FORT KNOX, Ky. – Alpha and Bravo Company Cadets from the 2nd Regiment completed their Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) before sunrise this morning.  Passing their APFT is just one of several must-pass events for all Cadets at Advanced Camp. “It’s a huge event. It counts a lot to your overall score in the platoon. So, you definitely want to make sure you’re physically fit before you come to camp,” said Cadet Trevor Stinson, an ROTC student at Boston University. Preparing for the APFT sometimes called for multiple workouts in a day, and many Cadets, such as Angela Liu, took their [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSBkuEYRUYs[/embedyt]FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from Delta Co., 1st Regiment Advanced Camp underwent Tactical Casualty Combat Care (TC3) training here Monday. With the help of many medics, the Cadets undertook one of their first must-pass events. Cadre and medics teaching each platoon did their best to reiterate that this event was not about speed, it was about efficiency. “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast,” they would say. The act of slowly walking themselves through the process would help them memorize the most efficient way to treat a combat injury. Acting out a simulation in which their battle buddy has suffered different [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmo41GLDHdk[/embedyt] The Cultural Understanding and Leadership Program (CULP), a part of Cadet Summer Training for U.S. Army Cadets, was designed to immerse Cadets in the culture of another country to understand the lifestyle of those who live there and work alongside that country’s military. This year, the CULP office is maintaining the same important purpose of the program while changing the name – Cadet Coalition Warfighter Program (CCWP). The name change is a result of a misconception of the program’s ultimate goal. While cultural understanding is a large part of the program, there is much more involved than tourist activities. [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — “CBRN stands for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear, so what we’re training these cadets here to do is to react primarily to a chemical and biological attack,” 2nd Lt. Johnathan Marcelli said about CBRN training. Marcelli is a recent graduate and commissionee from Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio. He will be joining the 59th Chemical Company in Fort Drum, New York. He is one of many who have traveled far and wide to train this year’s Cadets. CBRN training takes Cadets through a few different stations, including a hands-on teaching session that covers eight critical tasks, a [...]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA90w2YDKmk[/embedyt] FORT KNOX, Ky. – This summer there will be several special events and ceremonies taking place at Fort Knox highlighting the success of thousands of U.S. Army Cadets. Cadets will reunite with family members on Family Day, discover the 17 different branches of the Army during Branch Orientation and proudly graduate on Graduation Day. Previously, Fort Knox hosted a commissioning ceremony for the Cadets. This year, the commissioning ceremonies are taking place at their universities instead. Each of these ceremonies are rooted in years of tradition. Darrell Olson, Cadet Summer Training (CST) special events planner, said tradition is a [...]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 8th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets competed in a Drill and Ceremony Competition Aug. 7 during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky. Platoons competed against one another to earn the title for best movement. Drill and Ceremony is a long-held tradition in the Army and focuses on Soldier movement. “We have everybody up in their straight lines doing parade rest, attention, correcting salutes, and making sure that our whole formation is on cue. We’re all competing with the different platoons to fight against whoever is the best at being all squared away and tight [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Delta Company, bound forward! Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp navigated their way through FTX this morning August 6, 2018. In order to have a successful Field Training Exercise, Cadets must communicate well with each other and correctly prepare for their mission. Whether the mission is an assault, a retreat or a defense. Cadets from Delta Company faced the Opposing Forces while planning an attack on the objective, Olympia. What was originally planned as a deliberate attack, but due to making contact during the leader’s recon, it turned into a hasty attack. Cadet Matt Wilder, The Citadel, was [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 7th Regiment, Basic Camp participated in a Drill & Ceremony competition on August 2. D&C consists of the proper way to move and hold oneself while in formation. The competition is a new addition to Cadet Summer Training this year. Cadet Jamie Bridenstine, who completed Advanced Camp this summer, is working as a Military Science III trainer at Basic Camp. Bridenstine, a student at the University of Wyoming, stated that D&C builds discipline and helps people work as a team. She went through Basic Camp in 2016. “We focused on D&C but it wasn’t to [...]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets executed Situational Training Exercises, STXs, August 2 during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky. “Today is the last day of our STX, Situational Training Exercise. Basically, we are in the crawl phase of what we’re going to do. These are all Cadre run. We’re going through the motions and letting them show us how they want the lane set up and how to properly execute the things that we’re trying to do,” explained Cadet Logan Karsteter, Purdue University, (hometown) Milan, Indiana. Each iteration, or repetition, of the exercise [...]

Advanced Camp Cadets endure mud for mission FORT KNOX, Ky.– On a rainy, late July morning, Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp slide through mud to conduct a platoon attack. During the first day of their field training exercise, the clouds left no mercy on Cadets preparing for their mission. Weighed down by rucks and wet uniforms, Cadets from Alpha Company trudge through the Kentucky woods in an area of operations known as Panther. This sector of the woods gives Cadets their first taste of field training exercises that are not led by Cadre. “We moved tactically to an ORP [objective rally [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – With only three days left until graduation, Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp must begin asking themselves, “What’s next?” Lucky for them, Branch Orientation provides some answers. During Branch Orientation, Cadets rotate through various tents filled with information on each branch available to them. For some Cadets, selecting a branch is a walk in the park, but for others, selecting a branch will be the hardest decision they ever make. Cadet Anna Farmer from the University of Oregon has a decision to make. As of now, she has narrowed down her selections to Field Artillery, Military Intelligence and [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – What started out as a calm morning in the woods turned into a high-speed attack for 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets. This morning (27 July), the Cadets were given a mission to later conduct an attack on a Linear Danger Area. With only a grid location and a time, the Cadets moved meters from the op-for and set up an objective rally point. Once they got the objective rally point set up, they sent out a leaders recon to scout out a position to get eyes on how many enemy personnel were there and what weapons they had. [...]

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. – 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. – Maps, protractors, and binoculars covered the fold-out tables set out before Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp for a Call for Fire Trainer on July 25. Following 45 minutes of instruction, they had two hours to practice their skills in preparation for a must-pass 20-minute test. Additional time was set aside for retraining and retesting. Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Kruse explained that the purpose of today’s training is to teach Cadets how to call for, and more specifically adjust, indirect fire. Direct fire is used when the target is within the sight range of a Soldier’s weapon [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Good times never seemed so good when Cadets from C Company, 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp went through Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear training on July 19. At 7AM, the Cadets grounded their gear at the CBRN training site. The company was briefed before being separated into platoons and squads for Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear training. MOPP gear, consisting of a gas mask, gloves, boot covers, and a hooded suit, is designed to protect Soldiers in a toxic environment. Cadet Adam Minor, a student at Ohio State University, served in the 135th Military Police Company before joining [...]

U.S. Army Cadets Travel African Country to Learn Leadership, Understanding  ENTEBBE, Uganda– Thirty-three Cadets, a 1st Lt., a Capt., and a Sgt. land at the Entebbe airport after over twenty-four hours of travel. With weary legs they climb into a bus with a driver named Richard. Around 1 a.m. they arrive in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, without a single clue of the experiences they are in for. KAMPALA, Uganda– The team visits the U.S. Embassy. They learn that the United States is in Uganda for two main reasons: regional stability and trafficking management. They learn about the roles of Foreign [...]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – Fort Knox celebrated its centennial July 4, 2018. The celebration comes after the 100th birthday of the base and one hundred years of service to the United States of America. Families on and off base as well as Cadre and Cadets were invited to partake in this auspicious occasion. Bouncy houses, live bands, and raffles from donors and sponsors were free to the families, Cadre and Cadets attending. There were also eating competitions, arts and crafts, and games for all ages. While attending Fort Knox’s 4th of July celebration is a tradition for some, [...]

Fort Knox, Ky. – Cadets with 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp were challenged by the Field Leadership Reaction Course on June 26th. This event places a Cadet in a leadership position, where they must safely complete a given objective, while navigating an obstacle. They are dealt situations with many constraints and limited resources. “It really tests our leadership skills and ability to work as a team,” said Cadet Catherine Lynch from Mount Mary University (host school McDaniels University), “Our goal isn’t to complete the obstacles, but show our growth and ability to work together as a cohesive unit, as leaders and followers. This [...]

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- Cadets participating in the Cultural Understanding and Leadership Program (CU&LP) returned to Fort Knox, Ky from Brazil, June 6. Cadets spent three weeks learning about Brazil’s culture, history and military. A Cadet from Eastern Illinois University, Amber Matchett, highlighted the start of her experience abroad in South America. “We started out in Rio de Janeiro,” Matchett said. “We spent a lot of time going to museums and there were a few forts that they used to use during battles that they turned into museums.” While focusing on learning from and about Brazil and the Brazilian Military, CU&LP Cadets participated in fun and [...]

FORT KNOX, KY – On June 6th, Basic Camp Cadets with 1stRegiment arrived at reception. As the Cadets exited the bus, they were instructed to not step on the grass while making their way to first formation. Sgt. 1stClass Otero stated, “If you are stepping on the grass, it symbolizes that you cut corners in your work.” The Cadre want to prepare these Cadets for success, by teaching them to go the extra mile. The Cadets began a layout of all their belongings, and were checked for contraband. They also had the opportunity to check in valuables for safe keeping during [...]

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 [...]