FORT KNOX, Kentucky – Cadets with 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, take a virtual step toward their marksmanship qualification through completion of the Engagement Skills Trainer on Fort Knox, July 15, 2024. A virtual shooting simulator, EST allows Cadets to practice their fundamental skills in firing their M4 Carbine in a controlled indoor environment before engaging in live fire at the range.   Groups of Cadets practice their shooting positions as they wait to be tested. With this time to practice, Cadets are also given the opportunity to converse with each other, giving out advice and reassurance for the exercise to come. [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Armed with only their wits and a gas mask, Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, faced the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear chamber at Fort Knox, Ky. July 24, 2023. Many Cadets go into the chamber to challenge themselves in a different environment by preparing them for possible encounters with toxic substances in the future. “CBRN is the process and the description of being able to defend yourself from chemical warfare or any attack,” said Cadet Taylor Randazzo, Texas State. “We’re learning how to don a pro mask and how to protect ourselves against that chemical warfare [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, practiced firing their rifles during the Engagement Skills Trainer at Fort Knox, Ky., July 16, 2023. Designed to simulate a weapons qualification, EST allows Cadets to learn how to use their rifle before they go into the field. As they start their firing practice, some Cadets use their past experiences, Cadre, or family, for inspiration or advice. “EST is a training facility for us to utilize and practice our shooting skills,” said Cadet Amy Beaven, Northern Arizona University. “It’s a great way for people to either learn how to use their [...]

With the final days of Cadet Summer Training (CST) approaching, the Cadets of 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, applied the skills they developed during their initial Field Training Exercises (FTX) to brand new tactical scenarios at FTX II: Grizzly.  “It’s similar in a lot of ways to the first FTX, but they’ve just kind of turned up the heat a little bit,” Cadet Carson Collard, from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said. “The movements are longer, the missions are on a tighter timeframe, there’s less help from Cadre, and so it overall puts more strain on the leaders and is, in my opinion, [...]

As Cadet James Fisher, from Ole Miss: University of Mississippi, looked over the edge of the Sgt. Maj. Gary Fortunato Memorial Rappel Tower, he did not feel nervous, but rather right in his element.  “I went to Sabalauski Air Assault School in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, prior to coming here,” Fisher said.  Having previous rappel experience, Fisher obtained a unique approach to the tower at Cadet Summer Training.  “My perspective is, I have knowledge that I can use to help, but the instructors that are out here are in charge. I shouldn’t be overstepping bounds,” Fisher said.  With immense pride in having [...]

The Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Chamber is one of the most highly anticipated and daunting events of Cadet Summer Training (CST).   Fortunately, the Cadets of 9th Regiment understand that this intimidating training event hardly measures up to obstacles they have already overcome.   “I think, I’ve been through struggles, I’ve been through pain before. What’s different this time? Why am I going to falter and not stand up to the challenge this time when I’ve done it so many times before,” said Cadet Jack Frus, from Arizona State University, regarding his thought process before entering the CBRN chamber.  Frus went on to [...]