FORT KNOX, Ky – As the beginning of their Field Training Exercises, Cadets from 8th Regiment, Basic Camp spent the day of August 1, 2018 split up by squad, running through various tactical operations. The Cadets started the planning phase of the mission after receiving an initial order. This is when the Cadet in charge, the squad leader, gives a detailed brief of who will be going where and how the operation will unfold, making sure everyone is on the same page. “We were given the op ord. [operation order] that we were going to do a deliberate attack,” Cadet Aaliyah […]

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. – Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp conducted a raid on July 30, during the third and final phase of Field Training Exercises: the Grizzly phase. During the Grizzly phase, also known as the run phase, the Cadets conduct the missions themselves as opposed to being guided through them by Cadre like in the Wolverine (crawl) and Panther (walk) phases. Cadet Marc Venditti, University of South Florida, the platoon leader for yesterday’s mission, explained that he utilizes the chain of command to communicate with his platoon. He gives information to his squad leaders, who pass it on to their […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp woke up in the early morning hours of July 30th, 2018 to step off for the 12-mile ruck march, the last critical event before graduation. “I’m about to knock out this 12-mile ruck march with 35 pounds on my back,” Cadet Jhory Miller, Norfolk State University, declared. For this ruck march, the Cadets carry a minimum of 35 pound of gear from the field. This prepares them for future combat situation where they will be carrying larger rucks for long periods of time. “Sometimes in warfare we have to live out […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – Before moving on to their first field training exercise, Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp ran through their final Cadre assisted situational training exercise on July 29, 2018. The Cadets’ assignment was to execute a raid, infiltrating a group of oppositional forces holding a position deep within the forests of Training Area 12. “It was initially a recon,” Cadet Joshua Westerhaus, Coastal Carolina University, stated. “Then we got a frago (a redirected order), once we got here, that we were going to do a raid…So, we went back to the ORP (Objective Rally Point), the platoon leader […]

FORT KNOX, Ky. –  6th Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets explored the different branches of the Army during the Branch Orientation in Keyes Park July 29, 2018. After completing the Advanced Camp in the Army ROTC program , graduated Cadets will be commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army and will embark on specialized training in their first Army branch. At Branch Orientation, Cadets were free to attend any tent that interested them, talk to people and ask questions.  It allowed Cadets to learn about all different branches and makes every opportunity available to everybody. Tents, and military vehicles lined the field of […]

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. — 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.—6th Regiment, Advanced Camp participated in Branch Orientation, where they learn about the Reserves, the National Guard, and all 17 branches the Army has to offer to new 2nd Lts. “Our job is to bring the branch to the Cadets,” said Capt. Austen Boroff, Office of the Commandant Field Artillery Proponent Office. “We try to give them a greater understanding of what we do.” Branch Orientation is a lot like speed dating. Cadets go to tents set up by all 17 branches, as well as the Army Reserves, and the National Guard. At each tent, Cadets normally watch a short hype-up […]

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 – As the first taste of field training, Cadets from 7th Regiment, Basic Camp began learning the basics of tactical operations July 25, 2018 during Squad Formation Order of Movement. The day started off with an early morning wake-up, an MRE breakfast, and a short trek to Training Area 7, where the Cadets were briefed and split up for individual squad training sessions. The Cadets sat in small clearings in the forest, listening to play-by-play instructions of the operation they would be conducting. “We were taught a hasty assault, which is coming up on an enemy when you […]

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.- Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp perform combat casualty care as part of first aid testing. This is a mandatory pass event for the Cadets due to its importance to know throughout a Soldier’s career. Cadets began testing during the early morning hours and continued throughout the afternoon. One by one, they performed standard first aid treatment in front of a Cadre member who monitored the treatment. “Today we’re being tested on tactical field training and first aid. Specifically, we are required to properly bandage wounds, apply tourniquets, open airways, CPR, and apply fresh dressings,” stated Cadet Christ […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – It was a rough morning for Cadets from 2nd Platoon, C Company, 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, as they lost a third of their platoon in a defensive battle exercise July 23, 2018. “Yesterday, we had taken a mortar position from some Op-For (opposing forces),” Cadet Eric Ward, University of Minnesota, explained  “Today our mission was to defend that position for a period of time, from 0900 in the morning to 2000 tonight.” They had been expecting the enemy to come any time from 0900 onward. As they waited, people were starting to fall asleep. However, platoon leader […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – It was a strenuous morning for 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets, as they made their way through the Confidence Course and down the Rappel Tower July 22, 2018. To start off the day, the Cadets began with demonstrations from Cadre who lead the training, showing them the rappeling process and how to complete each obstacle. Many Cadets arrived unsure of themselves and with fear in their eyes. “I don’t like heights, so that was definitely something that I had to overcome,” Cadet Natosha Courtney from Mississippi State University said, still shaken after completing the Confidence Course. The Cadets […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – As one of their final field training exercises, Cadets from 4th Platoon, Alpha Company, 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp defend their newly acquired territory from an opposing platoon in a swift firefight on July 21, 2018. Being placed back into the field after inclimate weather the night before, the Cadets had their boots back on the ground in the early morning to reclaim their position. “We set up an objective rally point,” stated Cadet Kurtlynd McLane, New Mexico State University. “[Then], we scouted out this area to make sure it was still cleared… Right now we are just […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – Under spotted shade from the trees, Cadets from 5th Regiment Basic Camp and 2nd Platoon, Delta Company, 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp met the Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley during their field training exercises July 18, 2018. When he first arrived, Milley visited 2nd Platoon’s patrol base as they prepared for an ambush. He took a moment to speak with them, watch them strategize, and give them coins. Milley then traveled to the ambush site. There, he watched their plan unfold. As four individuals from the opposing force appeared, shots erupted. Milley moved […]

Ft. Knox, KY- Cadets of Bravo Company, 9th Regiment were up early to receive intensive training in Call for Fire. As these Cadets rubbed their eyes and had their morning stretch, they were all concentrated on what the day had in store for them. With over an hour and a half of classroom lectures, protractors, binoculars and their trusty canteens, these Cadets received thorough training in requesting artillery fires to destroy or disrupt the enemy. Call for Fire requires Cadets to quickly locate enemy tanks and report it to an observer. After reporting coordinates, it is the Cadet’s responsibility to destroy the […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—9th Regiment, Advanced Camp completed their chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear, otherwise known as CBRN, confidence training—but this time with a birthday twist. CBRN confidence training is where Cadets learn about MOPP gear and then they go through the gas chamber. MOPP gear consists of boots, pants, a jacket, a gas mask, and gloves. Cadets have to be able to dawn all of the equipment in less than eight minutes and they have to be able to properly seal their mask in less than two minutes. Once inside the chamber, Cadets are lead through a little bit of PT. Once […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – Finding their way through the forests of Fort Knox, Cadets from 7th Regiment, Basic Camp learned the fundamentals of Land Navigation, or Land Nav. for short,  on the night of July 17, 2018. “At the basic camp level, it’s just exposure to some of the techniques of how to navigate during the day and at night,” explained Cpt. Javier De La Torre. “If they can do it at night, they can pretty much do it during the day.” At the beginning of their time at camp, the Cadets were taught the theory behind Land Navigation, including plotting […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—9th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets were tested to shoot down pop-up targets during the Weapons Qualification July 21, 2018, at George Blair Range. Shooting practice is one of the most exciting events that happens for Cadets during their summer training. The weapon qualification helps Cadets prepare for future collective training and have confidence in their weapon systems. Cadets learned fundamental skills of shooting at their universities such as breathing, trigger squeeze or body positioning. Every Soldier and, particularly, every Officer should be familiar with the weapon systems. Alexandra Branson, St. Cloud State University, has been a national guard for […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—10thRegiment, Advanced Camp completed their Army Physical Fitness Test. On a cool and clear morning, 10thRegiment, Advanced Camp lined up and waited to take their PT test. The current APFT is made up of three events: two-minute push-ups, sit-ups, and a timed two-mile run. The APFT is a must pass event for Advanced Camp and a Cadet must score a minimum of 60 points in each category. “It’s exciting to get up this morning and do something physical since we’ve been in-processing for two days,” commented Cadet Roderick Jamieson, Boston University.

FORT KNOX, Ky.—6th Regiment, Advanced Camp puts their skills to the test at the largest part of their training here at Fort Knox: Field Training Exercises. The FTX is the largest part of the training Cadets take part in during their time at Cadet Summer Training. The FTX is designed to be the “run” stage of their tactical knowledge. Prior to coming to the FTX, they complete the crawl and walk phases at the STX Lanes. FTX is where all the missions Cadet leadership run have to be done all on their own. Cadets receive operational orders from Cadre about the missions […]

A bullet from an M4 travels to its target at a rate of 2,970 ft/s. The impact of that bullet on the target is relative to the impact it has on a soldier’s career. Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp improve and test their weapons training during Weapons Qualification at the George Blair Range July 16, 2018. “They’ve already received their primary block of instruction, or PMI as we call it, which is classroom time,” stated Staff Sgt. Murray, the assistant to the Range Safety Officer. “…Then they come out here to apply those lessons learned.” “They have three shooting iterations. […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – It was a day of smiles and tears at the Waybur Theater, July 15, 2018, as 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets saw their loved ones for the first time in weeks. “I was ecstatic,” exclaimed Cadet Tandra Logiudice, Truman State University. “He’s like ‘ [you have] two minutes to get your bags’ and I was like ‘give me two seconds and I’ll run over there.’” As the parents exited the theater after a short presentation, the Cadets march over to greet them in the parking lot. The Cadets lined up in formation, displaying the discipline they have […]