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 […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — On August 3, nearly 600 Cadets stood in formation as Lt. Gen. Bruce Crawford delivered some parting words to end their Advanced Camp journey. After 37 days of facing fears such as heights or hand grenades, pushing through mental challenges such as land navigation and map reading, and going survival-mode in the Field Training Exercises, the 8th Regiment has finally reached the end of their training at Fort Knox. One of the main reasons Cadets work to pass Advanced Camp is the gateway it provides to becoming a 2nd Lieutenant. This is why the Cadre constantly challenged […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 11th Regiment of Advanced Camp completed their 8-mile ruck march this morning, August 3. Between release-ruck marches and formation-ruck marches, each Cadet has their preferences; most prefer the release as they can go at their own speed, do their own thing. A formation-ruck march keeps Cadets orderly, a tactical move that ensures they hone their field skills while they march. Cadets are told to keep silent, save the sound of their boots hitting the ground. While the ruck march may seem to drudge on slowly, Cadets find ways to keep themselves entertained. A Rucking […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVrJrDR9tmQ[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — Fourth Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets put their marching skills to the test today during the platoon and regimental drill and ceremony (D&C) competition. Cadets competed in two different competition; a platoon-level D&C competition, where the six platoons from 4th Regiment performed in front of Cadre who chose the wining platoon, and a regimental D&C competition, where Cadets are individually competing to win. Over the past 28 days, Cadets learned Army customs and courtesies, how to march and conduct themselves in a professional manner. “The purpose of this competition was to test the culmination of everything […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCFTJWzjm-M[/embedyt] Fort Knox, Ky. – Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp conducted a reconnaissance mission during day one of their Field Training Exercise (FTX) in Area of Operations Grizzly. The Grizzly segment is the last of three phases that make up the FTX during Cadet Summer Training. However, as sometimes happens, the mission did not entirely go as planned. During the initial recon, the Cadets from 1st Platoon, Charlie Co., encountered a large Opposing Force (OPFOR) compound.  A compound larger than their intelligence had indicated. In addition, the Cadets faced technical issues with their radios, making communication a challenge and the movements […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZlGrPxV5lU[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 6th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets tackled the team development course (TDC) as part of their leadership development, August 3. The course evaluates Cadets on their ability to plan and execute objectives in simulated tactical scenarios with limited resources. The TDC is challenging as it requires Cadets to remain cohesive within their squads. “Everyone has different ideas and is capable of different movements,” said Cadet Christy Morales, attending the University of Central Arkansas. “We eventually got specific people to do specific things and others just followed as needed.” Throughout the course, squad leadership rotates giving more […]

FORT KNOX, KY. – “ I, myself, can see change in me just about how much more confident I am and how, how confident I am as a leader and how I talk and help delegate missions…” said Cadet Emma Haynes, University of Dayton. Haynes reflected on her transformation following a Field Training Exercise (FTX) mission on Aug 2, for her 5thRegiment Basic Camp. During the FTX the Cadets simulated an ambush and then reacted to enemy contact, all under the watchful eye of their Cadre. While the Cadre teach proper techniques, there is another layer of expertise that ensures the […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – 5th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets conducted training at the Field Training Exercise (FTX) Badger, August 3rd, during Cadet Summer Training. Military training operates in three phases, crawl walk, and run. The crawl phase is the initial portion of training where Cadets are taught the fundamentals of operating in a field environment. The walk phase is rehearsal focused where Cadets on a small-scale walk through a myriad of maneuvers. Finally, the run phase is the action stage where Cadets display their domain knowledge during a live training event. These events are usually held at FTX’s. Cadet Emma Haynes, […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJJCu3PLbSE[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the Delta Co., 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their third and final day in the AO Wolverine FTX this morning, August 2. Wolverine is the “crawl” phase of three field-training exercises (FTXs) the Cadets are put through, Panther and Grizzly being the other two. Panther being the “walk” and Grizzly being the “run” phases, the two are more difficult, forcing the Cadets to rely more on their own independent leadership. The next two phases also start evaluations for the Cadets, so Wolverine gives them time to prepare. A Little Room to Grow From […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG_zAZ_2GNE[/embedyt]   FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 6th Regiment, Basic Camp spent the day at the range to get the first-time experience of sighting and shooting their M4 rifles. This training may seem basic to many, but it reinforces the idea that no matter where the Cadets end up, they are a rifleman first. Eastern Washington University Cadet Justin Mebes, may not be new to shooting, but his take on the mantra, “Every Soldier, a rifleman,” drew an interesting comparison to another. “I want to be a Ranger,” Mebes said. “My dad was a Ranger, and they say that […]

FORT KNOX, KY.— “Twelve miles is a distance that most people do not normally do every day so being able to accomplish something like that is pretty rewarding,” said Cadet Hayden Martinez, from Oregon State University. Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, had this satisfaction when they completed their 12-mile road march here early in the morning on Aug. 2. Cadets stepped off the start line from Tactical Assembly Area Densberger.  They spent yesterday at TAA Densberger following their final phase of the Field Training Exercises. Martinez said that the rucks [the pack they carried with their clothing and equipment] this […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TURaLrpSWtQ[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — On July 31, 9th Regiment Bravo Company spent their last full day of their Field Training Exercises conducting a raid mission on the enemy. The combat was business as usual, until the 4th Platoon was met by some surprise visitors. Staff. Sgt. David Bellavia, the most recent Medal of Honor recipient, walked up to the gunfire accompanied by several high-ranking officers: Gen. Paul Funk, Maj. Gen. John Evans and Brig. Gen. Antonio Munera to name a few. The Medal of Honor is the country’s highest and most prestigious military decoration, awarded to military service members […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4uEox8Cw7c[/embedyt]   FORT KNOX, Ky. — Every Cadet comes to a point where they may not be able to push any further, but, as the Basic Camp Cadets learned, that’s when the motivation from those behind them can push them beyond their limits. The Obstacle Course 6th Regiment took on today was filled with challenges of varying difficulty, that tested the Cadets physical and mental abilities. After they completed all of the obstacles, Cadets took a moment to reflect on what they had faced and how they were able to push past those difficulties. Cadet Lacy Pemberton, from Virginia Wesleyan […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOEz1ltN7nc[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – “You made it. You can be justifiably proud of your accomplishments this past month,” said Gen. Paul E. Funk II, August 1. Graduation for the 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets was both a culmination and beginning event as Funk, commanding general, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), noted. “Your training is far from complete,” Funk told the Cadets. “My promise to you, as the TRADOC commander, is that we will maintain a laser focus on preparing you to be warriors and leaders that soldiers deserve.” In his commencement speech, Funk offered the Cadets some leadership […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUV-GzOa37c[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 5th Regiment of Basic Camp were introduced to battle drills in preparation for their upcoming Field Training Exercise (FTX). Cadets started in a classroom setting, Cadre drawing battle drills on paper like plays on a whiteboard in a basketball game. They then moved out into the field, putting their newfound skills to the test; drill after drill after drill, the Cadets practiced flanking maneuvers and battle tactics. Cadre Strive to Help The Cadets are taught by a wide variety of people, enlisted and commissioned alike. “The lieutenants are super helpful,” Cadet Emily […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – 5th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets conducted Fire Team Movement training July 30 during Cadet Summer Training. Fire Team Movement training is uses by the military to increase teamwork, team cohesion and condition personnel to be comfortable operating in small teams in combat. While Cadets move, loud noises from machines simulate gunfire and explosions while Cadets move through the course. Cadets run this course learning to shoot, move and communicate with their fellow teammates. This is all new to the cadets as Lt. Col. Matthew Stanley Regimental Tactical Officer, and PMS of Eastern Michigan explains, “This is their […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIDO7AiL–g[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, KY. – Tanks, a helicopter, a boat, light tactical vehicles and more, all filled Keyes Park for Branch Orientation. Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp prepared for commissioning next May by spending the day learning about the different Army branches and the opportunities they each provide. Along with insight from branch officers, Cadets were also given the opportunity to see and get hands-on with equipment. Throughout the Cadets found themselves surprised by all the branches and some of the opportunities they may have not been aware were open to them. “There are people like me who went […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqwSxGOyQsw[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their first ambush this morning, July 31, in the AO Wolverine FTX. AO Wolverine presents Cadets with the “crawl” portion of their time in the field; Panther will be their “walk” stage, Grizzly, their “run.” Each stage gives Cadets different benefits, honing skills they previously had and gaining new skills in the process. The crawl portion grants Cadets the most help from their Cadre. Crawling is a Necessity “Today, we’re doing the crawl phase of the crawl, walk, run method of teaching,” Cadet Anthony Burgess, a Richmond, […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v14e-c37SW0[/embedyt]   FORT KNOX, Ky. — Going into the field for the first time for Field Training Exercise (FTX) may be scary, but Cadre made sure the Cadets were ready. Fire Team Movement works as a refresher course for the Cadets, but also as a way for Cadre to know the Cadets know the basics like the back of their hands. That way they don’t have to worry about forgetting anything when the real test begins. Cadet Ivan Torres, of Rowlett, Texas, noted that these basics are things he and the Cadets should be able to do automatically, and the […]