FORT KNOX, Ky. – Day eight of Basic camp for 1st Regiment Alpha Company; Cadets are taught the basics of how to handle their weapon.   Prior to learning how to dismantle their weapons, Cadets are given M16 Rifle and they sign receipt documents to say they received the weapon.   “[The document] Details what equipment you have received, so you basically sign off to say you have received it,” said Cadet Ezekiel Smith, Stone Mountain, Georgia, of Georgia Southern University.   Drill Sergeant Tenner gathered the Cadets around to give a brief overview on what to do with the weapon. During […]

Fort Knox, Ky., — For Basic Camp Cadets, part of Cadet Summer Training (CST) includes learning basic squad formations and maneuvers before they can head to the field. 1ST Regiment Basic Camp Alpha Company participated in drill and ceremony training on May 31st, a two-day training period where platoons work one-on-one with drill sergeants to master squad maneuvers. Cadet Jordan Gill, student at Hampton University, native of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was one of the Cadets training hard at drill and ceremony. “We’re practicing different movements: left face, right face, different formations, and how to move a platoon on a larger level,” […]

FORT KNOX, KY. – 153 Cadets completed Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) on May 31 at Morgan Riley. BRM was the first time the Cadets got to practice shooting their weapons. “This form of training is your initial chance to zero your weapon to your own eye,” said cadre member Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Tripp. “Our weapons go through so many people so this is a very important step for adjusting the sights to your eye.” Cadets shot five rounds from 25 meters away with their M4 rifles. Their weapons had no scope, and they had to rely on their own sight […]

By: Emily LaForme and Mattie Cook FORT KNOX, Ky., Maj. Gen. Christopher P. Hughes, Commanding General of Cadet Command and Fort Knox was slated as the 2017 Memorial Day Ceremony Guest Speaker hosted at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Radcliff, Ky., May 29. The ceremony began with patriotic songs from the Heartland Fillies, a female a capella group from Elizabethtown, Ky. God Bless America, Amazing Grace and America the Beautiful set the tone for the event as one of pride and compassion. Chaplain (Lt. Col) Brian Crane led attendees in a word of prayer, thanking God for such a beautiful day […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Basic Camp and Advanced Camp are Cadet Summer Training (CST) programs at Fort Knox designed to instill leadership qualities in all of the Cadets that go though them. As Cadets began arriving for in-processing of Basic Camp, they shared their excitements for the summer as well as their view on what leadership means to them. In-processing is the first step in these Cadets’ journeys to becoming better leaders. Here the incoming Cadets are being checked to make sure that their travel to and from is taken care of as well as having all of their entry paperwork taken care […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Day four of Cadet Summer Training Basic Camp Cadets are taught Drill and Ceremony. They start with the basics in how to create a formation and call cadence in unison.   There are different forms of formation, with and without their rifles. There is close interval, squad column, and column of twos. Each cadet has space in between them and has to be arms length apart.   For the first day of Drill and Ceremony (D&C), Cadets are taught without the rifle.   “We briefly touch on the basics. We do facing movements, we do some marching, and […]

Fort Knox, Ky.,—First Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets develop their leadership skills through team building challenges at the Field Leadership Reaction Course (FLRC). Alpha and Bravo Company tackled physical and mental challenges while incorporating communication and improvisation skills to overcome various obstacles. Sgt. Percell Jackson, stationed at Fort Knox, is an instructor at the FLRC for CST. “This training is a building block and stepping stone. The Cadets do not know each other, they may have seen each other around, but when we put them together they get to learn about the different leadership skills and build on it,” said Jackson. “They […]

Day three of the Advanced Camp and Cadets are learning to be a team at the Field Leadership Reaction Course (FLRC) site in Fort Knox, Ky.   “This is one of the first events the Cadets will have their whole time here, so it’s to build team and make camaraderie and leadership,” said Staff Sgt. John Gustafson, Ft. Knox, Ky.   There are 12 obstacles; with each obstacle there is a different challenge, the higher the number, the tougher the challenge.   On this field site, there are two of the same courses with two different names, side “Black” and side […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadet Summer Training (CST) is unlike any other summer camp; as Cadets begin arriving, there are many stations they must undergo before they can begin CST, height and weight being one of the first to ensure that Cadets start the summer healthy. Because of the harsh weather conditions and intense training at Advanced Camp CST, Cadets need to work hard to stay as healthy as possible. “Drinking water is huge. On top of that, get good nutrition all around. You have to eat to maintain good nutrition that you need to keep moving. It’s going to burn a lot […]

Fort Knox, Ky.— First Regiment Advanced Camp and Basic Camp Cadets must complete in processing before Cadet Summer Training (CST) can begin. While at in processing, the Cadets took the time to make sure they had everything necessary in order to have a successful thirty-one days. Cadets not only made sure their travel orders and financial documents were secured, but they also did group exercises to make sure they were prepared physically and mentally as well while they waited. Cadet John Calatrello, 1st Regiment Advanced Camp, student at University of Alabama, native of Athens, Alabama, has been preparing for summer training […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—The Cadet Summer Training (CST) Medical Tactical Operations Center (MED TOC) team works hard seven days a week to ensure the safety of Cadets and Cadre during CST and prepare to address any emergency that might occur. “The purpose of the exercise was so that everyone could work on their communication for if something actually does happen. When we do exercises like this it helps us to find holes in the plans that we have and hopefully we can patch those up for when the real thing happens.” said Specialist Dwyer Henderson of the MED TOC team. The MED […]

FORT KNOX, KY. – More than 600 Cadets received their equipment for Cadet Summer Training (CST) on May 26 at Central Issue Facility (CIF). “This is basic individual gear,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Haas of the Charlie Company Regiment. “From uniforms to their water source, it’s all basic stuff that the cadets will need on the field.” It was the Cadets’ first day of Cadet Summer Training, and they got the supplies that they will need during the summer. “The process of getting equipment was a lot easier and friendlier than past experiences for me at least,” said Cadet Austin Glang […]

Cadets from all over the country arrived at Fort Knox, Ky., on May 25 to start their first day of Advanced camp.   Upon arrival, Cadets must go through many tasks as part of their in-processing. Some tasks include thorough briefings, inventory of items that they should have and not have, receive barracks assignments, and height/weight check.   Height and Weight is a big part of the Cadet processing because commanders want to make sure their Cadets meet Army standards.   When the Cadets receive their barracks assignments they are to change into their Army shirt and running shorts. Once they […]

Fort Knox, Ky.— Before the Cadets can begin training, they first need to in-process and check their equipment. This process occurs during Reception and Integration, a step-by-step system that takes place the moment the Cadets step off the buses. At Reception and Integration, the Cadets will check in, filling out paperwork, health questionnaires, and receiving their mail cards. Then they will move on to shake down their equipment and make sure they have everything they need to be fully prepared in the field. Cadets also meet the rest of their platoon and fellow teammates that they will be working alongside at […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadet Summer Training (CST) cadre conducted a simulated medical evacuation training (MEDEVAC) at Fort Knox, Ky., May 23. A MEDEVAC is an evacuation of causalities with the assistance of medical personel. This situation was a vehicle rollover with 10 casualties, mostly minor injuries, fractured forearms, lacerations and able to walk and communicate with the medical team. Most of the percipients are medical personal or have had training. “Your first response when it comes to any kind of injuries is to help those around you. It’s hard to see myself in a selfish role, but there are people […]

FORT KNOX, KY.- More than 400 second lieutenants received their equipment for Cadet Summer Training (CST) on May 25 at the Central Issue Facility (CIF). “My role here is to ensure that the cadets have all the equipment they need to perform their duties out in the field,” said University of Tennessee Cadre Member Randolph Graves. The second lieutenants get their equipment before the Cadets to ensure the lieutenants know the equipment. It’s the lieutenants’ responsibility to make sure the Cadets have the proper supplies before CST. “It’s more of a personal check as a second lieutenant compared to as a […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. —In the weeks leading up to the start of Cadet Summer Training (CST), Fort Knox, Kentucky, has been buzzing with activity in preparation for the arrival of the Cadets. Part of the preparation includes simulated medical training scenarios for the cadre who will be working the field medical clinics during the summer. A simulated casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) scenario was integrated at Forward Operating Base Gonya, May 23. This training consisted of multiple casualties of gunshot wounds and heat injuries, allowing cadre to prepare for potential crisis and injuries that could arise during the summer. Second Lt. Steven Fowler, […]

Fort Knox, Ky. – When assessing simulated casualties, Cadet Summer Training Tactical Operations Center (CST TOC) is the first to get the call from medics on site.   CST TOC conducted a simulated medical evacuation May 23rd prior to Cadets arriving at Fort Knox, Ky., for their training.   “Now, we know more about all of our individual tasks, so we’re more focused and centered on knowing what we need to know depending on our jobs so we’re not crossing paths,” Said 2nd Lt. Krista Gatan, logistics liaison officer (LNO), CST TOC.   With this exercise CST TOC facilitated communication; there […]

FORT KNOX, KY. –The Medical Tactical Operations Center (MEDTOC) ran through a practice medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) to prepare for Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox, Ky., May 23. “Here in the TOC, we are a center point for information collection and dissemination,” said CST Task Force MEDTOC Operations Officer Capt. Walter Kaer, 61st Multifunctional Medical Battalion. The MEDTOC is responsible for communicating with emergency responders who are on the scene and ensuring casualties arrive at the nearest hospital as soon as possible. “In response to an accident, minutes matter,” Kaer said. The MEDTOC communicates with emergency responders in a variety […]