FORT KNOX, Ky. – As a team and as individuals, the Cadets of 8th Regiment, Basic Camp learned the basic movements essential to their safety in the field. “The Cadets are getting a baseline level of skills, whether it be in classroom sessions or out here in IMT [Individual Movement Techniques],” said 2LT Matthew Asis. With weapon in hand and battle buddy by their side, Cadets made their way to safety through a barrier-filled lane. Proper communication and movement were vital to them making in across. Cadet Tyriek Wyley explained, “These are like a simulation of what we would be doing […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp had the opportunity to do branch orientation on July 25, at Fort Knox, Ky., to help them decide which branch they would like to serve in once they become Army Officers. “Basic Camp gets a minor orientation, the Cadre from each tent just give them a brief overview of what they do and this is the reason why you might want to join our branch,” said 2nd Lieutenant Matthew Booker, Alumni to Canisius College, Buffalo, New York. “Once they get to Advanced Camp they do this again but they select the […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Into the field they go. 7th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets are executing battle tactics out in the wilderness of Fort Knox as part of their field training exercises July 28. Cadet Micah Griffith, a Citadel student and a resident of Saluda, South Carolina, says the purpose of the field training exercise is to give Cadets a sense of what it’s like to conduct actual mission operations against enemy units.   “It gives us an idea of what we’re supposed to be doing,” Griffith shared.   Cadet Michael Vilker of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign says it’s […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets executed their Individual Task Testing, July 28, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. ITT is a course evaluation where Cadets take their culminated knowledge from training and apply it to a practical, real-life situation. “The ITT testing we’re doing today is basically a check on knowledge to say, ‘hey, for the last week and a half, you all have been learning these things. Now that we give you a scenario, a real world scenario, can you apply the knowledge that you’ve learned and use them like building blocks’,” […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of 8th Regiment, Basic Camp erupted in cheers and applause as their peers raced through demanding obstacles out at Beaudoin Obstacle Course July 27.   Making the obstacle course a competition cultivates a deeper sense of motivation and teamwork for the Cadets, according to 2nd Lt. Kevan Bjornson of Canton, Ohio. “Our focus for Alpha Company has been team-building and getting them ready to go out into the field.  They’ve been working really hard, and this is fun.  This gives them a break and gives them some time to run around in the woods without the […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – Second lieutenants, working as Cadre for 6th Regiment, Basic Camp, arrived at the Central Issuing Facility, July 27, to turn in equipment and gear during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. Gear is issued to Cadre and Cadets alike to make sure that they are taken care of while out in the field training. “We got to turn in our gear that we used during camp. We basically had to take all of our gear that we used such as our rucksacks and assault pack, cleaned them up and make sure it was clean […]

By: Mattie Cook FORT KNOX, Ky.,- Cadets of 6th Regiment, Basic Camp started the first of their out-processing events today at the Central Issue Facility (CIF) where they returned all the equipment they were issued at the beginning of camp. The CIF sees thousands of Cadets and Cadre throughout the summer, making sure each individual has the necessary equipment they need to be successful throughout training. CIF is set up in stations of specific equipment items, where personnel check for cleanliness and imperfections. “Today we’re turning in all of our gear we checked out; cleaning it and re-cleaning it, hoping it’s […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – By now, most Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp, know that Cadet Summer Training is no walk in the park. But how about a walk on rope ladder suspended almost 25 feet or higher in the air? With their bright red safety helmets strapped around their chins and harnesses secured tightly around their waists, Cadets from 5th Regiment faced their fears at the Forest Hills Confidence Course on July 26. “A lot of the Cadets that come out here have a fear of heights, which translates into a fear of falling,” said Sgt. 1st Class Barry Ray. […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets zeroed and qualified with their M16 rifles at Canby Hill Range, July 24, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. At this course, Cadets used live rounds to practice firing at paper targets, which simulate varying distances from 50 meters to 300 meters. “They’re going through basic marksmanship instruction. For a lot of Cadets, it’s the first time they’ve ever shot a weapon. First, they have to zero the weapon. So, get a couple rounds close together on the target where they’re aiming. Then they’re going to qualify, where […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets were in for a treat when the Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky, Jenean Hampton, paid a special visit to Fort Knox July 21.   She was accompanied by her chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, the executive director of the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs, and two interns studying political science.    Hampton’s visit began with a trip to the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) chamber where Cadets of 5th Regiment, Basic Camp were learning how to trust their equipment during the gas mask confidence course. During the stop, Cadets asked questions spanning an array […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Advanced Camp 6th Regiment along with Basic Camp 5th Regiment attended the ROTC Cadet Summer Leadership Training, July 24, Fort Knox, Kentucky. Commanding General of TRADOC David G. Perkins spoke to Cadets throughout the day by going to different training areas they were at. He then gave an inspiring speech at Olive Theater, Fort Knox, Kentucky; to the 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp and 5th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets about how he obtained his four stars through leadership. “He explained how TRADOC worked and what his general function within our lines was,” said Cadet Cameron DeLaigle, Texas A&M, […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – Lt. Gen. Charles D. Luckey visited 8th Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets at the Dunagan Teamwork Development Course, July 20, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. Luckey’s visit covered multiple courses and multiple regiments of Cadets training. “We’ve been looking at all kinds of different training venues, First Aid, Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear training events. Spent a little time in the confidence chamber, an Army euphemism for gas chamber,” stated Luckey. “We put on masks, jumped around, did some jumping jacks, breathe deep for a while and, if you’re me after about 45 seconds, […]

FORT KNOX – Ky. – Sweat dripped off the rim of a Cadet’s patrol cap as he and his fellow Cadets from 8th Regiment, Basic Camp maneuvered their way through the Team Development Course (TDC) in the ninety-degree heat on July 21. Despite the heat, humidity and the demanding nature of each obstacle throughout the course, Cadets learned valuable lessons on the importance of communication, teamwork and leadership. “TDC is all about team building,” said Sgt. 1st Class Gene Ray. “It’s teaching Cadets to work together out of a group they’ve just met while they learn how to lead and how […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 7th Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets executed Alt-C weapons qualification at Canby Hill Range, July 19, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. Cadets worked to qualify by zeroing and grouping the M16 rifle in the controlled setting of the Alt-C course. “Zero involves getting your weapon aimed down sites the right way. Grouping is to make sure that they get a certain amount of shots within a certain area so that they’re consistent in their aiming,” stated 2nd Lt. Justin Atkins, graduate of University of California, Riverside. Cadets practiced these two skills by firing […]

Fort Knox, Ky., – On July 19, the Cadets of 7th Regiment Basic Camp learned to disassemble, clean and fire their standard issue M16 rifles. For many Cadets this was their first time even holding a rifle. To help Cadets become comfortable with their rifles, cadre personnel demonstrated rifle field-stripping, proper shooting form, and introduced acronyms to help Cadets remember the fundamentals of marksmanship. After becoming familiar with their rifles, the Cadets were brought to the firing line to demonstrate what they learned by sighting-in, or ‘zeroing’ their rifles prior to attempting Alt-C Qualification. Since it was their first exposure to […]

FORT KNOX – Ky. – Between the sounds of simulated explosions and the shouts of Cadets calling to their battle buddies, Cadets from 6th Regiment, Basic Camp participated in Small Unit Tactics on July 20. The purpose of small unit tactics is for Cadets to learn how to work cohesively in small squads during potentially combative situations. Here, Cadets worked on forward movement, moving in buddy teams, battle drills and formations, specialty teams and communication. A buddy team is the smallest tactical element that Cadets learn to operate at. When Cadets participate in larger element movements, they can draw from their […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – It was a little past 11 o’clock at night when Cadet Mercedes Hayes of New Mexico Military Institute reminded herself that she was over halfway done. There were only 3.2 miles remaining. “I came up with a little mantra to tell myself – that I’m a strong person, everyone else is doing the same thing I am, and no matter what, it’s just about finishing,” she said as she sat to take a water break with the other Cadets of 5th Regiment, Basic Camp. “I feel like I want to sleep, honestly. But I feel that I […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 7th Regiment, Basic Camp, Cadets practiced land navigation at Assembly Area Baker, July 17, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. Land navigation is a vital skill for Cadets and Cadre alike. Armed with a protractor, compass and map, Cadets must locate key points, plot a course to those points and successfully navigate to them. “We get a map, a protractor and a compass. Then, we plot the points with our protractor. Then you have to find the distance and navigate your way through the woods, find the different points to make sure you […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The Cadets of 8th Regiment, Basic Camp embraced their uniformity while learning the Army drill and ceremony. To be in the Army means to adopt discipline and order – two words that come to mind when thinking of drill and ceremony. Uniformity is a convention of the military, and the Cadets learn the significance of it only a few days into training. Cadet Shamar Johnson noted, “The importance of these things is for us to be able to march together as one team.” Johnson, an MS3 Trainer having already been through Basic and Advanced Camp, along with […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.- Basic Camp 2nd Regiment Families came out to see their Cadets after the 30 day Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The families met at the Gaffey Hall in the Haszard Auditorium where they got a taste of what the Cadets did over the past month. At the end of the briefing parents would walk out to all of the Cadets standing at attention. The Cadets were given the go ahead, many ran straight to their families. One particular mother Jo Rieck, the mother of Daniel Reick, was egger to see her son. “I’m excited to see […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Advanced and Basic Camp 2nd Regiments, gathered together at the Olive Theater, Fort Knox, Kentucky, to hear Brian Pauling give an influential presentation about leadership.   Pauling opened up with asking which person are you, a prisoner, the person is who was forced to attend the briefing, the Vacationer, the person who is glad to be here because it’s it means they don’t have to do their work, or the person who is willing to learn from this experience? Most of the Cadets answered with Vacationer, Pauling had a mission to change those Cadets minds in hope […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 5th Regiment, Basic Camp, arrived at Fort Knox, June 27, for Cadet Summer Training for in-processing and to settle into the barracks before training begins. Cadets sift through their belongings, fill out paperwork and are briefed about what is expected of them during the next 30 days of training. As they waited in lines, Cadets spoke about their feelings toward the training ahead of them. “We’re super excited and nervous about what to expect,” said Cadets Emily Tran, College of Charleston, Greenville, S.C., and McKenzi Wenninger, Minnesota State University Mankato, Luverne, Minn. “I feel […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, attended Branch Orientation near the Patton Museum at Keyes Park, June 23, during Cadet Summer Training. During the event, different branches and specialties of the Army came to give Cadets information about the options and opportunities available to them after graduating. “It’s really just to give them a familiarization of what’s out there in the Army so they can set their expectations now rather than find out last minute what the Army has to offer. We’re just trying to educate the Cadets on what jobs are there in the Army […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – 287 Cadets from 1st Regiment Basic Camp graduates at Brooks Field June 26 in Fort Knox, Ky.   Their friends/family as well as Brig. Gen. Bennett and Maj. Gen. Hughes accompanied Cadets.   At nine a.m. the graduation ceremony started with Cadet Jonathon Ordonez, Commander of Troops, leading Cadets as the United States Army Band stood beside them. Cadet Ordonez addressed Col. Halloren, Commander of Task Force Warrior, that the troops are ready to start the ceremony. Once address was given, Chaplain Candidate, 2nd Lt. Jimenez, led everyone in prayer.   The key part of the ceremony […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, attended Branch Orientation near the Patton Museum at Keyes Park, June 23, during Cadet Summer Training. During the event, different branches and specialties of the Army came to give Cadets information about the options and opportunities available to them after graduating. “It’s really just to give them a familiarization of what’s out there in the Army so they can set their expectations now rather than find out last minute what the Army has to offer. We’re just trying to educate the Cadets on what jobs are there in the Army […]