Basic Cadet Training #2 - Day 6

As recruits, our young people still have an arduous journey ahead of them. Today was another stepping stone toward their goal of becoming a Cadet in the world's greatest Military Cadet Corps. Each training evolution is designed to challenge and develop the individual, therefore, making the team a stronger and more cohesive unit. Six days into their Annual Training experience, our recruits are more confident with greater self-esteem, than when they arrived at the National Cadet Cadet Training Center.

Basic Cadet Training #2 - Day 5

Academically our recruits were educated on Army history, which lends itself to respect and appreciation for historical events and past sacrifices. Military customs and courtesies translate into civility, politeness and consideration toward others. The courses specific to hazing and fraternization, counsels against harassment, abuse and the humiliation of others, as well as guarding against inappropriate relationships and unethical behavior. The knowledge received is transferable to any social environment.




Proud, motivated, and accomplished are words that illustrate the state of mind of all personnel in the Annual Training Battalion. The standards and expectations established on Arrival Day are no longer daunting or overwhelming. Repetition, repetition, repetition is helping to instill self-confidence and a willingness to tackle any challenge presented.

Basic Cadet Training #2 - Day 3

Check-in and final processing concluded preparing our recruits for an arduous and demanding schedule of activities. Today marked the official 1st day of training for the second session of the 2009 Annual Training Brigade. The morning began with a physical fitness test, used to gauge overall fitness and conditioning. The test consists of:

- maximum number of right-angle push-ups

- maximum number of sit-ups in 1 minute

- shuttle run

- V sit and reach

- 1 mile run






The testing format allows Battalion Staff and Drill Sergeants to effectively measure core body strength, agility, flexibility, and endurance. The standards for measurement are determined by age and gender. Depending on performance, recruits can earn USAC minimum, National, or Presidential fitness status.

Under the leadership and guidance of Drill Sergeant Nordan, recruits are trained on Color Guard procedure and ceremony.



Recruits were also introduced to The U.S. Army Cadet Corps Martial Arts Program (TACMAP). This unique style of fighting utilizes a combination of self-defense, Judo, Aikido, Jujitsu, Karate, Boxing, and Wrestling.

Basic Cadet Training #2 - Processing Day

The Annual Training Unit began Day #2 with an early rise for Physical Fitness Training. Recruits were given instruction on basic calisthenics and military exercises. This mild introduction to fitness was the first step in preparing recruits for the forthcoming rigors of training.

After morning chow, recruits began the academic coursework required to successfully complete training and graduate as a Cadet in the U.S. Army Cadet Corps. Topics covered by the instructors included military customs and courtesies, how to make a bunk, along with Drill and Ceremony. Drill and Ceremony is conducted every day, as it instills discipline, self-confidence and automatic response to orders and commands. As recruits master the marching movements, they will gain the confidence needed to lead and direct others.

Basic Cadet Training #2 - Receiving Day

The Annual Training Battalion consists of highly motivated recruits, Cadets and adult non-paid professionals who serve as officers and non-commissioned officers. As recruits arrived on the historic campus, they were processed to ensure full accountability of each individual and their personal belongings.




Male recruits will receive a "high and tight" haircut. Regardless of age, gender or ethnic background, each individual will encounter a high-adventure military experience equivalent to the challenges and rigors presented to our active duty and reserve counterparts. The safety and well-being of each person is of the utmost priority. Only the Army can create soldiers. Our intent is to provide an energetic, well-disciplined and fun environment conducive to excellence.

Basic Leader Course - Graduation

Congratulations to the Cadets of the Basic Leader Course (BLC)! BLC is a twenty-one day course of instruction for graduates of Basic Cadet Training (BCT). Graduation is the culmination of a Cadets effort and drive to train. Over the past three weeks, Cadets have enhanced their field knowledge, they have learned how to work as an integral part of the collective team, and they have applied troop leading procedures to organize and lead their peers. With their enhanced knowledge these Cadets will serve as mentors to new recruits and graduates of Basic Cadet Training.




Congratulations to Cadet: B.M Wolf on becoming the Honor Graduate
Congratulations to Cadets: A.M Herion, T.T Brown, C. Craig, J.N Lord, A. Royse, J.M.D. Weber, and D. MacDonald for being meritoriously promoted to their next rank.





The next phase of development for graduates of BLC is dependent upon their motivation and U.S. Army Cadet Corps career interests. One path includes the Cadet Non-commissioned Officer Course (CNCOC), which emphasizes strategic leadership, staff planning and coordinating activities at the unit and higher levels. Another path includes attending the Troop Handlers’ Academy, which prepares highly motivated Cadets to teach and lead new recruits. These are the more common career paths selected by graduates of BLC.

Following Annual Training, development is continuous for members of the U.S. Army Cadet Corps. Youth who participate in the program, are Cadets 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. They are a constant projection of the child you have raised and the Cadet organization they represent. We invite you to attend Winter Training 2009. This session will offer a Winter Challenge for Cadets, Recruit Orientation for new members of the program, and Officer Candidate School for adults. More information will be available soon.

Basic Leader Course - Parent's Night

We are finalizing plans for graduation, which will be held this Saturday at 1000. Here are a couple of things to know:

a. Parents are allowed to visit during Canteen time on Friday evening, between 1930-2200 (7:30-10pm). We will have the ACES open, the grill will be available, and you can spend some time with your Cadet prior to graduation on Saturday. To ensure the security of our Cadets, DO NOT COME EARLIER THAN 1930, you will be asked to leave.

b. Please wear comfortable clothing; however, no open-toed shoes, cut-offs, plain T-shirts, etc. "Business Casual" is most appropriate.

c. You MUST park off-post, on the street or across the street at the Civic Center. We will have another large group reporting on Saturday, so it will be a very busy day. Please be patient.

d. Please go to www.goarmycadets.com for details on the check-out priority. We must ensure 100% accountability, so please be patient.

Basic Leader Course - Field Skills #2

This course provides advanced orientation in leadership, field training, marksmanship, self-defense, team-building activities, patrolling, along with camouflage and concealment. Field training exercises provide opportunities for Cadets to demonstrate their knowledge and acquire new skills.



Cadets implement troop leading procedures to organize and execute operations, accounting for the weather, methods of travel, meals, communication, time, and all other resources required to achieve success. Team members operate with minimal supervision to complete assigned tasks. Every Cadet will have an opportunity to lead their peers.




Land Navigation is used to safely and effectively traverse unfamiliar terrain by calculating coordinates on a map. In the classroom, Cadets learned how to read and negotiate military maps, how to calculate distance, and how to use a compass to determine direction of travel.




Patrols are missions to gather information, provide security, or to conduct other operations. The terms "element" and "team" refer to the squads, fire teams, or buddy teams that perform the tasks as described.



Camouflage is applied to conceal an individual and their equipment form observation. This includes awareness to movement, outlines and silhouettes, smells, and noise discipline. The objective is to blend naturally with the surrounding environment.