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U.S. Army Cadet Command

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Cadet Spotlight

Mission

The U.S. Army Cadet Command partners with universities to recruit, educate, develop, and inspire Senior ROTC Cadets in order to commission officers of character for the Total Army; and partners with high schools to conduct JROTC in order to develop citizens of character for a lifetime of commitment and service to the nation.

Leaders

Resources and Links

  • U. S. Army Cadet Command Official Website U. S. Army Cadet Command JROTC Website Future Army Officers & Cadet Summer Training Website
  • US Army ROTC Facebook US Army ROTC Twitter US Army ROTC Instagram US Army ROTC YouTube US Army ROTC LinkedIn US Army ROTC Flickr US Army ROTC Pinterest
  • US Army JROTC Facebook US Army JROTC LinkedIn
  • US Army Cadet Portal US Army Blackboard

CST News

Cadet Summer Training (CST)

"We train 10,000 Cadets in 100 days." -Maj. Gen. John R. Evans Cadet Summer Training is the largest annual training event in the U.S. Army. 10,000 Cadets from around the country attend training in Basic or Advanced Camp. Additionally, approximately 1,500 other cadets participate in other opportunities such as professional development and internships. USACC conducts CST2021 in a COVID-informed environment, ensuring our Cadets meet all of the training requirements to receive their commissions while mitigating COVID-19 health risks. Prior to arrival at Fort Knox, Cadets will conduct a 14-day enhanced social distancing. Enhanced social distancing includes basic social distancing protocols (wearing masks, maintaining six feet of social distance, practicing good hand hygiene) and minimizing in-person interactions. It is permissible to exercise individually and safely outdoors while wearing a mask and maintaining social distance. Cadets and Cadre will be screened for COVID-19 upon arrival. The screening includes temperature check and a COVID-19 symptoms questionnaire. Cadre and Cadets will be tested for COVID at Fort Knox for CST2021. The first ten days of training will be conducted in a controlled monitored environment. Cadets and platoon Cadre will receive a second rapid COVID-19 test on day nine, of their 10-day controlled monitored training period.

Graduation Information

Graduation ceremonies for CST2021 ARE NOW OPEN to the public. There are no Family Day events scheduled for CST2021. You can find more information about CST2021 at our blog, Future Army Officers. Advanced Camp graduation Dates and Times Basic Camp Graduation Dates and Times.

Advanced Camp

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, Cadet Summer Training Advanced Camp is the culminating leader development course before officers receive their commission in the Army. Advanced Camp is a 38-day training event designed to develop a Cadet’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and to forge them into tough, adaptable leaders who can thrive in ambiguous and complex environments.  Advanced Camp is the final leader development opportunity for all Cadets in between their third and fourth years (Military Science III or MS III and MS IV) years of ROTC.  Advanced Camp focuses on problem-solving in an operational setting to develop leader competencies; those intangible traits and attributes that allow leaders to thrive in challenging conditions. Advanced Camp consists of 11 Cadet Regiments composed of approximately 7,000 Cadets. Follow Future Army Officers for articles, news videos and photos of Advanced Camp, CST2021.

Basic Camp

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, Cadet Summer Training Basic Camp lays the foundation for students to learn about the Army Profession, with a focus on the Army Ethic and Values. Basic Camp is a 31-day training event designed to introduce Cadets to the Army. The objective is to develop Cadet leadership skills, train them on individual and junior leader tasks, and develop and reinforce Warrior Ethos and our Army Values.  Basic Camp provides the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in ROTC, and the Army. Basic Camp’s primary target audience are Lateral Entry Cadets and freshman Cadets. Lateral Entry Cadets typically decide to join ROTC in their sophomore year of college requiring Basic Camp to learn what normal-progression Cadets learned in their first two years of military science classes.  As an ancillary target, Basic Camp allows second-year (Military Science II or MS II) Cadets to gain squad leader experience providing opportunities for some MS III (rising senior) Cadets to fulfill roles as platoon-level leaders. Basic Camp consists of three Cadet Regiments composed of approximately 1,900 Cadets. Cadets are taught to conduct troop leading procedures (TLPs) to plan and execute tactical missions at the squad level.  As Cadets gain experience and confidence through the training, they apply lessons learned from the After Action Review (AAR) process. Follow Future Army Officers for articles, news videos and photos of Basic Camp, CST2021.

CST2021 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Do you need the vaccine for CST? Is the vaccine mandatory? No, currently the vaccine is not mandatory for #CST2021. However, if you are able to obtain a completed series of the vaccine before arriving at Fort Knox for CST2021, you are encouraged you to do so. For more information about eligibility and availability of COVID-19 vaccines in your area, please see your state health department's website or use the CDC's Vaccine Finder at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/reporting/vaccinefinder/about.html Will we be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival? The plan is to test all Cadets and Cadre within 48 hours of arrival, and to test a second time on day 8 or 9 of the 10-day controlled monitoring period. Do we have to take the COVID-19 test if we are fully vaccinated and have our vaccine card? Yes. All Cadets and Cadre will be tested for COVID-19, even if you completed a series of the vaccine. How many times will we get tested for COVID-19? Cadets should expect to be tested a minimum of twice for COVID-19 during CST2021. So a test is REQUIRED? What if someone is against this for good reason and can show proof of their inefficiency? Yes, COVID-19 testing is required for all Cadets and Cadre at #CST2021. Is there a quarantine period? No, there is not a quarantine period – there is a 10-day controlled monitoring period for every camp regiment. Are we quarantined alone for the first 10 days? How will the quarantine work? Will we be separated individually, or with our Platoon/Squad? Cadets will be in a controlled, monitored environment for the first 10 days of their arrival at Fort Knox. They will be housed in barracks with their platoons and will conduct light duty training and physical readiness training. Do we have to quarantine if we have our vaccine? If you get the vaccine do you have to conduct the 10 day period prior to camp? It is not a quarantine. Cadets will be housed in their barracks with their platoon for a 10-day controlled monitoring period. During this time they will be conducting CST training with their squads and platoons. Are Cadets and Cadre required to wear masks? Cadets and Cadre are currently required to wear masks during training, when it is appropriate to do so, this is imperative to lower the risk to the force and help mitigate any spread of COVID-19 during training. We bring in over 7,000 college students from across the country and almost 5,000 Soldiers and civilians as support staff and Cadre to Fort Knox during Cadet Summer Training. We are doing all that we can to ensure the safety of our Fort Knox community as well as the health and safety of our Cadets. Mask wear, social distancing and hand washing are enforced where appropriate in training to ensure the safety of both our Cadets and Cadre in accordance with CDC, DoD and local health guidelines. What if a Cadet tests positive for COVID-19? If a Cadet's test is positive they will be put into a 10-day isolation where they will be monitored and receive appropriate medical care as required. We will conduct contact tracing to determine who else may have been exposed. For those that are identified at risk and have not received the vaccination, they will be isolated for 10 days and continue to be monitored in accordance with current CDC guidance. Those that are fully vaccinated will not necessarily have to enter into isolation for 10-days. The command has established a COVID Recovery Element that provides housing, meals, medical attention if required and training to ensure Cadets come out of the 10-day recovery period ready to continue to train. Each case will be independently evaluated to determine what is best for each Cadet, continue to train with a later regiment or sent home to come back next summer. 
  • Are we qualifying with new Army marksmanship qualifications? Yes, Advanced Camp will conduct the new standard using Close Combat Optics. Is the ACFT, APFT or OPAT the record test for camp? The OPAT is for record. The ACFT will be conducted for diagnostic and is a must attempt event. The APFT will not be conducted at CST. What about for Basic Camp? Basic Camp Cadets will conduct the Cadet Command Fitness Assessment (CCFA) which consists of one minute of pushups, one minute of sit ups and a 1 mile run. Why is the OPAT being used, the rest of the Army has transitioned to the ACFT? We are using the OPAT as the Army is still collecting data on the ACFT and at this time it is not test of record. Is Recondo badge being awarded this year? Yes, Recondo is being awarded this year.
  • I’m coming as OPFOR – when can I expect to receive a packing list? The packing lists will be published by mid-April. When will new 2LTsfind out if they are camp Cadre? Contact your PMS, some future 2LTS have already been notified. When can 2LTs expect to find out more about information regarding assignments? Contact your PMS. For commissioning students who volunteer to help as CST, what can we expect? You will be exposed to active duty life, working alongside cadre. How many CST 2LT slot will be available this summer? The goal is 710.

Operation Agile Leader

Operation Agile Leader adjusts most Cadet Summer Training (CST) Advanced Camp tasks to both on-campus training and a rigorous, task-force level off-campus field training exercise (FTX) during the fall and spring semesters. These field training exercises will occur on major military installations and will be certified by each respective brigade commander. For the training tasks that cannot be trained on-campus, Cadets that commission in academic year 2021 will complete a 2-week course that will include a leadership field training exercise and select warrior tasks: employ hand grenade (live hand grenade), a night infiltration course, and a buddy team live fire exercise. As part of Operation Agile Leader, a Distributed Basic Camp program will ensure Cadets that were supposed to attend CST Basic Camp this summer will provide an additional program of instruction on-campus prior to the start of their fall semester to qualify them for the Army ROTC Advanced Course (Military Science Level III classes). For more information about the decision to move from the traditional CST at Fort Knox to Operation Agile Leader, a distributed program of instruction and training, see, U.S. Army Cadet Command makes changes to summer training programs in response to COVID-19. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest photos and news about #OperationAgileLeader!

#OAL News

Operation Agile Leader - Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is #OAL? OAL, or Operation Agile Leader, are training events across the country to ensure our Cadets meet all training requirements to become second lieutenants.  Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, KY this summer was not conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Operation Agile Leader trains and evaluates Cadets on critical training tasks that they were not able to complete during CST 2020. Operation Agile Leader is not a single event, it is multiple training events Cadets will attend throughout the fall and spring semesters. We were told we couldn't do any summer training, why are some Cadets doing training before school starts? Each brigade within the command designed their OAL training plan in accordance with guidance established by Cadet Command. Specifics on each brigades training plan should be addressed with your program Cadre. Where can I find out more about Operation Agile Leader? You can follow our coverage of OAL on our social media sites and www.army.mil/rotc#org--oal. You can get specific information about each ROTC programs participation in OAL by contacting the programs Cadre.
  • What good are temperature checks and reporting symptoms when we know so many people are asymptomatic? The vast majority of outbreaks throughout the country have resulted from individuals attending events whom have had symptoms. It is vital to screen for these symptoms, no matter how minor, in order to mitigate the spread of COVID in our FTXs. It is also vital for each member screened to be honest and truthful in their answers. Why is only 7th Brigade testing Cadets for COVID? Why aren't you testing at every #OAL? Cadets and Cadre are being screened (temperature checks and questionnaire) at all Operation Agile Leader training events.  The Command COVID mitigation guidance was published. COVID testing is not a requirement of our mitigation plan. That said, each OAL FTX is working their individual Medical Concepts of Support within their localities. Some have asked for testing from their local medical support whom has honored that request. Is USACC sending testing personnel and supplies to every Task Force OAL FTX? COVID-19 screening is being conducted at each of the training exercises. COVID-19 testing is not. Cadets are screened throughout the exercises. Each brigade is responsible for the coordination of medical support at their locations for OAL training events. How are Cadets supposed to conduct first aid, leadership confidence course, buddy carries, and EPW searches while maintaining 6ft separation? Since there is a wide variance of training days and scenarios for the training events across the command, you would have to talk with your Cadre on how training is conducted at each event.
  • Are Cadets getting paid for #OAL? Cadets are not being paid for #OAL, they are reimbursed for expenses in accordance with the Joint Travel Regulation. Brigades may place Cadets on TDY orders for travel from their home of record to their OAL training location. Cadets on TDY orders are authorized to receive the following travel allowances: Both Scholarship and Non-Scholarship Cadets are authorized reimbursement for travel transportation expenses (examples: airfare or mileage, excess baggage, etc. ). Scholarship Cadets are authorized to receive 75% of per diem for the first and last days of travel, and $5 per day for incidentals for all other days. Non-Scholarship Cadets do not receive either the 75% per diem for the first and last days of travel or $5 per day for incidentals for all other days. Military Junior College Cadets attending Operation Agile Leader Basic Camp requirements also receive an additional $38.50 a day for each day of training.
  • When will ROTC use the ACFT for pt test of record? Is ACFT part of OAL? The ACFT is not part of OAL. Final determinations on when the ACFT will become the test of record for Cadets is being reviewed based on the COVID-19 pandemic environment. Cadets will be informed of final decisions by their Cadre.  For active duty Soldiers, the ACFT becomes the PT test of record on 01 Oct 2020.
  • Is the platoon ranking tool being used in OAL? The platoon ranking tool is used primarily at cadet summer training as a tool to help platoon training officers rank cadets on their performance for their Camp OER. This upcoming accessions board will not use the Camp OER as a part of their board. Although some programs' Professors of Military Science may use the tool to help rank their own cadets, it is not a requirement for OAL. Does OAL affect the OML?
  • Do you know when EOCC cadets who had their CST this summer waived will be getting their branch assignments and when they can commission? Results for end of camp commissionings will be released on 26 Aug, 2020. Cadets can coordinate with their programs for commissioning after that date. When will the EOCC cadets from this year be getting their branch assignments? End of Camp Commissioning Cadets will receive their branches after 26 August, 2020, through their program.
  • Why are Basic Camp Cadets going to some OAL Task Force and not others? You would have to talk to your Cadre concerning specifics. Each Brigade developed their training plans for their Cadets in coordination with their ROTC programs. Training dates, locations, tasks etc. are different for each training venue based on time, resources and the overall plan to ensure our Cadets meet all of the training requirements throughout the year. Will I still get my scholarship if I don't attend the Task Force before school starts? Yes as long as you continue to meet the minimum academic requirements. Cadets are encouraged to talk with their Cadre at their program about their specific situation.
  • When are we going to use the ACFT for record? Final determinations on when the ACFT will become the test of record for Cadets is being reviewed based on the COVID-19 pandemic environment. Cadets will be informed of final decisions by their Cadre. For active duty Soldiers, the ACFT becomes the PT test of record on 01 Oct 2020. When will CDTs who are graduating in December 20 but in MS21 cohort be getting branches and comp assignments? Cadets commissioning in December 2020 will receive their branch and compo on 20 Nov 20.

Official Resources & Guidance for Coronavirus COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force at the White House: https://www.coronavirus.gov The Coronavirus Task Force at the White House is working in conjunction with the CDC, the State Department, HHS and other federal agencies to lead the Administration’s efforts to monitor, contain, and mitigate the spread of the virus, while ensuring that the American people have the most accurate and up-to-date health and travel information. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus The CDC provides the latest public health and safety information on coronavirus and contains consumer and medical information on how the virus spreads, symptoms, prevention and treatment, stigma, cases and what to do if you are sick, along with frequently asked questions. English | Español | 中文 Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19: https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus Resources for all U.S. government activities related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). English | Español U. S. Department of State: https://www.state.gov/coronavirus/ In case of an emergency overseas, call: +1 (888) 407-4747 (U.S. and Canada) or +1 (202) 501-4444 (overseas), or contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate: https://www.usembassy.gov/.

COVID-19 News

Racism: An Open Discussion

Army News

CG's Corner

Major General John R. Evans, Jr., Commanding General USACC & Fort Knox, KY Welcome to the CG's Corner! This space is evolving, but first and foremost, it's a place where I can communicate rapidly across our command to our Cadets, Cadre and the public about leadership, professional development and Army ROTC priorities.
  • Center for the Army Profession and Leadership: CAPL supports the Army profession, leadership and leader development with studies, doctrine, products, services and personnel lifecycle integration in order to strengthen the Army profession and enhance leader and unit performance at all echelons.
  • Funk's Fundamentals: General Paul E. Funk II is constantly crafting his book of plays and continues to use them as he leads the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command to victory. This playbook of sorts comes from his past 40 years wearing the uniform of an Army Soldier, never failing to add to the lessons that are a reminder of the cornerstones of his career.
  • From the Green Notebook: A platform for leaders to help each other by sharing lessons learned. Lessons that come from our own green notebooks. The Field Grade Leader: A blog focused on organizational leadership based on experience in the United States Army. The Military Leader: A blog designed to provide leaders of all professions with resources and insight they can use to develop themselves and their organizations. General Leadership:

Lessons on Leadership

The Army ROTC Hall of Fame was established in 2016 as part of the ROTC Centennial celebration. The first class (2016) inducted 326 former ROTC Cadets who had distinguished themselves in their military or civilian career. The Hall of Fame honors graduates of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps who have distinguished themselves in military or civilian pursuits. It provides a prestigious and tangible means of recognizing and honoring Army ROTC Alumni who have made lasting, significant contributions to the Nation, the Army and the history and traditions of the Army ROTC Program.

2021 Inductees

  • Col. (Ret.) Robert Acher 1st Brigade - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Col. (Ret.) Robert Acher
  • Brig. Gen. (Ret.) David Grange 1st Brigade - North Georgia College Brig. Gen. (Ret.) David Grange
  • Lt. Gen. (Ret.) James Terry 1st Brigade - North Georigia College Lt. Gen. (Ret.) James Terry
  • Col. (Ret.) T. L. Dilliplane 2nd Brigade - University of Texas Col. (Ret.) T. L. Dilliplane
  • Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Gary Fortunato 2nd Brigade - Providence College Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Gary Fortunato
  • Col. (Ret.) Joseph Martin 2nd Brigade - Canisius College Col. (Ret.) Joseph Martin
  • Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Marcia Anderson 3rd Brigade - Creighton University Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Marcia Anderson
  • Lt. Gen. Karen Dyson 3rd Brigade - Missouri State University Lt. Gen. Karen Dyson
  • 1st Lt. Cody Holte 3rd Brigade - Minnesota State University Moorhead 1st Lt. Cody Holte
  • Col. (Ret.) Timothy Karcher 3rd Brigade - University of Missouri Col. (Ret.) Timothy Karcher
  • Capt. Keith Lucas 3rd Brigade - Washington State University in St. Louis Capt. Keith Lucas
  • Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert Ashley Jr. 4th Brigade - Appalachian State University Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert Ashley Jr.
  • Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Otto Guenther 4th Brigade - McDaniel College Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Otto Guenther
  • Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Charles Luckey 4th Brigade - University of Virginia Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Charles Luckey
  • Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Arthur Holmes Jr. 4th Brigade - Hampton Institute Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Arthur Holmes Jr.
  • 1st Lt. Todd Weaver 4th Brigade - Williams & Mary 1st Lt. Todd Weaver
  • Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Darrell Williams 4th Brigade - Hampton University Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Darrell Williams
  • Col. (Ret.) Charles Davis 6th Brigade - University of Alabama Col. (Ret.) Charles Davis
  • Col. (Ret.) Eric Toler 6th Brigade - University of Kansas Col. (Ret.) Eric Toler
  • Col. (Ret.) Lonnie D. Vona 6th Brigade - University of South Florida Col. (Ret.) Lonnie D. Vona
  • Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Donna Willaims 6th Brigade - Jackson State University Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Donna Willaims
  • Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Karen Gibson 7th Brigade - Purdue University Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Karen Gibson
  • Maj. (Ret.) Carl Nunziato 7th Brigade - Youngstown State University Maj. (Ret.) Carl Nunziato
  • Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Benjamin Doty 8th Brigade - University of Idaho Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Benjamin Doty

Previous Hall of Fame Inductees

  • Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker Brig. Gen. Roderick R. Leon Guerrero Col. Keith George Maj. Gen. Gary Harrell Maj. Gen. George Barker Col. Andrea Thompson Lt. Col. Frank Martin III Ryan McCarthy, Secretary of the United States Army The Honorable Dr. John Hillen Maj. Albert N. Brown Maj. Gen. Elder Granger Col. Jack H. Jacobs Col. Charles W. Davis Col. Timothy J. (TJ) Creamer Senator Joseph D. Tydings