FORT KNOX, Ky. — Summer is coming in hot, not only bringing with it the heat but also cadets; the very first of them from 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp arrived today.
Every year, U.S. Army Cadet Command hosts what is considered the Army’s largest annual training event — Cadet Summer Training. For 100 days, more than 10,000 cadets from over 900 colleges participate in basic or advanced camps in preparation for future leadership.
"One of the great and enduring things about Cadet Summer Training is the focus on leadership training,” said Col. Jason Wayne, brigade commander, 1st Brigade "Spartans," Cadet Command. “Cadets rotate through leadership positions each day where they get reps and sets at leading their peers. They also receive detailed feedback from their cadre on how well they did and where they can improve. Every cadet leaves CST as a better communicator, team member and leader."
During Basic Camp after their sophomore year in college, Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets develop a foundation of Army skills. Basic Camp focuses on junior leader tasks and Army Values during each 30-day training event. Wayne said cadets can expect some changes from previous years.
“We have improved Basic Camp to better replace the first two years of Army ROTC instruction. Students who successfully complete Basic Camp may return to their universities and complete ROTC and commission in two years,” said Wayne… “For some of the basic camp cadets, this will be the first time they’ve encountered military instruction, and they will learn everything from drill and ceremony to basic rifle marksmanship.”
Cadets from both basic and advanced camps train on the same military fundamentals — drill and ceremony, land navigation, marksmanship skills, the Army Combat Fitness Test, obstacle courses, road marches and field training exercises. In addition, the basic camp cadets will try their hand at a variety of climbing obstacles during the high-ropes course and will also complete a night infiltration course.
Those attending advanced camp, after their junior year in college, work toward the final step of their commissioning goals during the 35-day training event. Completion of advanced camp is required for cadets to commission as an Army second lieutenant.
“For advanced camp, we have added rigor throughout, with an emphasis on physical readiness and training our cadets to a high standard in their [Basic Officer Leader Course-A] tasks,” said Wayne. “Cadets will have numerous opportunities to challenge themselves physically and mentally through reps and sets leading their peers.”
In addition to basic and advanced camp cadets, approximately 4,000 cadets will attend Cadet Professional Development Training at various internship programs and military badge-producing schools in locations around the United States and abroad.
Because of the increased number of cadets walking around Fort Knox during the summer months, officials are asking Fort Knox personnel and visitors to the installation to stay alert and exercise caution when driving, especially during Family Day and graduation dates. Family Day and graduation dates can be found on the Army ROTC website.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Related Links
Facebook | U.S. Army Cadet Command
Instagram | Army ROTC (@armyrotc)
Social Sharing