FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from the 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed their Rappel Tower training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 28, 2023. The 64-foot Rappel Tower teaches Cadets to trust in their equipment and themselves to descend the tower. Cadets learn to be confident and brave when faced with the challenges presented at this training event. Cadet Kade Blackwell from Tarleton State University in Dallas, Tx, shares his thoughts on the Rappel Tower. “I was pretty confident at this event, and I knew most of the process for the rappel tower,” Blackwell said. “It is exciting to jump off the [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Confidence Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 28, 2023.  The Confidence Course consists of ten obstacles that are designed to physically and mentally challenge Cadets. Despite how intimidating the obstacles may look, the purpose of the Confidence Course is to build confidence in Cadets.   One of the obstacles from the confidence course was named the belly over. It’s where Cadets have to get their stomach on top of a log, then roll over to the opposite side. Cadet Alexis Rivera from Central Michigan University talked about her personal experience [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky., – Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, entered the second stage of their Field Training Exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., July 26, 2023.  Spending a total of 12 days in the field, Cadets complete groups of exercises, which are divided into 3 parts: Wolverine, Panther, and Grizzly. The Cadets are challenged mentally and physically before their skills are graded on the last day.  “We’re on our second mission, on the first day of Panther, and we’re completing an area defense,” said Cadet Phillip Jones, Alabama A&M. “Leadership is still processing the last few parts of our plan to [...]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from the 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Situational Training Exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., July 23, 2023. STX is an event that focuses on squad communication and tactics in a combat-like setting to qualify and become future U.S. Army leaders. Multiple scenarios test Cadets on their ability to work as a team and carry out their responsibilities in a timely manner. Cadet Trey Crow, from Harding University, shares his thoughts about the process of the STX. “It just helps you to learn teamwork with the new group of soldiers that you have just been introduced [...]

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, completed the confidence course training where they rappelled off a 64-foot tower at Fort Knox, Ky., July 23, 2023. Cadets learned how to properly rappel, the safety of rappelling, and how to tie a rappel seat, called a Swiss Seat, before rappelling off the rappel tower. The purpose of the rappel training is to have Cadets gain confidence in themselves and overcome their fears. Cadets made their way to the slant wall to practice rappelling before walking up the stairs to the rappel tower. Cadet Amy Beaden from Northern Arizona University, [...]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, completed their training at the Forest Hills Climbing Complex on Fort Knox, Ky., July 22, 2023. The FHCC is a series of high obstacles that focuses on confidence and having trust in the climbing equipment for each course. It is composed of the Alpine Towers, The Rudders Ropes Course, and a rock-climbing wall. Cadet Lydia Sleeman, Allegheny College, shares her thoughts on the ropes course portion of the training. “I liked it, even though there were some scary parts of the course,” Sleeman stated. “I think the worst part for me [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Working together in teams of two and three, Cadets from 1st Regiment, Basic Camp completed the Forest Hills Climbing Complex at Fort Knox, Ky., July 21, 2023. The FHCC is made up of three parts, the Rudder’s Rope Course, the Alpine Towers, and the rock wall. It challenges Cadets physically and mentally to overcome their fears and become confident in themselves, their peers, equipment and their Cadre. “You’re really learning to trust your equipment, being able to know it all works, and then trusting your peers because they’re the ones that are helping you get up and [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, completed the Team Development Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 21, 2023. TDC is designed to challenge Cadets as they complete various obstacles to strengthen their teamwork skills. “This is a part of our training because the military is not an individual thing,” said Cadet Janyah Robinson, South Carolina State University. “Everybody is a team, everybody is working together. We all represent one thing.” During their time at Cadet Summer Training, Cadets are given many opportunities to get to know each other and grow together. “We all knew each other’s weaknesses [...]

FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the Engagement Skills Trainer at Fort Knox, Ky., July 21, 2023. The EST is a simulated training event that teaches Cadets important marksmanship skills in several environments. Cadet Kevin Kirby, Pennsylvania State University, shares his thoughts on the training. “My favorite part of the EST was the shooting simulation,” Kirby stated. “I really enjoyed that because I was able to actually see myself improve each round.” The EST includes virtual firing ranges to test Cadets’ accuracy and improve their marksmanship skills. This simulation allows each person to become familiar with [...]