FORT KNOX, Ky. — On July 19, 6th Regiment Basic Camp Cadets spent their days in the air running through various obstacles at the Forest Hills Climbing Course. The course is composed of three different sections: a 55-foot tall rock wall comprised of nine lanes, two different alpine towers that stretch 40 feet high, and the Rudders High Ropes Course which has heights up to as 32 feet. Basic Camp Cadets have the chance to attempt each of these challenges. The intent of this daunting set of obstacles is to help Cadets learn to work through their fears, to grow their […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — The Dunagan Teamwork Development Course is comprised of six obstacles. Each obstacle has a scenario for Cadets to attempt and complete with only the materials at hand. However, as the 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets soon realized, the course develops teamwork and more but not always through success. Cadet Nicholas Cramer, of Omaha, Nebraska, and his group went through three of the six obstacles. Unfortunately they were unable to complete any, but that failure wasn’t Cramer’s, or his buddies, take away. “Our first course was a sort of ropes course with a casualty,” the Wayne State College […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 1st Regiment, Basic Camp held an inter-regimental Drill and Ceremony (D&C) competition July 19 during Cadet Summer Training. “We just completed a drill and ceremony competition, otherwise known as D&C,” said Cadet Maabendu Sirleaf, New Mexico Military Institute. “D&C is getting uniformity and helping us dress across each other because that’s really essential in the Army, that uniformity, and that’s what D&C teaches us.” The first part of the competition was between companies and held in the form of a knockout drill as Cadet Erin Wolfe, an attendant of New Mexico Military Institute, explained. Cadets were given […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of 2nd Regiment Basic Camp started their first official day of FTX training this morning, July 18. They begin their training in the field with lecture style classes, Cadre explaining to them the tactics they’ll be using. From there, they move onto physically going through those mission and utilizing those tactics themselves. From crossing an LDA (Linear Danger Area) to proper flanking techniques, Cadets were taught it all. The Benefits of the FTX “We’ve been going over things like squad tactics, missions and learning how to do attacks and ambushes,” Cadet Katelyn Bolden, a student at […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnwVBRa8KQA[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, KY. — Obstacle courses are a staple of Army training, and for the 3rd Regiment Basic Camp Cadets, today’s training was their first taste. Beaudoin Obstacle Course has 12 different obstacles and each of them serve as a starting point for the Cadets to see where they stand, physically and mentally. Cadet India Fullard, a Washington D.C. native, noted that she had done an obstacle course at her university before but that it had been some time. Even with that past experience she found herself with her own problems. “I did feel confident coming in,” Fullard said. […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc2b0hZyYQI[/embedyt]   FORT KNOX, Ky. – Today, July 17, Cadets from 4th Regiment, Basic Camp, learned map reading and other basic aspects of land navigation during Cadet Summer Training. 4th Regiment, Alpha Company, learned about terrain association and basic land navigation by diligently engaging their Cadre with questions concerning map reading and compass usage. The Cadets relied heavily on their instructors and trainers to teach them these important skills. MS3 Leader Trainer Gabriel Gonzalez, from The Citadel, volunteered to stay longer at Fort Knox after his training (at Advanced Camp) in order to develop Basic Camp Cadets. “I really wanted […]

FORT KNOX, KY. – Why are we here? To fight. Why do we fight? To win. Cadet from 2nd regiment loudly called out this chant while beginning day two of Fire Team Movement training. “The weather is nice and it is a good training experience,” Cadet Ny’Asia Campbell from Dillon, South Carolina, and attending Claflin University, said. “It is a good day.” The Cadets spent the morning learning and practicing skills that will be required of them as they finsih Fire Team Movement training and head into the field. “We have been learning tactical skills and things for the field out […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT5b_m7VGGM[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 4th Regiment, Basic Camp, faced their fears during the confidence course on July 15. The Basic Camp confidence course consists of three different events: the climbing wall, the Alpine Tower and Rudder’s Ropes Course. The three different variations of obstacles are meant to challenge the Cadets physically but also mentally. “The biggest thing we have the Cadets doing out here is facing their fears,” Georgia State University Military Science Instructor and Confidence Course Non-commissioned Officer in Charge, Sgt. 1st Class Barry Ray said. “It is not actually to get rid of the fear. […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 1st Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets completed their 10K Ruck, also called the six-mile ruck, July 15 during Cadet Summer Training. “We just did a six-mile ruck march. It’s just putting a 35-pound ruck on your back and walking for about six miles,” clarified Cadet Celeste Doiron, California Polytechnic State University. While traversing each mile, Cadets reflected on what they found the most challenging about the ruck. “Probably the main thing was the terrain. As far as I know, most ruck marches are on flat ground. This is relatively hilly. It wasn’t too bad,” stated Cadet Brody Roberts, […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 1st Regiment, Basic Camp performed Field Training Exercises in their “run” phase July 14 during Cadet Summer Training. The “run” phase of an exercise consists of cadre taking a step back and providing feedback during the exercise when absolutely necessary to Cadets. The exercise Cadets from Alpha company, 3rd platoon, 3rd squad performed was an ambush. “We just conducted an ambush on the objective, which was a linear ambush on the road. We had two enemy and were a squad element. We were directed by our squad leader to form up and I was on Bravo Team, […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 1st Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets completed a day of Field Training Exercises (FTXs) July 13 during Cadet Summer Training. For many Basic Camp Cadets, this FTX was one of their first experiences obtaining an objective in the field. “We just accomplished our first run through with an ambush. It was many of our first time, a few of our second or third time. Most of us, it was our first time going through an ambush and we were pretty successful I think,” said Cadet Abigail Newman, Northern Illinois University. “We had a lot of things to work […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 2nd Regiment Basic Camp Cadets were brought to the Individual Task Test (ITT) to check their rifle maintenance, basic land navigation skills, radio call procedures and other basic soldiering skills. The ITT evaluates Cadets in many different areas, but it’s the third skill that has Cadets especially nervous. What are these radio call procedures, or the 9-line medical evacuation call? And why does it have Cadets nervous going into the test? The 9-line is a term that refers to a call made for medical evacuations in the field. Due to the serious nature of the call, Cadets, […]

[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=0yDOtEEDDro[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. 10 July – “Cadets will implement the training they receive today during the most dangerous times of their career,” said Lt. Col. Jesus Cruz. “This training will prepare Cadets to keep themselves and their soldiers alive. This is arguably the most important training they will receive.” 1st Regiment Basic Camp Cadets began their field training exercise (FTX) preparation with eight comprehensive courses focused on fundamental battle drills.  The first of the courses that Basic Camp Cadets encountered was the Individual Movement Technique (IMT) Range. Every 50 meters Cadets engaged an objective with blanks to simulate gunfire. […]

[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 […]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr96sToeLGU&t=18s FORT KNOX, Ky. — 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets completed the High Ropes Confidence Course July 10 during Cadet Summer Training. The course consists of three different obstacles including Moore’s Mountain rock wall, the Alpine Tower, and Rudder’s Rope Course. “We were briefed and told we would be going onto these confidence courses and that they would help us see that, if we chose to push through something that was difficult, we could do it and we could do it with the help of our teammates as well,” said Cadet Jayden Fritz, Minnesota State University, Mankato. “Doing all of these […]

2nd Regiment Basic Camp Cadets participated in First Aid training July 10 here at Cadet Summer Training. Spc. Orrin Crenshaw explained the mission for the day. “Our objective today is to make sure the Cadets coming in, being that they are Basic Camp, making sure that we are prepping them for their Advanced Camp. So, making sure they kind of have an idea, so when they come in they are not coming in blind,” he said. “And also, to make sure that they are getting something out of first aid, so if someone gets hurt they can apply some of these […]

2nd Regiment Basic Camp Cadets participated in terrain association/map reading July 8. This begins with knowing the standards for the course. Maj. Bruce Pauley, the officer in charge of the range, said, “The task is to get from one point to another while dismounting. They have to get three out of four points during the day for a go. We have verified all the points out there and they have to go find them.” Cadet Collin Apape attends the University of Northern Iowa and is from Arlington Heights, Illinois. He put the days objective in his own words. “Our objective is […]

[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 […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 1st Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets focused on teamwork, leading, and listening to one another at the Team Development Course (TDC) July 7, 2019 during Cadet Summer Training. “We’re doing some team building events and obstacles. It’s basically not about strength, but thinking about how we can work together to get through these obstacles and how we can get everyone through it,” stated Cadet Asia Foster from the University of Kentucky. The obstacles, as Cadet Jacob Wakeley from the University of Kentucky explained, are puzzles where Cadets must get from one point to the next with all of […]

[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=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=tnNSzNH2G1w[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – Basic Camp, 2nd Regiment Cadets went back to the basics of Field Craftsmanship to prepare them for the Field Training Exercise (FTX) later in the Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 6. Field Craftsmanship helps prepare Cadets to be able to live in the FTX lanes for multiple days. Cadets learn the fundamentals of how to camouflage their gear and themselves. Along with how to set up camp to protect themselves from the elements around them. Alongside the camouflage and shelter, the Cadets learn how to pack their ruck in a way that has […]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioeFtAhbzZk[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – 1st Regiment Basic Camp Cadets began their live weapons training with group and zero, 6 July.   “Today is about establishing familiarity with the weapon [M4 rifle],” said Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Smith, a cadre member at Riley Range. “The objective of group and zero is for Cadets to safely shoot a weapon and hopefully zero.” From a prone position, Cadets zero their iron sights on a target 25-meters away using the front and rear sight posts on their rifles for accuracy.  For many Basic Camp Cadets, firing a live weapon is a novelty. Cadet Kendyl […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 2nd Regiment of Basic Camp completed the High Ropes Confidence Course at the Forest Hills Climbing Complex this morning, July 5. Climb On The Forest Hills Climbing Complex is comprised of three different courses: The Alpine Tower, the Rock Wall and Rudder’s High Ropes Course. Each obstacle comes with its own challenges. Some challenges may be easier to fight through than others, but the mental challenge of overcoming those obstacles can be the toughest that the Cadets encounter at this event. Sgt. Dylan Dalton, with the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment in Fort Carson, […]