FORT KNOX, Kentucky. – Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, took on the Warrior Skills training event on Fort Knox, July 14, 2024. The Warrior Skills event prepares Cadets for tactical methods and teaches how to properly use camouflage face paint, hand signals, and operate several weapon systems.

Developing knowledge of warrior skills is fundamental for Cadets, especially as they get closer to entering Advanced Camp’s final series of training events, the field training exercises.

“It’s good to have good foundation and especially when going into the field in the next coming days,” Cadet Macy Farrington, Appalachian State University, N.c., said. “Knowing how to call for fire, how to do a range card, and do weapon function checks are going to be super important. Knowing these basics is going to make it easier when we go out there.”

Just like Farrington, Cadet Ryan Seber, University of Cincinnati, understands the importance of developing warrior skills.

“We’re about to go to the field, so Cadre from the 4^th Infantry Division is out here teaching us a lot of basic warrior knowledge,” Seber said. They’re preparing us for that road-to-war when we go out do the animal phases for field training.”

At the midpoint of their Advanced Camp journey, they took a moment to reflect on the path that had brought them to their current position. Farrington recalled the reasons why she joined ROTC.

“I am the oldest of three kids. I was in the National Guard in high school, and I realized that I liked it a lot,” Farrington said. “I also needed help paying for college, so I joined ROTC to become an officer and hopefully extend my outreach and leadership.”

Seber also shared what brought him to the doors of Cadet Summer Training, and it all started from his childhood.

“I’ve always felt a commitment to service is very important,” Seber said. “Both my paternal and maternal grandfathers were in the military, so they’ve been big role models for me. It was very inspiring to me to want to live up to that lifestyle and that level of discipline that they got from the military.”

One of the most important skills the two Cadets mentioned for the Warrior Skills training event is efficient communication. Whether that’s demonstrated through interacting with their platoon or for important tasks they have at hand, they emphasized the significance of having that skill.

“A big takeaway from Advanced Camp is being open to learning and getting used to being around a lot of people you haven’t been around before,” Farrington said. “We’re busy and going through hard stuff. So, learning to be able to talk to people when they’re tired or frustrated and figuring out conflict resolution has been another really big thing for me.”

Seber mentioned how important communication is during Cadet Summer Training, especially during Call for Fire practice in Warrior Skills and the time he has with his platoon.

“During Call for Fire, you’ll have an objective. You’ll do radio call to your higher headquarters for them to have an artillery round or a smoke round land at a specific position,” Seber said. “The best thing I’ve gotten to experience and grow from Advanced Camp is meeting all the other Cadets from across the country. It’s a big evaluation of ourselves and our unit’s cohesiveness and ability to work together.”

As 7^th Regiment, Advanced Camp, prepares to enter the field, they understand that everything they’ve learned from Warrior Skills and all previous training events will be tested. But they understand what it takes to become future leaders, and all the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.