FORT KNOX, Ky. – Early morning sun passes through the leaves of the shady tree canopy above as Cadets assigned to 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their tactical combat casualty care training, June 26, 2025.

TCCC is separated into four lanes where Cadets learn how to treat wounds in the field by assessing injuries, providing care such as applying tourniquets and safely moving the injured away from danger zones.

Cadet Ian Miller, Florida State University, hopes to become an aviation officer when he commissions. Miller not only sees the practicality in completing the TCCC training during Cadet Summer Training but also for his future in avionics and being able to care for his cabin crew.

“We’re learning to communicate medically as well as perform medical tasks to save lives in the field,” Miller said. “You need to know exactly what to do to save their life in the field, and they need to know how to save yours.”

By knowing these skills, Cadets build confidence in themselves and deeper trust within their squad.

“Knowing that someone can save your life is the difference between building a great bond or not,” Miller said.

The same sentiment was echoed by Cadet Piper Chartier, Montana State University, a prior enlisted combat medic specialist in the Montana National Guard. Chartier hopes to become a physician’s assistant, helping save lives in the field.

“If there’s only one medic on the team it puts everyone at a huge risk,” Chartier said. “Even the simplest care can save lives.”

For Chartier, having other knowledgeable teammates is key to squad success when it comes to tactile environments.

“It builds trust that if something happens to you, you have someone to save your life,” she said. “You can have more courage (so) that if something happens, my battle buddy has my back.”

Not only is it useful for practical skills, but TCCC also offers Cadets the chance to grow as leaders and individuals.

“You learn how to work with Cadets from all over the country,” Miller said. “It also improves my mental agility, allowing me to think on my feet.”

Cadet Edward Goutink, University of Delaware, appreciates the training before he is commissioned, hoping to work as an engineer officer.

“As a leader you want to be able to be an expert in everything,” Goutink said. “I want to be someone my platoon can rely on.”

Regardless of what branch Cadets may find themselves in the future, there is an importance in team bonding and skill growth that happens at TCCC during CST, keeping them prepared and motivated for the obstacles ahead.