Basic Camp
There are scholars among you who aspire to achieve something even greater than a college degree. They aspire to be leaders. They are Army ROTC Cadets – and you can join them by attending Cadet Initial Entry Training (CIET) which is now called Basic Camp.
Basic Camp is four weeks of intense classroom and field training held in the summer at Fort Knox, KY. This course is an accelerated version of the two years of leadership development training Cadets receive in the Basic Course. By transforming yourself through this rigorous training, you will qualify for enrollment in the Army ROTC Advanced Course on campus-provided you have two years of college remaining (undergraduate or graduate). Once you successfully complete Basic Camp and agree to contract and enter the Advanced Course, you may also qualify to receive a $5,000 bonus.
At Basic Camp you experience the Army firsthand. You will receive the kind of leadership development training that is unmatched by any other program. How? By developing your potential in the most important of ways-mentally, physically and emotionally. You will be grouped into squads where you will gain experience in all leadership roles-culminating in verbal and written feedback on your improvement. You will also receive a stipend, transportation to and from Fort Knox, housing, and meals. The four weeks and four phases of Basic Camp can lead you to the ultimate goal: becoming an Army Officer.
The benefits of this leadership training will extend well beyond your college years into any career you choose. You may even qualify for a two-year scholarship that may take care of your college tuition and many other expenses.
THE FOUR PHASES OF Basic Camp
SOLDIER FIRST PHASE
Upon arrival, Cadets are immersed in the ways of the Army. They begin Physical Training (PT) and Drill and Ceremony (D&C) which instill self-discipline and prepare them for the rigors and challenges of the upcoming weeks. Cadets also spend time on the Team Development course where they work together to overcome obstacles in simulated tactical situations.
WARRIOR LEADER PHASE
This phase builds on the basics Cadets have learned by extending into adventure training in the field. Combat Water Survival Training (CWST), rappelling, land navigation and marksmanship training provide physical challenges that test Cadets individually while developing teamwork skills. Also included in this phase are squad tactics, urban combat simulations, and orienteering.
BOLD LEADER PHASE
In this phase, Cadets learn squad-level operations by taking part in demanding field exercises. During these exercises each Cadet, in turn, is called upon to lead their squad in every part of a mission —from receiving orders and analyzing the terrain to making a plan and attaining the objective. All the while, Cadets receive detailed feedback on their leadership abilities.
FUTURE LEADER PHASE
Cadets in this fourth and final phase are given comprehensive guidance from their CIET instructors to get a sense of their accomplishments over the past weeks. While performing continuing daily tasks such as physical fitness, Cadets also arrange and take part in their Family Day, graduation and awards ceremonies.
EXAMPLE DAILY EVENTS
Each day is unique at Basic Camp, and you can expect to be challenged physically and mentally. See below for just a few examples of the daily activities you will experience.
PHYSICAL TRAINING
Cadets build their confidence by participating in combat water survival training, rappelling, ropes courses and more.
CLASSROOM TRAINING
Cadets learn Army values and ethics, study historical examples of leadership, hear from distinguished guests and get trained in squad/team tactics.
WEAPONS TRAINING
Cadets take part in combat simulations with paintball equipment, and learn the ins and outs of an M16 in Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) training.
CBRNE
Chemical, Biological Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive Training teaches Cadets how to administer a nerve agent antidote, how to protect themselves from chemical and biological contamination using their assigned protective mask, decontaminate themselves and individual equipment using chemical decontaminating kits and how to react to chemical or biological hazard/attack. In addition, Cadets must go through the CS gas chamber and the COBALT Challenge Lane.
Cultural Awareness
Teaches cadets a basic understanding of cultural matters and how cultural awareness will facilitate mission success. Cadets learn how to conduct bi-lateral discussions with local officials, how to conduct a knock and search mission and how to defuse volatile situations using an interpreter.
FIELD TRAINING
Cadets are exposed to land navigation skills, put squad tactics to use in completing a mission.
FEEDBACK
Instructors and Cadet Leaders constantly advise Cadets on how they are progressing in their leadership skills, and how they can perform better.