Summary: Every summer, UC Irvine student Cadets travel to Fort Knox, Kentucky, to receive practical and leadership training at Advanced Camp. Learn more about the Summer 2024 Advanced Camp experience.
Every summer, UC Irvine Cadets report to Fort Knox, Kentucky, to conquer the Advanced Camp Cadet Summer Training. This experience is designed to transform eager Cadets into competent young officers ready to take on the challenges faced by today’s Army. This intensive training program spans 35 days and is designed to evaluate and enhance Cadets’ leadership skills, military competencies, and mental and physical endurance. From warrior skills to small unit military operations, each segment of the Camp serves as a crucial step in evaluating the next generation of Army leaders.
Arrival and Initial Assessment
Upon arrival at Fort Knox, Cadets are immediately immersed in a rigorous in-processing schedule, including physical health and administrative readiness assessments and equipment issue. One of the first major challenges Cadets encounter is the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). This event evaluates their strength, endurance, and agility through events such as the deadlift, standing power throw, hand-release push-ups, and the sprint-drag-carry, amongst others. Successfully completing the ACFT is critical as it sets the tone for the physically demanding training ahead.
Developing Warrior Skills
Warrior skills training is a cornerstone of Advanced Camp. Cadets undergo extensive instruction and practical exercises in skills fundamental to every soldier’s repertoire, including marksmanship, first aid, military communications, and weapons familiarization. Through the emulation of realistic scenarios, Cadets learn how to handle stress, execute commands under pressure, and maintain situational awareness—essential traits for any military leader.
CDT dons protective gear before entering the CBRN chamber.
One of the pivotal moments in warrior skills training is the weapons qualification course. Over several days, Cadets are instructed in the use and maintenance of their primary weapon, the M4 carbine, learning both fundamental and advanced shooting techniques. The training culminates in a live-fire exercise, where Cadets must demonstrate their proficiency in hitting targets at varying distances under simulated combat conditions.
Mastering Land Navigation
Land navigation training at Fort Knox is designed to hone a Cadet’s ability to traverse terrain using a map and compass without relying on modern GPS technology. This segment of the Camp begins with familiarization on map reading, compass use, and a written test measuring navigation proficiency.
Cadets then face the daunting land navigation course where they must individually locate several points scattered across densely vegetated terrain under a limited amount of time, during both daytime and nighttime iterations. This exercise tests their navigation proficiency as well as their decision-making, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure.
Small Unit Military Operations
Mastering small unit military operations is crucial for Cadets’ development as effective future officers. Training in this area focuses on leadership through tactics, techniques, and procedures employed by squads and platoons in various combat scenarios. Cadets are first familiarized with troop leading procedures (TLPs) and patrolling techniques through detailed instruction and rehearsals. They are then put to the test in a field training exercise (FTX) where they must lead and execute missions in a simulated combat environment.
The Rappel Tower is one event Cadets complete to build confidence in their equipment.
During the FTX, Cadets face intensive physical and mental challenges—operating on minimal sleep, managing resource constraints, and reacting swiftly to changing scenarios. They must demonstrate their ability to lead small units, make quick yet sound decisions, and effectively communicate under stress. The FTX is often considered the most grueling yet rewarding part of Advanced Camp, as it closely resembles real-world military operations.
Evaluating and Developing Leadership
A core aspect of the Advanced Camp experience is the ongoing evaluation and development of leadership skills. Cadets are assessed through a variety of means, including peer evaluations, cadre feedback, and self-reflection. Leadership development is interwoven throughout the Camp, as Cadets are placed in a variety of leadership positions and observed on how they plan, communicate, and execute missions.
Leadership development extends beyond formal evaluations. The Camp fosters an environment where Cadets learn the importance of integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making. Through interactions with their peers and instructors, Cadets gain insights into different leadership styles and approaches, helping them to develop their own identity as future leaders in the Army.
Cadets build comradery during the Field Leaders Reaction Course.
Reflecting on the Experience
The 35 days at Fort Knox are some of the most challenging yet formative days in a Cadet’s journey. The experience pushes them to their physical and mental limits, forging a deeper understanding of their capabilities and responsibilities as future military leaders. Cadets depart from the Camp with enhanced military skills, a stronger sense of camaraderie and resilience, and a readiness to serve as leaders in the United States Army.
As they reflect on their time at Advanced Camp, Cadets realize that the true essence of the experience lies in the lessons learned about themselves and each other. They have faced adversity, demonstrated courage, and embodied the Army values. These newly minted second lieutenants are now prepared to take on greater responsibilities, driven by the experiences and challenges they overcame at Fort Knox.