MILITARY ADVENTURE CAMP BLOG

Basic Cadet Training Promo Video

2012-02-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

Military Adventure Camp 2012 Now Enrolling!

2011-11-28T14:08:00.000-08:00

Check-out the Military Adventure Camp website for this year's Initial Enrollment Form to save a spot for this summer!

Police Cadets #1

2011-07-29T16:52:00.000-07:00

And MP's on the Lexington Police O-Course:

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #21: BCT-2 Rifle Range and BCT/BLC Graduation

2011-07-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

Photos from the rifle range for BCT-2:

Photos from the BLC/BCT Graduation:

More photos will be added from other staff cameras soon. And lots of video was taken of all the different events during the summer. If you want to purchase a CD with all the photos of certain programs and/or videos go here: http://www.militaryadventurecamp.com/Photo_and_Video.html

If you are interested in information about next summer's programs, the enrollment form for this Winter's Cadet Pathfinder Course and all of next summer's programs is located HERE.

Information about discounts for next summer is HERE. Also, the first 10 people to secure a spot for next summer/this winter will get an extra $50 discount.

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #20: BLC FTX

2011-07-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #19: BLC Obstacle Course

2011-07-21T18:07:00.001-07:00

These shots were taken when they were running for time, the best time of the day was 10 minutes. Best last year was 13. :

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #18: BCT-2 Candids

2011-07-17T17:50:00.001-07:00

Just some candid photos from BCT-2:

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #17: BLC Pugil Sticks and "O" Course

2011-07-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

BLC with the pugil sticks and out at the Obstacle Course, this time they competed for best time through, 10 minutes won it:

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #16: CRS Firing Range and High Ropes Course

2011-07-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

Cadet Ranger School at the Firing Range, where they had familiarization fire with a multitude of weaponry, and then at the High Ropes Course. It was a four-part challenge, first they climbed the "Giant's Ladder" otherwise known as the "Stairway to Heaven", then they had a tight-rope walk, then a rope-swing walk (far harder than it sounds or looks, I personally felt like I was about to fall more on that than any other" and then finally a slide-for-life zipline. All appropriate safety gear was worn, and the CRS Cadets not only went through the course, they also were on belay for their fellow Cadet Rangers. We also have some really great video of this day:

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #15: BLC Rappel Tower

2011-07-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Since this was their second trip to the tower it was made optional to go down if they went through once before during BCT, and those that did go down were able to go upside down if they chose:

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #14: CRS Water Survival

2011-07-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

Taking it to the next level beyond BLC, and focusing more on long-term survival the CRS Cadets went to the pool to learn tricks like turning your rucksack intot a raft for up to three people:

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #13: BCT-2 Obstacle Course

2011-07-14T15:38:00.001-07:00

BCT-2 at the obstacle course:

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #12: BLC Combat Water Survival and TACMAP

2011-07-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

On probably the hottest day of the summer so far BLC headed to the pool at the Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, for Combat Water Survival training and some fun.

They were tested in four ways, first was an endurance swim, from one end of the pool to the other while in full uniform (including boots) and a dummy rifle over their head if they said they were a strong swimmer. Quite a few had to hand off the dummy rifle to the safety swimmers in the water so they could finish.

The next challenge was a blindfolded jump into the pool with the dummy rifle, they had to jump in and keep hold of the rifle and make it out of the pool with the blindfold still on.

Next, they jumped in with the rifle and a tactical vest, both of which they had to shed under water and then come back up. This is for if they ever go into a body of water with too much gear on, to help them stay calm as they shed it.

Finally they learned to create a flotation device out of their pants. Once they finished that they had free time in the pool before leaving. Some went out in the field and practiced TACMAP with a visiting instructor from Spain.

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #11: BCT-2 Arrival

2011-07-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

BCT-2 In-processing Day Photos:

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #9: BCT-1 Graduation

2011-07-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

Here are the photos from the July 9th Graduation! We are extremely proud of this session's graduates who have now earned the title of Cadet with a capital "C". :

Mr. Steve Biggers of stevebiggersstudios.com took Graduation portraits of all the Cadets who attended the July 9th graduation, as well as the returning BLC Cadets.

You can browse the photos here: http://ksb1987.zenfolio.com/p362358711

Also, if you'd like to have your own copies of this year's photos, as well as video footage taken during BCT-1 and the other programs you can make that purchase below. We have footage from all during the programs, and the entire Graduation ceremony. Additionally, the Photo CD's will include pictures taken by staff that haven't been uploaded before. A great opportunity to keep your Cadet's experience handy forever:

The video footage will be professionally processed and cut together, which is why the videos will take some extra time to ship. We promise that everything will ship by Sept. 20th, but will strive to make it much earlier than that.

The purchasing widget is below, but can also be viewed at: http://www.militaryadventurecamp.com/Photo_and_Video.html

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #9: BCT-1 #4 Pre-Grad

2011-07-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

As promised here are the photos of Pugil Stick Training:

Here are photos of our July 4th celebration, they spent the first part of the day going through safety training to prep for the next day at the marksmanship range, and then later that evening we had a cook-out and a impromptu competition on a quick confidence course we put together before watching the fireworks that night:

Candid shots for PT, martial arts and the marksmanship range:

Finally, shots from the rappel tower and obstacle course:

Pictures from Graduation will be up with in a day or two.

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #8: BCT-1 #3 - CRC #4

2011-07-02T21:39:00.000-07:00

On Thursday evening, our Cadets were invited to participate in the annual Blackberry Festival Parade in nearby Carlisle, KY.

20 hand-picked recruits, and a color guard marched in the two mile parade.

The Cadet Ranger Challenge Cadets traveled to the Winchester Fire and EMS Rappelling Tower. There they learned how to safely rappel. Lead by Lt. Col Gorman, 2nd. Lt. Land and Warrant Officer Smith, they spent a good part of the day learning and practicing both “Standard” and Australian style rappelling techniques.

Today (Friday) we started with a Physical Fitness test. Many of the test scores improved and two of our cadets received a perfect score of 300 points.

The Army Cadet Physical Fitness Test scores Cadets and Recruits on how many push-ups and sit-ups they can do as well as how fast they can run two miles.

Some of our highest scoring Recruits (RCT) were:

RCT Benjamin Clarke, 300 Points
RCT Tobias Dublin, 300 Points
RCT Samson Finch, 299 Points
RCT Jonathan Jimenez, 295 Points
RCT Vincent Abell, 292 Points

Tonight First Platoon is participating in “Pugil Sticks.” A pugil stick is a heavily padded pole-like training weapon used by military personnel for training in rifle and bayonet combat since the early 1940s. The pugil stick is similar to a quarterstaff or Japanese bo, and may be marked at one end to indicate which portion represents the bayonet proper and which the butt of the rifle.

Dr. Armond Seidler of the University of New Mexico invented the Pugil Stick training method during World War II. The training was initially adopted by the Marine Corps, but was later included in Army combat training as well. Dr. Seidler was given an award by the Marine Corps for his invention.

Pugil bouts are always conducted in the USAC with contact while wearing protective gear such as groin protectors, American football helmets, hockey gloves, and chest protectors or shin guards, such as worn by baseball catchers.

This training is conducted with maximum safety in mind, but the Recruits do have fun! Photos from Pugil Stick training will be in the next post.

The Cadet Ranger Challenge Cadets traveled today to the Torrent Falls Rock Climbing Center at River Gore east of Lexington, Ky.

There the Cadets learned the basics of rock climbing and practiced those skills in climbing the various walls. I personally climbed with them, and can attest to the challenge of some sections of the cliff. This is a really great training that we bring our Cadet Ranger Challenge Cadets through, because of the advanced level of their course. (Photos from this in the next post)

This weekend we continue our training in preparation for several activities next week including the high ropes course, confidence course (rescheduled to this upcoming week), water safety course and rifle marksmanship range.

This Monday is the 4th of July and while we will be training we will take time out to celebrate the 235th anniversary of our nation’s founding with a BBQ and some fun activities.

Enjoy your weekend.

Joseph M. Land, Jr.
2LT, USAC
Admissions Officer
National Cadet Training Center
U. S. Army Cadet Corps

For:

AL PABON
Civilian Executive, USAC
Annual Training Battalion
Deputy G1/Public Affairs Officer
Headquarters, U.S. Army Cadet Corps
"ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!"

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #7: BCT-1 #2

2011-06-30T20:47:00.000-07:00

Just a photo album for today, but with roughly 900 pictures.

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #6: BCT-1 #1

2011-06-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

Blog Entry #5 – BCT-1 Blog Post #1

Beginnings and basics –

Here they are, 120 young men and women from all across the USA and all over the world. Our final arrival on the 26th was a young man from Australia that had been traveling for 48 hours to make it to Kentucky and the National Cadet Training Center for Military Adventure Camp.

Half of those checking in came by plane, some spent 5 hours at the airport with me while waiting for the bus to arrive to transport to NCTC. My last pick-up of the day was nearly 9pm. Busy is standard operating procedure for the first day of Basic Cadet Training, and this one was no different. But, thanks to some modifications in our check-in methods and a quite outstanding group of Recruits for BCT-1 check-in day went by with very little trouble.

Recruits, who will earn the title of Cadet upon graduation BCT, started off right away by being issued their uniforms and being assigned rooms and beds along with platoons. The first night was devoted to the very basics (making beds, room set-ups, ranks of the staff), and all were in bed as soon as possible to get ready for a very long first full day.

The first TD (Training Day) greeted them with their first ACPFT (Army Cadet Physical Fitness Test) which graded them on 2-minutes of pushups, 2-minutes of situps and a 2-mile run. I won't lie, many were challenged. But, they have two weeks to improve their scores, and two weeks going through Military Adventure Camp can do wonders for fitness levels. Luckily, the weather stayed mild for the ACPFT.

You'll also notice quite a bit of martial arts taking place in the pictures, this is TACMAP (The Army Cadet Martial Arts Program), and they are learning the bare essentials right now. As they progress through the two-weeks and even into the four and five-week programs their level of training in TACMAP will gradually increase in difficulty. For many this is a real highlight of the day.

So far this training company has been outstanding, and we anticipate a really great Basic Cadet Training. 14 different countries are represented in this group and so far they are doing us, and you, proud. A stack of letters went to the Post Office today, so keep an eye on your mail box

Tomorrow they go to the obstacle course, which we will have plenty of pictures of soon.

Joseph M. Land, Jr.
2LT, USAC
Admissions Officer
National Cadet Training Center
U. S. Army Cadet Corps

For:

AL PABON
Civilian Executive, USAC
Annual Training Battalion
Public Affairs Officer
Headquarters, U.S. Army Cadet Corps
"ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!"

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #1: CRC Day 4-5

2011-06-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Blog Entry # 4 – CRC Week 1 Final

Recognition and recon –

As of writing this blog we have 120 recruits going through Basic Cadet Training, but before putting up photos of in-processing and day's 1 and 2 we will focus on our Cadet Ranger Program.

In the photos above you'll see a promotion ceremony and tactics training to prep the CRC Cadets for the field. CPT Evan Harrod reads off the promotion warrants for the CRC Cadets receiving promotions.

You'll also see Cadets in full "battle-rattle" working on squad tactics and teamwork.

Apologies for the abbreviated post, but with training in full swing and hundreds of parents eagerly awaiting a post about BCT, we wanted to get CRC pics up as soon as we could.

Joseph M. Land, Jr.
2LT, USAC
Admissions Officer
National Cadet Training Center
U. S. Army Cadet Corps

For:

AL PABON
Civilian Executive, USAC
Annual Training Battalion
Public Affairs Officer
Headquarters, U.S. Army Cadet Corps
"ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!"

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #1: CRC Day 3

2011-06-24T14:07:00.000-07:00

Blog Entry # 3 – CRC Training Day 3

Victory through preparation –

The focus for the day was on preparation for the challenges ahead and pride.

The day began like every day does for the Cadets taking on the Cadet Ranger Challenge, with a 5:30am Reveille (wake-up) and morning PT. After morning “chow” they went to classes on the storied history of American Rangers and their exploits and their evolution into an elite flighting force.

The CRC Cadets were issued their field equipment so they could begin to familiarize themselves with it. Their gear consists of a rucksack, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, Kevlar helmet, entrenching tool, load carrying equipment (LCE), a shelter half and a simulated weapon (also known as a “rubber duck”.) They started work on organizing their “TA-50”.

In the evening the CRC Cadets received their Guidon, which is a small swallow-tailed flag that is used by the various branches of the military to represent companys/platoons.

On NCTC we use guidons as a unit flag for our training platoons. Each Basic Cadet Training Platoon and Basic Leader Course platoon receives a guidon, gold lettering on a blue field with the USAC seal.

The Cadet Ranger Programs are new to the USAC, with the Cadet Ranger Challenge in its second year and are designed to test Cadets to their limits. To further distinguish Cadets attending the Cadet Ranger Programs a special guidon was designed and presented to them, gold lettering on a black field with a special emblem. This is a real source of pride for the CRC Cadets. The guidon is carried at the front of all formations and is even ran with during PT. They are never without it.

Tomorrow the CRC Cadets go to the Bluelicks State Resort Park to make use of the Jr. Olympic-sized swimming pool to undergo the “Combat Water Survival Test.”

In addition to the CRC training and the THA course taking place at NCTC, we continue our preparations for this coming Sunday when our Basic Cadet Training – Session 1 begins.

“Hard Core or Out the Door!”

Joseph M. Land, Jr.
2LT, USAC
Admissions Officer
National Cadet Training Center
U. S. Army Cadet Corps

For:

AL PABON
Civilian Executive, USAC
Annual Training Battalion
Public Affairs Officer
Headquarters, U.S. Army Cadet Corps
"ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!"

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #1: CRC Day 2

2011-06-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

Blog Entry # 2 – CRC Training Day 2

Rangers on the path –

For a CRC Cadet the day starts early! 5:30am and straight to the Army Cadet Physical Fitness Test (ACPFT) consisting of a 2/2/2 format (see last post's photos). That is two minutes of pushups, two minutes of situps and a 2-mile run, the same as the US Army’s. CRS Cadets must pass with 60 percent or greater to go on to graduate from Cadet Ranger Challenge and go on-to Cadet Ranger School.

After a healthy breakfast served by the program’s Executive Chef, Mr. Scott Hordasch and his assistants Victoria and Layne the Cadets spent time “breaking the ice and learning about the week’s activities”. The CRC Cadets received a course orientation letting them know about the expectations and challenges they face as they begin the CRC.

As a leadership and team-building exercise the CRC Cadets worked together to organize their rooms based on their own layouts. Rather than using the published formats used by BCT and BLC Cadet, the Cadets going through CRC decided together the most effective means to store their uniforms and equipment. They will be inspected based on this standard and in many ways determine how quickly they can get ready in the morning and for training exercises. They will either succeed or fail as a team.

The afternoon was dedicated to TACMAP (a.k.a The Army Cadet Martial Arts Program), for a refresher of techniques and terms taught to them during BCT and/or BLC.
TACMAP is a martial arts training program based on rigid military standards, along with other high-adventure recreational activities. TACMAP utilizes MCJKKD as its main training format, which includes a combination of Self Defense, Judo, Aikido, Jujitsu, Karate, Boxing and Wrestling. TACMAP lessons during CRC builds upon the training received during our other courses like Basic Cadet Training and the Basic Leader Course.

Lt. Col. Joe Gorman, the Training Battalion Commander and his Executive Officer, Major Jeff Campbell facilitates the refresher session where the Cadets reviewed various holds and counters.

TACMAP training has been incorporated throughout our programs, because in addition to basic self-defense it helps teach discipline and self-control. For CRC Cadets TACMAP lessons will also be used during the more advanced training scenarios later on in the course.

The day ended with a bit of Rec time, some went to visit ACES (the Army Cadet Exchange Service) located in the basement of Womack Gym where the cadets can buy uniform items, field gear, Airsoft equipment and treats/drinks.

ACES produces many of their items in-house (patches, cloth insignia, T-shirts) which means that Cadets and Officers get a great deal on the items sold while cutting out the middleman and allowing proceeds to fund improvements to the National Cadet Training Center so we can continue to offer an even better program and environment for the Cadets. To see what ACES has to offer please go to http://acesstore.com/catalog/

While most made a visit to ACES, many spent the bulk of their Rec time down in the dojo/weight-room for an extra work-out, which has started to because a daily ritual for most. All are determined to improve their PT Test scores and make it to CRS.

Hooah!

Joseph M. Land, Jr.
2LT, USAC
Admissions Officer
National Cadet Training Center
U. S. Army Cadet Corps

For:

AL PABON
Civilian Executive, USAC
Annual Training Battalion
Public Affairs Officer
Headquarters, U.S. Army Cadet Corps
"ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!"

Military Adventure Camp 2011 #1: CRC and THA Arrive

2011-06-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

Blog Entry # 1

And so it begins –

Returning Cadets from across the country and the world have arrived at the National Cadet Training Center in Millersburg, KY to start off the Military Adventure Camp for Summer 2011.

This summer’s Annual Training consists of:

Group 1 – Cadet Training and Leadership Development

Basic Cadet Training
Basic Leader Course
Troop Handler Academy
Cadet Noncommissioned Officer Course

Part of the first wave of Cadets are the trainees for our Troop Handler Academy.
The Troop Handler Academy (THA) is a 6-day course designed for second or third-year Cadets who desire to be selected to serve as Troop Handlers who work with the adult staff during our Basic Cadet Training (BCT) programs. Their training emphasizes drill, basic customs and courtesies, uniforms, physical fitness, barracks procedures and techniques used in working one-on-one with Recruits attending BCT.

When the students complete their training they will staff our Basic Cadet Training as Troop Handlers or assist as staff Cadets during the Basic Leader Course. This is on-the-job experience for older Cadets who want to work more closely with our Staff to prepare for a military career after high-school, "The best way to learn is to teach."

Cadets must have satisfactorily completed the Basic Leader Course to be eligible to attend THA.

Group 2 – High Adventure

We also have a series of High Adventure or as the Army says “HOOAH” type of activities. These are:
Cadet Ranger Challenge
Cadet Ranger School
Cadet Military Police Academy
The Army Cadet Martial Arts Program Week

This past weekend Cadets also arrived to start the Cadet Ranger Challenge, an intense three-week program based on the U.S. Army Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP). This program is designed to introduce Cadets to High Adventure lifestyle and includes challenges that are physical and mental in nature both on a personal level but also in team environments.

CRC is the first-half of our Cadet Ranger programs and successful is required in order to be eligible for Cadet Ranger School (CRS). To pass, excellent conditioning and motivation is required while maintaining the ability to work as part of a team.

This year's CRC class is working hard to earn their "Ranger Challenge" tabs to wear on their uniforms, which requires they pass all end-of-course tests. You'll see in the pictures above the Cadets going through an ACPFT (Army Cadet Physical Fitness Test), which tests pushups, situps, and a 2-mile run time. They must all meet minimum criteria by the end of the three-weeks to pass CRC. [For those that want the extra exercise to better their scores I am personally working with them in our weight-room/dojo each night]

_____________________________

Over the next 7 or so weeks we will be letting you know what is going on here at Annual Training, more about the courses that we will be offering as well as sharing some behind the scenes stories and of course tons of pictures! In addition you’ll find out options for next summer if your Cadet would like to return for one of our more advanced courses.

If you need to contact us you can call the main phone number: 859-484-2110, which will be forwarded to a cell phone for the summer, or the reception line in the NCTC Headquarters: 859-484-2100.

Thanks and keep watching for more updates!

Joseph M. Land, Jr.
2LT, USAC
Admissions Officer
National Cadet Training Center
U. S. Army Cadet Corps

For:

AL PABON
Civilian Executive, USAC
Annual Training Battalion
Deputy G1/Public Affairs Officer
Headquarters, U.S. Army Cadet Corps
"ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE!"

CPC #1

2010-12-30T14:52:00.000-08:00

The Cadets are currently out at Blue Lick State Resort Park putting the prep and training they've gone through the last few days to use.

Along with the CPC classes, we've also had some special speakers including a retired Command Sergeant Major and a retired Marine Corps Colonel who at one time was an aide to the President of the United States and was responsible for protecting "the Football".

More pictures by Saturday night.

Respectfully,

2LT Land

Winter 2010 and Summer 2011 Dates and Discounts.

2010-10-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

Here is this upcoming year's schedule:

WINTER 2010
TRAINING SCHEDULE)
(Returning Cadets)

Cadet Pathfinder Course 26 Dec – 2 Jan

SUMMER 2010
TRAINING SCHEDULE

(First Time Attendees)

Basic Cadet Training - Session 1 26 June - 9 July

Basic Cadet Training and Basic Leaders Course 26 June - 23 July

Basic Cadet, Basic Leaders and TACMAP 26 June - 30 July

Basic Cadet Training - Session 2 10 July - 23 July

Basic Cadet Training and Cadet Military Police Academy 10 July - 6 August

Cadet Military Police Academy 24 July - 6 August

(Returning Cadets)

Basic Leaders Course 3 July - 23 July

Basic Leaders Course and TACMAP 3 July - 30 July

Cadet Ranger Challenge (CRS Prerequisite) 19 June - 9 July

Cadet Ranger School 10 July – 30 June

Cadet Ranger Challenge + Cadet Ranger School 19 June – 30 July

Cadet Military Police Academy 24 July - 6 August

TACMAP Martial Arts Fitness Camp 24 July - 30 July
31 July - 6 August

More information and prices (on the Initial Enrollment Form) can be located at militaryadventurecamp.com.

For the next two weeks (until Oct 25th) I will still be offering the $500 discount for full payments, and a $300 discount for 50% deposits, with the balance being due on Feb 1st.

Summer 2011 - Discounts
$500 discount for Payment in Full by Sept 1st.
$350 Discount - $500 deposit by Sept 1st, Full Payment due Jan 1st.
$200 Discount - 50% deposit by Oct 1st, Full Payment due Feb 1st.
$100 Discount - 50% deposit by Dec 1st, Full Payment due Mar 1st.

You can e-mail camp@armycadets.org, or call at (859) 484-2110 to sign-up.

BCT2/TACMAP/CRS Graduation Photos

2010-08-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

BCT2/TACMAP Firing Range and CRS FTX Photoset

2010-08-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

BCT2 - Photoset #2

2010-07-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

The Recruits had a great time on the Obstacle Course, and actually was the best group I've seen run the course this summer. Very motivated and all really tried their hardest, and exhibited great teamwork and camaraderie throughout the course. This was a real challenge for some, but one that they overcame.

Tomorrow is the firing range, and like the obstacle course I'll be one of the onsite supervisors and will be sure to snap plenty more photos.

Respectfully,

2LT Land

CRC - Rangers Lead the Way!

2010-07-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

1 hour, 4 miles, Full Rucksacks. Every single Ranger Challenge student passed the test. Hooah!

More Ranger Challenge photos will be uploaded as soon as I can wrestle away some of the personal staffmember's cameras.

Respectfully,

2LT Land

BLC - FTX and Graduation

2010-07-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

Pictures include the FTX and the Graduation Ceremony for the Basic Leader Course. If you are looking for photos of the current BCT session you'll find pics of them standing in formation during the graduation ceremony, and a photoset will be up shortly of just the BCT-2 group.

Below are some videos taken during the ceremony. If you have any pictures or videos from that day that you would like to share please e-mail me at camp@armycadets.org.

Respectfully,

2LT Land

BCT2 - Photoset #1

2010-07-22T23:18:00.001-07:00

July 15-18

2010-07-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

BLC/CRS - July 13-14 Random Shots and O-Course

2010-07-19T22:44:00.000-07:00

The first part of this set was taken by some of our senior Cadets.

The rest was taken from the Obstacle Course, the CRS students are the ones running it with their dummy rifles.

More pics from the last few days will be up soon.

2LT Land

July 11 - BLC/CRS Dining Out

2010-07-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

Dining Outs are traditional military dinners with a number of time-honored traditions. What you'll see in the photo set is more like a military Dining In which is a dinner with just the members of a particular unit dining together, normally a less formal affair. But because of a couple of guests and the fact that both BLC and CRS participated this affair technically became a Dining Out.

Dining Outs are normally formal events, which as you can see from the pictures this was not. Make-shift obstacle course, kiddie-pool sized grog, pugil sticks, and food fights led to a very fun evening.

The horrible combination of this and that which you'll see the two officers adding to that kiddie pool is what is called "the grog". Each ingredient represents something significant. When someone breaks a rule of the mess (many and varied) they can be called out by someone and if the MC of the dinner (Mr. Vice) deems it necessary they will have to take a drink from the grog. Oh, the losers of the pugil stick matches also had to drink from the grog, the perfect motivation for victory.

The dinner went a long way to building camaraderie as well as some competition between the BLC students and the Cadet Ranger School trainees.

Respectfully,

2LT

Military Adventure Camp - Winter 2010 and Sumer 2011

2010-07-12T11:13:00.000-07:00

Click to register for next summer or this coming winter!

The above link with direct you to the Initial Enrollment Form for this coming winter, and next summer's programs.

We will be at capacity next summer, without a doubt, and Cadet Pathfinder Course this winter will be limited to 50 spaces. The quicker you save a spot the better to both make sure you have a space, and to save money.

Anyone that makes payment in full for a Summer 2011 program by Sept 1st will save $500 off that course. This discount is only for returning Cadets and their family and friends.

Other discounts are detailed on the form.

If you are interested in a tax-deductible donation you can go here to make one with your credit card. If you have products or services you are interested in donating please contact me at camp@armycadets.org.

BLC/CRS photo updates will be up by tomorrow.

Respectfully,

2LT Land

July 10 - BCT-1 Graduation Day

2010-07-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

Earning the title of Cadet is something that these young people worked for over the course of two weeks. Many excelled and some struggled. The past two weeks were not easy, they were never supposed to be. There is little pride in obtaining something that is easily won.

We are all very proud of these newly graduated Cadets. You should be too.

If anyone has any particularly great photos or any videos from graduation please send them to me at camp@armycadets.org

Respectfully,

2LT Land

Jul 8 - Rappel Tower

2010-07-12T08:50:00.000-07:00

The rappel tower represents the last major obstacle during Basic Cadet Training and it can be a true challenge for a young person to have the courage to start the descent from 50 feet up.

Respectfully,

2LT Land

Jul 7 - Obstacle Course

2010-07-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

The obstacle course is a great way for Recruits to test themselves, both in ability and in time.

More photos from BCT soon, BLC/CRS students can be seen in some picture sets as well.

Respectfully,

2LT Land

Jul 6 - Rifle Range

2010-07-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

Before ever setting foot on the rifle range, and certainly before firing a weapon, every recruit goes through safety training. This way we know we can trust them on the range, and that the seriousness of firing a weapon is taught to them.

We look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow night at 7pm.

Respectfully,

OC Land

July 2-5

2010-07-08T08:20:00.001-07:00

This photo-set will really show you the progression in the martial arts training, which only gets more in-depth as the programs go on.

Before they can start learning tosses they must learn how to fall correctly to avoid injury, they then practice those falling techniques before every training session.

There ended up being a problem with our main camera over a few of these days, so there are not as many photos as normal for these days. But, I am going to ask the staff to give me any photos they might have taken on these days, so I can give you more photos to look at.

The next days' photos will show the firing range, and obstacle course and the rappel tower.

Respectfully,

OC Land

Jul 1 - PUGIL STICKS!

2010-07-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

The beginning of this picture set has some more martial arts training, which is extremely interesting, but honestly doesn't hold a candle to PUGIL STICKS!

We had some amazing bouts that day as I'm sure you'll be able to tell from the pictures, everyone had a real great time. This is an amazing team-building event as each fighter had all of his platoon cheering for him during the bout.

Each Recruit/Cadet is fitted out with the protective gear and told the rules: 3 body shots or 2 head shots win the match. Then amidst the cheers of their platoons they go at each other, some with lots of enthusiasm, some more calculating. All trying to bring in another win for their platoon.

Pugil Sticks are one of really exciting events during the program, but this week they also go on the rifle range, the rappel tower and the obstacle course. Very exciting!

Below you'll find a video of myself taking on three of the Troop Handlers, older Cadets that have been with us for at least three years each, in a pugil stick bout. I think I held my own.

Respectfully,

OC Land

JUN 30 - Inspection, Martial Arts and Mail Call

2010-07-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

Today's photos show a barracks inspection, martial arts, and mail call.

Inspections go hand-in-hand with a military training environment. It forces teamwork as the Recruits prepare for the inspection and reinforces responsibility as each Recruit's area is inspected. Those that fail have to clean-up and go again, until they get it right. So, when the Recruits get home make sure they clean their room. Heck, get them to work on everyone else's too.

Each day's martial arts is a progression upon the last as MAJ Gorman works with the different platoons through the TACMAP (The Army Cadet Martial Arts Program) system. Those Recruits that are staying for the Basic Leaders Course and especially the TACMAP week will reach a very high skill-level and each day's training is built upon the last.

Mail call is a great part of Basic Cadet Training, as letter-writing is the main form of communication during the training. I'm sure you have started to get letters from your Recruits, and I'm also sure that plenty of those letters show signs of homesickness, at the very least. When I went through my own basic training my very first letter home was carefully crafted to show that I was toughing it through but that I really missed home and I purposefully made sure some fat tear drops hit the paper in the hope that my parents might come get me. By the end of the program I was the Honor Graduate and cried again when I had to leave my new friends. All in all the first week of these programs are tough, which is the point. Very soon they are going to start the really exciting training, and will be loathe to leave.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's photos and you'll see just how much fun they can have, all the while learning important lessons, and finding out what they are made of.

Respectfully,

OC Land

JUN 29 - PT Test and More...

2010-07-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay folks, but here are a whole lot of pictures to look through, and another blog post will go up tomorrow with JUN 30th's pictures and info.

At the top of this post you'll see pictures from the first PT Test. Normally PT tests consist of a two-mile run, how many push-ups can be done in two minutes, and how many sit-ups can be done in two minutes. This first PT test was only half of that, so that the Recruits could get a hang of the rules and guidelines for each event.

Tuesday was an early day, as the PT Test started at 5am, so that everyone could get through the test before breakfast. You'll even see fog still on our PT Field as the run starts. In fact if you look around in the fog you might even find yours truly in some of the pictures of the PT test...

At the bottom of this post you'll find pictures from the rest of the day, including Drill and Ceremonies training, taking down of the Colors and calisthenics with DS Connelly.

*Graduation Information*

Graduations take place on the last day of each training session, and will begin at 10am. Everyone should be able to leave campus by 1am. Please dress in business casual, as this is supposed to be a special day for the Recruits/Cadets.

The nights before graduations the campus will be open to family and friends from 7-10pm. Please do not bring anything onto campus, as the Recruits/Cadets are still in our care at that time.

Respectfully,

OC Land

JUN 28 - BCT Session 1 - Day Two

2010-06-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

Hello again,

Above you will see photos from the second day of camp, with lots of pictures from the DFAC (dining facility) and a class by Drill Sergeant Connelly, showing the recruits how to properly make their bed. So, they have no excuse when they get back home.

The Recruits learned many of the basics today, like standing in formation, and are starting to adjust to the new environment they find themselves in.

As everyone settles into the rhythm of the summer, we will make sure that more pictures of each day are taken to be posted on the blog.

Respectfully,

OC Land

JUN 27 - Basic Cadet Training Session One - Day One

2010-06-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hello Parents and Friends!

Military Adventure Camp 2010 has started off great, and we anticipate a really exciting summer.

The U.S Army Cadet Corps which runs the Military Adventure Camp has a heritage that goes back to 1909, and has been holding summer programs for teenagers for many many years. With 127 young men and women going through training in this first Basic Cadet Training session, we have our largest program size since the 80's. We have Recruits from 29 states, 1 U.S. territory, and 7 different countries. A truly unique and diverse group of teenagers from a multitude of backgrounds all here for exciting and challenging training because of their interest in the military.

The first day consisted primarily of checking everyone into camp, and issuing out uniform items and other essentials. Oh, and haircuts. It was a harsh reality for those that thought the long locks would be acceptable in a military environment. This was quickly remedied.

This blog should be updating every other day, and we will try to keep you as informed as possible. If you have a need to contact us at the camp with any emergencies you can call either (859) 484-2100 x 13 or the Admissions Office line at (859) 484-2110. The Admission's line will be forwarded to my cell phone for the rest of the summer, so again please refrain from calling unless it is an emergency. All Recruits are doing fine, some are adjusting to some homesickness, but we are keeping them too busy to worry about that.

To those that haven't spoken to me, I am Officer Candidate Joseph M. Land, Jr. and my primary duties are as the Admissions Officer for the Military Adventure Camp, but during the summer I will also be the Public Affairs Officer and the person maintaining this blog.

I started off as a Cadet in a local unit of the U.S. Army Cadet Corps in Northern Florida at the age of 12. I have been a member of the program ever since, and while I have have missed a couple of summers here and there, this year will be my 10th Annual Training. I have attended training all across the USA when we held our camps on military installations, and am excited to be using our own National Cadet Training Center(NCTC) for the second time, as no other facility is better suited for providing teenagers with a challenging program than NCTC.

We are proud to have the priviledge of working with your sons, daughters, family and friends this summer. Please keep the letters coming as they are a great way for the Recruits to stay motivated. The format for writing letters is:

Cadet (or Recruit) John P. Hancock, USAC
U.S. Army Cadet Corps
National Cadet Training Center
Post Office Box 277
Millersburg, KY 40348-0277

Graduation for Basic Cadet Training Session One will be on Saturday, Jul 10th, and all are invited. In addition family members are invited to come onto the campus on the night before (Friday, Jul 9th) starting at 1900 hours (7pm). More information will be forthcoming.

Respectfully,

OC Joseph M. Land, Jr.
National Cadet Training Center
Millersburg, Kentucky, USA
June 29th, 2010