FORT KNOX, KY –  Even through inclement weather and gray skies, the Cadets of 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp managed to smile as they marched across Brooks Field for their graduation ceremony which signifies the completion of their training.The young college students from around the nation endured 31 days of rigorous training during Cadet Summer Training. Events like day and night time land navigation tested Cadets to manually navigate through various terrains, trusting their pace counts and road measurements to locate a pinpointed area. Weapon qualifications helped ensure a Cadet’s comfort level and concentration capabilities when aiming at a target up to 300 […]

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, Ky.—6th Regiment, Basic Camp took on their obstacle course with high morale, loud chants, and multiple sets of squats. At this point during their training, 6th Regiment, Basic Camp is 16 days into their 31 days of training here at Fort Knox. During this time, morale can sometimes run low and motivation has the tendency to drop even lower. However, this wasn’t the case for 6th Regiment as they took on the obstacle course in the pouring rain. “I’m from an island in the Pacific and back home we do a chant and it pumps up our people and gets their mind […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – As their time at Fort Knox draws to a close, Cadets from 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp seized their chance to participate in the Spartan Race on July 14, 2018. “I’ve never done this and I’ve always wanted to do it,” said Cadet Christina Taylor, Austin Peay State University. “I’ve never had the opportunity. I usually do half marathons and full marathons. I’ve never done a Spartan Race.” With several heats taking off throughout the morning, the event brought in hundreds of runners and spectators from the public, including Fort Knox. The 4.5 mile “sprint” consisted of over […]

Fort Knox, Ky. — 43 Cadets were commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants during the End of Camp Commissioning Ceremony for 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp July 14, 2018. Most of these Lieutenants returned from last summer and spent 31 days this year on Fort Knox in Advanced Camp Training. During the summer, they learned new tactical, soldiering skills, and leadership techniques. Everyone is trying their best to get to know how their own leadership styles will contribute to the total Army. “Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory.”  For those Cadets who completed their 31 days Advanced Camp training, the commissioning […]

FORT KNOX, Ky.—3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp graduated from Cadet Summer Training after 31 days here at Fort Knox. While most soon to be college seniors spend their summer sitting pool side, or working part time jobs, for Army ROTC Cadets, they have a very different summer experience: 31 days, in the humidity and heat of the Kentucky wilderness to better themselves as future Army Officers. “My biggest take away has been the leadership opportunities I got in the field. We were put into some very stressful situations but it helped me grow and learn as a leader,” recalled Cadet Soren Johnson, Wheaton […]

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 – Going under the wire and over the wall, Cadets from 5th Regiment, Basic Camp learned the importance of motivation and swift action at the Beaudion Obstacle Course July 11, 2018. “Today, we did an obstacle course that was testing the agility and strength of individual Cadets,” explained Cadet Said Eljadidi, Bryant University. “…It was all about timing, strength, and seeing who could persevere the longest.” The course consisted of 14 different activities, including a rope climb, balance beams, a net climb, and monkey bars. “This helps with a number of different individual movement techniques: how to get across […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp set their marks and took their best shots, as guests from the Kentucky State Cabinet visited and observed what goes on during Weapons Qualification on July 10, 2018. After practicing grouping and zeroing their shots the day before, Cadets were tested on their abilities at the George Blair “pop- up” range. “Today, we are qualifying at the range to test our marksmanship skills,” stated Cadet Bryant Sullivan, East Carolina University. “The whole point of this is to ensure that your battle buddy next to you can do something as simple as […]

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. – In true career day style, Cadets from 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp explored their options within the Army and got a special visit from the Secretary of the Army Dr. Mark T. Esper during Branch Orientation July 9, 2018. Tents and military vehicles lined the field of Keyes Park, as Cadets spoke with representatives from each branch of the Army. “It gives them an opportunity to know what the Army has to offer, all components: National Guard, Reserves, any active component, and all the branches they would asses in the fall of their senior year,” said Lt. Col. Steven […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – After nearly a month apart from their loved ones, 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets greeted their families and friends with smiles, hugs, and kisses on Family Day, July 9, 2018. While parents and siblings finished viewing a presentation in Waybur Theater, cadets lined up in formation outside the door. The joy was radiating off the cadets, as chatter of plans and excitement filled the air. With only 8 or 9 hours before they must return, Cadets try to make the most of their time outside the gate. “I think we might be headed to see Lincoln’s birthplace, […]

Fort Knox, Ky., – 7th Regiment Advanced Camp Cadets challenged their fear during the Obstacle Course June 9, 2018. The Obstacle Course is one of the training events that Cadets must go through for Advanced Camp graduation in the military. Cadets have to maneuver various obstacles during the event, such as climbing ladders and ropes, walking across the wooden logs aloft, crawling backward in the sand, and many others. A lot of Cadets have done an Obstacle Course before, but most of them are really frustrated with the higher and more difficult structures today. The activities are challenging for the Cadets; however, […]

FORT KNOX, Ky – With rivalry in the air and guns in their hands, Cadets from 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, spent the morning of July 8, 2018 practicing and competing to be the top company in the Drill and Ceremony Competition. Drill and Ceremony, also known as “D and C,”  is a practice within the military where soldiers march and follow various commands, such as “right face” or “right-shoulder arms.” The squads must keep unity within their formation at all time, which requires a strong team and strict discipline. The companies practiced for two hours this morning, giving final critiques and […]

“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. – Cadets with 1st Regiment, Basic Camp conducted squad level situational training exercise lanes on June 27th, at Area of Operation Badger. They are conducting these STX lanes during their field training exercise. For the FTX, the Cadets spend five days in the woods while conducting practical classes, moving tactically, and living in patrol bases. They set up a patrol base by securing an area so that they can maintain their weapons, eat, and prepare for their missions. They maintain a level of security at all times and attempt to mitigate their signature while living in the field. In […]

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. –  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 – The Cadets of 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp completed ALT-C rifle qualifications with their M16A4 rifles on, on June 24th, at the Canby Hills Range. “I feel that I’ve had my persistence tested,” said Cadet Candace Cole from the University of Texas at San Antonio. “I personally had to retrain and shoot multiple times to qualify, and I’m glad I didn’t give up.” The ALT-C qualification is the Army’s 25-meter Alternate Course for rifle qualification. The Cadets are required to shoot at targets containing 10 silhouettes, scaled to represent distances ranging from 50 to 300 meters. They are evaluated […]

Fort Knox, Kentucky – Cadets from 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp learned how to make calls for fire with an electronic simulation on June 23rd. A call for fire is a request for a target to be destroyed by fire support elements such as artillery or mortars. Sgt. Liam Barry from Washington, DC said, “In the event they find themselves in combat, these future leaders will be prepared to bring the support they need to the battlefield.” The Cadet’s arrived to the training site and were taught how to use available resources to call in artillery strikes. For the simulation, the Cadets had […]

Fort Knox, Kentucky – Cadets from 1st Regiment, Basic Camp performed Individual Task Training (ITT) and learned how to assemble and utilize Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS). Erik Benson, an Aerospace engineering major from North Carolina State University said, “We learned how to assemble them, the battery, antenna, handset, and radio unit.” These Cadets are learning to use Combat Net Radios currently used by US and allied forces. They are designed to be reliable, secure, and easily maintained. The units weigh about eight pounds and are able to transmit data and voice communications. “The drill sergeants taught us how […]

Fort Knox, Kentucky – Cadets from 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, conducted a Situational Training Exercise (STX) based on reconnaissance and platoon raid June 17 at Forward Operation Base Wolverine. “Right now we are in the crawl phase, where our lanes are Cadre led,” said Cadet Patrick Patterson from Augusta University. “We learned a little about the terrain and some things that will benefit us when we start doing this on our own.” After preparing and planning their mission, Cadets move out from their patrol base and set up an Objective Rally Point. At their ORP, the majority of the platoon pulled security, […]

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 […]

In my year working with Cadet Command, I have had many opportunities to talk to Major General Christopher Hughes in passing. I was lucky enough to hear him give several speeches, both at Cadet Summer Training and outside of CST at various events at Fort Knox. Not only is he an immaculate speaker, but he is also down to earth and genuine; he cares greatly about his command and the people in it, no matter how small their role. I knew that I had to have a sit-down interview with him prior to his retirement and change of command. The following […]

By Mattie Cook Fort Knox,Ky.- Cadet Summer Training (CST) 2017 came to a close Aug. 16 with the graduation of 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp. The Maj. Gen. James E. Rudder Regiment sounded a big Hooah as they marched off of Brooks Field for the final time, as 17 Regiments have done before them. Cadet Nathan J. Woodcock, Saint John’s University New York, received the regiment’s only RECONDO (Reconnaissance Commando) Award. The RECONDO is given to Advanced Camp Cadets who have scored a 90 or above in various scored events, received a first time “GO” in first aid, call for fire and […]