Marc.Balbarin

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The altruistic and selfless values that are inherent to many Cadets trace back to their upbringings, many of whom came to Cadet Summer Training (CST) from families of service.  “I’ve always looked up to my dad growing up,” said Cadet Vincent Garcia, a University of Nevada student.  “Being able to wear a uniform myself has made me feel like I’m stepping into his footsteps.” As a child born in Camp Pendleton, CA, Garcia was surrounded by values that were taught by his Marine father.  “Growing up, he would always make me make my bed and whenever we [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — As Cadets from the 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, climbed Fort Knox’s infamous three hills during the Battle March and Shoot (BMS) on June 13, 2026, each step tested more than their physical endurance. The grueling event challenged the mental toughness and perseverance that many Cadets hope to carry into their future roles as Army officers. Designed to push Cadets beyond their comfort zones, the Battle March and Shoot combines a six-mile uphill ruck march with an accuracy-based marksmanship course, demanding focus under fatigue. The event forces participants to rely on the same resilience and discipline they say [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky –  In order to remain prepared in any environment, Cadets from the 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, traversed the woods of Fort Knox on June 10, 2026 –  not only by relying on analog methods, but also trusting themselves as well.   As a part of Cadet Summer Training, the Land Navigation exercise asks Cadets to find several sets of coordinates without using modern GPS. Instead, they must understand how to use a compass and protractor in conjunction with a traditional map in order to succeed in  navigating the fields and foliage of the training area.   “It’s a lot of [...]

By Marc Balbarin, Anna Evilsizor, Jayden Vaughn FORT KNOX, Ky – From weightlifting and sprinting to push-ups and planks, Cadets assigned to the 1st Regiment Advance Camp are evaluated intensely by the Cadre as they test their physical and combat prowess at Fort Knox on Friday, June 5, 2026.     The Army Fitness Test (AFT) is the first event that incoming Cadets participate in for Cadet Summer Training (CST), and it is designed to reflect and support battlefield fitness. Cadets wake up hours before dawn in order to complete the five components of the exam. Since coming to Fort Knox, many [...]