Fort Knox Ky.- The 6th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets competed at Drill and Ceremony Competition on 28. July 2018. Each Platoon from the Bravo and Alpha company fell in to position and marched to the beat of the Drill Sergeant and his commands. One Drill Sergeant in particular, Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Neely, expressed the importance of Drill and Ceremony. “The amazing thing about Drill and Ceremony is it’s not just necessary here, but also in the battle field. If you look back on old war movies you’ll see they used a drum when marching. That meant everything moved at a […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp began Situational Training Exercises on July 27, entering the crawl phase of Field Training Exercises. This phase of training is heavily guided by Cadre and serves as instruction for Cadets. Cadet Karli Ring, a student at George Washington University, called what the Cadets were being taught the “doctrine, know-how” way to carry out the mission set before them. As a small group of Cadets set off for a leader’s reconnaissance patrol, Ring explained, the Cadre had the rest of the Cadets follow and observe rather than post security, as would normally […]

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. – 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- With the sun beaming down on George Blair Range, Cadets of Delta Company, 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp are prepared to qualify with their M4s, on the afternoon of July 24. Qualifications with the air cooled, gas operated and magazine fed rifles consists of Cadets shooting pop-up targets that range from 25 to 300 meters. Cadets are given 2 out of 3 sets of 40 rounds worth of ammo to practice their shooting techniques. In the prone supported, prone unsupported positions and the kneeling positions inside of a foxhole, Cadets start using their breathing, aiming and trigger squeeze techniques to […]

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.- Cadets from all across the country come to Fort Knox for Cadet Summer Training and are tested and pushed to their highest level of excellence. One test in particular 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets faced is the Confidence Chamber. The purpose of the Confidence Chamber is to instill trust in their equipment and prepare them for all kinds of unfortunate events in the world. Master Sgt. Erica McCarter, the NCOIC for the Confidence Chamber, explained why Cadets master CBRN. She stated this a precautionary measure in the case Cadets find themselves in a CBRN environment. They will know […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp had the opportunity to hear presentations from 19 Army branches and functionaries represented at Branch Orientation on July 12. In a grassy area beside a large, black, armored Special Reaction Force vehicle, a gaggle of Cadets stood and watched as a Military Police K-9 handler demonstrated giving his dog commands. Sgt. 1st Class Travis Watkins, 14th MP Brigade out of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., explained Branch Orientation helps Cadets get a feel for different branches. He considers it an opportunity to explore branch options and figure out what will actually be […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets are walking into the woods in the rain during the Field Training Exercise July 16, 2018. From college classroom to Army labs, those Cadets need to manipulate a series of mock battles that pit one platoon against another in the forest, defend themselves in the ‘jungle’ of tall grass, or walking across timbers in the pouring rain. The Field Training Exercise is designed to test the skills, knowledge and leadership capabilities of Cadets. It presents them with a lot of autonomy in planning and execution. Cadet Matthew Shannon, Xavier University,  is the […]

FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY – The highly motivated Cadets of 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp experienced the sensations of a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear chamber. A CBRN strike is simulated by activating tear gas in a confined space, which provides a necessary incentive to train properly. The exercise requires Cadets to don Mission Oriented Protective Posture equipment, that is used to protect Soldiers in toxic environments. They then performed safety checks on their gas mask seals, outerwear, over boots, and gloves. The Cadets file into the chamber after safety checks are completed then perform exercises to get their heartrate up and breathing elevated. They […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

By: Madison Thompson FORT KNOX, Ky. – Centers of Influence attended the Summer of Fort Knox Visit, June 13. COIs are community partners from the eight brigades in the United States Army, which operate under Cadet Command. COIs were invited to the Summer of Fort Knox Visit with the intent to spread the word about the benefits, opportunities and options offered by Army ROTC. While at Fort Knox, COIs attended a number of informational meetings. They also participated in exercises Cadets experience during Cadet Summer Training, including the Field Leadership Reaction Course. “What’s going to be happening is they’re going to […]

by Mattie Cook FORT KNOX, Ky.- Cadets of 5th Regiment Advanced Camp arrived at Fort Knox, Ky., for day zero of Cadet Summer Training (CST) June 14. These Cadets will spend the next 30 days developing leadership skills, tactical skills and character to become the Army’s newest 2nd Lieutenants. 2nd Lt. Joshua Jackson, commissioned from Central State University, Ohio, hopes to use his experiences from Advanced Camp to relate to Cadets. “I’m going to make sure they understand that I was also in this situation and training and give them that look on what Cadets are and aren’t suppose to do. […]

FORT KNOX, KY. – The Cadets of Fourth Regiment Advanced Camp got their equipment for Cadet Summer Training at the Central Issue Facility on June 10. “First, they (cadre members) defined the equipment.,” said Cadet Hayden Blankenship of Delta Company Fourth Platoon from Arkansas State University Jonesboro. “After defining it and telling us exactly its main use, they showed us how to use it. After that, we got issued our own equipment. Then, they put it on us.” Cadets get their equipment before training to ensure they can complete their missions in the field. It’s the lieutenants’ responsibility to make sure […]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Day 10 of Basic Camp, Bravo Company worked on Single Channel Ground and Radio Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS)  to know how to communicate via FM radio.   “[FM Communication Training] is a very useful skill to have, being able to operate a radio. You know, we live in a day and age where cell phones and technology and stuff like that. [If] that stops working [radio] will be our only option,” said Cadet Kenneth Luker, Troy University, from Mobile, Al.   Cadets were escorted into a room with six tables that had six bags. Within each bag, […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Day four of Cadet Summer Training Basic Camp Cadets are taught Drill and Ceremony. They start with the basics in how to create a formation and call cadence in unison.   There are different forms of formation, with and without their rifles. There is close interval, squad column, and column of twos. Each cadet has space in between them and has to be arms length apart.   For the first day of Drill and Ceremony (D&C), Cadets are taught without the rifle.   “We briefly touch on the basics. We do facing movements, we do some marching, and […]

FORT KNOX, KY.- More than 400 second lieutenants received their equipment for Cadet Summer Training (CST) on May 25 at the Central Issue Facility (CIF). “My role here is to ensure that the cadets have all the equipment they need to perform their duties out in the field,” said University of Tennessee Cadre Member Randolph Graves. The second lieutenants get their equipment before the Cadets to ensure the lieutenants know the equipment. It’s the lieutenants’ responsibility to make sure the Cadets have the proper supplies before CST. “It’s more of a personal check as a second lieutenant compared to as a […]