Fort Knox, KY — At approximately 4 p.m. on August 3rd , 1973, Richard Spencer raised his right hand and recited the oath of an Army Officer after graduating from Jacksonville State University and completing the Army ROTC program. This newly commissioned lieutenant was heading to Airborne School that afternoon full of excitement. Little did the then 2nd Lt. Spencer know what the next 50 years would hold. Spencer began serving in the Active Duty Army in January of 1974 as a Military Police Officer. “My first duty assignment was very unique since I had a college degree, which was very [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadet Anna Johnson from Michigan State University, Advanced Camp, 8th Regiment, recovers after the Field Training Exercise, at Densberger, Fort Knox, Ky., August 2, 2023. While cleaning her M-4 Carbine Rifle, Johnson described the pressure she felt while working together with her entire platoon to complete tactical missions in the field. “When you’re under stress or under pressure, you start to see a different side of people and how they develop as leaders,” Johnson explained. “At the baseline everyone has to know these tactics and the basics of being a Soldier, so working as a whole not [...]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from the 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their Warrior Skills training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 30, 2023. The Warrior Skills training is an event that teaches and improves Cadets’ tactical skills for the field. Cadets learn about the fundamentals of munitions and practice what they have learned in a hands-on environment. Cadet Elena Oliver from Pacific Lutheran University shares her thoughts on the Warrior Skills training. “I think I did pretty well, and it was nice to refresh our skills in the field,” Oliver said. “It was good to interact with everything, and see how [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky.,–Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp completed their Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training on Fort Knox, Ky., July 29, 2023. CBRN is seen as major obstacle for Cadets to complete their training, and Cadet Keaton Silver, Ole Miss, shares his knowledge from prior experiences with the confidence chamber. “The first time I ever went through the chamber, I thought to myself, ‘Oh wow this is easy, I’m never going to have a problem with CBRN’. I’d been in one of the earliest groups so I barely felt it,” Silver said. “The next FTX we went on I was [...]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from the 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their Tactical Combat Casualty Care training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 29, 2023. The TCCC is an event that teaches Cadets important life-saving strategies during a battlefield scenario. This training is crucial to becoming a well-rounded leader and Commissioned Officer in the likelihood of a battle-related injury. Cadet Robert Carr shares his thoughts on the process of TCCC. “We learned about how to use radios, about formations, and how to move injured soldiers on a stretcher to the casualty collection point and get to a medevac,” Carr said. “This [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their land navigation qualification at Fort Knox, Ky., July 28, 2023. Armed with a compass, protractor, pencil, map, and a list of coordinates, the Cadets set out, fueled by determination, to find each of their points in under 4 hours. “Today we’re conducting a day land nav., where we are supposed to find three to four points on the course,” said Cadet David Nevarez, Middle Tennessee State University. “When I first got my points, my goal was to make some type of plan to get from my first point to [...]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from the 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their Rappel Tower training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 28, 2023. The 64-foot Rappel Tower teaches Cadets to trust in their equipment and themselves to descend the tower. Cadets learn to be confident and brave when faced with the challenges presented at this training event. Cadet Kade Blackwell from Tarleton State University in Dallas, Tx, shares his thoughts on the Rappel Tower. “I was pretty confident at this event, and I knew most of the process for the rappel tower,” Blackwell said. “It is exciting to jump off the [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Confidence Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 28, 2023.  The Confidence Course consists of ten obstacles that are designed to physically and mentally challenge Cadets. Despite how intimidating the obstacles may look, the purpose of the Confidence Course is to build confidence in Cadets.   One of the obstacles from the confidence course was named the belly over. It’s where Cadets have to get their stomach on top of a log, then roll over to the opposite side. Cadet Alexis Rivera from Central Michigan University talked about her personal experience [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky., — Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, entered the second stage of their Field Training Exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., July 26, 2023.  Spending a total of 12 days in the field, Cadets complete groups of exercises, which are divided into 3 parts: Wolverine, Panther, and Grizzly. The Cadets are challenged mentally and physically before their skills are graded on the last day.  “We’re on our second mission, on the first day of Panther, and we’re completing an area defense,” said Cadet Phillip Jones, Alabama A&M. “Leadership is still processing the last few parts of our plan to [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—When you don’t know where you want your story to lead, pursuing a path in the Army can provide a place to start. Whether looking for a way to give back to the family that’s dedicated themselves to providing you with opportunities or to carry on a legacy of service, the Army can provide that foundation. For Cadet Alex Park, University of Pittsburgh, 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, the Army gave him the tools he needed to begin writing his own story of gratitude through his service. “My journey started back in high school. I graduated pretty young, so I [...]

 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. — Armed with only their wits and a gas mask, Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, faced the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear chamber at Fort Knox, Ky. July 24, 2023. Many Cadets go into the chamber to challenge themselves in a different environment by preparing them for possible encounters with toxic substances in the future. “CBRN is the process and the description of being able to defend yourself from chemical warfare or any attack,” said Cadet Taylor Randazzo, Texas State. “We’re learning how to don a pro mask and how to protect ourselves against that chemical warfare [...]

Special Awards Recipients AUSA Leadership Excellence AwardCadet Clark N. Kelley, Florida International University First Command Financial Services AwardCadet Daniel J. Richter, Youngstown State University USAA Warrior Spirit AwardCadet Sawyer C. Davis, University of North Georgia Armed Forces Bank Performance AwardCadet Steffon M. Savage, Alcorn State University ARNG Minuteman AwardCadet Judah D. Wolf, University of New Orleans Reserve Organization of America AwardCadet Nielsen P. Lundgren, Weber State University Military Officers Association of America AwardCadet Tavia P. Rapozo, University of San Francisco Military Order of the World Wars AwardCadet Declan J. Kapusta, Norwich University Bold Leader Spirit AwardCadet Benjamin J. Gessner, Austin Peay [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky.– At Cadet Summer Training, Cadets come from across the United States and beyond to learn. One of the Army’s greatest strengths is its diversity and Cadet Rahul Khanal from the University of Colorado Denver, shares how his story of duty and pride has carried him across oceans to become an Army officer. Originally from Nepal in South Asia, Khanal traveled to the United States when he was 19 years old. “This was the land of opportunity. I was going to college, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in information technology,” Khanal said. “I got a chance to join the military [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the confidence course training where they rappelled off a 64-foot tower at Fort Knox, Ky., July 23, 2023. Cadets learned how to properly rappel, the safety of rappelling, and how to tie a rappel seat, called a Swiss Seat, before rappelling off the rappel tower. The purpose of the rappel training is to have Cadets gain confidence in themselves and overcome their fears. Cadets made their way to the slant wall to practice rappelling before walking up the stairs to the rappel tower. Cadet Amy Beaden from Northern Arizona University, [...]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, completed their training at the Forest Hills Climbing Complex on Fort Knox, Ky., July 22, 2023. The FHCC is a series of high obstacles that focuses on confidence and having trust in the climbing equipment for each course. It is composed of the Alpine Towers, The Rudders Ropes Course, and a rock-climbing wall. Cadet Lydia Sleeman, Allegheny College, shares her thoughts on the ropes course portion of the training. “I liked it, even though there were some scary parts of the course,” Sleeman stated. “I think the worst part for me [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. –- Cadet Jillian Strong from the University of Pittsburgh, 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, works with her fellow squad members after completing Engagement Skills Trainer at Fort Knox, Ky., July 23, 2023. At the EST, Cadets learn how to safely handle their weapons, while working on their shooting positions and trigger manipulation. Strong said that after completing the EST, she is going to go into future marksmanship training feeling more confident. “The EST was super interesting because it was as realistic as you could get to a gun range from the inside of a building,” Strong said. “In any [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Team Development Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 22, 2023. The FLRC consists of different obstacles that are designed to mentally and physically challenge Cadets. They must learn to critically think, solve problems, and work together as a team to find the solutions to the obstacles. The purpose of the FLRC is to train Cadets how important communication is within a team and to build confidence in one another. Cadet Catherine Saumell from Texas State University, trained on an obstacle that consisted of tall heavy blocks of wood that [...]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Engagement Skills Trainer at Fort Knox, Ky., July 21, 2023. The EST is a simulated training event that teaches Cadets important marksmanship skills in several environments. Cadet Kevin Kirby, Pennsylvania State University, shares his thoughts on the training. “My favorite part of the EST was the shooting simulation,” Kirby stated. “I really enjoyed that because I was able to actually see myself improve each round.” The EST includes virtual firing ranges to test Cadets’ accuracy and improve their marksmanship skills. This simulation allows each person to become familiar with [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Battle March and Shoot at Fort Knox, Ky., July 21, 2023. The BMS consisted of a four mile tactical road march to the Schroeder Range. When Cadets arrived, they fired two rounds at ten targets to zero at different differences.  The purpose of the BMS is to train Cadets on how to shoot accurately while under stress and maintaining their fundamentals of shooting.  Cadet Rachel Oliva from University of Pittsburgh, talked about her experience during the BMS while having her battle buddies by her side.  “Once we stepped off [...]

Special Awards Recipients AUSA Leadership Excellence AwardCadet Benjamin L. Greer, Virginia Military Institute First Command Financial Services AwardCadet Grayson A. Rosa, East Carolina University USAA Warrior Spirit AwardCadet Virginia A. Howard, University of South Carolina Armed Forces Bank Performance AwardCadet Noble D. Dodge, Virginia Military Institute ARNG Minuteman AwardCadet Ryan D. Fischer, State University of New York at Geneseo Reserve Organization of America AwardCadet Biance C. Klepper, Norwich University Military Officers Association of America AwardCadet Tyler C. Murray, South Dakota State University Military Order of the World Wars AwardCadet Kirsten L.B. Cooper, Fayetteville State University Bold Leader Spirit AwardCadet Christian T. [...]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Warrior Skills training event at Fort Knox, Ky., July 20, 2023. Warrior Skills introduces Cadets to many procedures that focus on the fundamentals of munitions and range finding. The Cadets have hands-on experience that allow them to understand important Soldiering tactics. Cadet Brandon De La Rosa, from East Stroudsburg University, shares his thoughts on the importance of Warrior Skills. “I was successful in throwing today because the grenade was like a baseball,” De la Rosa said. “A lot of kids grew up playing baseball, including me, so it was [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – U.S. Army Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, participated in the Field Leader Reaction Course as part of Cadet Summer Training on Fort Knox, Ky., July 20, 2023. During the FLRC, Cadets go through a series of obstacles that test both their mental and physical skills while also seeing how well they can work as a team.  Cadet Michael Zirpola from Troy University shares his experience at the FLRC. “It’s going great, we are working as a team and we’ve got a lot of unit cohesion,” Zirpola said. “We are faced with challenges and obstacles but we’ve [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky.– Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, spent the first half of the day learning the basics of first aid, radio usage, and squad formations at Fort Knox, KY., July 20, 2023. Knowing how to communicate and assist battle buddies is crucial for the Cadets to learn before beginning a Field Training Exercise. “We’re learning things like T-Triple C, which is Tactical Combat Casualty Care, or how to tactically care for someone who’s been wounded in combat,” said Cadet Eric Truong, University of Central Florida, “We’re also learning about radios, [Advanced System Improvement Program] radios, how to load and [...]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed Battle March and Shoot training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 19, 2023. The battle, march, and shoot event, or BMS, is an event where Cadets are pressured to see if they possess qualities fit to become adequate marksmen and future US Army leaders. Cadet Neanco Collins from the University of Illinois, Chicago, shares his experience at BMS. “I believe I did pretty good because I have been practicing, and I’ve been able to grasp a good skill set during qualification,” Collins said. “On table six with the position changing, I [...]