EWU Army ROTC Cadet Graduates from Basic Camp at Ft. Knox, Kentucky

roberts at basic camp

Congratulations to Cadet Amayia Roberts for graduating this week from Basic Camp at Ft. Knox, Kentucky:

Group photo of cadets graduating Basic Camp

Here is a closer look at Cadet Roberts occupying prime real estate in the very center of the photograph:

roberts at basic camp

Basic Camp is a four-week leadership training course designed for college students, typically between their sophomore and junior years to attend if they did not join ROTC during their freshman year of college. After completion of Basic Camp the Cadet is then eligible for entry as a third year Cadet in the four year ROTC program. The Cadet is also eligible to contract and receive scholarship and stipend benefits.

Once again congratulations to Cadet Roberts and we look forward to seeing you back here on campus!

Go ROTC!  Go Fighting Eags!


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EWU Army ROTC Brought the “House” to Advanced Camp 2019

The Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program does not have an actual “house”, but we do have a Cadet Ian House who had a whole article published by Cadet Command detailing his ROTC journey:

EWU ROTC Cadet Ian House at Advanced Camp 2019


Many Cadets join the military to carry on the family legacy. One such cadet is Ian House. House’s family history with the military goes back to the Revolutionary War and currently extends to his father and brother who are serving in the Navy.

“My dad served for 21 years, my brother is serving right now and I’m here serving,” the Snohomish, Washington native said.

For a majority House’s life, his father was a Naval Aviator, but for all of his life he has been a part of the military family. This wasn’t the only reason for his decision to join though; the Cadet also relished the chance to grow closer to his dad and brother, carrying on the family pride.

“For me, it is continuing the cycle because this is the family business,” House said. “I am here because I want to be here, I want to serve my country and I want to forward this tradition and keep it going.”

At 17 years old, the Eastern Washington University Cadet decided to try to enlist. House soon found out that this task would be harder than he expected.  [Cadet Command website]

I recommend that everyone read the rest of the article at the link and thank you to the Cadet Command Public Affairs Office team for the article.  EWU ROTC looks forward to Cadet House graduating from Advanced Camp on August 8th and ultimately seeing his father commission him next year to the rank of Second Lieutenant after he graduates from Eastern.

Go ROTC!  Go Fighting Eags!. 

Fighting Eagles Cadets Continue to Arrive at ROTC Advanced Camp

Our Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets continue to arrive at Ft. Knox, Kentucky to attend Advanced Camp.  Advanced Camp is Cadet Command’s premier annual training event that assesses Cadets on their ability to conduct basic officer leadership tasks.  Cadets usually attend Advanced Camp during the summer between their junior and senior years of college.  Passing Advanced Camp is a mandatory requirement for all Cadets who want to commission as an officer in the U.S. Army after graduation.

Pictures of cadets From Left: Jacob Villasenor, Hunter Smith, Austin Bristow arrive for inprocessing at Ft. Knox, Kentucky.


The latest EWU ROTC “Fighting Eagles” Cadets to arrive at Advanced Camp are Jacob Villasenor, Hunter Smith, and Austin Bristow.  They are part of the 10th Regiment at Advanced Camp.  Another addition to our Cadet Summer Training team is Cadet Michael Beier.  He is an MS-II Cadet that volunteered to go to camp as an Opposing Force (OPFOR) participant.  During field training exercises the OPFOR role play enemy soldiers for the Cadets being assessed to engage.

Picture of a man in uniform in front of a building

EWU ROTC Cadet, Michael Beier begins inprocessing at Ft. Knox, Kentucky.


Our final EWU ROTC Cadets will be arriving on July 12th for the start of the 11th and final Regiment of Advanced Camp.  Best of luck to all of our Fighting Eagles Cadets attending summer training.

Go ROTC!  Go Fighting Eags!

Good Advice for Cadets Planning to Attend Cadet Summer Training

On the Army.mil website there is an article posted about the end of the 2018 Cadet Summer Training (CST) cycle at Ft. Knox, Kentucky.  In the article there is some great advice from our very own 8th ROTC Brigade Command Sergeant Major Mark Cashman who served as this year’s CST Senior Enlisted Advisor:

Photo of Command Sergeant Major Mark Cashman

“We’ve got all kinds of weather out here,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Cashman, the Senior Enlisted Advisor for Cadet Summer Training. “We want to make sure Cadets are protected from lightning, that we’re modifying training based on the heat and humidity and that the must-pass events aren’t started in the heat of the day.”

In addition to safety, Cashman also considered his own Basic Training experience to ensure Cadets get the most out of their 31 days at Fort Knox.

“In basic training, you’re given two weeks to work on marksmanship,” explained Cashman. This year, Cadets only had two days to participate in marksmanship. “Next year we’re going to give them four days instead.”

When asked about what Cadets should work on most before arriving for at CST, Cashman stressed the importance of preparing yourself physically.

“The more physically fit you are, the more mentally tough you’re going to be,” concluded Cashman. “If you know you can do something, mentally, you’re there.”

In running a program that graduates nearly 8,000 Cadets in under 90 days, Cashman is reminded of the true purpose of CST.

“It prepares Cadets to become a second lieutenant and life beyond that,” said Cashman. “It teaches them the things you need to know, like fitness, leadership characteristics and attributes, the Army values and what it’s like bringing together a team made up of people from all different backgrounds.”

“Bringing that team together to complete a mission, I believe, is the key to what we’re doing here.”  [Army.mil]

You can read more at the link.