FORT KNOX, KY. — Cadets from 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp complete their Cadet Summer Training journey by setting out on a 12-mile ruck at Fort Knox, Ky., July 18, 2023. The 12-mile ruck is the last event Cadets must finish before they graduate from Advanced Camp. It allows Cadets a time to reflect on their experiences at CST, the lessons they learned, and the connections they have made along the way. “The 12-mile ruck is basically a battle march from our last phase of the field, the Grizzly phase,” said Cadet Meghan Shelatz, Liberty University. “We walk as a whole entire [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Advanced Camp Cadet Gabrielle Frankenfield from West Virginia University, 7th Regiment, led her squad deep into the woods during their situational training exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., July 19, 2023. The STX gives Advanced Camp Cadets extra time to work on their tactical skills. Cadets must build cohesion within their platoons during the first phase of Cadet Summer Training, so they can avoid mistakes when they are graded on their performance later on.   Frankenfield described the challenges she faced as squad leader. “This was a rough lane,” Frankenfield said. “I always want to make sure my [...]

FORT KNOX Ky. — Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction at Fort Knox, Ky., July 15, 2023. Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction is an event where Cadets must qualify at several stations in order to become one step closer to becoming a future Army Officer. During this training, Cadets learn the fundamentals of weapon safety and proper aiming techniques from different angles. Cadet Gill Tanvir, Sacramento State University, shares her experience during PMI. “For the most part, I didn’t need to brush up on a lot of things, because the last time I qualified,” Tanvir said. “Working in [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Field Leader Reaction Course on Fort Knox, Ky., July 17, 2023. FLRC is a teamwork-based course in which Cadets complete challenging scenarios with the purpose of growing leadership and team building skills. “We’re given challenges and obstacles to get across,” said Cadet Katrina Thoms, Stephen F. Austin State University. “Some are impossible, some just take a lot of planning, but as a team, we work together to accomplish the task at hand.” In preparation for the various obstacles, Cadets are given a scenario as well as a series of rules they [...]

FORT KNOX Ky.– Cadets from the 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, rehearse running a raid during Situational Training Exercises at Fort Knox, Ky., July 17, 2023. Cadets completed the Wolverine, the first day of STX. This is the first phase where Cadets are evaluated before advancing to the next two phases, Panther and Grizzly. Cadet Pherilen Boyd from Georgia Southern University shares her experience from the STX. “STX was good today, even though it is raining on us a little bit,” Boyd said. “We are all learning a lot that we didn’t know before despite being from different universities. It’s really helping [...]

FORT KNOX Ky. — During Cadet Summer Training, the U.S. Army Cadet Command partners with universities to train, educate, develop, and inspire Cadets to commission as officers. These Cadets come from around the world, to the same organizations to reach the same goal – learning how to help others. Similarly, while Cadet Zyra Brigette Dew, Carson-Newman University, and Cadet Jeremy Acheampong, Capital University, may both belong to the 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, they entered CST having experienced different journeys, holding differing cultural influences. “I was originally born in the Philippines, but then we moved,” Dew said. “My family and I moved [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, complete their daytime land navigation test on Fort Knox, Ky., July 16, 2023. Land navigation acts as a tool to teach Cadets to maneuver various terrains while locating the intended checkpoints. “We’re taught a couple days before and after our exercises how to use our tools like the protractor and compass and apply them,” said Cadet Kenneth Smith, University of Dayton. “You’ve got options on how to complete this and you find a preference through the practices we do in the coming days.” This exercise pushes Cadets into scenarios that require them to [...]

FORT KNOX Ky. — Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, practiced firing their rifles during the Engagement Skills Trainer at Fort Knox, Ky., July 16, 2023. Designed to simulate a weapons qualification, EST allows Cadets to learn how to use their rifle before they go into the field. As they start their firing practice, some Cadets use their past experiences, Cadre, or family, for inspiration or advice. “EST is a training facility for us to utilize and practice our shooting skills,” said Cadet Amy Beaven, Northern Arizona University. “It’s a great way for people to either learn how to use their [...]

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 16, 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 build confidence in yourself, have trust in your people, and your equipment. Cadets tied their rappel seats, checked their safety knots, and headed to the slant wall, which is a short version of the rappel tower where [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, complete the 8-mile ruck march during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 14, 2023. The 8-mile ruck march is the Cadets’ transition into the second half of their time spent in the field before graduation. “The march is at the end of the first phase of our Field Training Exercise (FTX),” said Cadet Madison Cappellano, Virginia Military Institute. “It’s basically a culminating event that transitions to the last six days of the field for the platoon.” At this point, Cadets have been in the field for five days, completing [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 14, 2023. During the CBRN training, Cadets learned how to properly use their protective gear before entering the confidence chamber, which is filled with 2-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile. The purpose of the training is to teach Cadets how to react whenever they are caught in a situation with CS gas and how to react to it. Upon arrival there were classes set up for each squad to learn about CBRN. This was Cadet Clayton House from Texas A&M University’s first experience [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky., – U.S. Army Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp participated in Group and Zero as part of Cadet Summer Training on Fort Knox, Ky., July 14, 2023. “Grouping” is aligning firearm sights for accurate shooting while “zeroing” is calibrating the sights for accurate aiming at a specific distance. These skills are essential for Cadets to maintain shooting accuracy in a multitude of combat situations. Cadet Grace Whaley from Norwich University shares her experience during Group & Zero. “I was nervous, I am usually not a good shot and never really practiced shooting until I came here,” Whaley said. [...]

Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, complete their M4 Qualification at Pells ARF Range, Fort Knox, Ky., July 12, 2023. The M4 Qualification is a training event that focuses on a multitude of tasks for Cadets aspiring to become future Army Officers for the US Army. Learning basic marksmanship skills is crucial to this process and ensures Cadets can properly handle a standard military issued weapon. Cadet Ronald Heacock from Tarleton State University shares his thoughts on the importance of this training. “This is something I’ve never done before, so it’s all very new to me,” Heacock said. “I have gone [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. –Cadets from the 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, conducted Situational Training Exercise as part of Cadet Summer Training on Fort Knox, Ky., July 13, 2023. During the STX, Cadet’s work as a platoon to practice planning, moving as a team, and reacting to combat scenarios. Cadet Zully Diana Gomez from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign shared her experience during STX. “Today has been a day, this is the first time that we collectively as a platoon get together and run a mission,” Gomez stated. “We have gone from working in eight to 10 Cadet groups to now working [...]

FORT KNOX Ky.— Armed with only their wits, strength, and endurance, Cadets from the 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the confidence course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 13, 2023. During Cadet Summer Training, Cadets are faced with multiple instances in which they must exhibit both their mental and physical capabilities.  “The confidence course is an obstacle course that every Cadet at CST must go through,” said Cadet Melanie Franco, St. John’s University. “It tests basically where you’re strong, where you’re not, and if you can complete each obstacle. Designed to challenge Cadets to overcome their mental stress and push their physical [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Field Training Exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., July 12, 2023. During the FTX, Cadets first start the training mission at the objective rally point, where they plan for the attack using the troop-leading procedures in order to destroy or defeat the opposing forces, and seize, and secure terrain. Cadet Cassandra Pichardo from Olivet Nazarene University mentioned her role during the attack. “My role was alpha team leader,” Pichardo said. “I was taking care of my people, and making sure that they were all ready to go.” Cadets take 2-3 [...]

Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, complete their Group and Zero training at Canby Hill Range, Fort Knox, Ky., July 12, 2023. Group and Zero is an event that all Cadets must participate in to complete their training to become a future Army officer in the United States Army. It is a challenging exercise that requires patience, accuracy, and a steady aim. Cadet Bryson Matthew Quiambao from Sacramento State University shares his experience during Group and Zero training as he gears up. “For me, I usually shoot right-handed, but I tried something new because I found out that I could be [...]

FORT KNOX Ky.—Cadets from the 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Field Leadership Reaction Course at Fort Knox, Ky., on July 12, 2023. FLRC is an obstacle course designed to challenge and grow the Cadets’ teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills. The course forces the Cadets to work together with their battle buddies to understand one another and the roles that each person takes on the team. “We’re working together as a team, using our squads, who have already been together for the past 13 days,” said Cadet Caleb Kowalewski, Cedarville University, “We’ve had time to connect and build relationships. Now, [...]

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. — Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp participated in the Army Combat Fitness Test at Fort Knox, Ky., July 9, 2023. The ACFT accesses the agility, endurance, and strength of Cadets through a series of exercises as they start their Cadet Summer Training experience. “The ACFT is meant to measure the physical fitness of a cadet to ensure the preparedness of each person that serves,” said Cadet Anna Johnson, Michigan State. “It teaches resilience and dedication to what we do.” Designed to evaluate Cadets’ physical fitness, the ACFT is a tool that helps the Cadre identify the Cadets’ [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, execute their battle march and shoot training exercise on Fort Knox, Ky., on July 9, 2023. Battle march and shoot simulates the fatigue that can appear while in active duty, pushing Cadets to remain prepared for combat. “The battle march and shoot is a [roughly] four mile ruck to make us really tired, and then we get 40 rounds and put them on a target,” said Cadet Geoffrey Takacs, University of Connecticut. “It’s to make sure that we can stay calm and even after working out, being under pressure, we can [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The Cadre running the lanes at Group and Zero training watch over Advanced Camp Cadets from 7th Regiment as they adjust their rifles at Fort Knox, Ky., July 9, 2023. Like every single Cadet that participates in Cadet Summer Training, every Cadre comes to Fort Knox with their own story. Advanced Camp Cadets often base their personal leadership styles based off how the Cadre guides them through CST. “I know what type of leader that I want to be as I’ve learned from trial and error from other people’s failures and successes,” said Cadet Austin Herrman from [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadet Gina Lucciono from 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, played the role of a squad leader at the elevation station during the Field Leader Reaction Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 7, 2023. Being the only Cadet to be given instructions from the Cadre, it was up to Lucciono to communicate specific directions to the rest of her team. “I had to give out the information and pass it down accordingly,” Lucciono said. “I had to make sure everyone’s on the same page so we can actually execute the plan properly.” The FLRC teach Cadets how to work [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, descended a 64-foot tower for rappel training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 7, 2023. A recent graduate from University of Central Florida, 2nd Lt. Hayley Blatt, explained the process Cadets participate in throughout rappel training. “First, we do a demonstration, then we assist with tying seats, [next] the Cadets go down the slant wall,” Blatt said. “After the Cadets complete the slant wall, they go down the closed side, then the open side of the tower.” After completing every step of the process, Cadet Sydney Honeycutt from Xavier University described how [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – A dark cloud storms its way across the training area where Cadets from 3rd Regiment Advanced Camp were planning to work on their field training exercises on July 1, 2023.  Due to the frequent lightning strikes, overheard thunder, and heavy rain, the training was brought to a halt. While the Cadets were waiting underneath their soon-to-be soaking wet ponchos, they had some down time to speak on FTX and their future aspirations.  “The field training event prepares us for future leadership events and tests how we perform under distress in adverse conditions,” said Cadet Alexander Grieves, Central [...]