FORT KNOX, KY.— “When they [Cadets] go to Advanced Camp they are going to be evaluated as an infantry officer, [and] as an officer, you are a chaos manager. We are trying to introduce them to that chaos so they become used to it and become good chaos managers,” said 2nd Lt. Michael Everett, who commissioned out of the College at Brockport State University of New York. On July 17, Cadets from the 2nd Regiment Basic Camp learned squad tactics for a Field Training Exercise (FTX). After listening to Cadre tell them about the different tactics, they practiced them in a […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y1HjOfDnRQ[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Rain pouring down, a cloudy, overcast sky watched over the gobbling turkeys making their way across George Blair Range the morning of July 17. Cadets of the 10th Regiment of Advanced Camp spent their morning qualifying on their M-4 Carbines. While qualifying is difficult even on a bright, clear-sky day, the rain brought with it some extra challenge. This wouldn’t stop the Cadets from reaching success, though. With the quote of the day being, “I’ll be hooah my whole life,” said by Cadet Cady Carpenter, attending the University of Texas at El Paso, the challenge […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edXQDjZFLNY[/embedyt] FORT KNOX Ky. — Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Field Leader Reaction Course on July 16. The course challenges Cadets’ leadership skills while also encouraging squad growth. Cadets were given just barely enough material and time to complete the obstacles they faced. It was a challenging task. But growth doesn’t come in complacency. “The purpose [of FLRC] is to basically team build and also to develop critical thinking skills,” Cadet Jack Lacy of Texas A&M University, said. “So you can solve problems faster and know how to communicate more effectively and efficiently in a stressful situation.” […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets persevered through the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) Confidence Chamber July 16 during Cadet Summer Training. “We had our classes where we learned how to trust our gear and how to utilize it properly. Then, the proper steps if we were ever in the environments and need to use it,” explained Cadet Brandon Milburn, Norwich University. “After that, we did the practical application of it where we went inside the gas chamber and were exposed to the chemical substance.” During the introductory classes, Cadets were shown a demonstration of what the Chemical […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfK89G9SGGs[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets learned more about Army branches at Branch Orientation Day July 16, during Cadet Summer Training. Branch Orientation Day is for Cadets to be exposed to all the branches, or jobs, the military has to offer. The Cadets spend a good portion of the day shifting from one branch to the next on controlled rotations. They move tent-to-tent, receiving branch specific merchandise and a representative explains the branch they represent to the Cadets. There are many potential options a Cadet has to consider when listing their preferred branches. The Cadets must […]

FORT KNOX, KY. – Why are we here? To fight. Why do we fight? To win. Cadet from 2nd regiment loudly called out this chant while beginning day two of Fire Team Movement training. “The weather is nice and it is a good training experience,” Cadet Ny’Asia Campbell from Dillon, South Carolina, and attending Claflin University, said. “It is a good day.” The Cadets spent the morning learning and practicing skills that will be required of them as they finsih Fire Team Movement training and head into the field. “We have been learning tactical skills and things for the field out […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJWkoQ9CsnA[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 2nd Regiment Basic Camp Cadets were introduced to small unit tactics at Mill Creek Range, July 15. Each one of the eight lanes on the range introduced a fundamental Army tactic with a classroom component. Every lane assessed Cadets on their knowledge of the concept after a lesson taught by cadre. The cadre at Mill Creek Range make up what is known as a Total Army Force, meaning that they represent National Guard, Reserve and Active Duty Army components. “We [the cadre] are all leaders here in order to make the Army better,” said 2nd […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT5b_m7VGGM[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 4th Regiment, Basic Camp, faced their fears during the confidence course on July 15. The Basic Camp confidence course consists of three different events: the climbing wall, the Alpine Tower and Rudder’s Ropes Course. The three different variations of obstacles are meant to challenge the Cadets physically but also mentally. “The biggest thing we have the Cadets doing out here is facing their fears,” Georgia State University Military Science Instructor and Confidence Course Non-commissioned Officer in Charge, Sgt. 1st Class Barry Ray said. “It is not actually to get rid of the fear. […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp spent the day learning the tactical combat casualty care at Heard Park, July 15. “On this site a Cadet learns to save a life,” said Lt. Col. Danielle Rodondi. “We teach them how to evaluate a casualty. But the whole goal here is for them to get first aid skills that they can use anywhere.” Rodondi is an Army ROTC military science instructor at Augusta University and the officer in charge at the first aid training site. “What I really enjoy about this site is, where in the world can you […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 1st Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets completed their 10K Ruck, also called the six-mile ruck, July 15 during Cadet Summer Training. “We just did a six-mile ruck march. It’s just putting a 35-pound ruck on your back and walking for about six miles,” clarified Cadet Celeste Doiron, California Polytechnic State University. While traversing each mile, Cadets reflected on what they found the most challenging about the ruck. “Probably the main thing was the terrain. As far as I know, most ruck marches are on flat ground. This is relatively hilly. It wasn’t too bad,” stated Cadet Brody Roberts, […]

FORT KNOX, KY.— “You can be so focused on what you are doing and you are not listening to what your teammate is trying to suggest to you,” Cadet Shakireah Gibbons, George Southern University. Cadets from the 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp learned to listen and work together at the Team Development Course. Cadets were given 10 minutes for planning and then 20 minutes to execute their obstacle. If they finished their planning early they were allowed to start going through the course. During one of the stations, Gibbons was a squad leader and felt that it went smoothly. She said what […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDi28OHqS14[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, KY. — Two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups, and a two-mile run, that is how 10th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets started off their morning during their Army Physical and Fitness Test (APFT). APFT tests a Cadet’s physical fitness to see how well he or she might handle being in the field. Lyndsey Fisher, a student at Texas Christian University, said pacing herself was harder than she expected. At her school, there is an Olympic track where she runs eight laps, rather than two. Although she passed her test, Fisher did not do as well as […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp participated in Squad Movement Drills, July 14. Before Advanced Camp Cadets enter the field for their field training exercise they learn how to set up patrol bases and what to expect from some common situations. Squad Movement Drills allow Cadets to choose what they feel they need to work on before entering the field at Wolverine, or the walk phase of field training, the slowest and easiest of the exercises. Army ROTC instructor Master Sgt. Mark Alston, Duke University, said the Cadets will start slow by setting up their base and […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXbFtWjK12A[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — The sound of gun fire boomed across George Blair Range on July 14 while 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets completed their Weapons Qualification. Cadets had three days to prepare for weapons qualification. Those three days included: Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction (PMI), Group and Zero and Down Range Feedback. At PMI, Cadets learned about the fundamentals of their weapons systems in a classroom setting. On the second day, Cadets took to a range to learn how to group and zero their weapons. Cadets refined their skills on the third day in preparation for the qualification the next […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 1st Regiment, Basic Camp performed Field Training Exercises in their “run” phase July 14 during Cadet Summer Training. The “run” phase of an exercise consists of cadre taking a step back and providing feedback during the exercise when absolutely necessary to Cadets. The exercise Cadets from Alpha company, 3rd platoon, 3rd squad performed was an ambush. “We just conducted an ambush on the objective, which was a linear ambush on the road. We had two enemy and were a squad element. We were directed by our squad leader to form up and I was on Bravo Team, […]

Cadets of the 10th Regiment of Advanced Camp completed the six-mile ruck march in the early hours of this morning, July 14. Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” ringing through their ears, Cadets were able to find some pretty interesting ways to stay motivated. Some may even call them quirky. What’s Your Quirk? “For both my rucks and the two-mile run I sing ’99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall,’” Cadet Josh Hopingardner, from Yorktown, Virginia, said. “I sing all the way down to one and then I work my way back up.” Hopingardner, attending University of Montana, said singing helps to keep his […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHjGF4zCdTU[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets got the chance to let loose the day before their graduation. As a special treat Cadets are able to see their families before graduating from Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 13. Throughout the time of Cadet Summer Training, Cadets are only allowed to have their phone for 30 minutes before lights out in the barracks. Cadets are very eager to spend time with their families just as much as the families want to spend time with them. Lisa Young, mother of Cadet Emma Murray who is attending Morgan […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 1st Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets completed a day of Field Training Exercises (FTXs) July 13 during Cadet Summer Training. For many Basic Camp Cadets, this FTX was one of their first experiences obtaining an objective in the field. “We just accomplished our first run through with an ambush. It was many of our first time, a few of our second or third time. Most of us, it was our first time going through an ambush and we were pretty successful I think,” said Cadet Abigail Newman, Northern Illinois University. “We had a lot of things to work […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faKxSnEioGI[/embedyt] FORT KNOX Ky. — Advanced Camp’s 8th Regiment underwent Buddy Team Live Fire (BTLF) training on July 13th. The training consists of battle buddies alternately bounding toward a simulated enemy while providing cover along the way. Training with a purpose “The purpose of this training is to build trust in one another,” Cadet Patton Weak of the University of Montana said. “So, when we’re down range, we can efficiently and effectively move ourselves and our troops, and be able to have that knowledge of not only what we should be doing, but what the people we are in charge of […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 2nd Regiment Basic Camp Cadets were brought to the Individual Task Test (ITT) to check their rifle maintenance, basic land navigation skills, radio call procedures and other basic soldiering skills. The ITT evaluates Cadets in many different areas, but it’s the third skill that has Cadets especially nervous. What are these radio call procedures, or the 9-line medical evacuation call? And why does it have Cadets nervous going into the test? The 9-line is a term that refers to a call made for medical evacuations in the field. Due to the serious nature of the call, Cadets, […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8pKdRUDwRY[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, KY.— Cadets from 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp laced up their boots and grabbed a compass for their land association and map reading courses on July 13. Broken off into their platoons, Cadets rotated through a circuit of four stations and were taught the basic skills needed to pass land navigation.  The first of these stations was map reading, where Cadets are taught how to plot points, shoot an azimuth and determine distance when navigating their terrain.  “The maps themselves are one of the most important aspects of land navigation,” Cadet Michael Silva, a student at the University […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82XI4JoJRUM[/embedyt] Cadets of the 4th Regiment of Basic Camp were taken through the General George Patton Museum of Leadership the afternoon of July 12. Artifacts from a time long lost, but not quite forgotten, inhabit the museum grounds. From armor to uniforms, an old dog collar to a 48-Star American flag, protest art to a firetruck used in 9/11, the Patton Museum has it all. A Moment of Inspiration For many of the Cadets, this experience was one that would shape them as future Army Officers. “I am the first person in my family to be in the military,” Cadet […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp fill the lanes of George Blair Range for weapons qualification July 12.  With 40 rounds, 40 targets and a minimum of 23 targets hit required to qualify their weapons, nerves are high for Advanced Camp Cadets as they prepare their weapons.  Cadets are required to complete several days of basic marksmanship training and weapon zeroing before they make it to weapons qualification. This training helps to familiarize the Cadets with their weapons, teaching them the correct way to clean them, carry them and handle them when firing.  Cadets not only are […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5O-fQfQ6fU[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets completed their rigorous confidence course training, 12 July. “The objective of this training is to build confidence and teamwork within each squad,” said Sgt. Frank Marscelli from San Diego State University. “Cadets aren’t expected to be tactically proficient, rather resilient and motivated. We [cadre] want to see how the Cadets lead each other.” Throughout the course, Cadets must maneuver themselves with agility under low wires, over steep hurdles, up towering ladders and down shaky cargo nets. Sgt. 1st Class Clayton Mayberry, a cadre on the course, compared the confidence course […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwn323i8HZE[/embedyt] Fort Knox, Ky. – Basic Camp is all about teaching Cadets the basic soldiering skills they need to know before going forward in their endeavor to become officers. Third Regiment Basic Camp Cadets spent Thursday going through Field Craft Training where throughout the day they learned and were tested on different skills they need to know to continue in their ROTC programs and Advanced Camp. Most Cadets in the program are lateral entry Cadets meaning they are going into their junior or senior years at their university. Basic Camp serves as the training to catch them up on the […]