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Cadet Summer Training

For MMI cadets enrolled in the Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program (ECP)

Cadet Summer Training Basic Camp (CIET)

Basic Camp (CIET) is the premier leadership program of its kind in the United States. An intense four-week introduction to Army life and leadership training of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, the aim of the course is to motivate and qualify Cadets for entry into the Senior ROTC program.

While attending Basic Camp at Fort Knox, Ky., Cadets gain an experience that runs the gamut of Army life and the responsibilities of being an officer. The course instills confidence and decision-making abilities to become a leader, in the Army and in life.

Cadets spend their first few days learning Army basics under the tutelage of drill sergeants. They also take their first Army Physical Fitness Test, which consists of sit-ups, push-ups and a two-mile run. Shortly after the course begins, Cadets are introduced to working in a small-group team-based dynamic in activities such as an obstacle course to accomplish set goals.

Each Cadet takes on a leadership role among his or her peers while at Basic Camp. Senior officers and newly commissioned second lieutenants coach and mentor Cadets throughout the process, offering daily feedback and recommendations for improvement. As Basic Camp progresses, Cadets’ leadership responsibilities grow as they lead peers through simulated combat scenarios using paintball guns in a field training exercise and on urban-based squad tactics missions. Personal strength to overcome fears is also part of the confidence-building aspect of training. Fear of heights is confronted on the high-ropes course and at the top of the 31-foot rappel tower. Fear of swimming is tackled during combat water survival training, where Cadets jump blindfolded off a 3-meter high dive while holding a rifle over their heads.

The four weeks of Basic Camp are mentally grueling and physically taxing. But the reward of graduation and meeting ROTC standards is the opportunity to enroll in the world’s greatest leadership program and to receive college tuition assistance.

Graduation from Basic Camp has been the first step in many successful officers’ careers. Graduates have gone on to lead America’s sons and daughters in fighting to preserve American democracy and freedoms or in civilian life in the boardrooms and offices of American business.

Cadet Summer Camp Advanced Camp (CLC)

Each ROTC regiment will undergo a 29-day cycle of scenario based training that incorporates the basic military skills that they have been learning in the classroom, culminating in a regimental graduation ceremony. Following Advanced Camp, those Cadets who have earned their degree and completed all military science requirements will receive their commissions as second lieutenants during the regimental graduation ceremonies. The remainder of the Cadets will return to their respective universities to complete pre-commissioning requirements and subsequently receive their commissions.

Each cycle of training emphasizes team-building and leadership skill development. Cadets and candidates are provided with guidance, assigned leadership responsibilities and allowed to exercise small-unit leadership skills in a variety of positions ranging from squad leader to company commander. Camp Cadre provide guidance and training and assess each Cadet’s leadership abilities using the principles laid out in FM 22-10, Army Leadership. Each Cadet receives developmental feedback in the form of individual counseling, providing the necessary corrective actions to be taken before the next leadership opportunity. At the conclusion of , each Cadet receives additional developmental feedback in the form of the Cadet Evaluation Report, summarizing the Cadet’s total performance at Advanced Camp Cadets are expected to possess the qualities of leadership characteristic of the Army officer and to be productive members of the team as well as being prepared to take charge when necessary. The Advanced Camp is not a competition; rather, those with greater skills or experience are expected to selflessly assist comrades to make the entire team succeed. Some Cadets arriving at Advanced Camp will be experiencing much of the training for the first time, others come to ROTC with years of prior enlisted service experience on which to draw. Each regiment comprises Cadets with a wide variety of skills. Only by working together as a team will the Cadets succeed. By the end of Advanced Camp, Cadets will be challenged to put forth maximum effort and carry their new skills with them as they are commissioned as Army officers.