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 […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – “Incoming!” When Cadets hear that, they know to immediately repeat the message to warn their peers around them and hit the ground in a covered position.  Seconds after, several loud and booming bangs are simulated through speakers to represent an enemy artillery round. They then return to the mission at hand once they hear, “All clear!” The simulation helps the Cadets of 7th Regiment, Basic Camp remember to focus on everything going on in their surroundings, helping them to maintain situational awareness while implementing individual movement techniques (IMTs) to move from one end of the terrain to […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets completed Field Training Exercises, July 25, during Cadet Summer training at Fort Knox. FTX is training done out in the field where Cadets spend eight days running drills and employing their culminated knowledge to develop leadership skills. “So, over the last eight days, they’ve been out in the field working on platoon small unit tactics against a pretty aggressive bad guy out there. They got a lot of good training in small unit tactics and it enabled the Cadre to evaluate their leadership potential,” said Lt. Col. Joel Thomas. […]

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 […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets completed their 12-mile ruck march test, July 21, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. The goal is to complete the 12-mile ruck march under four hours. For RECONDO candidates, it must be completed under three hours. “We completed a 12-mile ruck march with a minimum 35-pound ruck. Some Cadets had more or less. That was up to them. The minimum requirement was 35 pounds. I rucked with 40,” said Cadet Jacob Roberts, Florida State University, Tampa, Fla. “The Army standard for these ruck marches is typically 35. That’s […]

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. – Cadets from Advanced Camp 9th Regiment headed to George Blair Shooting Range for weapon qualification, July 17, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky. The day before qualification the Cadets go through Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction (PMI) to help them hold the weapon, know the parts of the weapon, and the different positions they will be shooting from. “I do believe that PMI prepared me for today, it just goes over the basic fundamentals that every shooter needs to become a great shooter, said Cadet Jared Neeb, University of Louisiana in Lafayette, from New Orleans, La Weapon […]

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. – 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. – 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, executed squad battle drills in Training Area 12, July 18, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. Squad battle drills are simulated scenarios with specific objectives created to test Cadets in many different ways such as leadership capabilities, movement techniques, and tactical engagement performances. The first iteration was done at a ‘crawl’ pace. This is where Cadre led Cadets through step by step in objectives. The second iteration of squad battle drills was a movement to contact drill. “The training we just completed was a react to contact lane. What […]

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 […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, was educated and tested on Call For Fire techniques, July 13, at Fort Knox during Cadet Summer Training. Some of the learning objectives for CFF training include: describe and learn the call for fire format, execute virtual call for fire mission, report battle damage assessment. Cadets learned the six elements involved in CFF which include: observer identification, warning order, target location, target description, method of engagement, method of fire and control. “They get a basic PowerPoint on the format for call for fire, how to make corrections, and then they’ll […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets woke up early to execute a six-mile ruck march, July 14, during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox. This was to prepare Cadets for the pass/fail 12-mile ruck march in a few weeks. “It’s important for our training so we can build ourselves up to the point where we can do 12 miles. We’re trying to make sure that everyone starts off with a good baseline,” said Cadet Samantha Frank, Texas A&M, Springbranch, Texas. “A lot of people from different schools don’t have hills like they do here in […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp, entered Hill Hall at Fort Knox, July 11, to attend branch round tables. This event was held for Cadets to explore the different branches in the Army in a more personal setting. Cadre with years of experience in each of the branch came and spoke to Cadets about available opportunities. “They’re going through the different branches prior to them making their choice on August 21 to see which branches they like, maybe don’t like, and some that may interest them or that they didn’t know about,” explained Capt. Shevez Freeman, […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, arrived at Assembly Area Baker, July 10, to complete their written land navigation test during Cadet Summer Training. Land navigation involves reading a physical map and being able to navigate terrain without technology, using compasses and protractors. “The written test demonstrates their knowledge of terrain features, distance and direction on a map, the difference between grid north, magnetic north and true north,” said Capt. Ron Gooding. Cadets spent the morning studying and reviewing information before their exam. While waiting, Cadre answered questions and coached Cadets in improvised areas. Areas of […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp, successfully completed the Rappel Tower and Confidence Course at Fort Knox, July 6, during Cadet Summer Training. Despite rainy weather conditions, Cadets were still able to perform admirably during both the Confidence Course and the Rappel Tower. “The rappel tower is a 64-foot tower. It has two different sides. It has a walled side and an open side. Cadets will rappel off both sides to the ground. The walled side, you use your feet more and the open side you use more of your hand break techniques,” said Sgt. Morgan […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – On the Fourth of July, 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets gathered in Waybur Theater for a very special occasion; End Of Camp Commissioning. There, in the theater, commissioning Cadets became what they have worked for through training, 2nd lieutenants. “This ceremony marks the culmination of years of rigorous and intensive academic, military, and physical training for the Cadets seated before you today,” said 2nd Lt. Nathan Dawes, narrator of the event. “The Corps has served as a test of their leadership ability and their potential to serve as commissioned officers. They have successfully emerged […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – After 31 days of training, 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets completed Advanced Camp at Cadet Summer Training, graduating at Brooks Field at Fort Knox, June 30. “This ceremony marks the culmination of 31 days of rigorous and intensive training for these young men and women. For them, Advanced Camp served as a test of their leadership abilities and potential to be an officer. They have emerged from this challenge, confident in their ability to assume the tremendous responsibilities of being an Army officer,” said 2nd Lt. Nathan Daws, commonly called ‘Pipes’, the narrator for […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp, arrived at Harmon Hall, the Central Issuing Facility, June 28, to return equipment and gear used during Cadet Summer Training. If gear was not issued to Cadets by their host program, the CIF issued gear and equipment so Cadets could obtain the most experience during CST. “Today, we’re basically just doing gear turn in. So, stuff that we didn’t have, they were nice enough to issue it here. Then, we have to work really hard to make sure it’s clean because, if it’s not, they will make us clean it […]

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, Advanced Camp, arrived at Smith Gym, June 22, for Platoon photos. Cadet Summer Training is centered around the Cadets and creation of future leaders by making graduates into 2nd lieutenants. With their training almost complete, there are very few things left for them to complete. There is one thing, however, that was done that was centered around  helping others; the donation of blood. The Armed Services Blood Program held the first CST blood drive, June 22. The ASBP set up everything required in Smith Gym including chairs, interview stations, recovery stations and […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Rappel Tower and Confidence Course at Fort Knox, June 26, for Cadet Summer Training. The Rappel Tower is a 64-foot tower that challenges Cadets through heights as well as rappelling skills and tying the Swiss seat. The Confidence Course is a set of obstacles for Cadets to push themselves to their limits. “Today, we are Rappelling and doing the Confidence course which is like an obstacle course where there’s different challenges and obstacles that you have to get over. There’s a lot of physically challenging stuff from climbing […]