FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, descended a 64-foot tower for rappel training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 7, 2023. A recent graduate from University of Central Florida, 2nd Lt. Hayley Blatt, explained the process Cadets participate in throughout rappel training. “First, we do a demonstration, then we assist with tying seats, [next] the Cadets go down the slant wall,” Blatt said. “After the Cadets complete the slant wall, they go down the closed side, then the open side of the tower.” After completing every step of the process, Cadet Sydney Honeycutt from Xavier University described how [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, worked together to complete a series of obstacles during the Field Leader Reaction Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 7, 2023.   FLRC is designed to build Cadets’ leadership and teamwork skills by having them complete challenging obstacles within a time limit. It requires quick decision-making and trust in each other. Cadet Corey Coombs from Texas State University, faced some anxiety during one of the courses, in which Cadets had to get themselves and a heavy box across ropes and over a wall. “I was a little skeptical, because for this [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Soldiers from all different parts of the Army come to Fort Knox, Ky., to support Cadet Summer Training.   Staff Sgt. Lidia Zavalza came to Fort Knox from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington to cook in one of the mobile kitchen trailers, making food for Cadre while they are on the job.  Zavalza joined the Army 10 years ago as a 92G, also known as a Culinary Specialist.  “I joined the Army because I grew up with my dad’s side of the family all being in the military, and I wanted to try it too,” Zavalza said. “My [...]

Special Awards Recipients AUSA Leadership Excellence AwardCadet Matthew K. Freel, University of Dayton First Command Financial Services AwardCadet Kyle R. Coughenour, Campbell University USAA Warrior Spirit AwardCadet Emma E. Genter, Purdue University Armed Forces Bank Performance AwardCadet Hazzel A. Leon, University of San Francisco ARNG Minuteman AwardCadet SClaire E. Hellman, University of Iowa Reserve Organization of America AwardCadet Jalunt T. Reese, Jackson State University Military Officers Association of America AwardCadet Lukas R. Bausler, University of San Francisco Military Order of the World Wars AwardCadet Ryan J. Figueroa, University of Texas at San Antonio Bold Leader Spirit AwardCadet Jessie A. Lucero, Missouri [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – A dark cloud storms its way across the training area where Cadets from 3rd Regiment Advanced Camp were planning to work on their field training exercises on July 1, 2023.  Due to the frequent lightning strikes, overheard thunder, and heavy rain, the training was brought to a halt. While the Cadets were waiting underneath their soon-to-be soaking-wet ponchos, they had some downtime to speak on FTX and their future aspirations.  “The field training event prepares us for future leadership events and tests how we perform under distress in adverse conditions,” said Cadet Alexander Grieves, Central Michigan University.  [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the field training exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., June 30, 2023. During the FTX, Cadets conducted a raid, a surprise attack where Cadets destroy or capture the opposing forces. One Cadet talked about their experience during the raid. Cadet Sam Barnhart from Virginia Tech said that he joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps because of his family. He was able to date his family’s history back to the Revolutionary War. “Having that lineage of the military, it’s just in the blood, and I knew I was going to be in [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their preliminary marksmanship instruction in preparation for their weapons qualification during Cadet Summer Training, Fort Knox, Ky., June 30, 2023.  Cadets spend a few days working through PMI, the engagement skills trainer, and zeroing before they must qualify with their M4 carbines.  For some Cadets, such as Cadet Dynasty Esposito, City College of New York, CST is their first exposure to the Army’s weapons training. “I’m a little nervous since this is my first weapon qualification,” Esposito said. “Hopefully, I get a 40 out of 40, which I’m pretty confident [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky., – Cadet Agnelo Lopes, Columbia State University, from 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp, decided at a young age that he was going to serve in the Army. At around 7 years old, Lopes had traveled two miles from Jersey City, New Jersey, for a school field trip to the Statue of Liberty. The day of this field trip was September 11, 2001 — a day that changed Lopes’ life trajectory as well as the United States.  “I was actually on a field trip to the Statue of Liberty when the twin towers went down,” Lopes said. “I always wanted [...]

  FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadet Jon Waldon, 5th Regiment Advanced Camp, implemented his prior experience as a staff sergeant to help guide him through Cadet Summer Training, Fort Knox, Ky., June 28, 2023. During engagement skills trainer, Waldon worked with fellow Cadets, rotating through the stations that are designed to improve their marksmanship skills. “My experience today was good, I think that the Cadre have done a really good job with this training,” Waldon said. “I’ve been in the military for six years. I haven’t ever seen such attention to detail focused on the foundations.” Waldon worked as an eye [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 5th Regiment Advanced camp tackled the weapons qualification on the Pells Range at Fort Knox, Ky., June 28, 2023. Post Views: 3,306