FORT KNOX, Ky. — Stay low Cadet, stay low! 8th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets motivated each other through the Beaudoin Obstacle Course July 27th, 2018. Obstacles like the low crawl, cargo net wall and balance beams, teach the Cadets what to expect later in the field while also testing their physical fitness. Cadet Spencer Jerome, University of Arkansas, explains how the Obstacle Course is a challenge to Cadets in Cadet Summer Training. “We’re running through different types of obstacles to test different physical capabilities, whether that be balance, upper body capabilities or the low crawl,” he continues, “Usually the obstacles have some […]

Fort Knox, Ky.- Today, 7th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets completed a portion of their FTX training at Tactical Area 5 on Fort Knox, Ky. When the Cadets arrived, they received an OP order for their mission, after that they go through the troop leading procedures which help them plan and prepare for the mission. This procedure is an eight step process: receive the mission or OP order, issue the warning order to their subordiante leaders, make a tentative plan, start necessary movement, reconnoiter, complete the plan, issue the complete order, and finally supervise. Once completed, they conduct a patrol where they […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp huddled around cell phone cameras before camp graduation on July 26, trying to see how their group photos with fellow Cadets turned out. 2nd Lt. Kasey Greenfield, a graduate of Texas A&M University, noticed an extraordinary difference in the demeanor of a lot of the Cadets – particularly their sense of pride – between the beginning of camp and graduation. Towards the end of camp, Greenfield stated, “a lot of them would stand up straighter,” and just wear the uniform a little differently. Between the homesickness, drill sergeants, and physical standards […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Another obstacle out of the way! Cadets from 8thRegiment, Basic Camp tackled the Beaudoin Obstacle Course July 26. The course consists of eight obstacles designed to test the Cadets’ strength, endurance, confidence and leadership.    Like any other obstacle the Cadets face throughout their training, comradery is what keeps the Cadets pushing forward. Throughout their 31 days at Fort Knox, each Cadet pairs with a Battle Buddy, a person responsible for boosting morale and holding the other accountable. For this training in particular, Battle Buddies are their most important team member.    “It’s a mutual relationship, and […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – As the first taste of field training, Cadets from 7th Regiment, Basic Camp began learning the basics of tactical operations July 25, 2018 during Squad Formation Order of Movement. The day started off with an early morning wake-up, an MRE breakfast, and a short trek to Training Area 7, where the Cadets were briefed and split up for individual squad training sessions. The Cadets sat in small clearings in the forest, listening to play-by-play instructions of the operation they would be conducting. “We were taught a hasty assault, which is coming up on an enemy when you […]

FORT KNOX, KY. — Pushing yourself mentally and physically is an enormous part of being in the U.S. Army. Cadets from 8th Regiment, Basic Camp woke up early this morning July 26th, 2018, to take part in the Army Physical Fitness Test. The APFT is a way to determine whether or not Cadets are in peak physical shape during CST. Cadets are required to do a specific number of push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile run in a certain amount of time according to their gender and age. According to Cadet Kobe Kupp, Eastern Washington University, keeping up with personal physical fitness is […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.— Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp set out to learn more about their potential careers at Branch Orientation July 24th, 2018. The purpose of Branch Orientation is to give the Cadets more information about the Branches that they are interested in as a future career in the Army. Cadet Jessica Hickman, University of Georgia explains the importance of Branch Orientation and how it helps to solidify her Branch decisions. “In the particular branch you want to see, you get to go in and find out more information to see if you would like to pursue it, or not pursue […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – Under spotted shade from the trees, Cadets from 5th Regiment Basic Camp and 2nd Platoon, Delta Company, 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp met the Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley during their field training exercises July 18, 2018. When he first arrived, Milley visited 2nd Platoon’s patrol base as they prepared for an ambush. He took a moment to speak with them, watch them strategize, and give them coins. Milley then traveled to the ambush site. There, he watched their plan unfold. As four individuals from the opposing force appeared, shots erupted. Milley moved […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – 5th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets headed outdoors to practice marching procedures for the Drill and Ceremony Competitions July 23, 2018. Filled with the sounds of pacing boots and rhythmically chanting in the air, Cadets were organized and lined up in coordination with their fellow teammates. Though some of the Cadets looked nervous about turns and specific footwork, each performance during the competition featured precision movements and marching skills. Cadet Kenneth Excellent, Georgia Military College, said, “As Basic Camp Cadets, we are here to learn the basis for discipline and teamwork so that we’ll be able to march […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – Finding their way through the forests of Fort Knox, Cadets from 7th Regiment, Basic Camp learned the fundamentals of Land Navigation, or Land Nav. for short,  on the night of July 17, 2018. “At the basic camp level, it’s just exposure to some of the techniques of how to navigate during the day and at night,” explained Cpt. Javier De La Torre. “If they can do it at night, they can pretty much do it during the day.” At the beginning of their time at camp, the Cadets were taught the theory behind Land Navigation, including plotting […]

Fort Knox Ky.- 7th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets are learning to save lives during combat at Cadet Summer Training! Today, Cadets perform basic first aid skills on dummies by using a device called a tourniquet. This device is used in emergency settings to stop traumatic bleeding such that medical care can be provided before the victim bleeds out. In a combat zone there are measures to be taken before providing care to the wounded victim. First, make sure the enemy fire is suppressed by firing back at the enemy. Second, ask the victim three questions in order of importance: Can you […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. –  5th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets took a walk in Keyes Park, refitted into a tent city, as they weigh their career options for when they commission as second lieutenants. The beautiful, sunny weather was perfect to allow the Cadets to decompress and focus on the their futures with the US Military. Cadets consider options like the Engineer Corps, the Field Artillery branch, the Chemical Corps and the Signal Corps. Capt. Mia Williams, nurse counselor for Cadet Command, talked with Cadets about the differences between choosing active duty or the reserves, highlighting it is important to consider what is […]

Fort Knox, Ky.- Discipline is the word of the day at the 4th Regiment, Basic Camp Drill and Ceremony Competition. When talking to several Cadets and Cadre, most emphasized discipline as a characteristic and necessity for outstanding drill movement. The Drill and Ceremony competition focused on how well a platoon can execute the basic movements a Soldier would make while marching along with a Drill Sergeant. Specifically, the foot and arm movement while marching, left and right turns, about-facing, saluting, and standing positions.   Though it may sound simple to execute, it’s not a single person effort. It is about learning […]

Fort Knox, KY- Cadets of 5th Regiment, Basic Camp were deep into the woods Tuesday afternoon performing a squad level ambush against mock oppositional forces. With camouflage painted across their faces and their M4 weapons locked and loaded, these Cadets were more than prepared to accomplish the mission. Accompanied by a second lieutenant as a mentor, these Cadets waited patiently. Uneven terrain filled with heavy shrubs helped with concealment while they waited for the enemy to cross their into their area. “We have to be as silent as possible,” explained Cadet Henry Jackson III, Bowie University. “We have to get to […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – It was a day of smiles and tears at the Waybur Theater, July 15, 2018, as 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets saw their loved ones for the first time in weeks. “I was ecstatic,” exclaimed Cadet Tandra Logiudice, Truman State University. “He’s like ‘ [you have] two minutes to get your bags’ and I was like ‘give me two seconds and I’ll run over there.’” As the parents exited the theater after a short presentation, the Cadets march over to greet them in the parking lot. The Cadets lined up in formation, displaying the discipline they have […]

FORT KNOX, KY –  Even through inclement weather and gray skies, the Cadets of 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp managed to smile as they marched across Brooks Field for their graduation ceremony which signifies the completion of their training.The young college students from around the nation endured 31 days of rigorous training during Cadet Summer Training. Events like day and night time land navigation tested Cadets to manually navigate through various terrains, trusting their pace counts and road measurements to locate a pinpointed area. Weapon qualifications helped ensure a Cadet’s comfort level and concentration capabilities when aiming at a target up to 300 […]

Fort Knox, Ky.- John F. Kennedy was quoted for saying, “leadership and learning are indispensable to one another.” Leadership does not always mean the leading of others; it can also be interpreted as working alongside others and inspiring them to do great things. To be a great leader, there must be a thirst for knowledge and learning. A thirst to want to know the ins and outs, the right and wrongs, and the strengths and weaknesses of who and what you are leading. Today, Cadets are learning to lead. They are learning to be great leaders within their small groups during […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—6th Regiment, Basic Camp took on their obstacle course with high morale, loud chants, and multiple sets of squats. At this point during their training, 6th Regiment, Basic Camp is 16 days into their 31 days of training here at Fort Knox. During this time, morale can sometimes run low and motivation has the tendency to drop even lower. However, this wasn’t the case for 6th Regiment as they took on the obstacle course in the pouring rain. “I’m from an island in the Pacific and back home we do a chant and it pumps up our people and gets their mind […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – As their time at Fort Knox draws to a close, Cadets from 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp seized their chance to participate in the Spartan Race on July 14, 2018. “I’ve never done this and I’ve always wanted to do it,” said Cadet Christina Taylor, Austin Peay State University. “I’ve never had the opportunity. I usually do half marathons and full marathons. I’ve never done a Spartan Race.” With several heats taking off throughout the morning, the event brought in hundreds of runners and spectators from the public, including Fort Knox. The 4.5 mile “sprint” consisted of over […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – Going under the wire and over the wall, Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp learned the importance of motivation and swift action at the Beaudion Obstacle Course July 11, 2018. “Today, we did an obstacle course that was testing the agility and strength of individual Cadets,” explained Cadet Said Eljadidi, Bryant University. “…It was all about timing, strength, and seeing who could persevere the longest.” The course consisted of 14 different activities, including a rope climb, balance beams, a net climb, and monkey bars. “This helps with a number of different individual movement techniques: how to get across […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – In true career day style, Cadets from 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp explored their options within the Army and got a special visit from the Secretary of the Army Dr. Mark T. Esper during Branch Orientation July 9, 2018. Tents and military vehicles lined the field of Keyes Park, as Cadets spoke with representatives from each branch of the Army. “It gives them an opportunity to know what the Army has to offer, all components: National Guard, Reserves, any active component, and all the branches they would asses in the fall of their senior year,” said Lt. Col. Steven […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – With rivalry in the air and guns in their hands, Cadets from 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, spent the morning of July 8, 2018 practicing and competing to be the top company in the Drill and Ceremony Competition. Drill and Ceremony, also known as “D and C,”  is a practice within the military where soldiers march and follow various commands, such as “right face” or “right-shoulder arms.” The squads must keep unity within their formation at all time, which requires a strong team and strict discipline. The companies practiced for two hours this morning, giving final critiques and […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Families collected at Fort Knox Parade Field to mark the end of 1st Regiment, Basic Camp’s 31-day training. Cadre, Cadets, and loved ones felt the weight of today’s duty, honor, and pride in country echoed in every sonic blast of the cannonade across Brooks Field. Even the wind seemed to know its place this morning, as it brought flags to a light flutter. The General’s Surprise Speech… Maj. Gen. John Evans took hold of the microphone for an impromptu speech, reaching out into the audience to give a stronger perspective of today’s meaning. “So, this is the unscripted part […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—Military families learn to treasure small moments in between leaves. In many ways, those times become that much sweeter. 1st Regiment, Basic Camp graduates tomorrow, bringing their 31-day stay at Fort Knox to a close. Today, families, significant others, and Cadets reunited, trading embraces, kisses, and congratulations. “We love getting her back, but we are so proud of what she did,” Steve Friedrich said. “Giving her a hug, that was the main thing I wanted to do today.” His daughter, Cadet Madison Friedrich, thanked God and Jesus for being back with her family. Basic Camp is the first step […]

FORT KNOX Ky.- With minimal light, a map, and compass in hand, Cadets search far and wide in the thick brush of the woods for plotted points. There is no sunlight to guide Cadets and Cadre step aside to see how well they can complete their mission. Terrain Talk with Lt. Col. Sean D. Coulter “What we have today is about 320 Cadets from the Alpha and Bravo Company, 3rd Regiment Basic Camp who are getting ready to go out and do their nighttime iteration of land navigation. They finished their daytime iteration earlier today. The vast majority of them were […]