Advanced Camp
Overview
The Army ROTC Advanced Camp is a comprehensive 35-day training program designed to cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities among Cadets, transforming them into resilient and adaptable leaders capable of thriving in complex and uncertain environments. This camp represents the ultimate leader development experience for Cadets transitioning from their third to their fourth year of Military Science (MS) in ROTC. Over 6,000 Cadets participate, organized into 10 regiments. The training begins with reinforcing fundamental skills at the squad level (comprising 9-13 Cadets) and progresses to platoon-level operations (comprising 40-50 Cadets) within a company structure. The camp simulates a deployment to an allied nation requiring U.S. support, structured into four distinct phases. Learn more about Advanced Camp on the official Army ROTC YouTube Channel linked here.
Phase I (Reception & Staging):
During this initial five-day phase, Cadets travel to Fort Knox for the Cadet Summer Training (CST). They undergo in-processing procedures, attend senior leader briefings, and take the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). This phase is designed to acclimate Cadets to the camp environment and establish a baseline for their physical and administrative readiness.
Phase II (Integration):
Spanning 11 days, this phase focuses on enhancing basic skills through squad-level exercises. Cadets build confidence and teamwork through activities such as the Field Leaders’ Reaction Course (FLRC) and rappel tower exercises. They also refine essential Soldier tasks, including land navigation, first aid, basic rifle marksmanship (BRM), hand grenade use, and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) training. This phase emphasizes individual and small unit competencies crucial for subsequent phases.
Phase III (Deployment & Field Training Exercise):
This 12-day phase transitions Cadets from rehearsing basic tasks to engaging in realistic, platoon-level exercises against a simulated, well-equipped opposing force (OPFOR). The primary event, the field training exercise (FTX), requires Cadets to plan and execute offensive, defensive, and stability operations. The non-scripted operational environment allows cadre to introduce complex scenarios, testing the Cadets’ leadership and adaptability at each stage. This phase follows a “crawl, walk, run” approach to training, gradually increasing complexity and intensity.
Phase IV (Redeployment & Reintegration):
Over the final seven days, Cadets focus on recovery, peer evaluations, self-assessments, and physical training. A significant milestone in this phase is the 12-mile road march, which Cadets must pass. They receive their Cadet Officer Evaluation Report (COER), discuss their performance and opportunities for improvement, graduate, and return home. This phase ensures that Cadets are not only physically and mentally prepared but also reflective about their leadership journey and ready for future challenges.
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.
