Last Updated: June 13th, 2024By Tags: , , ,


FORT KNOX, Ky. – U.S. Army Cadets from 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, participated in the Field Training Exercises as part of Cadet Summer Training on Fort Knox, Ky., July 19, 2023.

Cadet Stephen Swope, New Mexico Military Institute, and Cadet Nicolas Tercero, New Mexico Military Institute, 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, exchange orders during a Field Training Exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., July 19, 2023. During the FTX, Cadets work as a squad to practice planning, moving as a team, and reacting to combat scenarios. | Photo by Danielle Smith, Ohio University, CST Public Affairs Office

 

During the FTX, Cadets engage in realistic training scenarios in a field environment to enhance their tactical abilities and teamwork skills. It is vital that Cadets receive realistic training in order to build their skillset and their overall confidence.

Cadet Stephen Swope from New Mexico Military Institute shares his experience at the FTX.

“It’s going great, we woke up a little early this morning,” Swope said. “We had a briefing before we had our first lane, which was an ambush. We did pretty well and didn’t have too many things that went wrong.” 

Many different skills go into each lane, Cadet Swope touches on some of the skills he used in his lane today.

“Definitely, noise concealment. You definitely want to be quiet, you don’t want to be out and about just screaming and you definitely want to keep a low noise discipline,” Swope said. “You also want to make sure your head is on a swivel, and you’re always looking out, making sure everyone is good at organizing and tasks.”

Cadet Nicolas Tercero, who just so happened to be Swope’s roommate at the New Mexico Military Institute, discussed the difference in terrain between their University’s and the one here at Fort Knox.

“Here in Kentucky at Fort Knox, they have trees everywhere, it’s wet, damp, leaves everywhere, and concealment is abundant. You can find a lot of places to pull security here,” Tercero said. “When we’re in Mexico, it’s a desert environment, much flatter, not a lot of cover and concealment.”

Many Cadets at CST see many changes from what they experience at their universities. CST is a time where Cadets come together and learn how to work as a unit.

Cadet Nicolas Tercero from New Mexico Military Institute, 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, lies in the prone position, during a Field Training Exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., July 19, 2023. During the FTX, Cadets work as a squad to practice planning, moving as a team, and reacting to combat scenarios. | Photo by Danielle Smith, Ohio University, CST Public Affairs Office5

Tercero left some closing advice to give future Cadets.

“It’s a lot easier than you think it’s going to be,” Tercero said. “It’s the Army, it’ll get tough, it’ll get hot, you’ll be uncomfortable, but keep in mind that many people have done it before, and they’ve been successful so you can do the same.”

About the Author: Danielle Smith
Danielle Smith
Danielle Smith, an upcoming senior at Ohio University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing, is currently serving as a CST Public Affairs Office intern at Fort Knox, KY this summer. As she delves into her role, Danielle aims to not only refine her multimedia skills but also elevate them by narrating the compelling stories of Cadets in a deeply meaningful manner. With her graduation slated for May 2024, she envisions a future in the media industry, where she can continue to make an impact. Beyond her professional endeavors, Danielle finds immense pleasure in indulging her passion for food exploration as a devoted foodie. Furthermore, her insatiable wanderlust fuels her love for travel, making her an enthusiastic travel addict.