by Mattie Cook FORT KNOX, Ky.- Cadets of 5th Regiment Advanced Camp arrived at Fort Knox, Ky., for day zero of Cadet Summer Training (CST) June 14. These Cadets will spend the next 30 days developing leadership skills, tactical skills and character to become the Army’s newest 2nd Lieutenants. 2nd Lt. Joshua Jackson, commissioned from Central State University, Ohio, hopes to use his experiences from Advanced Camp to relate to Cadets. “I’m going to make sure they understand that I was also in this situation and training and give them that look on what Cadets are and aren’t suppose to do. […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.-Representatives from corporate America and academia across the United States acted as ambassadors as they visited Fort Knox, Ky., June 12-13, to take part in a Center of Influence (COI) tour of the Cadet Summer Training (CST) mission. The sophomore and junior Cadets from Reserve Officer Training (ROTC) programs attend summer training missions annually. During the first day of the tour, the ambassadors learned about resiliency, or the ability of a Cadet to bounce back from a stressful situation or environment, and how it applies to Cadets during their summer training. “Our employees need to understand the training that […]

“My heart is racing, but in a good way,” said Vivek Sarin, Executive Officer of Kentucky Cabinet of Economic Development, after his tandem sky dive jump. “Beautiful. Just incredible! It’s so peaceful up there.” Sarin jumped in honor of a taskforce called Work Matters that was recently launched by the governor of Kentucky. It assists disabled veterans, foster children, disabled people and anyone with a criminal record. “It’s an initiative to help those folks get jobs,” Sarin said. Sarin is part of a group called Centers of Influence that is on Ft. Knox to witness the training of ROTC Cadets in […]

Fort Knox, Ky., — Fourth Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets train during Group Zero at Schroeder Range, practicing zeroing and sighting their rifle in preparation for weapons qualification at George Blair range the next day. Cadets will move from the prone position and kneeling, firing at paper targets and working with Cadre and fellow Cadets until they feel confident and comfortable with their rifles. Cadet Paige Herbst, student at the Citadel, native of Inman, South Carolina, was one of the Cadets training at Group Zero. “Today we are at the zero range, this is primarily so we can get our weapons ready […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Third Regiment Advanced Camp test their Map Reading skills with a written exam June 13. Each Cadet received a Military Map, protractor, string and written test. This test was pass-fail; Cadets need to pass the test in order to pass the camp. “Today we took a written Land Navigation test, so its all about our ability to read a map. Including intersection, resection, finding where you are, finding where other things are, identifying terrain features on a map and plotting distance,” said Cadet Rebecca Dykhoph, College of St. Benedict and Saint John’s University, Maple Grove, Minn. Prior […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—On Saturday, June 9, Cadets were issued their Multiple Laser Integrated Engagement System (MILES) gear to gain combat and mission experience in the Army’s learning-geared version of laser tag. “The overall objective is to teach them TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures), basically their combat roles and how they lead solders in the field,” said Sgt. Timothy Horgan, Hawaii, “it helps with MEDEVAC and other medical purposes because when they ‘die’ they can provide quick reaction to fallen comrades and perform CASEVAC. It makes sure that they’re ready to go in to combat.” The Cadets report to issuing to receive […]

Fort Knox, Ky., — Several 3rd Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets qualified expert on the M4 Rifle at George Blair range, move on in Recondo competition. The pursuit of the Recondo Badge for Advanced Camp Cadets is no easy feat, a fact proven after every challenge of training thus far. A few Cadets have managed to stay in the running and are continuing the pursuit of the honorable award. Cadet Jeff Chitwood, student at Indiana University, native of St. Charles, Illinois, is one of the lucky Cadets who qualified expert at George Blair. “You need to hit a minimum of 23 out […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Advanced Camp 2nd Regiment’s Charlie Company took on the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) chamber on Friday, June 9. “The propose of the training today is to give the future leaders of the Army confidence in the Army’s equipment. It’s not just the CBRN equipment, it’s all of the Army’s equipment, just to let them know that the Army gives us the best equipment in the world.” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Nedoroscik, 3rd Calvary Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas. Nedoroscik is a range safety officer (RSO) working to ensure that the Cadets remained safe during their training, especially […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – 1st Regiment Advanced Camp enter their first day of Field Training Exercise June 10 at Fort Knox. “This training is the first day of our Field Training Exercise 1 and that really brings all of the elements together that we have been learning so far; so all of the patrolling, tactics and just the different individual skills of learning navigation,” Cadet Ben Ziegler, Northern Illinois University, of Genoa, Ill. Cadre created a mock village; within this village there are Cadre who are roleplaying as villagers. Each day Cadets are training they are given different scenarios and it’s […]

Fort Knox, Ky., — Live fire could be heard throughout the morning as Advanced Camp 3rd Regiment Cadets qualified at George Blair range, part of their marksmans hip education for Cadet Summer Training. Cadet Abby Kingery, student at University of South Florida, native of Cape Coral, Florida, was one of the Cadets qualifying at the range. “Today we are at the range and we are qualifying. We had to practice and zero our weapons yesterday, and today we actually get the opportunity to qualify. You shoot 40 rounds and you have to hit at least 23 of the pop-up targets. There […]

FORT KNOX, KY. – The Cadets of Fourth Regiment Advanced Camp got their equipment for Cadet Summer Training at the Central Issue Facility on June 10. “First, they (cadre members) defined the equipment.,” said Cadet Hayden Blankenship of Delta Company Fourth Platoon from Arkansas State University Jonesboro. “After defining it and telling us exactly its main use, they showed us how to use it. After that, we got issued our own equipment. Then, they put it on us.” Cadets get their equipment before training to ensure they can complete their missions in the field. It’s the lieutenants’ responsibility to make sure […]

Fort Knox, Ky.,– Cadets must first learn the basics of handling rifles at Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction before they can begin to fire at the ranges. While at PMI, Cadets will learn how to prepare themselves to be ready to fire, put together and take apart their weapon, and move as a formation. Cadet D’errah Richardson, student at Michigan State University, native of Flint, Michigan, learned proper weapon-handling skills at PMI. “We are going over rifle readiness positions, how to lay prone and in kneeling positions, and how to take apart our rifles,” said Richardson. “Being able to take apart and put […]

Fort Knox, Ky., — Basic Camp 1st Regiment Cadets conducted the Alternate Course Qualification where Cadets are tested on basic marksmanship abilities using M-16 rifles. Many of the Cadets have not shot a gun before, and are instructed on breathing techniques, proper form, and general safety procedures. Cadets are also expected to receive a score of at least 23 based on the targets they hit in order to qualify in marksmanship. Cadet Jennifer Rivera, native of Puerto Rico, student at University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, was one of the Cadets who were tested at Alt C. “We are at Alt […]

FORT KNOX, Ky,–Squad situational tactical exercises (STX) bring teams together to develop problem solving skills and gain real-life experience through scenario training involving Atropia, a mock city setting. “Being an opposing force (OPFOR), I didn’t really think that this would be the most exciting thing, but honestly it’s not that bad. It gives us an opportunity to learn as well as make new friends which is really great.” said Cadet Anthony Hazboun of Dickinson State University-Harrisburg, a Basic Camp Cadet that was helping with the role-play scenarios. Several Basic Camp Cadets were utilized in this exercise to act as the Ariana […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets in the 3rd regiment of Basic Camp arrived to Building 5919 eager to begin their training. “I’m really excited for doing the rappelling wall and learning more about basic solider skills.” Said Cadet Jennifer Vandenbosch, Marquette University, of Appleton, Wisconsin. She hopes to bring home better leadership attributes for her country and leadership skills in general. “I would define leadership as leading people in a good way so that they would want to lead others in a positive manner as well.” Said Cadet Vandenbosch. At Basic Camp, Cadets learn their basic skills of ROTC and leadership before moving […]

FORT KNOX, KY. – Cadets finished the FieldCraft portion of their Cadet Summer Training (CST) on June 7 at Richardson. “We’re starting with the basics so we can get a baseline and see where our Cadets fall within their platoon,” said cadre member Lt. Col. Robert Hilton from Moorhead State University. “It’s important because it will make the Field Training Exercise (FTX) go a lot smoother if they have time to gel, bond and figure out these basics.” FieldCraft is separated into four different stations. These stations include Land Navigation, how to build a poncho hooch, Troop Leading Procedures and Combat […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 2nd Regiment Advanced Camp finish their weapon qualification at Fort Knox, Kentucky June 6. According to the Cadre at the site, the number of Cadets qualified at the practice range amazed them. Only 14 Cadets needed to reshoot for qualification to pass the camp. Cadets were given a pep talk by the trained Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) prior to going past the firing line, on how to shoot the proper way. “Concentrate on what you’re going to do behind the weapon,” said Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Baeza, 4th Squad 3rd Cadre Regiment (4CR). Baeza expressed […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – 2nd Regiment Advanced Camp starts their first day at the George Blair weapon range June 5 in Fort Knox, Ky. In order to pass Advanced Camp, Cadets must qualify at marksmanship. “The purpose of knowing how to shoot your (rifle) is mainly about being able to protect yourself and your brothers and sisters around you. Be able to accurately acquire a target that’s down range, being able to lock onto it, and be able to pull the trigger to take down the target,” said Cadet Christian Burke, University of Akron, Cleveland, OH. Prior to going past the […]

Fort Knox, Ky.,– The boots of the Cadets of 3rd Regiment Advanced Camp have touched the ground, and so begins the next 31 days of Cadet Summer Training. The Cadets arrived at in processing where they were signed in and assigned to the different companies and platoons within the regiment. The Cadets then inspected their gear, were briefed by the chaplain, and settled in to their barracks. Capt. Joseph Perkins, instructor at the Virginia Military Institute, native of Chicago, was present to greet 3rd Regiment and instruct throughout in processing. “Today we are receiving our Cadets for 3rd Regiment. We bring […]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Day 10 of Basic Camp, Bravo Company worked on Single Channel Ground and Radio Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS)  to know how to communicate via FM radio.   “[FM Communication Training] is a very useful skill to have, being able to operate a radio. You know, we live in a day and age where cell phones and technology and stuff like that. [If] that stops working [radio] will be our only option,” said Cadet Kenneth Luker, Troy University, from Mobile, Al.   Cadets were escorted into a room with six tables that had six bags. Within each bag, […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Day nine of Basic Camp for First Regiment Cadets, they are taught how to work as a team for the first time on June 3rd in Fort Knox, Ky.   The Team Development Course is an obstacle course with six different events where Cadets are to finish each event in thirty minutes.   “It’s all [the] parts of teamwork, communication, sharing ideas, understanding new ideas, and above all we assign squad leaders who are MSI (Military Science Level I) people who have never been in charge of people before and make them come with ideas and make […]

FORT KNOX, KY. – Cadets went through the Land Navigation Course portion of their Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox on June 1. “They just go out there with a map, compass and protractor,” said cadre member 2nd Lt. Victoria Tobitt. “It’s old school, and they go out there to find the points.” The course began at 4 a.m. and concluded at 9 a.m. Cadets had to locate at least four of the six points from their map without the use of modern technology. “GPS isn’t always going to be reliable,” Tobitt said. “If God forbid your electricity goes down, you […]

Fort Knox, Ky.,– Throughout the duration of Advanced Camp, Cadets are expected to qualify in several different tests throughout Cadet Summer training. The first test Advanced Camp Cadets need to qualify with is the Army Physical Fitness Test. The APFT is comprised of three different timed components: push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run. Cadets are expected to meet specific standards based on age and gender within specific time constraints in order to pass. Sgt. 1st Class Max Pumfrey, instructor at Arizona State University, native of Iowa City, Iowa, helped oversee the APFT for his 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp, 4th Platoon, Charlie […]

Fort Knox, Ky.,– Second Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets navigated the Field Leadership Reaction Course, a series of obstacles developed to strengthen leadership and teamwork, while also developing critical communication skills necessary for success while at Cadet Summer Training. Cadet Zaine Steinmeyer, student at Cameron University, native of Lawton, Oklahoma, served as a squad leader during one of the obstacle challenges. “As a squad leader my job was to receive the mission and interpret it, then develop a plan and deliver it to my team, and then receive feedback from the team to evaluate what they thought they could and could not […]

FORT KNOX, KY. – Cadets completed their Call for Fire Training (CFFT) using virtual simulators on June 1. “From the old days, we didn’t have computers then or the virtual aspect of the training that we have now,” said cadre member Master Sgt. Glenn Hance. “So, it’s much more effective now and much more real life.” CFFT teaches cadets how to identify their location on a map, locate enemy forces and call for a fire mission. “It’s important to know this so that number one they don’t call artillery on themselves or their own position,” Hance said. “Number two, they can […]