Leader's Training Course

The Lt. Gen. Timothy J. Maude Complex is the home of U.S. Army Accessions Command and Human Resources Command. Construction was completed on the $199.4 million structure June 3, 2010. Photo courtesy of U.S. Army Accessions Command Public Affairs

ROTC Cadets attending the Leader’s Training Course see only a small part of the day-to-day life at Fort Knox, an Army post in the midst of transformation.

For the better part of seven decades, the post served as the home of armor and cavalry for the U.S. Army.

That era comes to an end officially in September, when the Armor School completes its move to Fort Benning, Ga. Taking its place, and leadership of the post, is the U.S. Army Accessions Command, which oversees the recruiting of Soldiers for the Army. Accessions oversees U.S. Army Recruiting Command and U.S. Army Cadet Command. Recruiting Command is in charge of bringing in enlisted Soldiers, Cadet Command administers the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Accessions and Cadet Command took up residence on the post this year.

But the thundering sound of main guns on tanks firing can still be heard on distant ranges as a frequent reminder of the post’s lontime mission.

The post is much more than barracks, training areas and tank ranges.

Fort Knox is a community designed to meet the unique needs of its residents, including single and married Soldiers.

It is the sixth-largest urban area in Kentucky.

Fort Knox is a working city comprising more than 2,370 buildings totaling 12.8 million square feet. Of those, 1,277 buildings are family housing. Many of those family housing buildings are multi-unit. There are 2,711 family housing units on the post. Quarters for married Soldiers range from the spacious residence of the post’s commanding general to townhouses and duplexes.

A married second lieutenant is eligible for housing on post. They would be assigned a two- or three-bedroom unit, depending on the size of his or her family. A single lieutenant is eligible for efficiency-style apartments. When quarters on post are unavailable, Soldiers eligible for housing are given quarters allowance to help offset the cost of housing in surrounding civilian communities.

There are 250 miles of roadways, 46 bridges and eight dams on the post, which has a total surface area of 170 square miles.

Fort Knox also has its own school system for approximately 4,000 children from kindergarten through high school. The post’s eight schools, including elementary, middle and high schools, are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offer a variety of programs, including special education for disabled and talented and gifted students.

Health care is essential to any community, and Fort Knox is no exception. The post is a leader in the community in providing care for both active and retirees.

Recreational activities are also available for Soldiers and their families. Swimming pools, bowling centers, golf courses, gymnasiums and fitness centers are just a few ways to pass the time.

Although the tank once served as a powerful symbol of Fort Knox, many people associate the post with gold. The U.S. Bullion Depository, or gold vault, is here and is operated by the U.S. Treasury Department. Clearly visible from U.S. 31W, the white building is strictly off-limits.

Cadets wait for instructions during a physical training test

Earning a gold bar and becoming an Army leader is a process, of which the

Leader’s Training Course is only the first step. But even that first step involves a series of growth.

The course is broken down into three distinct phases.

Phase One: Soldier First

Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth McKinney, a drill sergeant, checks Cadets from Alpha Co. into their barracks at the beginning of LTC 2009. Photos by Mackenzie Reiss -Leader

This is a basic introduction to the Army aimed at teaching Cadets skills and knowledge necessary to successfully participate in the next three phases.

Cadets have described this phase, which covers the first few days of the course, as “teaching them what right looks like.”

Specifically, Cadets learn military customs and courtesies, such as saluting, how to wear the Army uniform, how to march and organize their living area. Cadets will get to know their peers during this initial phase.

They also will be introduced to the physical training program and take a diagnostic PT test, as well as go through various stages of in-processing.

There is no formal evaluation on leadership in this period. Training is conducted by drill sergeants.

Phase Two: Warrior Leader

To expose the least amount of her body to the enemy as possible, Cadet Catherine Hicks, from the University of South Carolina, kneels into a firing position to check for enemy forces. Photo by Mackenzie Reiss/Leader

This part of the Leader’s Training Course covers adventure training, which builds both Cadet self-confidence and unit esprit-de-corps. The focus in the beginning of these three weeks is on individual skills. As this phase progresses, Cadets learn more about working in the group and squad dynamic.

Cadets continue to hone their basic military skills in order to function as a small-group member.

In this phase, Cadets will take part in a variety of individual and squad-level exercises. Leadership roles will change every 24 hours, with new assessments given at the end of each day.

Cadets will be asked to assess themselves and their peers.

This phase’s capstone exercise is the field training exercise, covering 3½ days. The FTX is considered one of the most enjoyable segments of LTC.

Cadets are exposed to squad-level operations where cadre assess the Cadet’s leadership ability in a field environment. They will spend all of their time in the field, moving tactically along squad tactics lanes, engaging opposition forces made up of seasoned cadre as they assault bunkers and react, as well as carry out, ambush scenarios.

The main focus of the FTX is small-unit tactics and combat training, in which Cadets will use paintball guns.

The field training exercise is intentionally tough and introduces the element of stress. Throughout the exercise, Cadets encounter physical and mental obstacles that challenge them as a person, a Cadet and a leader. Cadets also will be introduced to the Warrior Ethos, the code by which Soldiers live.

Phase 3: Future Leader

This portion of training, the final few days of the course, introduces Cadets to the social aspect of the Army. Final briefings are conducted, as well as a family day in conjunction with a Cadet-run graduation ceremony where all are welcome to attend.

Cadets will clean and turn in equipment. Perhaps most importantly, they will receive final feedback and assessments, including a personal development plan for future use.

Fort Knox a small, bustling city

Three phases to graduation

Phase One: Soldier First

Phase Two: Warrior Leader

Phase 3: Future Leader