Cadets of the 10th Regiment of Advanced Camp completed the six-mile ruck march in the early hours of this morning, July 14. Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” ringing through their ears, Cadets were able to find some pretty interesting ways to stay motivated. Some may even call them quirky. What’s Your Quirk? “For both my rucks and the two-mile run I sing ’99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall,’” Cadet Josh Hopingardner, from Yorktown, Virginia, said. “I sing all the way down to one and then I work my way back up.” Hopingardner, attending University of Montana, said singing helps to keep his […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHjGF4zCdTU[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets got the chance to let loose the day before their graduation. As a special treat Cadets are able to see their families before graduating from Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 13. Throughout the time of Cadet Summer Training, Cadets are only allowed to have their phone for 30 minutes before lights out in the barracks. Cadets are very eager to spend time with their families just as much as the families want to spend time with them. Lisa Young, mother of Cadet Emma Murray who is attending Morgan […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faKxSnEioGI[/embedyt] FORT KNOX Ky. — Advanced Camp’s 8th Regiment underwent Buddy Team Live Fire (BTLF) training on July 13th. The training consists of battle buddies alternately bounding toward a simulated enemy while providing cover along the way. Training with a purpose “The purpose of this training is to build trust in one another,” Cadet Patton Weak of the University of Montana said. “So, when we’re down range, we can efficiently and effectively move ourselves and our troops, and be able to have that knowledge of not only what we should be doing, but what the people we are in charge of […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82XI4JoJRUM[/embedyt] Cadets of the 4th Regiment of Basic Camp were taken through the General George Patton Museum of Leadership the afternoon of July 12. Artifacts from a time long lost, but not quite forgotten, inhabit the museum grounds. From armor to uniforms, an old dog collar to a 48-Star American flag, protest art to a firetruck used in 9/11, the Patton Museum has it all. A Moment of Inspiration For many of the Cadets, this experience was one that would shape them as future Army Officers. “I am the first person in my family to be in the military,” Cadet […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORNzk7P2YMw[/embedyt] Fort Knox, Ky. –Thousands of Cadets from different regiments pass through Fort Knox every summer, the last regiment of Advanced Camp arrived today. Eleventh Regiment of Advanced Camp is set to graduate at Brooks Field on August 18th. “I am a little nervous but [I am] getting through everything. We were all trained for this,” Cadet Lorenzo Robinson, from Northfield New Jersey, and a student at Norwich University, said. During their 37 days here at Cadet Summer Training, the Cadets are given the opportunity to learn new skills and put their leadership to the test. “I am excited about […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwn323i8HZE[/embedyt] Fort Knox, Ky. – Basic Camp is all about teaching Cadets the basic soldiering skills they need to know before going forward in their endeavor to become officers. Third Regiment Basic Camp Cadets spent Thursday going through Field Craft Training where throughout the day they learned and were tested on different skills they need to know to continue in their ROTC programs and Advanced Camp. Most Cadets in the program are lateral entry Cadets meaning they are going into their junior or senior years at their university. Basic Camp serves as the training to catch them up on the […]

Leadership excellence comes in many forms, and Army ROTC Cadets see that in their daily training. Cadets Taylor Clarkson, Shade Bullock and Patrick Scharf set out to Mongolia to learn and experience how leadership excellence materializes abroad. As part of the Cadet Coalition Warfighter Program (CCWP), formerly known as CULP, these Cadets rose to the occasion and made the most out of their stay in Mongolia. Preparation Before boarding the plane that would take them around the world, these Cadets needed to stay on top of their shots, get acquainted with the native language and train for the rise in elevation […]

Barrels pointed down-range, the Cadets shot in three separate positions at three different distances: kneeling, prone unsupported and prone supported at 50, 100 and 300 meters. Cadets of the 9th Regiment of Advanced Camp completed their last day of M-4 Carbine training before qualifying this morning, July 11. Feedback While they shot at the pop-up targets, a sensor was reading how their shots were moving and landing. This gave them what’s called “down-range feedback.” “They’re doing, essentially, a fixed-distance range,” Maj. Jason Martos, leading the 3rd Platoon of Alpha Co., said. “The computer will read where the rounds are impacting and […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyzKi2qYFsQ[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — The sounds of coughs and cries filled the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) range while Second Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets completed CBRN training on July 10 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. CBRN included eight different trainings on Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) levels, the Chemical Corps and the confidence chamber, which were meant to instill trust in their equipment. Cadets left with a new found confidence in not only their equipment, but their battle buddies as well. “In the [confidence] chamber specifically, when you are about to be let out, usually you can’t see, you’re […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtAWlwT3APs[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Advanced Camp, 5th Regiment Cadets, tried to stay cool in the heat category five weather, while they were performing a defense exercise at Grizzly Field Training Exercise (FTX) lanes. FTX lanes are a part of Cadet Summer Training to help enhance the Cadets leadership skills at Fort Knox, Ky., July 9. For this exercise the Cadets had a general idea of where the opposing forces (OPFOR) were coming from. They had to secure the patrol base from all angles to ensure the Cadets were able to see the OPFOR coming. “Objective Firefly is a terrain that […]

Fort Knox, Ky. – The stars were out; the crickets were chirping and 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets were rucking. At 4 a.m. the Cadets were lined up and began the six-mile ruck march. “It is good to be out here with all of my buddies, I have made some really good friendships thus far and I love a really good (physical training) session,” Cadet Dylan Vansickell from Little Silver, New Jersey, and a student at Stevens Institute of Technology said. “A six-mile ruck to start the morning [makes for] a good day.” The Cadets used this time in a variety […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvyFK2DV53E[/embedyt] Fort Knox, Ky. – For 37 days, 3rd Regiment Cadets have been working on completing Advanced Camp here at Fort Knox, Ky. Today, the Cadets celebrated the end of their journeys at Cadet Summer Training (CST) by reuniting with family and friends. Cadets practiced for tomorrow’s graduation on Brooks Field while family and friends were briefed on Advanced Camp in Waybur Theater. At the end of rehersal, Cadets were released to waiting parents, friends, and significant others. “My family is pretty important to me, so it is nice to see them,” Cadet Cochise Wanzer, from McLean, Virginia, and attending […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEtzrzTRlok[/embedyt] Cadets of the 3rd Regiment of Basic Camp completed their intro to the M-4 Carbine this morning, July 8. Taking Classes Taking them through the proper way to dismantle their weapon, the regiment drill sergeants taught Cadets where their gun would get the most grime, and where they’d need to clean a little more in depth. They were also taught the terminology of the parts of their M-4 Carbines. “They’ve already taught us how to clear the gun, and I never even knew that,” Cadet Hailey Cook, from Houston, Texas, and attending Marian Military Institute, said. “I never knew […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ-siJgIQCc[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — Second Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets learned how to navigate terrain during Land Navigation training on July 7 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. “Here at the land navigation course, they learn how to get from point A to point B in the most effective manner, using only a map, protractor and compass,” Texas A&M University Military Science Instructor, Staff Sgt. Calvin Hickman, said. Cadets were paired into buddy teams to complete the training. “They are paired in twos so they learn to trust their partners,” Sgt. 1st Class Debra Weir, a land navigation grading tent instructor, said. […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5uVQYUon0E[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — 9th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets got the chance to learn the terrain, test out strategies and knock off the Land Navigation (Land Nav) rust that built up after the spring semester ended at the Land Nav Refresher. Land Nav Refresher requires Cadets to plot and locate two points in two hours with a map, protractor and compass. This is meant to help simulate the actual test the Cadets will be facing the following morning. However, this refresher is less strict, in that it allows Cadets to assist each other and ask questions of the Cadre. […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1hLs8R3yoE[/embedyt] Cadets from 4th Regiment, Basic Camp, arrived in Fort Knox, Kentucky, yesterday, beginning their training to become Army Officers. Basic Camp provides first and second year Cadets with the basic soldiering skills they need for Advanced Camp and for their future careers in the Army. Coming into Day Zero of camp, Cadets were nervous. “I’m a little nervous because it is my first time really doing anything like this,” University of Mississippi Cadet Matthew Vandarwater, from Nashville, Tennessee, said. Vandarwater is in ROTC at the University of Mississippi but has never been in the field because he is not […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4lIBFXJ7TM[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — A day after Fort Knox celebrated Independence Day with fireworks, 7th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets practiced with a very different kind of explosive – hand grenades. Once Cadets at Christensen Hand Grenade Range learned how to handle hand grenades, they completed the Hand Grenade Qualifications Course. In order to simulate combat conditions, Cadets maneuvered their lane, rushing forward before low or high crawling to cover. They climbed up over walls, before throwing a grenade from different positions. Cadets had 7 grenades to engage 6 targets. Unlike live hand grenade training, Cadets use dummy grenades while […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrD-cflDsEA[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 6th Regiment of Advanced Camp entered into their third day in the field this morning, July 6. Spending their days in classes, these Cadets are preparing for their next FTX (Field Training Exercise) site where they will be leading ambushes and attacks. Field Work “It’s going. It’s hot, but it’s going,” Cadet Alexis Molina, from Schererville, Indiana, and attending Purdue University, said. “So far we’ve taken a bunch of classes, just refreshers before actually heading into our big FTXs where we get evaluated.” Molina’s platoon went through their first field mission today, […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuA0zCGhWKA[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Advanced Camp, 5th Regiment Cadets tracked through the woods as part of Field Training Exercise (FTX) during Cadet Summer Training, at Fort Knox, Ky., July 5. Cadets had to execute a move to contact exercise. A move to contact exercise has the Cadets dropped off in the woods where they must make their way to a certain point along the route on the map they have. The platoon leader along with the platoon sergeant and squad leaders huddle together to make a plan of action. Once the platoon leader has a strategy of how they […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp were introduced to physical readiness training, July 4. The training is a collection of strength exercises and stretches such as, push-ups, squats, lunges, and wind-mills. The physical training is led by Drill Sergeants, who mix motivation with stress inducing tactics like screaming, demanding time restraints and scrutiny to detail. Cadets are expected to work as a unit even when performing personal training. Leading the Drill Sergeants to extend workouts until everyone is able to complete them together. This stress causes Cadets to be responsible for building each other up when some […]

Fort Knox, Ky. – Motivation to complete Advanced Camp comes from different places for each Cadet. Today, during the group and zeroing range 8th Regiment Cadets share motivation to train from celebrating the nation’s birthday together. “There is no better way to celebrate this country than to be training and doing something for the purpose of this country,” Cadet Benjamin Thornton, from Mount Washington Kentucky, who attends Western Kentucky University, said. Cadets were able to celebrate with traditional Fourth of July food, such as hot dogs and hamburgers despite missing family traditions. “A few us of while we were falling asleep […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4f6QwUCCLg[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – After three days of preparation, 6th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets shot live ammunition on their final day of buddy team live-fire training, 3 July.  “We prepare the Cadets to do what is called a buddy team live fire, which is basically moving and shooting with a fellow soldier,” explained Sgt. Matthew Rinen, an instructor on the range and . “It is meant to improve their confidence, teach them to communicate as a pair, move down a battlefield to an assaultive objective and ultimately throw a grenade.” With cadre by their sides acting as safeties, Cadets […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mczUHvjdUKU[/embedyt] Fort Knox, Ky. – Second Regiment Cadets are closing out their time at Advanced Camp as they graduate tomorrow. Today the Cadets were reunited with family and friends whom they haven’t seen for the duration of their time here at Fort Knox. Anxious and awaiting family members and friends filled Waybur Theater for a quick overview of Cadet Summer Training before being released to see their Cadets. While family and friends received an introduction to Advanced Camp and learned of all their accomplishments, Cadets practiced on Brooks Field for their upcoming graduation ceremony tomorrow. Right before noon the doors […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets in the 3rd Regiment closed out their training time at Advanced Camp with the 12-mile ruck march this morning, July 3. It was a victorious moment; cadences were shouted, hands were raised to the sky in triumph, smiles were plastered on every face. From Cadet to Cadet, words of encouragement were shared as they marched nearer and nearer to the “Mission Accomplished” banner that flew at their ending point. With “Eye of the Tiger” playing, the 3rd Regiment crossed the finish line. Rucks were plopped on the ground as Cadets fell to their knees in relief. […]

[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 […]