FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, execute their battle march and shoot training exercise on Fort Knox, Ky., on July 9, 2023. Battle march and shoot simulates the fatigue that can appear while on active duty, pushing Cadets to remain prepared for combat. “The battle march and shoot is a [roughly] four-mile ruck to make us really tired, and then we get 40 rounds and put them on a target,” said Cadet Geoffrey Takacs, University of Connecticut. “It’s to make sure that we can stay calm and even after working out, being under pressure, we can make [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The Cadre running the lanes at Group and Zero training watch over Advanced Camp Cadets from 7th Regiment as they adjust their rifles at Fort Knox, Ky., July 9, 2023. Like every single Cadet that participates in Cadet Summer Training, every Cadre comes to Fort Knox with their own story. Advanced Camp Cadets often base their personal leadership styles based off how the Cadre guides them through CST. “I know what type of leader that I want to be as I’ve learned from trial and error from other people’s failures and successes,” said Cadet Austin Herrman from [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, reviewed medical procedures and procedures on very high-frequency radios to prepare them for simulated exercises during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 9, 2023. Cadets reviewed Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) procedures, such as wound care and proper transportation of an injured person. Cadet Jimmy Coleman from Texas A&M University, had prior experience with first aid training exercises through his university’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. “A&M trains us pretty well,” Coleman said. “We’ve been training on this stuff since freshmen year, so it’s a good refresher.” Coleman is [...]

Special Awards Recipients AUSA Leadership Excellence AwardCadet Jorge O. Sejas, University of West Florida First Command Financial Services AwardCadet Victor C. Clark, University of Texas at San Antonio USAA Warrior Spirit AwardCadet Slyvia R. Goldsmith, The Ohio State University Armed Forces Bank Performance AwardCadet Mary E. Bell, Wheaton College ARNG Minuteman AwardCadet Adrian Delgado, University of North Georgia Reserve Organization of America AwardCadet Kalaya E. Lee, University of California Berkeley Military Officers Association of America AwardCadet Elaina R. Dwinal, Creighton University Military Order of the World Wars AwardCadet Bladen D. Cunnings, California State University Fresno Bold Leader Spirit AwardCadet Own K. [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Field Leadership Reaction Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 7, 2023.  FLRC is an obstacle course designed to challenge and grow the Cadets’ teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills. “The squad grows stronger knowing what our flaws and our strengths are, when to listen to each other, and how to put into action every kind of plan,” said Cadet Angel Colon-Morales, Puerto Rico University. “FLRC can test you out. It shows whether you are a good listener, a good leader, and if you know how to work [on] a [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, descend from a 64-foot rappel tower at Fort Knox, Ky., July 6, 2023. Many Cadets scaled down the rappel tower every day. Each experiences their own challenges and fears, learning their own lessons in confidence, and cultivating an appreciation for being prepared and skilled. “It’s to get Cadets comfortable with rappelling down the tower and off the open side of a tower,” said Cadet Nick Hagan, Virginia Tech. “It’s also really good for building confidence, just overall as a Cadet, and that’ll translate into the field.” There are some Cadets, who [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadet Gina Lucciono from 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, played the role of a squad leader at the elevation station during the Field Leader Reaction Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 7, 2023. Being the only Cadet to be given instructions from the Cadre, it was up to Lucciono to communicate specific directions to the rest of her team. “I had to give out the information and pass it down accordingly,” Lucciono said. “I had to make sure everyone’s on the same page so we can actually execute the plan properly.” The FLRC teach Cadets how to work [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, descended a 64-foot tower for rappel training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 7, 2023. A recent graduate from University of Central Florida, 2nd Lt. Hayley Blatt, explained the process Cadets participate in throughout rappel training. “First, we do a demonstration, then we assist with tying seats, [next] the Cadets go down the slant wall,” Blatt said. “After the Cadets complete the slant wall, they go down the closed side, then the open side of the tower.” After completing every step of the process, Cadet Sydney Honeycutt from Xavier University described how [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, worked together to complete a series of obstacles during the Field Leader Reaction Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 7, 2023.   FLRC is designed to build Cadets’ leadership and teamwork skills by having them complete challenging obstacles within a time limit. It requires quick decision-making and trust in each other. Cadet Corey Coombs from Texas State University, faced some anxiety during one of the courses, in which Cadets had to get themselves and a heavy box across ropes and over a wall. “I was a little skeptical, because for this [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Soldiers from all different parts of the Army come to Fort Knox, Ky., to support Cadet Summer Training.   Staff Sgt. Lidia Zavalza came to Fort Knox from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington to cook in one of the mobile kitchen trailers, making food for Cadre while they are on the job.  Zavalza joined the Army 10 years ago as a 92G, also known as a Culinary Specialist.  “I joined the Army because I grew up with my dad’s side of the family all being in the military, and I wanted to try it too,” Zavalza said. “My [...]