“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. — 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets persevered through the CS tear gas in the CBRN Confidence Chamber on June 29th at Cadet Summer Training. After a morning of preparing to enter the chamber and learning how to use the equipment properly, cadets lined up to run laps and sing songs while breathing in the gas from the NBC Chamber. Cadets are briefed on the process that happens inside of the chamber, and how to gain the most of their experience. The purpose of the CBRN chamber is to build the Cadet’s confidence in their equipment and to experience first-hand, […]

Fort Knox, Ky. – Cadets with 1st Regiment, Basic Camp conducted squad level situational training exercise lanes on June 27th, at Area of Operation Badger. They are conducting these STX lanes during their field training exercise. For the FTX, the Cadets spend five days in the woods while conducting practical classes, moving tactically, and living in patrol bases. They set up a patrol base by securing an area so that they can maintain their weapons, eat, and prepare for their missions. They maintain a level of security at all times and attempt to mitigate their signature while living in the field. In […]

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 […]

Cadets in Advanced Camp, 3rd Regiment began their Friday afternoon by stepping into the Confidence Chamber. During Advanced Camp, Cadets undergo training for Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, and Nuclear Attack. This training ultimately leads up to the Confidence Chamber, where Cadets are exposed to CS gas. This training exercise is meant to give Cadets confidence in the effectiveness of the equipment that the Army provides in case of a chemical attack. When they first enter the Confidence Chamber, the Cadets are suited up in their MOPP gear, including a mask. Then the Cadets are asked to take their mask off so that they […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.— With only one week left of Basic Camp for the Cadets of 1st Regiment, the obstacle course provided further team-building and self-confidence. Cadet Gabrielle Johnson from Miami, Fla., studying at the University of Central Florida, said, “Some courses were hard for certain people, but with the motivation from others, our peers, it helped us push through.” Johnson recalled the ruck march that the Cadets did earlier in the morning and how she found the strength to push through after falling behind because of the support from the other Cadets. In the same way, she tries to lift the other […]

Fort Knox, Kentucky – Cadets from 1st Regiment, Basic Camp performed Individual Task Training (ITT) and learned how to assemble and utilize Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS). Erik Benson, an Aerospace engineering major from North Carolina State University said, “We learned how to assemble them, the battery, antenna, handset, and radio unit.” These Cadets are learning to use Combat Net Radios currently used by US and allied forces. They are designed to be reliable, secure, and easily maintained. The units weigh about eight pounds and are able to transmit data and voice communications. “The drill sergeants taught us how […]

Fort Knox, Kentucky – Cadets from 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, conducted a Situational Training Exercise (STX) based on reconnaissance and platoon raid June 17 at Forward Operation Base Wolverine. “Right now we are in the crawl phase, where our lanes are Cadre led,” said Cadet Patrick Patterson from Augusta University. “We learned a little about the terrain and some things that will benefit us when we start doing this on our own.” After preparing and planning their mission, Cadets move out from their patrol base and set up an Objective Rally Point. At their ORP, the majority of the platoon pulled security, […]

Fort Knox, Kentucky – 1stRegiment, Basic Camp Cadets received their first introduction to Army land navigation today at Training Area 8 on June 16th. Lt. Col. Jason Eddy, the Regimental Training Officer for 1stRegiment, Basic Camp, from University of Pittsburgh stated “Land navigation is an incredibly important and perishable skill that serves as a baseline. When the Cadets attend Advanced Camp next year they will be given a task, and part of the challenge is figuring out the location of the task and its relation to their mission, point A to point B.” These Cadets are learning how to read and […]

Fort Knox, Ky – Second Regiment Cadets mastered the hip rappel seat and the 64 ft. rappel tower. Before starting the rappel course cadets had to learn how to properly prepare themselves. Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Evans, University of Arizona, provided instructions on how to properly create the Swiss Seat. Understanding the Language Brake Hand- The most dominant hand, usually the writing hand. Guide Hand – The weaker hand. Carabiner-  Coupling link with a safety closure, used by rock climbers Tie the Seat. Place gloves on the guide hand shoulder and the snap link is hooked on the brake hand side pocket. […]

FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY – The highly motivated Cadets of 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp experienced the sensations of a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear chamber. A CBRN strike is simulated by activating tear gas in a confined space, which provides a necessary incentive to train properly. The exercise requires Cadets to don Mission Oriented Protective Posture equipment, that is used to protect Soldiers in toxic environments. They then performed safety checks on their gas mask seals, outerwear, over boots, and gloves. The Cadets file into the chamber after safety checks are completed then perform exercises to get their heartrate up and breathing elevated. They […]

Fort Knox, Ky- Cadets participating in the Cultural Understanding and Leadership Program (CU&LP) returned to Fort Knox, Ky from Brazil, June 6. Cadets spent three weeks learning about Brazil’s culture, history and military. A Cadet from Eastern Illinois University, Amber Matchett, highlighted the start of her experience abroad in South America. “We started out in Rio de Janeiro,” Matchett said. “We spent a lot of time going to museums and there were a few forts that they used to use during battles that they turned into museums.” While focusing on learning from and about Brazil and the Brazilian Military, CU&LP Cadets participated in fun and […]

FORT KNOX, KY – On June 6th, Basic Camp Cadets with 1stRegiment arrived at reception. As the Cadets exited the bus, they were instructed to not step on the grass while making their way to first formation. Sgt. 1stClass Otero stated, “If you are stepping on the grass, it symbolizes that you cut corners in your work.” The Cadre want to prepare these Cadets for success, by teaching them to go the extra mile. The Cadets began a layout of all their belongings, and were checked for contraband. They also had the opportunity to check in valuables for safe keeping during […]

In my year working with Cadet Command, I have had many opportunities to talk to Major General Christopher Hughes in passing. I was lucky enough to hear him give several speeches, both at Cadet Summer Training and outside of CST at various events at Fort Knox. Not only is he an immaculate speaker, but he is also down to earth and genuine; he cares greatly about his command and the people in it, no matter how small their role. I knew that I had to have a sit-down interview with him prior to his retirement and change of command. The following […]

By: Mattie Cook FORT KNOX, KY.,- Forest Hills Climbing Complex has been buzzing with Cadets all summer long, but today was their last day of operation for Cadet Summer Training as 8th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets conquered their fears and the course. Ziplining, low crawling, climbing and hanging; Cadets spent their last day of training before graduation encouraging each other and conquering their fear of heights. Cadet Judy Senesabath, University of Tennessee Knoxville said as a climber, communication with her belayer was key. “The belayer is not only like a safety but they guide you, letting you know where you can […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets of 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp, were further conditioned in their future leader training in the Call for Fire Trainer on June 18. “Call for Fire Trainer is used to test and teach Army ROTC Cadets the skill of how to call in indirect fire. It’s a skill that’s required that can help save their lives and the lives of their Soldiers one day.” said Lt. Col. Larry Rentz, Officer in Charge. The overall objective was that Cadets would walk away with an understanding of the call and purpose for fire as well as the process, radio transitions and […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets of 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp took on their weapons qualification July 3 at George Blair range. “What’s required of Cadets is discipline and the fundamentals of shooting such as the firing position, the trigger squeeze, the breathing and also target acquisition, which is identifying the target.” said Staff Sgt. Austin W. Bowles, Range Safety Officer, Fort Hood, Texas. Bowles expressed that he felt as though it would be difficult for Cadets who were not familiar with firearms to qualify given that marksmanship can be a tedious task to master. Bowles also shared his advice on how he believed […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets of 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, were introduced to new tactics on Tuesday, June 12, at the Christensen Range, Fort Knox, Ky. The training focused on small unit tactics. The training was broken down into three rotations: individual movement training (IMT), hand grenade training, and a classroom style briefing. Cadets dressed in their field gear and used camouflage face paint, branches and leaves to blend in with their surroundings. “What we are doing here today is infantry training. A lot of the Cadets are given blanks and are being put in a situation where they are going to be […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets of 4th Regiment, Basic Camp, Alpha Company, were instilled with the seven key Army values June 18, taking a break from the heat with some indoor training. Sergeant Victor Jimenez, originally from Cayey, Puerto Rico, is one of the Drill Sergeants from the Reserve drill sergeant unit stationed in St. Petersburg, Florida. He will be assisting with Cadet Summer Training until July 7. “You are getting a weird opportunity to train your supervisors.” said Jimenez. “Our oldest Cadets are going to commission and become platoon leaders, so we want to instill the basic mentality of the Army’s values, […]

FORT KNOX, KY—This year at Cadet Summer Training (CST) Commanding General Christopher Hughes has reinstated mandatory Cadet evaluations. These evaluations are given on blue cards. What is a blue card? A blue card is a card given to cadre members for evaluation of a Cadet. The card has multiple sections for comments to be written. The first section is background. This section gives background to the circumstances the Cadet was given, their leadership position, and any behaviors that are monitored. Cadre members encouraged to elaborate on the behaviors and the context in which they saw the behaviors. Then there are sections […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 6th Regiment, Basic Camp, took on the Confidence Course (High Ropes), July 31, as their time at Cadet Summer Training, Fort Knox, Kentucky comes to an end. Cadets are required to climb all three different courses; the High Ropes course that is a series of different obstacles that are suspended up in the air about 32-feet. The next one is tower that the Cadet must climb with various techniques to make it up to the top before their partner is allowed to lower them. The final course is the rock wall climb that has different […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, and 7th Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets welcomed Ambassador John Limbert at Olive Theater, August 3, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. Ambassador John Limbert was invited to speak to Cadets about a variety of topics including advice for Cadets when they commission as second lieutenants as well as opening the floor for questions. In his opening statements, Ambassador Limbert thanked Cadets. “Let me thank you today for choosing a career of public service. There are rewards, frustrations and dangers, but it’s something I did … and it was never […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – After a rigorous 31 days, Cadets of 6th Regiment celebrated the long-awaited completion of Basic Camp with a graduation ceremony on Brooks Field August 2. Looking back, Cadet Alexander Ayres of the University of Northern Colorado says his experience at Basic Camp was more enjoyable than it was difficult all thanks to his peers in Alpha Company. “It was kind of a culture shock transitioning from my civilian life to basic summer training. I made a bunch of friends and I’ve made lots of new battle buddies and they really helped me pull through thick and thin. […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – For anyone who has watched Netflix’s original series, “Stranger Things,” you know that mornings are for “coffee and contemplation.” For the Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, something similar could be said (minus the coffee). Starting at 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 1, Cadets participated in their final must-pass event: the 12-mile ruck march. Although there was not a drop of coffee in sight, Cadets had plenty of time to contemplate and reflect on their time at Cadet Summer Training. Four hours, to be exact. In order to pass their final event, Cadets must complete the 12-mile march […]