FORT KNOX, KY. — It’s a bittersweet day, August 17, for families because they get to see their Cadets after 36 days of Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky.  During Family Day it’s always a beautiful moment with the family members running up to their Cadet and hugging them as if they will disappear. But for Cadet Christina Meredith, from the University of Florida, this Family Day is a little more special. Although her biological father was unable to make it – he was sure to be there the next day to watch her graduate.  “It’s pretty awesome, not going [...]

By Sgt. Maj. Dean Welch, CST Public Affairs (Fort Knox, Ky.) — “Sir, this concludes today’s ceremony. Leadership, excellence.” With those words spoken by Cadet Steven Canington, an ROTC student at Grand Canyon University, 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp graduated and closed its 37-day training event at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Aug. 18, 2019. With it, Cadet Summer Training 2019 ended. Many of the 11th Regiment cadets, numbering 587, now return to their hometowns for what is left of the summer before beginning their final year of college.  A year that ends next May with a college graduation and an Army commissioning ceremony. [...]

“Cadet Summer Training is the largest exercise and leadership development event every year – it is a big deal. The way you truly know that this is a big deal is by the presence of an Army band,” said U.S. Army Cadet Command, Deputy Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Antonio Munera. Close to 50 members from the 100th, 313th, and 208th Army Bands supported Cadet Command and Fort Knox with over 50 ceremonies this summer through tradition and pageantry. Some of these events include Basic and Advanced Camp graduations, where nearly 10,000 people were in attendance and 30,000 watched online via live [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — When 23-year-old Milford, Michigan, resident, Cadet Bryan Abell, started doing burpees, he didn’t stop. Around two months before he left for Advanced Camp in Fort Knox, Kentucky, the Michigan State University Cadet decided he wanted to break the world record for the number of burpees done in 12 hours. Five days before arriving in Fort Knox, he did just that. Abell completed 4,689 burpees, breaking the world record. Why did he do this? Because he knew he could. “Once I had it in my head, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it because [...]

  FORT KNOX, Ky. – 6th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets examined their potential future career paths during Branch Orientation at Keyes Park August 14, 2019, during Cadet Summer Training. “We’re going around to all of the various branches, 17 in total, of the Army and we’re just seeing which ones we might be interested in, learning more, and, for me especially, I know very little about the Army and what the branches do. So, I’m just taking this as an opportunity to dive into a bunch of them and learn a bunch of stuff,” explained Cadet Reiss Becker, a student at [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – After a year of planning and three months of execution, Cadet Summer Training (CST) 2019 has come to a close. The single largest training operation in the entire United States Army, CST trains over 10,000 Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets from universities across the nation in 100 days to prepare them for their future careers as Army Officers.  One of the CST core planners Maj. Juan Renaud explained how planning for CST is a process which begins nearly a year in advance for each summer.  “This allows task force leaders, commanders and other planners time to [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky – During Cadet Summer Training (CST), Cadets from all walks of life take the next step to becoming future Warrior Leaders of the United States Army. These five Non-Commissioned Officers are advancing on their ‘Green to Gold’ path by completing Advanced Camp this summer.  The Green to Gold program is an educational opportunity for Active Duty Soldiers that are interested in obtaining a baccalaureate or graduate degree and commissioning as an Army Officer. There are three different opportunities for Active Duty Soldiers to participate in the Green to Gold program; through scholarship, non-scholarship, and remaining active duty.   Each [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. -While Cadets are at Cadet Summer Training (CST), they are completely focused on their training. They have limited contact with their friends and family, they don’t have the regular comforts of home and they must complete grueling tasks throughout the 37-day training period. One of those grueling tasks is the 12-mile foot march, which 11th Regiment Advanced Cadets completed early this morning. The movement, from Tactical Assembly Area Densberger back to the Disney Training Complex on Fort Knox, ended the regiment’s 12-day field problem and put them one-step closer to graduation day. These Cadets will soon return to [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm-ABbPk7ro[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – “The Army will come and go, but family will always be there,” said CSM Timothy Guden, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, to Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp, at their graduation on August 11.  Family and loved ones traveled from near and far to see their Cadets graduate. For some Cadets, military service is a familial legacy which they are now continuing.  “I am not the first in my family to join the military. I am joining a long line of family members in service. It’s a family business,” said Cadet Cameron Cloutier. In [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp conducted an attack to destroy mission during their field training exercise (FTX), August 8. “An attack to destroy mission involves taking an objective by surprise and destroying where the enemy was placed so they can’t return and use it as a stronghold,” explained Cadet Layton Shorus, attending the University of Alabama in Huntsville. As they approached the opposing force’s base, 11th Regiment Cadets opened fire and quickly made their way toward the objective using individual movement techniques. During their assault, Cadets sought cover while communicating with each other over the sound [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp walked away from branch orientation enlightened and excited, August 8.  Branch orientation is an opportunity for Cadets to learn about the different branches of the Army from non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and officers in those branches. It may be the first time that Cadets are exposed to the array of potential careers available to them after they commission.  Cadet Emily Heil, attending Murray State University, decided to attend the special operations branch brief because of a pamphlet she had received.  “I am studying medicine at my university,” said Heil. “Apparently there is [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets conducted training at the Field Training Exercise (FTX) Grizzly, August 9th, during Cadet Summer Training. FTX’s are crucial to training, assessing the leadership and followership of Cadets is the end goal of Cadet Summer Training (CST). Platoons work hard to be prepared for the myriad of missions that will be presented to the group. They have to work together to complete each mission through the FTX in its entirety. Cadet Bailey Weavill, University of South Dakota, “This Training puts people in the position to learn how to be a follower and if [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp graduated and parted ways this morning, August 8. Advanced Camp is a long, tasking 37 days long; challenges present themselves at every corner and Cadets are expected to address and overcome them. Their graduation ceremony is a very welcome event, reuniting them with their family and friends and sending them on their way home. Knowledge that Sticks Out of all they learn at Advanced Camp, many Cadets have something in particular that sticks with them. “The most important thing I’ve learned is just to listen to others and not be [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — One thing that distinguishes Basic Camp from other levels of Army training is the number of Cadre who oversee the training. A lot of the basic camp instruction is given by drill sergeants and newly commissioned officers, but there is another group helping with the basic camp regiments: MSIII trainers. MSIII stands for Military Science 300, and it is made up of ROTC Cadets in college who have completed their junior year of school and graduated advanced camp this summer. After graduating, some opted to stick around in Fort Knox for basic camp and work as mentors [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp, competed in a drill and ceremony (D&C) competition today to test their marching and military bearing skills. The competition tested the basic foundations of D&C on how you march and conduct yourself in a formation. For the first portion of the competition, each platoon in the regiment created a routine that included numerous required elements and commands. Cadre graded Cadets on how well they conducted their platoon D&C routines and how well they maintained their military bearing. Maintaining a strong military bearing is holding and conducting yourself in a well-disciplined manner. [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnNblW2q5qk[/embedyt]   Cadets from 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp, arrived at Assembly Area (AA) Densberger for a refit day to prepare for their transition from Area of Operations (AO) Panther to AO Grizzly.  Grizzly is the final portion of their Field Training Exercise (FTX). During a refit day, Cadets take a shower, switch out laundry, and get some much-needed rest. During the Panther phase of the FTX, cadets went four days and three nights without a shower. Cadet Vest Timothy, a student at Jacksonville State University, explained that it felt really good to get cleaned up for a bit before going [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAmJ_fCjJOg[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, KY. – It was a perfect morning for 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets to march 12-miles back to base to prepare for graduation in a few days. Cadets woke up around 1 a.m., they grabbed their 35 pounds, or more, rucksacks and got into formation. Noise was at a minimum. “The silence was a challenge, not being able to talk and motivate each other through the ruck was rough,” said Cadet Cameron McNeil, from Virginia Military Institute. McNeil wasn’t the only one who found it hard to stay silent. Cadet Alex Garner, from Sacramento State University, and his [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp got to shower and rest before embarking on their 12-mile foot march from TAA Densberger to their barracks, August 6. Before arriving at TAA Densberger, Cadets conducted their field training exercise (FTX) in the dense woods for over a week. There was a refit opportunity between each of the FTX lanes for Cadets every few days which allowed them to organize their rucksacks and relax before continuing their training. “Today is our first time taking a shower in four days,” said Cadet Zachary Suchy. With graduation in sight, the Florida Southern [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. –Cadets of 6th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets learned Introduction to Battle Drills instruction at tactical training area Saber August 6th during Cadet Summer Training. Introduction to Battle Drills train the Cadets through different scenarios that occur consistently in the battle-space during war fighting. Some to name a few is reacting to sudden and direct enemy fire, reacting to ambushes, close ambushes, conducting assaults on key terrain and hasty defense.   These drills are conducted multiple times with Cadets filling in different rolls each iteration to ensure all Cadets get a turn in leadership. After each iteration, an after-action [...]

  FORT KNOX, Ky. – 4th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets graduated on Brooks Field August 6 after completing Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky. Cadets completed numerous exercises to build themselves not only as leaders and teammates, but also to build their confidence in themselves and each other. After graduating and officially completing their training, Cadets expressed their feelings after walking off of Brooks Field. One Cadet was excited to demonstrate their skills learned throughout camp. “Just feeling really excited to get out of here and learn with all this knowledge that I’ve learned since I’ve been here. This is [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxBnI5dkCfc[/embedyt] Fort Knox, Ky. – Cadets from 6th Regiment, Basic Camp, practiced tactics and communication during simulated combat situations with squad formation drills, Aug. 5, 2019. The Cadets will be out in the woods later this week for their culminating training event, the Field Training Exercise (FTX). Squad formation drills help Cadets put into practice the tactics they’ve recently learned and to get adjusted to operating out in the field. The squad formation drills involved reacting to indirect fire and making contact. Both of these situations are hectic and communication is key for success. Cadet Echo Kent, a student at [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — On Aug. 5, Cadets of the 10th Regiment had an early morning fighting the enemy during a defense mission at AO Grizzly. This is their last full day of the Field Training Exercises (FTX), with graduation just around the corner. Defense missions are pretty straightforward: the platoon is set up at a patrol base with borders and protection surrounding it. The Opposing Force (OPFOR) wants to take that base over, and plans to attack it. The Cadets have no knowledge of when the OPFOR are coming, but have to stay quick on their feet and maintain control [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — “COVER ME WHILE I MOVE!!!” “I GOT YOU COVERED!!!” These two phrases were a common consistency on Aug. 4 at Mill Creek Range, when 6th Regiment of Basic Camp went through the Fire Team Movement drill. Similar to the Buddy Team Live Fire exercise Advanced Camp Cadets undergo, the Fire Team Movement drill requires Cadets to take turns advancing along different points of cover, with their partners providing cover fire behind them. It is performed to grow Cadets’ communication skills, increase their confidence in advancing to cover, and progress the relationships of battle buddies. One group of [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNNzeYQXSfU[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – After being trained in Army fundamentals for the past month, 4th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets had the opportunity to engage with Cadre – and even some equipment – during branch orientation, August 4. For most Cadets, finding a branch that interested them was not so difficult. One Cadet from Norfolk State University plans to pursue a career in the medical services branch because of his passion for medicine and serving others. “Growing up I had family that served in the medical field. I am studying medicine in school right now,” said Cadet Nathan Foster. “I [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — After 24 days at Basic Camp, 5th Regiment Cadets took on the 10k Foot March this morning to test their physical and mental endurance. Foot marches challenge Cadets with walking long distances at a fast pace with weight in their rucksacks. “It is mostly mental,” Cadet Mason Aldridge, from Birmingham, Alabama, and attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said. “Coming out here and doing this ruck march is to prove that you can go further than you think you can.” The Cadets began the march at 4 a.m. The purpose of this was to not only [...]