Army ROTC

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Useful Information:

Ceremonies & Special Events:

Phone: (502) 624-2804
Email: usarmy.knox.usacc.mbx.cst-vb

CST Links:

Follow all the action during Cadet Summer Training (CST) from these links below.

Fort Knox Information:

CST Photo Gallery*

Mailing Address:

If you wish to write to your Cadet while he or she is at Fort Knox, please use the following mailing address:

RANK, FULL NAME
UNIT
Advanced Camp
REG/CO/PLTN*
24 RHINELAND ST
FORT KNOX, KY 40121-3031

*Example 4/A/3—means 4th REGT, A Company, 3rd Platoon.

Location:

Basic Camp Advanced Camp

What is Basic Camp?

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Basic Camp is a 32-day training event designed to introduce Cadets to the Army. The objective is to develop Cadet leadership skills and train them on individual and junior leader tasks to develop and reinforce Warrior Ethos and our Army Values. Basic Camp provides the critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in ROTC, and, ultimately, the Army. Basic Camp Cadets graduate the course prepared to lead at the team (3-4 Cadets) and squad (9-13 Cadets) level.

Basic Camp's primary target audience is the Lateral Entry Cadet and the freshman Cadet. Lateral Entry Cadets typically decide to join ROTC in their sophomore year of college, thus require Basic Camp to learn what normal-progression Cadets have learned in their first two years of military science classes, during their freshman and sophomore years of Army ROTC. As an ancillary target, Basic Camp allows second-year (Military Science II or MS II) Cadets to gain squad leader experience, which provides opportunities for some MS III (rising senior) Cadets to fulfill roles as platoon-level leaders. Basic Camp consists of eight Cadet Regiments, nearly 3,000 Cadets.

Cadets are taught how to conduct troop leading procedures (TLPs) to plan and execute tactical missions at the squad level in a platoon construct/setting. As Cadets gain experience and confidence through the training, they apply lessons learned from the After Action Review (AAR) process.

CST 2022 COVID Information:

All Cadets and Cadre attending CST this summer must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Cadets and Cadre recieve a COVID-19 vaccine at Fort Knox?

No. However, if you are able to obtain a completed series of the vaccine before arriving at Fort Knox for CST2021, we encourage 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 Cadets and Cadre be tested for COVID-19 at Fort Knox?

Yes. Cadre will be tested upon arrival to Fort Knox for CST2021. Cadets will recieve two test - one at the beginning, and another on day nine, of their 10-day controlled monitored training period.

What is the Physical test of record for Advanced Camp?

The Occupational Physical Assessment Test, or OPAT, will be the test of record for Advanced Camp Cadets.

Outcomes for Basic Camp include:

Using troop leading procedures to plan and execute tactical missions at the squad level within a platoon construct.
Applying the fundamentals of team development and team dynamics.
Understanding, embracing, and demonstrating Warrior Ethos and the Army Values.

Below are some highlights:

Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT)

The Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) provides an accurate assessment of each Cadet's fitness level. The Cadets receive a calibrated assessment of their ability to pass the Army Physical Fitness test. The test consists of two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups and a 2 Mile Run course. Cadets are also briefed on the importance of Physical Training as a part of a comprehensive individual combat readiness plan.

Confidence Training

This includes rappel training, the Slide For Life, Log Walk/Rope Drop, and confidence and obstacle courses. Confidence Training is designed to challenge the Cadets' physical courage, build confidence in personal abilities, and help them overcome fear. At the rappelling site, each Cadet executes one 17-foot rappel and several 37-foot rappels. Cadets demonstrate confidence in their ability to overcome fear of heights by executing the Confidence/Obstacle Course, Log Walk/Rope Drop and Slide For Life.

Basic Rifle Marksmanship/Live Fire (BRM/LFX)

The Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) training familiarizes Cadets with select US weapons, capabilities and employment techniques. Cadets receive training in order to conduct zero/qualification with the M4/M16A2 rifle, to gain confidence in their assigned weapon and in their training by engaging targets on the range. After a Cadet has qualified on his or her assigned weapon, upon completion of all BRM training. Cadets are prepared for future collective training and have confidence in their weapon systems.

Basic Camp At A Glance

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Basic Camp

Learning The Basics

Basic Camp is all about teaching Cadets the basic soldiering skills they need to know before going forward in their endeavor to become officers. Third Regiment Basic Camp Cadets spent Thursday going through Field Craft Training where throughout the day they learned and were tested on different skills they need to know to continue in their ROTC programs and Advanced Camp.

Basic Camp

Trusting Your Buddy

Similar to the Buddy Team Live Fire exercise Advanced Camp Cadets undergo, the Fire Team Movement drill requires Cadets to take turns advancing along different points of cover, with their partners providing cover fire behind them. It is performed to grow Cadets’ communication skills, increase their confidence in advancing to cover, and progress the relationships of battle buddies.

Basic Camp

We’re All In This Together

The Dunagan Teamwork Development Course is comprised of six obstacles. Each obstacle has a scenario for Cadets to attempt and complete with only the materials at hand. However, as the 3rd Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets soon realized, the course develops teamwork and more but not always through success.

Basic Camp

Starting As Strangers, Parting A Team

After graduating and officially completing their training, Cadets expressed their feelings after walking off of Brooks Field. One Cadet was excited to demonstrate their skills learned throughout camp. Cadets also expressed that there were personal challenges they were presented with throughout their time at Fort Knox.

Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear (CBRN)

Cadets are trained on CBRN tasks to develop confidence in the U.S. Army's protective mask and chemical protective clothing. Cadets learn to correctly wear, operate and build confidence in their CBRN clothing and equipment. Cadets will gain an understanding of the leadership challenges and constraints associated with operating in a CBRN environment. The culminating experience at CBRN is exposure to the effects of live tear gas in the CBRN gas chamber.