given in exchange for the first salute. To new officers it […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Advanced and Basic Camp 2nd Regiments, gathered together at the Olive Theater, Fort Knox, Kentucky, to hear Brian Pauling give an influential presentation about leadership.   Pauling opened up with asking which person are you, a prisoner, the person is who was forced to attend the briefing, the Vacationer, the person who is glad to be here because it’s it means they don’t have to do their work, or the person who is willing to learn from this experience? Most of the Cadets answered with Vacationer, Pauling had a mission to change those Cadets minds in hope […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, arrived at Smith Gym, June 22, for Platoon photos. Cadet Summer Training is centered around the Cadets and creation of future leaders by making graduates into 2nd lieutenants. With their training almost complete, there are very few things left for them to complete. There is one thing, however, that was done that was centered around  helping others; the donation of blood. The Armed Services Blood Program held the first CST blood drive, June 22. The ASBP set up everything required in Smith Gym including chairs, interview stations, recovery stations and […]

By: Savoury Jacobson FORT KNOX, KY. –On June 15, 2017, 4 Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets officially arrived at Fort Knox, Ky to start their thirty-one days of Cadet Summer Training (CST). The Cadets will go through a series of briefings to prepare them for the physically and mentally demanding situations they will encounter during CST. Some of the things covered are basic standards and expectations with a focus on equal opportunity and sexual harassment. All arriving Cadets will have their personal stuff vetted and be issued new equipment to use during their time at Fort Knox. Physical exams and fitness tests […]

By: Savoury Jacobson FORT KNOX, KY. –On June 15, 2017, the Third Regiment of Basic Camp Cadets took to the Team Development Course (DTC) in Fort Knox, Ky. Six obstacles lined the course, each with a timed limit of forty-five minutes to complete. Cadets were expected to work together and listen to each other in order to succeed. A delicate balance between team members of leading and listening was practiced throughout the day. Second Lieutenant Tyler Atteberry described it as, “Someone takes charge and then they start the whole bonding process where…they start spitballing off of each other. They’re trying to […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, attended Branch Orientation near the Patton Museum at Keyes Park, June 23, during Cadet Summer Training. During the event, different branches and specialties of the Army came to give Cadets information about the options and opportunities available to them after graduating. “It’s really just to give them a familiarization of what’s out there in the Army so they can set their expectations now rather than find out last minute what the Army has to offer. We’re just trying to educate the Cadets on what jobs are there in the Army […]

By: Savoury Jacobson. FORT KNOX, KY. –On June 25, 2017, 1 Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets officially graduated in Fort Knox, Ky, after successfully going through Cadet Summer Training (CST). A wide variety of attitudes and determinations arrived thirty-one days ago at the program. Many viewed the training as an opportunity to advance their future careers in the military. Some just wanted the experience. By the end of the training, units within the regiment would see themselves as a cohesive, well-trained group ready to meet the world. The graduation focused on the past and present legacy of leadership the regiment represented. Veterans, […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – In Fort Knox, the sun rises promptly at 6:23 a.m. but for Second Regiment, Advanced Camp, this means that the majority of their 12-mile ruck march will be completed in the dark. At 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 25, Cadets were woken and instructed to get ready for their longest and farthest ruck march yet. “We’ve conducted a four mile, six mile and eight mile ruck so far, complete with our 35 lb. rucksacks, weapons and helmets,” said Cadet Lerner Sarno, San Diego State University. Accompanying Cadet Sarno was Cadet Leanne Lautzenhiser, Indiana University – Purdue University […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from Fifth Regiment, Advanced Camp strapped on their gas masks and braved the CS chamber on June 24. The purpose of the CS chamber is to build Cadets’ confidence in the defensive equipment they would use in the case of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear attack. For this reason, the exercises preformed in and around the CS chamber are referred to as CBRN. “Confidence here could be the difference between life or death,” said Staff Sergeant Katie Shaw. “Cadets need to know that the equipment issued to them by the government will protect them in […]

By: Savoury Jacobson FORT KNOX, Ky. – On May 25, Cadet Summer Training officially commenced at Fort Knox. The leaders of tomorrow, in every sense, are being trained during the summer of 2017. Over 9,000 Cadets from all over the nation fly into the heat of Kentucky to complete a thirty-one day course that will equip them for the future. There are ten Advanced Camp regiments, each with an average of five hundred and fifty to six hundred individuals. The first phase involves reception, staging, and onward movement. These eight days lay the foundation for training and help Cadets adjust to […]

By: Savoury Jacobson. FORT KNOX, KY. –Basic Camp, Third Regiment Cadets, took to the field on June 23, 2017, to learn introduction into small unit tactics in Fort Knox, Kentucky. “Cadet Smith described training as, “Cadets are learning individual movement techniques, learning how to low crawl, high crawl. They’re also learning to react to contact.” Cadets moved up a field of lanes where these different movements techniques were practiced throughout the day. Teams of two learned how to work together and provide cover for each other under fighting conditions, such as simulated smoke and enemy fire. Face painting took place as […]

By: Savoury Jacobson FORT KNOX, KY. –On June 20, 2017, the Acting Secretary of the Army, Hon. Robert M. Speer visited Fort Knox and spent a day touring training sites and visiting with Cadets going through Cadet Summer Training. Secretary Speer has served for twenty-eight years in the U.S. Army. Aside from serving as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller and as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, he also was the managing director for PricewaterhouseCoopers Public Services, heading their defense and military business. On January 20, 2017, he was appointed to Acting Secretary of […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – It’s been a long day for First Regiment Advanced Camp. Starting at 3 a.m., Cadets strapped on their 35 lb. rucksack, got into formation and began what would be a 12-mile ruck march. “It was pretty painful,” said Cadet Samantha Basgall, University of Colorado, Boulder. “I feel tired and I’m hurting a little but I feel positive and really relieved that we all made it this far.” Some Cadets were given an extra source of motivation to get them through the 12 miles. In addition to glow sticks given to Cadets to help see in the early […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – Centers of Influence attended a Cadet Panel at Fort Knox, Ky., during the Summer of Fort Knox Visit, June 14. Here, COI had the opportunity to ask Cadets questions about Cadet Summer Training, Cadets’ experiences and about the Army ROTC program. The six Cadets on the panel included: Daniel Ijibamigbe, Kansas State University, Houston, Texas Zachary Beck, Capital University, Flushing, Ohio Ashia Bales, American University, Upland, California Amanda Tetreault, California Baptist University, Alabama Joelle Pond, Virginia Tech, Suffolk, Virginia Cal Ballou, Kansas State University, Albuquerque, New Mexico The panel opened with Col. Lance Oskey, […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – Centers of Influence attended the Summer of Fort Knox Visit, June 13. COIs are community partners from the eight brigades in the United States Army, which operate under Cadet Command. COIs were invited to the Summer of Fort Knox Visit with the intent to spread the word about the benefits, opportunities and options offered by Army ROTC. While at Fort Knox, COIs attended a number of informational meetings. They also participated in exercises Cadets experience during Cadet Summer Training, including the Field Leadership Reaction Course. “What’s going to be happening is they’re going to […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of 3rd Regiment Advanced Camp practices Situational Training Exercises in prep for their Field Training Exercise June 18 at Fort Knox, Ky. During STX Cadets are given different situations to act upon. One of the situations is mock raid on the nearby village because of the intel received. Each situation was simply a simulation of what Soldiers go through when deployed. “We were area reconnaissance it to see what type of person we were looking for, a specific type of personnel. This guy named Abdul Whali, we were looking to find him on this objective and […]

Fort Knox, Ky., — Advanced Camp 4th Regiment Cadets tackled Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Training, braving the CS gas chamber, testing their ability to remain calm in stressful environments. Cadet Maria Elena Lopez, student at University of Texas at Austin, native of Dallas, was one of the Cadets that braved the CS chamber. “Today we had classes on CBRN training: how to put on a gasmask in nine seconds or less and how to put on our gear in eight minutes or less correctly,” said Lopez. “Once we passed those two tests, we moved into gas chamber prep, getting familiar with […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Alpha Company of the 2nd Regiment Basic Camp completes the Army Physical Fitness Test early morning, June 17 in Fort Knox, Ky. Part of APFT is to complete two minutes of pushups, sit-ups and end with two-mile run. Each gender has a minimum and maximum amount of pushups and sit-ups Cadets have to complete. It’s up to the Cadet how many they would like to complete before two minutes is up. Each Cadet receives points for every pushup or sit-up they complete. As Lt. Col. Elvis Coronado noticed each Cadet struggling he would motivate them to finish. […]

By: Mattie Cook Fort Knox, Ky.- Cadets of 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp put their exploration skills to the test during day land navigation on Fort Knox, June 15. During land navigation, Cadets are expected to find plotted points. Cadet Tyler Derr, Shippensburg University, Pa., explains that process. “You plot your points on a map and find the direction of the points that you want to go to next; find how far it takes you to get there and just travel,” Derr said. “It was awesome because it was my first time doing land navigation. It was a success because we both […]

by: Mattie Cook Fort Knox, Ky.- Cadets of 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp battled the feats of Beaudoin Obstacle Course on Fort Knox, Ky., June 15 as part of their Cadet Summer Training (CST). The obstacle course is designed to challenge those who brave it’s stations, but Cadets say working together as a team is key. Cadet Joel Mock, University of Central Florida, Fla., agreed teamwork was the best part of the course. “The bars were definitely the hardest part for each platoon so just cheering each other on was a really good experience, really motivated and I enjoyed it,” said Mock. “I […]