Advanced Camp
Overview
Army ROTC Advanced Camp is a 36-day training event designed to develop a Cadet’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and to forge them into tough, adaptable leaders who can thrive in ambiguous and complex environments. Advanced Camp is the capstone leader development opportunity for all Cadets between their Military Science (MS) III and MS IV years of ROTC. Advanced Camp focuses on problem-solving in an operational setting to develop leader competencies; those intangible traits and attributes allow leaders to thrive in challenging conditions. Advanced Camp consists of 10 regiments composed of more than 6,000 Cadets. Cadets reinforce basic skills through squad (9-13 Cadets) level leader development exercises, and transition to platoon (40-50 Cadets) level operations in a company construct. Advanced Camp consists of four phases, mirroring a deployment to an allied country which requires U.S. assistance.
Learn more about Advanced Camp on the official Army ROTC YouTube Channel linked here.
(All information on Advanced Camp/CST is consistent with 2025 policy and is subject to change based on yearly Cadet Command policy, for the most up to date policy, please check out the official Army ROTC site)
Phase I (Reception & Staging):
Phase I is conducted over five days. Consists of the Cadets’ travel to Fort Knox, CST in-processing, senior leader briefs, and the Army Fitness Test (AFT),
Phase II (Integration):
Phase II is conducted over 11 days. Focuses on reinforcing basic skills in squad level exercises. Cadets will build confidence through the Field Leaders’ Reaction Course (FLRC) and rappel tower. Cadets will refine their Soldier tasks through land navigation, first aid, basic rifle marksmanship (BRM), hand grenade, and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) training.
Phase III (Deployment & Field Training Exercise):
Phase III is best described as a ‘crawl, walk, run’ training program and is conducted over 12 days. The deployment phase transitions the Cadet platoons from rehearsing Soldier tasks and battle drills into platoon-level exercises against a fully resourced, ‘near peer’ opposing force (OPFOR). The major Advanced Camp event is the field training exercise (FTX). During the FTX, Cadets must plan offensive, defensive, and stability operations, leading fellow Cadets in the execution of their plans. This event is conducted in a non-scripted operational environment that allows Cadre to add complex situations to test the Cadets’ performance at each stage.
Phase IV (Redeployment & Reintegration):
The final phase is conducted over 7 days. Cadets perform deliberate recovery, prepare peer evaluations and self-assessments, and conduct physical training to include the must pass 12-mile road march. Cadets receive a Cadet Officer Evaluation Report (COER), discuss successes and opportunities, graduate, and return to their homes.
Advanced Camp Highlights
RECONDO Badge:
The prestigious RECONDO badge is awarded to Cadets who demonstrate exceptional skills throughout Advanced Camp. To earn this badge, Cadets must surpass standards in various areas, including the Army Physical Fitness Test (ACFT), confidence courses, land navigation, marksmanship, first aid, CBRN training, and the 12-mile road march.
Land Navigation:
Land navigation training at Advanced Camp is comprehensive, encompassing both basic and advanced skills. Cadets practice navigation during day and night on a verified course with varied terrain. Advanced skills include navigation and terrain analysis ensuring Cadets are well-prepared for diverse operational environments.
Confidence Training:
Confidence training involves physically and mentally challenging activities designed to build self-assurance and overcome fear. Cadets participate in rappel training from 70-foot and 37-foot heights, tackle the log walk/rope drop, as well as other obstacle courses. These exercises enhance physical courage and personal confidence.
Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM):
BRM training familiarizes Cadets with the M4 rifle, focusing on zeroing, qualification, and target engagement. This training builds Cadets’ confidence in their weapons and prepares them for future collective training, ensuring they can effectively employ their rifles in combat scenarios.
First Aid:
First aid training equips Cadets with life-saving techniques critical for battlefield survival. Training covers tasks such as evaluating casualties, airway management, CPR, treating chest wounds, controlling bleeding, and managing shock. Cadets also participate in a situational exercise to apply these skills in a tactical context, reinforcing the importance of first aid proficiency for every Soldier.
Field Leader’s Reaction Course (FLRC):
FLRC is designed to develop and assess leadership and teamwork early in the training cycle. Cadets face various obstacles that require collaborative problem-solving and leadership. Cadre provide feedback on leadership strengths, weaknesses, styles, and techniques, helping Cadets refine their leadership abilities.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear (CBRN):
CBRN training focuses on building Cadets’ confidence in the Army’s protective gear and their ability to operate in contaminated environments. Cadets learn to wear and use CBRN equipment and are exposed to tear gas in a controlled setting so as to experience its effects and gain confidence in properly employing their gear in the midst of a chemical attack.
Tactics Training:
Tactics training introduces Cadets to battlefield skills, movement formations, and small unit tactics. This training serves as a foundation for evaluating leadership under stress and simulates combat conditions. It progressively introduces new skills and reinforces performance, providing an environment for Cadets to learn and for cadre to assess their leadership potential.
