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 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, spent the first half of the day learning the basics of first aid, radio usage, and squad formations at Fort Knox, KY., July 20, 2023. Knowing how to communicate and assist battle buddies is crucial for the Cadets to learn before beginning a Field Training Exercise. “We’re learning things like T-Triple C, which is Tactical Combat Casualty Care, or how to tactically care for someone who’s been wounded in combat,” said Cadet Eric Truong, University of Central Florida, “We’re also learning about radios, [Advanced System Improvement Program] radios, how to load [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – During Cadet Summer Training, the U.S. Army Cadet Command partners with universities to train, educate, develop, and inspire Cadets to commission as officers. These Cadets come from around the world, to the same organizations to reach the same goal – learning how to help others.   Similarly, while Cadet Zyra Brigette Dew, Carson-Newman University, and Cadet Jeremy Acheampong, Capital University, may both belong to the 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, they entered CST having experienced different journeys, holding differing cultural influences. “I was originally born in the Philippines, but then we moved,” Dew said. “My family and I [...]

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 [...]

­­­FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the warrior skills training event during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., June 25, 2023. The warrior skills training event consists of different exercises that teach Cadets about basic military tactical operations in combat environments before beginning their field training exercises. Warrior skills training includes troop-leading procedures, setting up claymore mines, throwing hand grenades, and other essential tasks. The purpose of this training event is for Cadets to work on their individual skillsets while the observer-controller-trainers assess the quality of Cadets’ leadership abilities. Lt. Col. Benjamin Van Meter from [...]

­­­FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp, participated in the confidence course during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., June 26, 2023. The confidence course consists of a series of obstacles that are designed to challenge the Cadets’ physical abilities and help build their confidence. The obstacles require Cadets to climb ropes, jump hurdles, perform low crawls and more. Cadet Benjamin Rider of St. Norbert College—University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, explains the purpose of the confidence course. “In order to relate to the troops that we’ll one day be leading, we have to understand, always have confidence, [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from the 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp, participated in preliminary marksmanship instruction during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., June 22, 2023, that taught them various lessons on marksmanship. The different lessons at PMI include understanding the basic operations of the M4 Carbine, how to change magazines, proper body positions while firing and the correct way to squeeze the trigger. Cadet Aaron Myles from Florida Southern College explains how PMI is important for all Cadets, despite what they may or may not have already learned about marksmanship at their Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program before [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – The 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets took the land navigation practical exam during Cadet Summer Training in Fort Knox, Ky., June 21, 2023. In order for Cadets to pass the exam, they must locate at least three of the four grid coordinates within a four-hour time period. Cadet Lindsay Smutka from St. John’s University explained what tools Cadets were given and how they could use them for the exam. “We’re given a map, a compass, and a protractor, which we can use to actually plot the points on the map using the grids, and you can use [...]

FORT KNOX, Ky. – 3rd Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets participated in the engagement skills trainer during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., June 18, 2023. The EST is a virtual shooting simulator that allows Cadets to practice their shooting accuracy before qualifying their weapons later during CST. During this training, Cadets participate in different exercises that help them practice changing M4 carbine magazines and moving between the four proper firing positions. The four firing positions are kneeling, standing and prone (supported and unsupported). It is important for Cadets to know how to perform these positions before qualifying their weapons at [...]

CST staff prepared for the summer by completing casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) training.