FORT KNOX, Ky.—3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp graduated from Cadet Summer Training after 31 days here at Fort Knox. While most soon to be college seniors spend their summer sitting pool side, or working part time jobs, for Army ROTC Cadets, they have a very different summer experience: 31 days, in the humidity and heat of the Kentucky wilderness to better themselves as future Army Officers. “My biggest take away has been the leadership opportunities I got in the field. We were put into some very stressful situations but it helped me grow and learn as a leader,” recalled Cadet Soren Johnson, Wheaton […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – While the rest of the world slept, Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp pushed through the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) early this morning. At 5:00 a.m. sharp, Cadre members started their timers and began counting off as Cadet after Cadet completed their two minutes’ worth of sit ups and push ups before heading to the dreaded two-mile run. Tension and heavy breathing filled the pavilion as Cadets prepared themselves for the next task to come. As the drill sergeant yelled out a five-minute warning, Cadets filed into formation, prepping their watches and steadying their breathing. To start the run, the […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—6th Regiment, Advanced Camp conducts Situational Training Exercise (STX) Lanes to help prepare them for their Field Training Exercises. You have to walk before you can run, and you have to be able to crawl before you can walk. This idea is something that has been adopted here at Cadet Summer Training, Advanced Camp. Before Cadets can run raids, ambushes and leaders recons in the field without any assistance, they have to know the basic Army doctrine on how to conduct each step of these missions. The STX Lanes is the crawl phase. “I feel this part of training is […]

FORT KNOX Ky.- Sixth Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets completed their session of Call for Fire! What exactly is Call for Fire and is it an important skill to master? After speaking to a few Cadets who successfully completed the exercise, we have those answers. John Atwood from Auburn University explained in his own words what Call for Fire is. “Today we worked on Call for Fire. We’ve had a few classes on Call for Fire before, but nothing as in depth as what we just learned in there. Basically, they split us up into eight groups and we take classes and […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp set their marks and took their best shots, as guests from the Kentucky State Cabinet visited and observed what goes on during Weapons Qualification on July 10, 2018. After practicing grouping and zeroing their shots the day before, Cadets were tested on their abilities at the George Blair “pop- up” range. “Today, we are qualifying at the range to test our marksmanship skills,” stated Cadet Bryant Sullivan, East Carolina University. “The whole point of this is to ensure that your battle buddy next to you can do something as simple as […]

Fort Knox, KY—As 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp’s time at Fort Knox comes to a close, a small group of 44 cadets earned their commission as 2nd Lieutenants in the United States Army. On a sunny and very hot Monday afternoon here at Fort Knox, inside the cool air of the Waybur theater, family members and friends of about to be commissioned Cadets chatted and milled around as they waited for the ceremony to begin While most Cadets traditionally commission at their universities a day before they graduate, some Cadets for various reason such as injury, sickness, or emergencies, are unable to […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp,  Cadets graduated from their training at Fort Knox, Kentucky July 10, 2018. Friends and family gathered around the steamy parade field at Fort Knox, sitting on shiny-hot  bleachers as they prepared to have their Cadets graduate. Before the ceremony began Maj. Gen. John R. Evans, Jr. gave a short speech congratulating the Cadets on successfully committing to and conquering the trials of Advance Camp. Then he gave thanks to the families for raising children that were inspired to serve. The Cadets went through several rounds of attention and parade rest. Showing off their hard earned […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – After nearly a month apart from their loved ones, 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets greeted their families and friends with smiles, hugs, and kisses on Family Day, July 9, 2018. While parents and siblings finished viewing a presentation in Waybur Theater, cadets lined up in formation outside the door. The joy was radiating off the cadets, as chatter of plans and excitement filled the air. With only 8 or 9 hours before they must return, Cadets try to make the most of their time outside the gate. “I think we might be headed to see Lincoln’s birthplace, […]

Fort Knox, Ky., – 7th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets challenged their fear during the Obstacle Course June 9, 2018. The Obstacle Course is one of the training events that Cadets must go through for Advanced Camp graduation in the military. Cadets have to maneuver various obstacles during the event, such as climbing ladders and ropes, walking across the wooden logs aloft, crawling backward in the sand, and many others. A lot of Cadets have done an Obstacle Course before, but most of them are really frustrated with the higher and more difficult structures today. The activities are challenging for the Cadets; however, […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets were found covered with mud in the testing ground of the Platoon Situational Training Exercise on July 8. The Platoon Situational Training Exercise (STX) is a short, scenario-driven and mission-oriented exercise designed to train Soldiers and guide them to successfully complete missions throughout their careers. “The Platoon Situational Training Exercise (STX) is what we call the learning phases of the field exercise for Cadets to learn about the basic offensive operations as well as some defensive operations,” Captain Lee Harding from the Temple University explained. “And we are here to offer some […]

Fort Knox, Ky.- It’s a tale as old as time….You can always find the beauty in the beast and that’s exactly what Cadets did when they took on the Rappel Tower and Confidence Course. Today 6th Regiment Advanced Camp went to the Rappel tower and the Confidence Course. For the Rappel Tower, Cadets started on a 20-foot starter wall before conquering the 64-foot wall. The 20-foot wall gives the Cadets a small taste of what the 64-foot wall will be like. It also helps familiarize Cadets with the technique required to successfully get down the wall. The 20-foot wall is perfect for […]

By Michele Brisco and Joel Polarek At 5:30 a.m, most college students roll over in a warm bed, drooling on their pillow. For Cadets in 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, 5:30 a.m. means it’s time for their APFT – Army Physical Fitness Test. Cadets must pass benchmarks for push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run. “It takes a lot of preparation, especially since we’ve had a few days of just eating MREs, as well as not really having an opportunity to work out.” Cadet Christopher Pirrie from the University of Tampa shared. “Just know that your score might drop a little bit due to that.” […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets continued their field training exercise at Fort Knox, Kentucky July 6, 2018. The Cadets participated in an ambush field exercise.  The goal of the platoon was to prevent the enemy from resupplying, while obtaining any information possible. Cadet Joshua Tribble, South Carolina State University, says the tactical skills are important, but what the Cadre are really looking for are your inner qualities during these exercises. “Our best qualities and our worst qualities are going to come out,” he said. “People that can deal with the pressure and people that can’t deal with […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Families and friends packed into Waybur Theater on family day to learn about what the Cadets have been doing during Advanced Camp, at Fort Knox July 4, 2018. Parents left the theater and waited in the sweltering parking lot near the parade field to wait for the Cadets to be bussed in. Once the Cadets arrived they rushed from the buses to the parade field, some quickly grabbing hugs or waving at their families. After getting into formation they began getting briefed on the rules of family day. Once released Cadets sprinted either toward family members or […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cayenne pepper is a season of choice for many, but purposely breathing it in is not. CS gas feels as if ground cayenne pepper is in your airways, sinuses, eyes, and on your skin. Your mind can only focus on the pain flanking you from every angle. The NBC Chamber took center stage Monday during 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp’s CBRN contamination training. While this was a painful experience, it does not compare to exposure from a stronger substance. CBRN training covers chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear events. America’s enemies have no problem using these warfare tactics. In an effort […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Black silhouettes peeked out across the pop-up range. The challenge is not where they are going to appear, but when. 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets shot M-4s in the prone supported, prone unsupported, and kneeling positions, changing aim to keep the target in sight. Cadre use this exercise to familiarize Cadets with the pop-up mechanism and enhance their basic marksmanship skills. They will encounter the pop-up range often as Lieutenants. Between using blanks in Field Training Exercises and live-rounds on the pop-up range, Cadets have come as close as possible to understanding organized combat tactics thanks to these […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Instructors rattled out instructions in a well-rehearsed, free verse poem. Nervous ears listened carefully, hoping to gain only a fraction of the Cadre’s confidence. Eyes strained in the light, looking at the top of the 64-foot rappel tower. On June 28, 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets rappelled. A Cadre member leaned out and introduced himself. Then, he leaned into the “deep-seated L” position over the edge of the tower. Three bounds, and three 4-point checks later, his feet touched the ground. “Notice how they are extending their arm straight back, looking over their brake-hand shoulder,” the instructor said rhythmically. […]

“As the Cadets graduate Advanced Camp, their next big test for them will be their Basic Officer Leadership Course, and it is paramount that they have some experience,” said Master Sgt. Patrick Saltsman from San Diego State University about the importance of the range. Cadets from 5thRegiment, Advanced Camp battled high heat and humidity, showing their true officer potential, while taking on the Handiboe Zero and Alt-C qualification course at the range. Before coming to the range, the Cadets attended Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction to learn the fundamentals of shooting. Now, they are putting theory into action with an M4 carbine assault […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Randy is having the worst day of his life. With sucking chest wounds and femoral artery hemorrhages, Randy’s skin has already gone rubbery and lost all color. Luckily for him, his battle buddies—every Cadet in 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp—dragged him to safety and treated his wounds. Cadets simulated real, fatal trauma and learned the TC3, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, methods needed to treat them. Every “saved” Randy helps create another competent lifesaver. On-site, approximately 28 Randy’s showcased four severe injuries. Cadre provided scenarios, and Cadets worked through treatment, announcing and explaining their decisions. At one testing station, “we are […]

Fort Knox, Ky. – Cadets with 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp were challenged by the Field Leadership Reaction Course on June 26th. This event places a Cadet in a leadership position, where they must safely complete a given objective, while navigating an obstacle. They are dealt situations with many constraints and limited resources. “It really tests our leadership skills and ability to work as a team,” said Cadet Catherine Lynch from Mount Mary University (host school McDaniels University), “Our goal isn’t to complete the obstacles, but show our growth and ability to work together as a cohesive unit, as leaders and followers. This […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. –  1st Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets participate in the second leg of their field training exercise, bringing them closer to beds and graduation, at Fort Knox, Ky. June 26 Cadets braced for battle. After a long night of securing camp and camouflaging themselves, they were ready for the opposition forces to attack at any time. The sky appeared to break open, a bright flash and boom filled the sky. The Cadet’s exercise was put on hold. Inclement weather, heavy showers, lightning and thunder carried on for 40 minutes. When the rain stopped the Cadets felt the familiar muggy […]

Through the rain showers, heat and all other obstacles, Cadets from 2ndRegiment, Advanced Camp are learning to “love the suck” as they go through squad battle drills, in the words of Cadet Andrew Fisher. Fisher, from George Washington University, explained that because of the preparations for FTX through the squad battle drill, he and his fellow Cadets are learning how the role of a squad fits into the larger picture of a platoon. He emphasized how important squads were in the entire mission of the platoon. Maj. Brent Anderson, Platoon Tactical Officer for 4thPlatoon, Delta Company, 3rdRegiment further explained that the […]

FORT KNOX, KY – The Cadets of 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp completed ALT-C rifle qualifications with their M16A4 rifles on, on June 24th, at the Canby Hills Range. “I feel that I’ve had my persistence tested,” said Cadet Candace Cole from the University of Texas at San Antonio. “I personally had to retrain and shoot multiple times to qualify, and I’m glad I didn’t give up.” The ALT-C qualification is the Army’s 25-meter Alternate Course for rifle qualification. The Cadets are required to shoot at targets containing 10 silhouettes, scaled to represent distances ranging from 50 to 300 meters. They are evaluated […]

Movie physics has spoiled us! Directors demand ridiculous situations to wow audiences and drive movie sales, yet inadvertently, they implant false understandings of how firearms function.  “I got a lot of questions from my students back in the day, ‘Sergeant, can you curve a bullet?’” Sgt. 1st Class David Morris recollected. “Every time I shoot, the trajectory is parabolic in nature.” Which is to say, bullets do not travel left or right, but up and down. “In the past, we’ve had a couple of individuals state very firmly that they don’t believe in gravity—that the bullet moves in a straight line […]

Fort Knox, Kentucky – Cadets from 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp learned how to make calls for fire with an electronic simulation on June 23rd. A call for fire is a request for a target to be destroyed by fire support elements such as artillery or mortars. Sgt. Liam Barry from Washington, DC said, “In the event they find themselves in combat, these future leaders will be prepared to bring the support they need to the battlefield.” The Cadet’s arrived to the training site and were taught how to use available resources to call in artillery strikes. For the simulation, the Cadets had […]