Cadet Summer Training
Basic Camp
A 30-day training event designed
to introduce Cadets to the Army.
- Duration
- 30Days
- Training cycle
- 2Regiments
- Cadets
- Approximately 1,200Cadets
- Location
- Fort Knox, Kentucky
Army ROTC Basic Camp
What is Basic Camp?
Army ROTC Basic Camp is a 30-day training event designed to introduce Cadets to the Army. The objective is to develop Cadet leadership skills, train them on individual and junior leader tasks, develop and reinforce the Warrior Ethos, and our Army Values. Basic Camp provides the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in ROTC, and the Army. Cadets graduate Basic Camp prepared to lead at the team, 3-4 Cadets, and squad, 9-13 Cadets, level.
Basic Camp's primary target audience are Lateral Entry Cadets and freshman Cadets in the two-year early commissioning program (ECP). Lateral Entry Cadets typically decide to join ROTC in their sophomore year of college. They attend Basic Camp to learn what normal-progression Cadets learned in their first two years of military science (MS) classes. Basic Camp allows MS II Cadets to gain squad leader experience providing opportunities for some MS III (rising senior) Cadets to fulfill roles as platoon-level leaders. Basic Camp consists of two regiments composed of approximately 1,200 Cadets.
Cadets are taught to conduct troop leading procedures (TLPs) to plan and execute tactical missions at the squad level. As Cadets gain experience and confidence through the training, they apply lessons learned from the after-action review (AAR) process.
A 30-day progression
Training Phases
Basic Camp training from reception and indoctrination through recovery.
Phase I
Reception & Indoctrination
In-processing, physicals, equipment issue, drill and ceremony, physical training and team building.
Consists of in-processing, physicals, equipment issue, introduction to drill and ceremony, physical training, and drill sergeants. Focuses on general team building, which includes briefs on duty position roles and responsibilities, Army history, and physical fitness. Cadets continue with physical training to complete their first Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), a 4-mile foot march, and refine their advanced drill and ceremony.
11 days
Individual Task Development
Basic Soldier tasks, rifle marksmanship, land navigation, field craft, movement techniques and confidence training.
During this phase Cadets are trained in basic Soldier tasks consisting of, basic rifle marksmanship, land navigation, field craft and individual movement techniques. Cadets will also build their confidence through a high-ropes course and a team-based obstacle course. Phase II is 11 days.
5 days
Tactical Field Training
Troop leading procedures and squad-level missions during a Field Training Exercise.
Focuses on troop leading procedures during a Field Training Exercise (FTX). Cadets will lead in field conditions, planning and executing missions using all the Soldier and leadership skills they learned in the previous phases. The night infiltration course (NIC) is also covered in this phase. This phase is conducted primarily in a field environment over the course of five days concluding with a 6-mile foot march.
8 days
Recovery
Mission recovery, reflection, peer feedback and personal goal development.
Cadets learn the importance of mission recovery and reflect on their personal growth from the previous weeks of training. Cadets also learn the importance of providing developmental feedback to their peers, as well as receiving the same from their peers and cadre. Cadets are provided an opportunity to develop personal goals to focus on during their upcoming ROTC academic year and other training opportunities. Phase IV is eight days long.
Basic Camp Highlights
Training Highlights
Below are some Basic Camp highlights.
Confidence Training
Rappel and obstacle events that challenge physical courage and build confidence.
This includes rappel training, the Slide For Life, Log Walk/Rope Drop, and confidence and obstacle courses. Confidence Training is designed to challenge the Cadets' physical courage, build confidence in personal abilities, and help them overcome fear. At the rappelling site, each Cadet executes one 17-foot rappel and several 37-foot rappels. Cadets demonstrate confidence in their ability to overcome fear of heights by executing the Confidence/Obstacle Course, Log Walk/Rope Drop and Slide For Life.
Basic Rifle Marksmanship/Live Fire
Weapons familiarization, employment fundamentals and M4 or M16A2 qualification.
The Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) training familiarizes Cadets with select US weapons, capabilities and employment techniques. Cadets receive training in order to conduct zero/qualification with the M4/M16A2 rifle, to gain confidence in their assigned weapon and in their training by engaging targets on the range. After a Cadet has qualified on his or her assigned weapon, upon completion of all BRM training. Cadets are prepared for future collective training and have confidence in their weapon systems.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear
Protective equipment proficiency and confidence in a CBRN environment.
Cadets are trained on CBRN tasks to develop confidence in the U.S. Army's protective mask and chemical protective clothing. Cadets learn to correctly wear, operate and build confidence in their CBRN clothing and equipment. Cadets will gain an understanding of the leadership challenges and constraints associated with operating in a CBRN environment. The culminating experience at CBRN is exposure to the effects of live tear gas in the CBRN gas chamber.
Basic Camp Outcomes
Outcomes for Basic Camp
Tactical Missions
Using troop leading procedures to plan and execute tactical missions at the squad level within a platoon construct.
Team Development
Applying the fundamentals of team development and team dynamics.
Warrior Ethos & Army Values
Understanding, embracing, and demonstrating Warrior Ethos and the Army Values.
Follow the training cycle
Basic Camp Regiments
Open a regiment archive to view its official Army ROTC news and stories.
From the field
Latest Basic Camp Stories
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Search Basic CampFor families and visitors
Family & Visitor Information
Contact the Cadet Summer Training team, follow the latest updates and prepare for a visit to Fort Knox.
Contact the Cadet Summer Training team for ceremony and special-event information.
usarmy.knox.usacc.mbx.cst-vb@army.mil
Follow official Army ROTC channels for current Cadet Summer Training coverage.
Use official and local visitor resources when planning travel to Fort Knox.
Use this address format when writing to a Cadet at Fort Knox.
RANK, FULL NAMEUNIT
Basic Camp
REG/CO/PLTN
24 RHINELAND ST
FORT KNOX, KY 40121-3031
Example: 4/A/3 means 4th Regiment, A Company, 3rd Platoon.
Training phase
