FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed First Aid skills, July 29, 2024, on Fort Knox. This training, part of their preparation for real-world combat scenarios, ensures they are equipped to provide lifesaving care to their fellow soldiers.

Cadet Madeline Medica, Clemson University, S.c., shared insights into the day’s activities and the importance of first aid training.

“We have four first aid stations, and then we’re going to the CBRN chamber,” Medica said. “We need to be prepared to help any of our buddies in battle if they are injured. We’re doing light infantry tactics, so we need to be able to prepare for any circumstance that we’re in.”

10^th Regiment Cadets are halfway through their Advanced Camp training. Medica reflected on the experience so far, highlighting the fellowship and morale within her platoon.

“We’ve had some pretty early mornings, so sometimes it’s a little bit tough,” Medica said.  “But our platoon has great morale and everyone’s having a fun time. We got some good patriotism going on with everyone cheering each other on.”

The encouragement within Delta company was on full display as Cadets motivated each other through the different stations. Medica shared some of her favorite memories from Advanced Camp, emphasizing the positive experiences that have strengthened their bond as a team.

“One time when we were at LSA Baker doing land navigation, we had some platoon competitions at dinner time. We were arm wrestling and doing some fun breakdancing,” Medica said. “That’s building the morale up for our platoon, and those have been my best memories so far.”

Capt. Daniel Saltzman, overseeing the training, highlighted the critical nature of these first aid skills.

“This is tactical evacuation care, teaching the Cadets how to recognize a casualty, provide initial stabilization, and get them away from harm,” Saltzman said. “Regardless of what job they’re going to end up doing, this is an essential skill both for soldiers and for civilians in order to keep somebody alive in the event that they’re injured.”

Saltzman emphasized the practical application of these skills as the Cadets move into the Field Training Exercise phases of their training.

“They’re going to have to have aid and litter teams for when they go out in the field,” Saltzman said. “They should be able to recognize and stabilize casualties in order to maintain their combat power throughout the lanes.”

Medica further explained the importance of first aid when they enter the FTX, noting that it is an integral part of their readiness.

“We need to do first aid for basically any lane that we run because there will always most likely be casualties that we need to have an aid and litter team on,” Medica explained. “We won’t have exactly the stuff that we’re using for these lanes today, but we’ll need a team that is able to take that soldier and carry them back to a casualty collection point.”

Medica’s journey into ROTC was influenced by her father’s military service, and she has found a supportive community within the program.

“My dad was in the military, so I always thought it would be a cool opportunity to meet some people that are pretty disciplined and have the same values,” Medica shared. “He flew fighter jets. He said that he always used to want to do ROTC and he regretted not doing it.”

Reflecting on her decision, Medica is grateful for the friends and experiences she has gained through ROTC.

“I thought it’d be a great way to get a scholarship and make some friends at the beginning of college,” Medica said. “I joined the program and ended up just loving the people there, and it worked out really well.”

The completion of the first aid training is another step forward for 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, as they continue to develop the skills necessary for their future roles as military leaders.