FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from the 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Situational Training Exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., July 23, 2023. STX is an event that focuses on squad communication and tactics in a combat-like setting in order to qualify and become future U.S. Army leaders. Multiple scenarios test Cadets on their ability to work as a team and carry out their responsibilities in a timely manner. Cadet Trey Crow, from Harding University, shares his thoughts about the process of the STX. “It just helps you to learn teamwork with the new group of soldiers that you have just [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. - Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox is home to one of the largest training events in the U.S. Army. Approximately 10,000 Cadets attend either Advanced or Basic Camp every summer, and ensuring their safety is a top priority. Task Force Med is one of the key elements in providing a safe training environment.

FORT KNOX, Ky. - Every year Soldiers and Civilians come to Fort Knox from across the country to facilitate Cadet Summer Training. Some act as Cadre for the Cadet regiments, some handle command and control or logistics, and some form task forces with specific purposes. Task Force Wolf from the 104th Training Division is comprised of U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers that attend CST every summer to prepare Cadets to becoming future officers.

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Barr Memorial Library serves as more than a home for books. The library was opened to serve the community in June 1977. During his time as Library Director, Michael Steinmacher has worked with his staff to broaden the offerings and services of the library.  “It’s not the library of ten years ago, it’s not even the library of five years ago,” Steinmacher said. “We are really focused on doing the best we can, again, to serve our constituents and our patrons extremely well.” The goal of Barr Memorial Library is to provide military personnel and family members [...]

June 8, 2023 FORT KNOX, Ky. – The Gen. George Patton Museum of Leadership is located just off post and is only donation based. The museum features various exhibits on important leaders and artifacts from different U.S. Military events such as the Vietnam War and the World War II barracks. Tyler Reid has been the curator of the museum since April 2021. As a curator, he manages the handling and research of artifacts, design, and education. Prior to being a curator, Reid participated in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program at Western Kentucky University in 2008. He did 11 years of [...]

Fort Knox, Ky. – Starting at 9 a.m. on June 8, 2023, the women’s bowling league dominated the lanes at Houston Bowling Center. The women in this league dedicate their Thursday mornings to play against one another every week. The teams are different every time, and the sportsmanship is high. Amongst the sounds of bowling balls rolling down lanes and knocked over pins, laughter can be heard near the lanes that are occupied by the ladies of the Thursday morning league. The women’s league is just one of many activities the Houston Bowling Center has to offer to the public on [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The Fort Knox Water Park reopened approximately a week ago, providing a way for families on Fort Knox to enjoy the summer days.  The water park includes two slides, a baby pool for the smaller kids and water fountains to play in, as well as the general swimming area.  Lesley Clark, a lifeguard at the park, said her favorite part about working at the water park is the energy of all the kids.  “I taught swim lessons at Anderson [Indoor Aquatics Center] before this, so a whole bunch of my students keep popping in here, showing me [...]

FORT KNOX, KY – U.S. Army food inspectors working out of the Veterinary Clinic on base, conduct a routine inspection of the Commissary at Fort Knox, Ky. May 31, 2023. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “It is estimated that each year one in six Americans get sick from contaminated food or beverages.” Spc. Omar Gutierrez is a food inspector that has an important job of ensuring and maintaining good food quality on base. “My duties are to take care of the UGR (Unitized Group Ration) Heat and Serve and the MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) to make sure those facilities [...]

By Lindsay Grant The new deputy commanding officer (DCO) of U.S. Army Cadet Command was introduced to the Fort Knox community on June 30 in a socially distanced welcome ceremony held on post at Waybur Theater. Col. William R. Glaser assumed his duties as DCO earlier this month after completing his last assignment as Chief of Staff for the 7th Army Training Command in Grafenwoehr, Germany. “You’ve got a big job ahead of you, but we know that you’re up to it,” said Major General John R. Evans, Commanding General of U.S. Army Cadet Command. As deputy commanding general, Glaser will [...]

By Cadet Michael Hoffmann, Virginia Military Institute We five ROTC Cadets arrived at the Alexandria Airport in Louisiana, anxious to begin what would prove to be an unforgettable experience.  Two officers wearing pressed olive green field uniforms and maroon berets crested low over their eyebrows, the distinctive uniform of the 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, soon arrived and took us to Fort Polk. The 1/509th, or “Geronimo” Battalion, was activated in 1941 and possesses a rich history, including the Army’s first combat jump during World War II in November 1942.  Today the 509th serves as the Opposing Force (OPFOR) at the [...]

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 [...]

[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=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. – 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=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=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 [...]

[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=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 [...]

[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 [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbzx06Nyz9U[/embedyt] Fort Knox, Ky. – Cadets from 6th Regiment, Basic Camp spent the early morning hours at Morgan Riley Range zeroing their sights and practicing their marksmanship skills. Prior to today, the Cadets were in the classroom studying marksmanship basics and how to safely use their M4 Carbines during their primary marksmanship training (PMI). However, for many of the Cadets in Basic Camp this was the first time they had ever handled an M4 Carbine or shot a weapon at all. “It was all just brand new to me,” Cadet Daryl Urbina, a student at the University of Central Florida, [...]

With a plane full of anxious Cadets flying towards their connection in Amsterdam, with a final destination of Hungary for the Cadet Coalition Warfighter Program (CCWP), no one expected a flight attendant to ask for medical personnel over the intercom. However, for Cadet Jerrod Fedorchik from South Dakota State University, this call brought him to his feet, and without hesitation, he ran towards the back of the plane. They were twenty minutes from landing, and Fedorchik discovered the reason for the urgent announcement – a nineteen-year-old girl had collapsed in the plane’s bathroom. “She was starting to come back to, but [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Many Cadets join the military to carry on the family legacy. One such cadet is Ian House. House’s family history with the military goes back to the Revolutionary War and currently extends to his father and brother who are serving in the Navy. “My dad served for 21 years, my brother is serving right now and I’m here serving,” the Snohomish, Washington native said. For a majority House’s life, his father was a Naval Aviator, but for all of his life he has been a part of the military family. This wasn’t the only reason for his [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thu-lnDCoWg[/embedyt]   FORT KNOX, Ky. — With graduation growing ever closer, Cadets spent today, July 26, 2019, learning about where they will be going once they receive their commission. Branch Orientation allows Cadets an opportunity to ask questions and learn all they can about their preferred branches. However, if they want to branch out and learn about others groups in the Army, they are more than welcome to explore to find new interests. Cadet Miurel Hamburger, of Miami, Florida, came to today’s training with a whole host of questions about her preferred branch and was able to find out all [...]