• FORT KNOX, Ky.—6th Regiment, Advanced Camp conducts Situational Training Exercise (STX) Lanes to help prepare them for their Field Training Exercises. You have to walk before you can run, and you have to be able to crawl before you can walk. This idea is something that has been adopted here at Cadet Summer Training, Advanced Camp. Before Cadets can run raids, ambushes and leaders recons in the field without any assistance, they have to know the basic Army doctrine on how to conduct each step of these missions. The STX Lanes is the crawl phase. “I feel this part of training is […]

  • Fort Knox, KY—As 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp’s time at Fort Knox comes to a close, a small group of 44 cadets earned their commission as 2nd Lieutenants in the United States Army. On a sunny and very hot Monday afternoon here at Fort Knox, inside the cool air of the Waybur theater, family members and friends of about to be commissioned Cadets chatted and milled around as they waited for the ceremony to begin While most Cadets traditionally commission at their universities a day before they graduate, some Cadets for various reason such as injury, sickness, or emergencies, are unable to […]

  • FORT KNOX, Ky. — 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets were found covered with mud in the testing ground of the Platoon Situational Training Exercise on July 8. The Platoon Situational Training Exercise (STX) is a short, scenario-driven and mission-oriented exercise designed to train Soldiers and guide them to successfully complete missions throughout their careers. “The Platoon Situational Training Exercise (STX) is what we call the learning phases of the field exercise for Cadets to learn about the basic offensive operations as well as some defensive operations,” Captain Lee Harding from the Temple University explained. “And we are here to offer some […]

  • 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 […]

  • FORT KNOX Ky.- In the depths of the woods, Cadets emerge victoriously! With minimal tools and resources, the 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets use their acquired skills of land navigation to find hidden plotted points. Terrain Talk with Captain Peter Ahching “I am an operations officer for the Cadets, so my job is to assess the quality of training that the Cadets receive from Cadre. I also assess the safety of the training, and finally monitor how well the Cadets utilize the training given to them.” “Today we are doing land navigation with the Alpha Company, 3rd Regiment. Terrain Association is […]

  • “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. –  1st Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets participate in the second leg of their field training exercise, bringing them closer to beds and graduation, at Fort Knox, Ky. June 26 Cadets braced for battle. After a long night of securing camp and camouflaging themselves, they were ready for the opposition forces to attack at any time. The sky appeared to break open, a bright flash and boom filled the sky. The Cadet’s exercise was put on hold. Inclement weather, heavy showers, lightning and thunder carried on for 40 minutes. When the rain stopped the Cadets felt the familiar muggy […]

  • FORT KNOX Ky.- Today, 1st Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets completed Fire Team Movement exercises. What exactly is Fire Team Movement? Why must Cadets learn how to properly execute the required exercises and when will it be useful throughout their career? These questions were answered by several Cadre and Cadets who partook in the event. What is Fire Team Movement? Cadet Rebecca Balzan of Mary Baldwin University, was more than eager to share what the exercises entailed. “Today, we are going through different lanes and it’s the first day of our FTX or Field Training Exercise. We have done about eight different […]

  • FORT KNOX, Ky. – Second Regiment Basic Camp Cadets climbed to the challenge during their High Ropes Course in Fort Knox June 19, empowering Cadets with the courage and confidence it takes to perform in the field. High Ropes consists of a collection of three height related tasks challenging Cadets to trust in their equipment and teammates. Whether Cadets are relying on emotional support from their safety, or trusting their belay to ensure they do not fall from the top of the 50-foot climbing tower, the High Ropes Course is testing courage and confidence on all fronts. During these challenges teammates, or battle buddies, […]

  • FORT KNOX, Ky.— When people would usually be winding down for the night, the Cadets from 1stRegiment, Basic Camp were busy preparing for Night Land Navigation. Land navigation tests the Cadets’ skills of using their map, compass and protractor. By keeping a pace count the Cadets will be able to find checkpoints. Excitement ran through some Cadets as the beginning of the mission was drawing closer. Cadet Matthew Manns from Phoenix City, Ala. is attending Newberry College. He said, “This is my first time being on a new course, so I’m pretty excited to jump into it.” Master Sgt. Duffy, Senior […]

  • 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, Ky. – With five days remaining in Advanced Camp, Cadets of 10th Regiment became acquainted with the different branches the Army has to offer at branch round table at Hill Hall August 11.   Branch round table helps Cadets to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing their military career path.    Lt. Col. Stewart Van Buren, an adjutant general (AG) officer at Human Resources Command and a presenter at branch round table , advises Cadets to remember that despite whatever branch they find themselves in, their first priority is bigger than themselves. “Regardless of what branch […]

  • FORT KNOX, Ky. – Hidden in the forests behind the rappel tower looms its counterpart, the confidence course. Made up of several different obstacles like The Tough One, The Weaver and The Confidence Climb, the course rightly performs its purpose: instilling true confidence in the Cadets of 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp August 8. That statement is more than true for Cadet Milynel Ortiz, a student from the University of Central Florida. While working through The Weaver, a towering, pyramid-like obstacle that doubles as a ladder, Ortiz carried herself with accuracy and speed to the top.  She said having some innate confidence […]

  • FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets rotate through more than 20 tents set up at Keyes Park August 9.  In each tent, Cadets are briefed on a specific branch the Army has to offer.  From military intelligence to air defense artillery to the Nurse Corps, the choices and opportunities for the Cadets are wide-ranging.  Of the 18 branches showcased, three received the biggest draws: armor, aviation and infantry. With her eyes set on commissioning as an infantry officer upon graduation from the University of Oklahoma, Cadet Annie Ryan said her decision to pursue infantry was made when she […]

  • 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 4th Regiment, Basic Camp, put their physical fitness skills to the test bright and early during the Army Physical Fitness Test July 2. “To be honest, it’s tough, but its nice having the other Cadets around.” said Cadet Mikayla Blaska, Princeton, “We are all going through the same thing. Its nice to have unity and be going through the struggle together.” During the APFT, Cadets are required to complete push-ups, sit-ups and a 2-mile run to complete the entire test. Cadets were required to be awake well before dawn for the APFT, which is strenuous for most. […]

  • 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.—Basic Camp Cadets learned the importance of the Center of the Army Profession and Ethics (CAPE) Sunday afternoon, June 11. Cadets were briefed in a classroom setting on the values of trust, morals and ethics. These are key to having a successful profession in the Army. Following the briefing, Cadets were given a scenario to put what they had learned into effect. “It’s basically a team building exercise which will continue over into the Bravo Company,” said 2LT Jessica Turner, platoon leader, of Alcorn State University, Woodridge, Virginia, “You get to see what they really think about this as […]

  • 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, […]

  • 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 […]

  • By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets graduated from Cadet Summer Training, August 1, on Brooks Field at Fort Knox. Five-hundred sixty-nine Cadets graduated and received a graduation certificate and a ribbon, signifying the completion of Advanced Camp during CST. Though every Cadet who meets the criteria receives a completion certificate, some Cadets receive special awards commending different achievements. Cadets who received Regimental Awards are as follows: Cadet Jeremy D. Jones, California Lutheran University, earned the AUSA Warrior Ethos Award. This award is presented to the top Cadet in each Regiment, as determined by the Regimental […]

  • By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets performed weapons maintenance on their issued M4 rifles, July 31, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. Maintenance is an essential part of training as CST starts to come to a close for 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets. “We’ve got them cleaning their weapons out. They’ve been out in the field for about two weeks now. So, their weapons have a lot of carbon, tar and other stuff in them,” said 2nd Lt. Willie Walker. “They’ve been shooting a lot for the past couple days and it’s just a […]

  • 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’,” […]