FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets in the 3rd Regiment closed out their training time at Advanced Camp with the 12-mile ruck march this morning, July 3. It was a victorious moment; cadences were shouted, hands were raised to the sky in triumph, smiles were plastered on every face. From Cadet to Cadet, words of encouragement were shared as they marched nearer and nearer to the “Mission Accomplished” banner that flew at their ending point. With “Eye of the Tiger” playing, the 3rd Regiment crossed the finish line. Rucks were plopped on the ground as Cadets fell to their knees in relief. […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g65zqR9-gms[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets completed Land Navigation training, a vital tool for all soldiers on July 3. “From the Private to the General, this is a skill that every soldier needs to know,” Staff Sgt. Richard Heinzman, a land navigation instructor, said. Cadets were responsible for finding at least three out of four given points in order to achieve a passing grade. While time played a part in this training (three hours to complete the course), rushing could cause Cadets to make unwarranted mistakes. “I think a lot of it is being precise,” Cadet […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keE3KMENXeI[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets were briefed on hazardous Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons before entering what is called the confidence chamber, 1 July.  Inside the chamber, Cadets are exposed to the simulated effects of CBRN weapons with a concentrated tear gas that irritates skin, eyes and the respiratory system. Cadets enter the chamber with masks dawned and sealed. After a series of tests to check that their equipment is properly functioning, Cadets are instructed to break the seal on their masks and expose themselves to the gas. The objective of this training […]

Fort Knox, Ky. — Cadets from 4th Regiment spent day 25 of Advanced Camp  tackling another field training exercise, July 2. Cadets fought through a sticky heat as they took an assault objective at 8:30 a.m. The goal was a clear — set up a defense in a open, red-clay field encircled by three car-sized mounds covered in trees and small foliage. Oppositional forces stay nestled into the greenery. Acting platoon sergeant, Cadet Brian Velez, from Florida State University, said the mission started last night during the planning phase. “Last night we started planning the mission, concept of operations and at […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb3Pp3ce6VE[/embedyt] Fort Knox, Ky. – Seventh Regiment Cadets spent the day hoping to hit the mark at George Blair Range for weapons qualification. For some Cadets, this morning was nerve-racking while for others like Cleveland State University Cadet David Kullik, from North Olmsted, Ohio, this was a morning full of excitement. “I am actually really excited,” Kullik said. “It is always fun to throw rounds down range and be with your friends. It is fun testing yourself. Marksmanship is an important soldiering skill, everyone needs to know it. It is really fun to put it to the test and compete […]

Basic Camp Cadets participated in Drill & Ceremony to hone their skills in a formation. Drill Sgt. Matt Archer, from the 8th Brigade, 95th Division, explained what they are being taught. “Currently what we are going over is proper wear of the uniform, followed by D and C. Which is just basic movements form.” Drill and Ceremony is an event that was introduced to the 2nd Regiment Cadets on Day 2 of Basic Camp. Cadet Dylan Deston, who attends University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, said that Basic Camp has been a culture shock for him. His Regiment has done Drill & Ceremony every […]

FORT KNOX, KY – Third Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets arrived Monday afternoon at Fort Knox, Kentucky, on Day Zero to start their Cadet Summer Training (CST). On the day of arrival, Cadets began with checking-in, organizing and accounting for their equipment. Belongings were checked to ensure the safety of the Cadets, and to make sure they did not bring any contraband items. Cadre went through these procedures to get the Cadets ready to set up their lockers and make sure everything is squared away. As Cadets arrived the air was filled with many different emotions. Some Cadets were excited for the […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgYYGbzCBIY[/embedyt] Third Regiment Cadets endured 29 days of high temperatures, monsoon rainstorms and nights in the woods during Advanced Camp at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Through those 29 days of harsh conditions, Cadets from 3rd Platoon, B Company, 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, learned to persevere as a team. “A lot of the conditions for this summer have been horrendous rain and thunderstorms, so from start to finish, as a platoon, they learned to adapt and apply everything they learned [over] the last three years in adverse situations,” Capt. Jonathan Dieckman, an ROTC instructor at Bowling Green State University, said. Coming together […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12Zw73W0L-M[/embedyt] Sun beaming down, heat category rising, Cadets from the 8th Regiment, Delta Co., of Advanced Camp were training for Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3) nonetheless. Monday morning, July 1, brought 8th Regiment Cadets their first real day of Advanced Camp training. In-processing over with, it was time to get into the nitty gritty of the U.S. Army. TC3 brought them that grit. How to Save a Life “We do a scenario where they take fire and their battle buddy goes down,” Lt. Col. Danielle Rodondi, professor of military science at Augusta University and the Officer in Charge (OIC) for […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets successfully accomplished the Buddy Team Live Fire course July 1 during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky. After completion, Cadets shared their favorite thing about Buddy Team Live Fire. My favorite part about Buddy Team Live Fire is: “Being able to work with my battle buddy and see our hard work pay off.” — Cadet Saebyuk Lee from the University of Nevada Rino. “Being able to send rounds down range being with somebody who has the same drive and dedication toward a common goal.” — Cadet Scottie Huggins from Santa Clara […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TmwTXuMlbI[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets enhanced their tactical skills and defense strategies at their Field Training Exercise, FTX, June 30 during Cadet Summer Training. The first two objectives, including gathering intelligence and performing reconnaissance on the base as well as capturing the base from the opposing forces, were executed with precision, according to Capt. Talisa Dauz. “They knocked it out of the park. It’s probably one of the best missions we’ve done so far,” said Dauz. “Once they attacked the enemy, they were able to seize this terrain and the mission. They are currently on […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – “By virtue of the fact that you are all sitting here right now means you are infinitely successful,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Gregory, from The University of Hawaii, to the Cadets of 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, Bravo Company. “You have different experiences and backgrounds which means that you have a different way of viewing the world based on those prior experiences.” 8th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets had to work in squads to complete the Field Leadership Reaction Course (FLRC), this morning, as part of their leadership development. “So far, the only thing Cadets have had to do […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw7AaXFOYXc[/embedyt] Fourth Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets conducted an attack on a group of Opposing Force (OPFOR) at approximately 8:15 a.m. today. “Today, they were focused on the first mission, which was an attack. An attack to defense,” Clarkson University Instructor, Master Sgt. James Prescott said. The attack was the first lane 4th Regiment was scheduled to complete for the Field Training Exercise I (FTX I), but the lane did not go as planned. The Cadets ended up defending their position after an ambush from the OPFOR team. Trouble stirred when information was not communicated correctly and the platoon got off […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0hauZP5z1w[/embedyt] Basic Camp Cadets of the 1st Regiment, Bravo Co., completed the High Ropes Course at Forest Hills Climbing Complex this morning, June 30. The Climb With the sun beaming down, Cadets were divided out amongst three obstacles: the Rock Wall, the Alpine Tower and the Rudder’s High Ropes Course. Each obstacle presented its own challenges, and each Cadet overcame those challenges in their own way. From swinging a certain way to leaping off one section of an obstacle to a completely new section, Cadets tackled every single task. “It’s a mixture of, they’re learning about themselves, they’re obviously nervous, […]

Lt. Col. Bryan Dunker spent the morning of June 22 in Point Mugu, California, 2,000 miles away from his South Carolina home. He swam 1500 meters in the wide-open Pacific Ocean, biked 40 kilometers along that same coast, and ran 10 kilometers through harsh winds to the finish line of the 2019 Armed Forces Triathlon Championship. The Armed Forces Triathlon Championship is an annual event that brings together all branches of the military, and those passionate about the sport. Dunker, a professor of military science (PMS) at Wofford College, won second place in the Master’s Division, and celebrated with his fellow […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzY1PfXdi1Y[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets learned the key to success from performance training experts, Maegan Guevara and Emerson Gagnon, as part of their training at Fort Knox, Ky. Performance training is for Cadets to gain the fundamentals about how to be successful in whatever they pursue. Guevara taught the Cadets the different types of motivations. Guevara described the four different types of motivation in this case for ROTC were scholarship, the fear of letting someone down, being an officer is the best way to get success in the military and family legacy or wanted to […]

Basic Camp 1st Regiment Cadets participated in Map Reading to begin learning the basics of how to understand a map on June 29th 2019. Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Evans, who oversees Bravo Company, explained what Map Reading is and why it is important to teach to the brand new Cadets. “Today’s objective is to start basic map reading, get them to understand the legends (tells you what the distance is for the scale of that map) and the parts of a map.” After that Evans said they go into terrain features, how to plot a point as well as how to […]

1st Regiment Cadets graduated from Advanced Camp today on June 29, 2019 and get to begin the next phase of their careers. Before they were sent off to join their families they received advice from the guest speaker Maj. Gen. Gary Johnston. He told the Cadets, “What took me years to experience, you could experience in your first assignment. So, buckle up.” The Cadets seemed prepared and eager for that task. They have all passed Advanced Camp are in the driver seat toward their commission into the U.S. Army. Cadet Mikael Proper attends the University of Nevada, Reno, and was the winner […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XykzDVmKtsc[/embedyt] Fort Knox, Ky. – Cadets from 8th Regiment arrived yesterday and geared up today for the upcoming training events that make up Advanced Camp. “I am pretty excited,” Cadet Reilly Andresen, from Brookings, South Dakota, who attends South Dakota State University, said. “We are on day two so we haven’t done a whole lot yet, but we are about to get into it all.” The Cadets went through Central Issue Facility (CIF) where they received gear they needed and inspected their bags for deficiencies in their equipment. The goal of the day is to ensure Cadets are prepared for […]

Fort Knox, Ky.–1st Regiment Cadets at Advanced Camp were reunited with loved ones on Family in the midst of graduation tomorrow. Nearing the end of their time here at Fort Knox, some of the Cadets reflected on their journey and experience. Cadet Jacob Stedleim, who attends Virginia Tech, said, “I’ve definitely learned a lot more than I thought I would. I kind of came in thinking we were just going to get evaluated and I wouldn’t learn a lot tactically. I even learned more about myself leadership wise, but at the end of the day I learned a lot about tactics […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – A desolate confidence course is abruptly rushed by 5th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets ready to train, June 27. The confidence course involves a series of obstacles Cadets complete with their battle buddies prior to braving the rappel tower. “They are tested on three primary competencies: confidence, courage, and teamwork,” said Capt. Patrick O’Neil, from Central Michigan University. “It’s about maintaining squad integrity and encouraging each other.” 5th Regiment Cadets were by no means short on encouragement. While they waited for their turn to attempt each obstacle, Cadets cheered for their battle buddies who were completing their attempts. “It’s pretty […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Fifth Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets completed rappel tower training today to push themselves to tackle fears and improve personal courage. Cadets were required to complete three variations of the rappel tower; the slight incline, the wall and the open face rappel. They were meant to not only teach the Cadets but test them as well. “Each one is building up off of what we previously did,” Cadet John Manning, from Overland Park, Kansas, and attending Marquette University, said. “The slant tower is to make sure we know the basic skills. The wall side is so we can […]

  For the first three weeks of Advanced Camp, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets of 1st Regiment established a trusting relationship with each other. They worked together to accomplish feats such as rappelling down a 64-foot tower and walking through a chamber filled with CS gas during Cadet Summer Training (CST). Then, 40 United States Military Academy (USMA) Cadets were suddenly integrated into several platoons of 1st regiment for the Field Training Exercise (FTX) portion of Advanced Camp. As part of an initiative to unite the two commissioning sources, USMA at West Point Cadets arrived at Fort Knox, Kentucky to […]

Basic Camp 1st Regiment Cadets participated in Drill & Ceremony to begin learning how to operate as a unit. Sgt. 1st Class Alonzo Banks, who oversees Alpha Company, explained what Drill & Ceremony is and why it is important to teach to the brand new Cadets, “Drill & Ceremony helps build a core within the unit. It’s also used to move from your element, from one location to another location in an expedient manner. Being able to keep command and control over the entire unit while in movement.” Cadet Weston Landon, who attends the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, described the day […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Fourth Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets must strategically plan Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to ensure their platoons operate efficiently during the Field Training Exercise (FTX) during Cadet Summer Training. SOPs are the guidelines each platoon follows during each exercise. Platoon leaders are given an Operation Order which include details of the mission at hand. With the description, the platoon leader and their team of people will develop a plan to successfully complete the mission. Theoretically the success or failure of the mission is based on how well the platoon is prepared with their SOPs. Cadet Jacob Drobney, who […]