Drill takes pride in influencing Cadets, Soldiers

By Joe Castelli
Staff writer

In a brief but wisdom-rich lesson in teamwork before 4th Squad, 4th Platoon of Co. C 1/46th Inf. rotated to its next challenge, the drill sergeant of two years passed along a key concept he learned years ago – functioning as a unit requires thinking as a unit, and it’s not a bad thing to seek the counsel of a peer who might know how to better handle a situation. ...(more)

Fort Knox woods put Cadets' map reading skills to the test

By Mark Payne
Staff writer

Wandering through the woods with just a map, a protractor and a compass, Cadets overcome obstacles and find their way in the land navigation course. ...(more)

2nd lt. to be stationed in South Korea, her parents' native home

By Mark Payne
Staff writer

Second Lt. Elisa Lee, ironically, will find her first duty station in the country from which her parents once immigrated from: South Korea. ...(more)

ROTC's 'grandfather' talks future with Cadets

By Mary Barczak
Staff writer

Waybur Theater was overrun Monday with the resounding hum of more than 300 voices yelling “Hooah!” As Cadets sounded off, retired Maj. Gen. Robert Wagner pumped his fists and waved his arms enthusiastically in the air ...(more)

Co. B navigates obstacle course

By Joe Castelli
Staff writer

Balancing on thin surfaces, hanging from cargo nets and swinging from point A to point B on a rope are nothing new for the Cadets of Co. B 1/46th Inf. But a fresh array of physically-taxing obstacles presented them with a unique test of self-confidence Monday. ...(more)

Cadets learn about machine guns through virtual reality

By Shane Ersland
Staff writer

While learning how to load bullets into an M2 .50-caliber machine gun, Cadets from Co. B 1/46th Inf. also got a refresher in human anatomy. ...(more)

Cadets work in teams to test their combat water survival skills at Call of the Wild

By Roseline Twagiramariya
Staff writer

During Call of the Wild, Cadets learned how to make a poncho, build a floating device out of materials given to them and how to capsize zodiac boats. ...(more)

Combat engineer becomes drill after two deployments

By Mark Payne
Staff writer

A combat engineer’s job is to help with construction, or destruction, of bridges or roads. The majority of their time is spent finding and destroying land mines, or improvised explosive devices, so troops will have a safe road to their mission. ...(more)

2nd lt. brings hard-working attitude

By Roseline Twagiramariya
Staff writer

As the second oldest of eight children, 2nd Lt. Whitney Jorgensen grew up knowing what it takes to be a leader. ...(more)

Guidon ceremony marks end of Soldier First phase

By Joe Castelli
Staff writer

Saturday marked a significant transition for Cadets of Co. D 1/46th Inf. when they participated in the guidon ceremony, which represents the completion of the Soldier First phase of the Leader’s Training Course, as well as a change of leadership roles. ...(more)

Cadets build confidence as they learn how to survive in water

By Mark Payne
Staff writer

Cadet James Seay spent much of his teenage years in the water. His freshman year he was a lifeguard, sophomore year head lifeguard and junior year he was an assistant manager at a pool in his hometown of Jacksonville, Fla. So he found most of the activities at Combat Water Survival Training easy. ...(more)

MREs provide quick nutrition

By Mary Barczak
Staff writer

MREs are providing Cadets with the energy and nutrition they need during training. However, some say the MRE is not exactly the equivalent of a home-cooked meal. ...(more)

Iraq veteran who lost both legs to roadside bomb speaks to Cadets about passion, commitment

By Roseline Twagiramariya
Staff writer

Standing tall and proud with the help of bionic legs, Lt. Col. Greg Gadson delivered a message Monday emphasizing commitment and the importance of not giving up when he spoke to Co. B 1/46th Inf. Cadets at Waybur Theater. ...(more)

Two sisters, cousin attend LTC this summer

By Shane Ersland
Staff writer

Quanesha Robinson, Latoya Valadez and Asia Duncan are close relatives all staying in the LTC barracks right now, though the only conversations they’ve had lately have been over the phone. ...(more)

Independence Day takes on different meaning for Alpha Co.

By Mary Barczak
Staff writer

The Cadets of Co. A 1/46th Inf. celebrated Fourth of July with having the freedom to graduate from the Leader’s Training Course. ...(more)

Rites of passage signifies transition in Cadets' lives

By Mary Barczak
Staff writer

AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” blared during the brisk early morning hours as cadre lined along the roadside cheered the Cadets on as they marched toward a fire-lit grove. ...(more)

Former Cadet returns to LTC as squad tactical officer

By Joe Castelli
Staff writer

“It’s in my genes,” said Harrison, a criminal justice graduate of Pennsylvania State University who branched ordnance. His grandfather fought in Korea, and he has several cousins also in the military. ...(more)

Competitive nature shapes Soldier's outlook

By Joe Castelli
Staff writer

Every year, when they’re home together for Christmas, 2nd Lt. Spencer Tadken and his older brother hold a wrestling match in the house just to see who is better. ...(more)

3rd-year drill provbides laid back mentorship

By Shane Ersland
Staff writer

In his third year of drill sergeant duty at the Leader’s Training Course, Sgt. First class Steven Boer said the Army has gradually had its drill sergeants ease up on the yelling, and some Cadets are surprised. ...(more)

Tattoos a form of self-expression, personal stories behind many

By Shane Ersland
Staff writer

While Soldiers wear their rank on their uniforms to signify a large part of what they’ve accomplished in life, there are some interesting stories behind what is under their fatigues. ...(more)

'Military brat' returns to Ky. as 2nd lt.

By Joe Castelli
Staff writer

“I’m a military brat, and I wanted to do what I could in the medical field to help Soldiers,” said Walz, a graduate of the University of Dubuque, where she spent all four years in ROTC. ...(more)

Cadets practice urban tactics in 'city' modeled after Iraq, Afghanistan

By Mackenzie Reiss
Staff writer

Welcome to Karjackistan. The artificial city embodies a slum at best, and a breeding ground for terrorist activity, at worst. Four run-down buildings flank a central market area, each zone posing a new challenge in urban warfare for ROTC Cadets. ...(more)

Echo Co. learns importance of teamwork at stream-crossing

By Roseline Twagiramariya
Staff writer

Taken out of their comfort zones and into an area where cell phone coverage does not exist, Cadets are tested first as individuals and then as a team at stream-water crossing training. ...(more)

Drill sergeants set tone for Cadets

By Mark Payne
Staff writer

“They’re the first person that you meet in the Army,” said Sgt. Maj. Timothy McGregor, operations NCO for Co. A 1/46th Inf. “They set the tone right off the bat, as far as discipline, morale and how the Army works.” ...(more)

LTC provides chance to educate educators

By Shane Ersland
Staff writer

As professors from various colleges across America prepared for an adventure at the rappel tower at the Leader’s Training Course last week, they seemed undeterred by the 50-foot drop they would be making. They did, however, have a problem with sounding off with their weight before taking the plunge. ...(more)

TRADOC chaplain speaks about being brave, balanced, blessed

By Roseline Twagiramariya
Staff writer

Whether you are a lion or a gazelle, you better be ready when the sun comes up. Whether you are the gazelle trying to outrun the lion to save your life or the lion that must catch the gazelle to feed her cubs, you must be ready, you must be brave and you must believe in yourself. ...(more)

Non-commissioned officers are recognized for being "backbone" of Army

By Mark Payne
Staff writer

Non-commissioned officers are the driving force behind the Army. They are the ones that carry out the orders given by commanders, direct and train troops, and usually have the most experience. ...(more)

2nd lt. works toward job in CIA, FBI

By Mark Payne
Staff writer

Second Lt. Brandon Joseph Smith wants to be in the CIA or FBI. While working toward his goal, he is getting some relevant job experience. ...(more)

Drill specializes in mortuary affairs

By Shane Ersland
Staff writer

Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Max realizes a lot of people would look at his job description and wonder if he was disturbed. But he takes pride in what he does. ...(more)

Former hospital commander, nurse talks about creative leadership

By Mary Barczak
Staff writer

Speaking July 15 to Echo Co. Cadets as part of LTC’s distinguished speakers series, Earls stressed her four focuses of leadership: character, confidence, courage and humility. ...(more)

Co. C Cadets reunite with loved ones

By Shane Ersland
Staff writer

As Cadets and their family members waited to spend quality time together, something they hadn’t done in 29 days, there were differing opinions of how the day should be spent. But one theme remained constant with everyone: food. ...(more)

Cadets test skills in final exercises

By Joe Castelli
Staff writer

Cadet Matthew Dinwiddie experienced some days at the Leader’s Training Course when he just didn’t see the point. The Co. D 1/46th Inf. Cadet sometimes doubted whether he’d use a given skill ever again. ...(more)

Summer temps mild this year

By Mary Barczak
Staff writer

On average, July is usually the warmest month of the year at Fort Knox. Usually, in July, temperatures climb from the high 80s to the low 90s. But this year the thermometer has not yet hit 90 degrees this month. ...(more)

9/11 survivor speaks about leading with heart

By Mary Barczak
Staff writer

It takes more than just brains and buff to be a good Soldier, you’ve got to have heart. This was the message 9/11 Pentagon survivor, retired Sgt. Maj. Tony Rose, had for Co. B 1/46th Inf. (Co. 7) at Waybur Theater Tuesday. ...(more)

Inspiration for 'Black Hawk Down' speaks about leadership experiences

By Mark Payne
Staff writer

There wasn’t a red carpet. There wasn’t a blur of shuttering lights. There weren’t any Hollywood actors. It certainly wasn’t actor Tom Sizemore, who played Danny McKnight in “Black Hawk Down.” ...(more)

Commander of Accessions Command relates to Cadets' experiences

By Joe Castelli
Staff writer

Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley arrived at stream-crossing just in time to applaud 4th platoon of Co. D 1/46th Inf. as it completed a race and made the best cumulative time of all other platoons to come through LTC so far this year. ...(more)

Ready. Aim. Fire!

By Mark Payne
Staff writer

Basic rifle marksmanship is the essential skill of firing an M-16, because it’s the weapon Soldiers use to defend themselves against the enemy.

“They do it to stay alive. That’s the whole point of BRM ... to be able to effectively engage enemies,” said 1st Sgt. James Bryant of Co. B. 1/46th Inf. (Co. 7).. ...(more)