FORT KNOX, Ky.- Although people join the Army for different reasons, Cadet Naomi Richardson from Montana State University was partially drawn by the selfless actions of those in service, and the opportunity to join the nursing corps.  “I joined the Army because I wanted to join a group of people working for something greater than ourselves, serving your country, but also joining a community of people that are selfless in a lot of ways,” Richardson said. “I am in nursing school and really excited for the opportunity to get to experience the medical field in the Army.” Cadet Michael Kaminski from [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The Fort Knox Water Park reopened approximately a week ago, providing a way for families on Fort Knox to enjoy the summer days.  The water park includes two slides, a baby pool for the smaller kids and water fountains to play in, as well as the general swimming area.  Lesley Clark, a lifeguard at the park, said her favorite part about working at the water park is the energy of all the kids.  “I taught swim lessons at Anderson [Indoor Aquatics Center] before this, so a whole bunch of my students keep popping in here, showing me [...]

CST staff prepared for the summer by completing casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) training.

Cadet Lalia Stallions, from University of Tennessee, Knoxville, said she decided to join the Reserve Officer Training Corps in high school.  “When I was a junior in high school I just had a moment where I knew I wanted to join the service in some capacity, but I still wanted to get an education,” Stallions said.  Stallions said she heard about ROTC and the military academies and ultimately decided ROTC was the right choice for her.  “You get to be a regular college kid and get to have those life experiences, but you also get to serve your country and go [...]

5th Regiment Cadets completed their training on the rappel tower and confidence obstacle course at Fort Knox, Ky., June 30, 2022.  For some Cadets this training is difficult due to a fear of heights.  Cadet Klaudia Abbott, from Slippery Rock University, said her biggest fear is heights. She said she was nervous just looking at some of the obstacles in the course.  “When we were walking through getting briefed on each one, I was just like, my jaw was open,” Abbott said. “I was just looking at it like ‘oh boy, how am I going to do this?’ and then with [...]

1st Regiment Cadets graduated from Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., June 29, 2022.  The ceremony started with a formation of the troops. It also included an invocation, honors to the nation, a Cadet cannonade, the Cadet Creed and more.  Cadets who earned awards during their time at Cadet Summer Training were recognized and presented with an award during the ceremony.  Cadet Jessi Harmon from Northern Arizona University, received the Bold Leader Spirit Award. She said she felt happy to receive the award.  “I feel like it’s kind of nice to get a little validation after we all put in [...]

2nd Regiment Cadets completed field training exercises at Fort Knox, Ky., June 27, 2022.  The exercises, which are part of Cadet Summer Training, take place in the field and teach Cadets how to plan and carry out various simulated, tactical missions.  Cadet Asher Freese, from Texas A&M University, was the squad leader during one of the missions. He said his job involved making sure his squad followed the platoon leader’s orders.  “I’m in charge of about 10 people, I’m making sure they know what’s going on, and I’m making sure they do exactly what the platoon leader wants them to do,” [...]

5th Regiment Cadets worked on grouping and zeroing M4 carbines at Fort Knox, Ky., June 26, 2022.  Cadet Ryan Miller from Rutgers University said they were zeroing their weapons in preparation for their upcoming weapons qualification. He also said this was not his first time completing the M4 weapons qualification.  “It’s my second time ever qualifying with this weapon, so I’m not too nervous since I have previous experience,” Miller said.  Miller said his first time qualifying was at Basic Camp last year.  “I got a lot of good training from drill sergeants, a lot of good tips and tricks,” Miller [...]

Some Cadets in the Reserve Officer Training Corps plan to stay with the Army for a few years before moving onto civilian careers. Other Cadets want to stay in the Army for a couple decades, which is the case for Cadet Madeline Wickel with the 4th Regiment at Cadet Summer Training.  Wickel, from Lehigh University, said her goal is to stay in the Army for 20 years and afterwards work as a Department of the Army civilian.  “I really enjoy the military,” Wickel said. “Every step of the way since before freshman year applying for this scholarship and even now, the [...]

Cadets at Cadet Summer Training join the Reserve Officer Training Corps for various reasons.  For Cadet Andrew McPoyle from James Madison University, one reason for joining was a family history of military service. His grandfather, uncle and three of his four brothers serve or have served in the Army.  “I was interested to join the Army, become an officer, because my family has a military history and I wanted to join that tradition,” McPoyle said. “I’ve always wanted to serve.”  McPoyle said he wanted to join the Army and pursue an education, so joining ROTC was the best choice for him.  [...]