FORT KNOX, Ky. — 1st Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets focused on teamwork, leading, and listening to one another at the Team Development Course (TDC) July 7, 2019 during Cadet Summer Training. “We’re doing some team building events and obstacles. It’s basically not about strength, but thinking about how we can work together to get through these obstacles and how we can get everyone through it,” stated Cadet Asia Foster from the University of Kentucky. The obstacles, as Cadet Jacob Wakeley from the University of Kentucky explained, are puzzles where Cadets must get from one point to the next with all of […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioeFtAhbzZk[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 1st Regiment Basic Camp Cadets began their live weapons training with group and zero, 6 July.   “Today is about establishing familiarity with the weapon [M4 rifle],” said Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Smith, a cadre member at Riley Range. “The objective of group and zero is for Cadets to safely shoot a weapon and hopefully zero.” From a prone position, Cadets zero their iron sights on a target 25-meters away using the front and rear sight posts on their rifles for accuracy.  For many Basic Camp Cadets, firing a live weapon is a novelty. Cadet Kendyl […]

[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 […]

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 […]

  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 […]

  Forty United States Military Academy (USMA) Cadets arrived at Fort Knox, Kentucky to join the hundreds of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets of 1st Regiment earlier this month. The West Point Cadets trudged through a heavy rainstorm upon arrival, adding to the apprehension of spending two weeks alongside 1st Regiment for the Field Training Exercise (FTX) portion of Advanced Camp. The ROTC Cadets had already spent over two weeks at Cadet Summer Training (CST) working and training together. For the first time in history, USMA at West Point Cadets were integrated with those ROTC Cadets during Advanced Camp. The […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yMPg0P6lRw[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — Basic Camp Cadets begin their first steps in their training in the classroom to gain helpful tips in overcoming the ahead. Jon Walker is the Lead Performance Expert at Fort Knox and one of the leaders from the R2, Ready and Resilient, Performance Center running the 1st Regiment Basic Camp Cadets’ Performance Training. Described by Walker as, “PT for the mind,” this training focuses on five mental toughening skills to help the Cadets prepare for their month here at basic camp. Confidence, concentration, composure, goal setting/motivation and integrated imagery are all things the Cadets are […]

Fort Knox, Ky. — The sunlight was waning and so was the energy of the Cadets as they completed the 12-mile ruck march. The march began at 7 p.m. and took around 4 hours to complete. The march was conducted in a tactical manner meaning the entire regiment moved in formation for the duration of the march. At the 11th mile checkpoint, Cadets regrouped, fixed their formations and rucked the last mile together. “The ruck is good,” Cadet Serene Farj, from Somerville, New Jersey, a student at the University of Virginia, said. “The morale is high. It is our ruck to […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Nearly three hundred Cadets arrived at Fort Knox yesterday for Basic Camp. Over the course of the next thirty-one days, 1st Regiment Basic Camp Cadets will be tested on various activities such as going off the rappel tower, experiencing Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear defense (CBRN), and getting familiar with weapon systems. Most Cadets were anxious to arrive at training, as they are taking their first steps in becoming an Army Officer. Cadet Taylor Richardson explains, “There are a lot of emotions going through my head. First day of summer, first time on a plane, first day ever […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_lntJCEp9s[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — With the end in sight, 1st Regiment puts all they have learned to the test at the Situational Training Exercise (STX) lanes. Cadets from 1st Regiment began their first day of Field Training Exercise (FTX) by going through the six different STX lanes. Each lane was set up to put the Cadets in six different situations that tested how well they could operate tactically as a squad. Master Sgt. Conrad Vasquez, from the University of Oregon, has been a part of the Cadet Summer Training (CST) Team at the Wolverine area of operations for three […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – The culminating event of CST is the field training exercise (FTX) – which places Cadets in stressful situations that simulate a battlefield environment. But before 1st Regiment Advanced Camp can make their way to the Wolverine Lane, they have to get through their Pre-Combat Inspections (PCI) and Precombat Checks (PCC). “Today we are developing platoon SOPs and then we’re getting ready to conduct our first FTX which would be on the Wolverine Lane.” Dajuan McDonald, a Cadet from University of South Carolina explained. “Standard Operating Procedures [are] how you conduct operations that’s going to be specific to […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na9yhkK8pUQ[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Hundreds of Cadets of 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp simulated different combat scenarios early this morning in preparation for their upcoming Field Training Exercise (FTX). The FTX is a vital part of Advanced Camp for these Cadets. They are able to practice the various skills they’ve learned from previous training during the 14 days in the field. Capt. Patrick Harvey, a logistics officer, explained the purpose of field preparation today. “The purpose of the training today is to basically go over the squad battle drills,” he said. “What that means is the squads are breaking down […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu0RXx1s8lU[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp attempted to sing “Baby Shark” as CS gas (tear gas) burned their eyes, throats and skin during their chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) training. This 4-hour event is part of Cadet Summer Training, where all Cadets must learn the procedures involved in CBRN safety. While the most anticipated part of this training is going through the confidence chamber, Cadets also must learn how to properly adjust protective clothing, don a gas mask, recognize different CBRN dangers and more. After going through the entire process, several Cadets shared their […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOXsyDM9aOs[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Through the rain and muddy terrain, Cadets from Advanced Camp, 1st Regiment swam their way through the buddy team live fire range this morning during Cadet Summer Training. Buddy team live fire training is a two-day event; the first day is a dry run through with their battle buddy. The second day is when they shoot real rounds. The overall goal of this training is for the Cadets to be able to work with their battle buddy and communicate with them while in a stressful environment. “The focus is to have full control of your movements […]

Fort Knox, Ky.—Teamwork and trust are not values unique to the Army but they certainly are highly emphasized. 1st Regiment Cadets spent the past two days going through the Buddy Team Live Fire training exercise. Yesterday, the Cadets went down the range practicing with blanks while today, the Cadets moved down range using live ammunition. Through the exercise Cadets are paired with a partner to work with to effectively and safely move down range while engaging targets. These pairs of battle buddies now had to put their trust of one another to the test. For Cadet James Harding, from Plainfield, Massachusetts, […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ubpwh2mb6E[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 1st Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets tested there throwing skills at the live, fire grenade range, which is a new event for Cadet Summer Training. The live, fire grenade range was brought to CST this year to give these future officers the same experiences Soldiers they’ll lead someday. Since Cadets will be throwing live grenades they went through training before they were able to throw anything. First Cadets learned about the grenade, the proper throwing motion and safe handling. Handling the grenade includes the following: the sweep of safety clip, twisting confidence clip, pulling the pin out […]

Fort Knox, Ky. – The decision to join Army ROTC is one that changed Advanced Camp Cadet’s lives forever. For Cadet Matthew Clark, from Hilliard Ohio, attending Ohio State University, the decision was made in high school. Despite growing up with no military background, Clark said he always had in interest in the military and the Army. He made the decision to pursue a career in the Army through ROTC his sophomore year of high school. Clark wants to be an emergency room or trauma nurse specifically for the Army because of the experience he would gain and the ability to […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – George Blair Range was in full use around 7 a.m. today as the 1st Regiment conducted their weapon qualification.  Cadets had spent the previous two days honing in on their marksman skills to prepare for this morning’s qualification. “We spent the last 48 hours detailing, zeroing and adjusting the clicks, knobs and turns so that we could come out here and qualify,” said Eric Jones, a Cadet from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  Zeroing in a weapon involves aligning sights in a sight picture and then aligning aiming points at a target.  Jones explained, “You spend […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3h96knghbc[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – The Cadets of 1st Regiment, Bravo Company practiced a patrol base operation last night during their ninth day of Cadet Summer Training near George Blair Range. This “practice” patrol base operation prepares the Cadets for the three-phase field training exercise toward the end of Advanced Camp. Capt. Winston Simmonds, the training officer for the 2nd Platoon, explained the reason for this exercise. “Basically, it’s a stationary position for where they can continue mission prep, they can plan other missions or they can also take the opportunity to refit, work on weapons maintenance,” Simmonds said. “If […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vS1KMrXmTk[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky – The Alpha and Bravo Co., 1st Regiment Cadets moved to their third day of marksmanship during Basic Rifle Marksmanship training on Saturday morning on the George Blair Range at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Weapons training is done at a pop-up course, new this summer to Advanced Camp. Previously, Advanced Camp has been 31 days long, focusing the marksmanship training on a paper course. The paper course focuses the shooting at paper targets that are constant and unmoving. Now, Advanced Camp is 37 days long, specifically to work more on the Cadets’ marksmanship ability. This has brought […]

Cadets in Alpha Company, 1st Regiment Advanced Camp fired the first rounds of Cadet Summer Training 2019 today at Canby Hill Range as part of Basic Rifle Marksmanship training. Following a day of Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction, the Cadets moved to the range to fire their M4 Carbine at a target 25-meters away.  This is the first step in weapons qualification, a must pass event for camp graduation. Today’s Group and Zero range trains Cadets to zero their weapon by grouping their shots as close together as possible. After receiving instruction from their Cadre, they took to the range to put yesterday’s […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUCnR2CX6k4[/embedyt] Six continuous miles, 35 extra pounds on their back and layer upon layer of gear. To any person in the general public, this just sounds like a hiking trip that some crazy nature-lover might take. To the Cadets, though, this is their first ruck march of the summer: the six-mile. Throughout their time at camp, Cadets will undergo a six-mile, eight-mile and twelve-mile ruck march. The six-mile is the only must-pass ruck, in which cadets have two hours to complete the ruck or they will not be able to continue at camp. The other two rucks are purely based […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzM8-BpwDIg[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction (PMI) is just the beginning of the cornerstone skill for every Soldier in the United States Army, rifle marksmanship. Cadets from 1st Regiment Alpha and Bravo companies met with Cadre from U.S. Army 4th Regiment Infantry Division for PMI, the beginning portion of Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) training. Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Kirkendall, a military science and ROTC instructor at West Virginia State University but a cavalry scout by trade, gave a brief overview of what PMI included. All Cadets would leave the training today being able to use weapon systems, disassemble […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQupA8KlWz0[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — The Confidence Course is just one of the many different events Cadets will face during Cadet Summer Training, but this event focuses more inward than outward. The course is made up of nine different events that challenge Cadets physically, mentally, and emotionally throughout each of them, and May 29, 2019, Cadets from 1st Regiment Charlie and Delta companies had a chance to overcome each one. One of these events known as ‘The Weaver’ challenges Cadets to move themselves over and under boards without ever touching the mat below. And for many of the Cadets this […]