PASSPORT TO GOLD
Army Reserve Officer’s Training Corps
Leader’s Training Course
Dear Student:
Welcome to the Leader’s Training Course (LTC)! The Leader’s Training Course
experience is a unique 4-week opportunity to develop new skills, to grow personally, and to
qualify for enrollment in Army ROTC. The Leader’s Training Course is a world class leadership
development program that will instill self-confidence and provide leadership skills for life.
Conducted at Fort Knox, Kentucky, the Leader’s Training Course is not basic training.
Training in basic soldier skills, however, is used as a mechanism for leadership development.
Experienced Army Drill Sergeants also assist in coaching, teaching, and mentoring cadets. You
will learn a great deal from them if you are attentive, cooperative and responsive. Trainers will
assess your leadership performance and potential. This assessment will be important as you
decide how Army ROTC can help you achieve your personal, academic, and professional goals.
While here, you will learn the value of teamwork and how to be an effective small team
leader. Approximately 12,000 young people have successfully completed the Leader’s Training
Course over the past ten years. Each was physically and emotionally challenged; you will be
too. Successful completion comes to those who are willing to listen, learn, work with their
teammates, and challenge themselves. Graduation is an achievement of which students, their
families and friends are justifiably proud.
This pamphlet provides basic information about the Leader’s Training Course, what to
expect, and how to prepare. Your Professor of Military Science (PMS) has other material you
will find helpful. Ask questions, look at the Leader’s Training Course videotape, and talk to
cadets who have been here to get their views. You should also remember that one of the goals of
the Leader’s Training Course is to instill a personal ethos of physical fitness, which combats
stress and is the cornerstone of stamina, endurance, and good health. Consequently, the course is
physically demanding. The better you prepare yourself, the more likely you will be to place well
among graduates.
The Leader’s Training Course staff is committed to giving you the best training and
leadership experience available. Come prepared to be challenged, to learn, and to grow in self-confidence.
We look forward to meeting you.
Paul L. Willis
Colonel, U.S. Army
Commanding
LEADER’S TRAINING COURSE
QUALIFICATIONS TO ATTEND
To attend Leader’s Training Course, you must
•Be a U.S. citizen
•Be between 17 and 30 years old
•Be enrolled in college full-time in pursuit of a baccalaureate or advanced degree and have at
least 2 years remaining in school or be sponsored to attend camp by a military junior college
(MJC)
•Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (MJC student must also have a minimum
ACT score of 17 or SAT score of 920)
•Initiate DODMERB physical; MJC are encouraged to initiate
•Have no civil convictions (unless waiver is approved)
•Have no more than 3 dependent family members
PROCESSING FOR THE LEADER’S TRAINING COURSE
A representative from the ROTC battalion sponsoring your attendance at the Leader’s Training Course will
interview you, verify your eligibility, and have you sign the necessary documents. You will need your parent’s
written consent and a medical power of attorney if you are less than 18 years old.
The ROTC representative will arrange for you to take a (no cost to you) physical examination, which is required for
attendance, less MJCs. The absence of an approved physical exam prior to attending Leader’s Training Course may
delay or disqualify you from scholarship benefits for which you might otherwise be eligible upon graduation from
LTC.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Your host university will address all issues regarding scholarships associated with LTC attendance and graduation.
TRAVEL TO FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY
You are authorized to travel from your home or college campus to Fort Knox and return to your home or campus.
The U.S. Army will provide travel in one of two forms:
•Tickets (usually airline tickets) one-way to Louisville, Kentucky. Cadre at Fort Knox will arrange return
transportation.
•Transportation by government vehicle at no cost to the cadet.
Most cadets travel by air. These trips consist of six stages:
•Home or campus to airport
•Airport to Louisville Airport (Cadets will be met by an ROTC uniformed reception team at the USO.)
•Louisville Airport to Fort Knox (Cadets will be transported to and from the airport by camp cadre.)
•Fort Knox to Louisville Airport
•Louisville Airport to destination airport
•Destination airport to home or campus
For most cadets, your sponsoring ROTC battalion will arrange for all of your travel enroute to LTC. Consult with
your sponsor for details. The LTC staff will arrange all of your travel enroute back to your home or school.
Remember to bring money for food/incidentals while en route.
Attendees are strongly discouraged from driving to Fort Knox. For safety and equity purposes, cadet privately
owned vehicles are secured by installation authorities and are NOT available to camp attendees while they are at
Fort Knox. Special permission from the camp commander is required on a case-by-case basis to travel by privately
owned auto. Please remember that drivers are not permitted access to their vehicles during camp.
If special permission to drive is granted, you must bring:
•A notarized consent of the car's owner for you to operate it, if the car is not registered in your name
•A valid state registration
•A valid driver's license
•Valid insurance coverage
•Current state safety inspection, if required in the state of vehicle registration
Be sure to discuss your travel plans early with your host ROTC cadre. Discuss them with family or friends,
especially if they will attend your camp graduation. Tell your sponsor your travel plans, including your point of
departure. Upon your arrival the LTC staff will discuss your departure travel arrangements. Final travel itineraries
will be confirmed prior to graduation.
ARRIVING AT FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY
You should arrange your travel so you arrive between 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (arrive at
Louisville airport no later than 6:00 P.M.) on your reporting date. You must have permission from the LTC
Commander to arrive earlier or later than the specified reporting (cycle beginning) date.
When traveling by air, ensure you are ticketed to Louisville, Kentucky. Proceed from the arrival area to luggage
claim. Claim your luggage then go directly to the Fort Knox Reception Area and USO for transport to Fort Knox.
If you are traveling by bus, information on how to get to Fort Knox will be available at the Louisville bus terminal.
When you arrive at LTC, you will be assigned to a ROTC training unit. In processing includes:
•Reviewing your physical exam/medical qualification and APFT card
•Receiving your first pay, $20.00 and sending notification to family members of your arrival
•Initiating your personnel records
•Receiving a camp ID card
•Purchasing a temporary membership in the Leaders’ Club (optional)
•Accepting military clothing and equipment
•Measuring your height and weight (body fat measurement if necessary)
DOCUMENTS
Ensure you keep the following documents separate from your luggage. You will need the following, on your person
when you in-process:
•6 copies of your travel orders
•Your return ticket (special permission is required to pre-arrange round trip transportation)
•Copy of your physical exam
•Copy of your most recent school transcripts (to confirm attendance qualifications)
•PMS Pre-Camp Checklist, signed by your PMS
•Diagnostic APFT (from your PMS)
PACKING
Bring the following items with you to Leader’s Training Course. You will only have one wardrobe (6'4" x 3') for
storage of all clothing, camp issued equipment, and personal belongings. Do not bring weapons, ammunition,
illegal drugs, or pets to camp, as these items are not permitted. Bring eyeglasses if needed, as contact lenses may
not be worn during field training for safety reasons. If you have special/religious apparel requirements please make
these known to your sponsoring ROTC unit before leaving home.
PERSONAL AND CLOTHING ITEMS
Everyone should bring : Coat hangers (wire only)
Sleep attire (conservative gym shorts and T-shirts only) Civilian Apparel (for off-duty activities)
Comb/brush slacks/skirts (Only bring 2 or 3 changes
Athletic Socks, 6 pr, plain white, calf length (no stripes or logos) shorts of civilian clothes. Free
Two Locks (combination preferred – keys get lost) shirts/blouses time is limited.)
Towels & Washcloths, white, 2 to 4 sets Jeans
Alarm Clock, small (optional) Personal medications (disclose upon arrival)
Shower Shoes Prescription for any medication you are taking
Swimming Suit (conservative style--one piece) Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Jacket or Sweater, light Soap & Soap Container
Shoe Shine Kit (applicator, brush, black wax polish & cotton balls) Deodorant
Spandex shorts (black or gray, no logo) Spray Starch (optional)
Note Writing Pad, pocketsize Shoes
Pencils, black ink pens athletic shoes, 1 pair
Eyeglasses (2 pair & elastic band recommended) and your eyeglasses running shoes, 1 pair (see special guide)
prescription (replacement of glasses is at your expense) dress/walking shoes, 1 pair
Contacts may be worn when not in training Camera (optional)
Flashlight, small hand held (red lens capable -- optional) Iron (optional)
Military clothing (To be issued by your ROTC battalion):
2 pairs of combat boots, well worn and broken in 6 brown undershirts
6 pairs of OD or black wool socks (see special guide below)
DO NOT WEAR OR BRING inappropriate civilian apparel, tank tops, t-shirts with foul/profane language, short shorts, etc.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Men should bring: Women should bring:
Under shorts, 6 to 10 (see special guide) Sport bras (more than 1) suitable for running
Handkerchiefs Panties, 6 to 10 pair, cotton (see special guide)
Athletic Supporters (more than 1) Mirror, small, portable
Socks, Dress Hair Dryer (compact) or Blow Comb
Razor & blades, shaving creme, etc. Personal Hygiene Items (see special guide)
All clothing and equipment, other than above, required for training will be issued during in processing. DO NOT
bring battle dress uniforms (BDU) or BDU soft/patrol cap from your ROTC battalion. Additional brown
undershirts and military clothing/items may optionally be purchased at Fort Knox.
SPECIAL GUIDE: FIELD HYGIENE AND SIMPLE SURVIVAL
TIPS
•Running Shoes must be of high quality and supportive design to absorb the stresses of long distance
running. Do not bring basketball, tennis or “designer” shoes to wear for running; foot and leg injuries will
result.
•Zip-lock plastic bags, sandwich and quart size, make excellent waterproof storage bags to organize items
and carry within BDU pockets.
•A small plastic tube or jar of cold cream will help with the removal of camouflage coloring from the face
and hands.
•All underwear should be made of 100% cotton.
•Males would benefit from using loose fitting boxer shorts to improve air circulation and rash prevention.
•Females should bring comfortable fitting cotton briefs; designer underwear results in increased irritation and
potential for developing infections.
•At times during training, full bathroom facilities will be limited. In a hot, sweaty environment, individually
wrapped antiseptic wipes will greatly reduce the potential of skin irritation or development of a yeast infection.
Also, frequent changing of disposable liners for female underwear reduces discomfort if you are unable to
change your cotton briefs as often as normal.
•Females should wear supportive sports bras at all times at camp. Lacy/designer bras are not appropriate at
camp.
•To help reduce friction blisters with boots, all cadets, male and female, would benefit from bringing knee
high nylon stockings or thin nylon socks to put on the feet first before putting on thicker wool socks. The thin
nylon stockings help prevent the boot/wool socks from rubbing against the skin causing blisters. Break in your
boots by wearing them frequently before arriving at the Leader’s Training Course.
•Place sole liners or inserts into the boots to provide added cushion effect for the feet. The increased shock
absorption from the liners will prevent foot injuries from marching in boots.
•The physical activity encountered with LTC may affect the female menstrual cycle. Your period may come
earlier or later than expected. The flow may also be heavier. Bring with you a supply of comfortable feminine
hygiene products made for an active lifestyle.
MONEY
$50 to $75 recommended, preferably travelers checks. You will need this to cover incidental expenses during
travel and the first several days at camp. All cadets receive a camp stipend of $25.48 a day paid by check or
Electric Funds Transfer (EFT) to your account at the end of camp, minus two cash payments and applicable taxes.
You will be given the opportunity whether to receive a cash payment of $20.00 on your second day at camp and
then another cash payment of $100 about one week after arrival. Electronic Funds Transfer is the preferred method
of payment; therefore you are encouraged to open a checking or savings account prior to camp. See your host
ROTC cadre to establish direct deposit.
GETTING IN SHAPE
The Leader’s Training Course is physically demanding. Condition yourself before coming. Develop your own
personal workout schedule which includes running (two miles per day, three or four days per week), sit-ups, and
push-ups. Do plenty of cardiovascular training before coming to the Leader’s Training Course.
Condition yourself mentally by learning as much as possible. Ask your sponsor about viewing the Leader’s
Training Course videotape and talk to cadets who have been to LTC. If you do, you will be much better prepared
when you get to Fort Knox.
ADDITIONAL SUMMER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Each summer a number of Leader’s Training Course graduates have the opportunity to go on to additional training
such as the Army Airborne School for 3 weeks or Air Assault School for 2 weeks, immediately after graduation. If
you desire to participate in such training, you should discuss this opportunity with your PMS prior to departure for
the Leader’s Training Course. While at LTC, you should stay in contact with your campus ROTC unit through the
LNO (liaison office) station here. Your campus ROTC unit will also be responsible for preparing your additional
travel orders and ensuring you have been issued any additional uniforms and equipment for those attending follow
on Cadet Professional Development Training (CPDT).
LIFE AT THE LEADER’S TRAINING COURSE
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Accommodating Religious Practices: The Army places a high value on the rights of its people to observe tenets
of their respective religions (special religious worship, dietary, medical, dress and appearance practices) providing
they do not have an adverse impact on cohesion, standards, health, safety, discipline, or otherwise interfere with
training or the performance of duties. Accommodation of a cadet’s religious practices may not be guaranteed at all
times due to considerations indicated above and/or the training environment. Cadets who observe special religious
practices should consult their ROTC sponsor before attending the Leader’s Training Course. (Ref: paragraph 5.6,
Army Regulation 600-20, Army Command Policy, and DA Pamphlet 600-75, Accommodating Religious Practices).
Most religious services are found on Fort Knox.
Use of Tobacco Products: Tobacco usage at the Leader’s Training Course is somewhat restricted, personal time is
limited. Although discouraged for health/fitness reasons, cadets will be allowed to use tobacco products outside
their lodging area (barracks) only within designated areas during free time or as the training schedule permits. Field
and range training will be equally restrictive of tobacco use due to locations and/or training operations.
Drugs, Supplements, Vitamins, etc: Personal non-prescription drugs (aspirin, Midol, etc.), food supplements, and
vitamins may be retained and used by cadets, subject to inspection. Prescription drugs, or
unidentifiable/questionable “medicines”, must be screened by a Camp Doctor or Nurse and will be confiscated by
medical personnel if considered inappropriate/unsafe in the training environment.
ORGANIZATION
The smallest training unit is the squad made up of about 13 cadets. This is the group with which you will become
closest; together you will train and enjoy off-duty activities. Four squads make up a platoon and four platoons make
up a company. Each cycle is a company size organization. Each squad is assigned a tactical officer, a newly
commissioned lieutenant, who is actively involved in your daily activities to include training, counseling, evaluation
and daily reflection time.
TRAINING
The Leader’s Training Course training is demanding. You will learn basic military skills through hands-on practice.
You will develop leadership skills by performing leadership positions in your unit. There is some classroom
instruction.
Your military skills training will include instruction in map and compass use, marksmanship (Army M-16A2 rifle),
rappelling, drown-proofing, basic tactical maneuvering, use of other weapons (machine gun, grenade launcher, and
mines), and, additional soldier skills.
Your chief instructors are squad tactical officers (2 nd Lieutenants), special training committees, and drill
sergeants. The squad tactical officers are recent ROTC graduates, and the committees are composed of ROTC
cadre from universities across the United States, just like yours. The drill sergeants are involved in training basic
trainees for most of the year.
Your instructors will ensure you gain the skills required to enter the advanced ROTC course back on campus next
fall, counsel you on your camp performance, and resolve problems you may encounter. They are experts at training
young people in military skills. They may be blunt, but they will be honest in their assessment/feedback to you of
your performance.
You will be given numerous leadership responsibilities, from being the cadet company commander to being a team
leader. The Squad Tactical Officer will guide you in these roles and evaluate your performance. They will also
evaluate your performance as a team member.
COMPLETION CRITERIA
The following defines “what it takes” to receive completion credit for Leader’s Training Course.
The Leader’s Training Course is not a hurdle so much as it is the beginning of a lifelong process. Consequently, the
emphasis is not on evaluation or grading, but rather on leadership development. During LTC, cadets will be
designated to serve in various leadership positions such as team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant, platoon
leader, company first sergeant, and company commander. Each cadet will have the opportunity to serve in a
minimum of six, and a maximum of twelve, leadership positions. For each of these leadership development
opportunities, cadets will receive formal feedback on their leadership style and ability, with an emphasis on
improving personal leadership skills.
Leadership development is the overarching purpose of LTC. The structure or format that is used to accomplish this
purpose is in the form of instruction in about 27 different military skills-related events such as rappelling, water
survival, rifle marksmanship, map reading, and physical fitness. Many of these events were chosen because they
require teamwork and leadership. Again, the purpose of LTC is not to train cadets to become experts at these
military skills, but to start them down the path of leadership development. Consequently, a cadet cannot “fail” LTC
because of a poor performance in one or more of these events.
In order to successfully complete the Leader’s Training Course, a cadet must attend a minimum of 80% of all
scheduled training. In addition, the LTC Camp Commander reserves the right to dismiss a cadet for illegal,
immoral, or unethical behavior.
TYPICAL TRAINING DAY
Outlined below is a typical training day for cadets at Leader’s Training Course:
0500 Wake up, get dressed and make bed.
0530-0630 Physical Training (PT). Cadets will be taught how to conduct Army physical training.
0630-0830 Personal hygiene, clean living area, eat breakfast.
0830-0900 Move to training site by bus or marching.
0900-1230 Training.
1230-1330 Lunch. (Necessary movement is integrated into this time as well)
1330-1700 Training.
1700-1730 Move to company area by foot or bus.
1730-1900 Eat supper.
1900-2000 Reflection Time. Cadets reflect on days events, discuss a vignette, and receive
leadership counseling.
2000-2100 Cadet troop leading procedures.
2100-2200 Personal Hygiene. Cadets generally use this time for uniform preparation and
maintenance, barracks cleaning, and academic preparation for the next day's training.
2200 Lights Out!
Note: There will be some days that training goes beyond 2200 or even 2400. Night Tactical Training is one
example.
Training will be conducted 23 out of 28 days at LTC. Of the remaining five days, one day is used for in processing,
two days for graduation out-processing, and two days are allowed as “personal time” for cadets.
LODGING AND MEALS
While at camp, you will live in 3-story barracks. There are no private rooms at camp. You will have a bunk bed
and one wardrobe (6'4" x 3') for storage of all clothing, equipment, and personal belongings.
You will eat many of your meals in a dining facility, "mess hall", normally located in your company's area. Your
company area will also have limited recreation facilities such as a TV/Game Room.
Special Diets. Provisions for special diets do not apply to personal preference diets such as vegetarian diets. The
dining facilities at camp will support special diets required for medical or religious reasons to the extent that
AR 30-1, The Army Food Service Program, dictates support. If you require a special diet due to medical or
religious reasons, make this requirement known in writing, through your battalion cadre, to Headquarters, Second
Region (ROTC), US Army Cadet Command, ATTN: LTC, G4, Fort Knox, KY 40121-5610 NLT May 1.
Late notification may preclude support.
POST SERVICES
Many services at Fort Knox will be available to cadets during Leader’s Training Course.
Laundry Services.
•Laundry service is provided at no cost to the cadet for both BDU’s and personal items. Washing and drying
of personal items (civilian clothes) is the responsibility of the cadet. You will receive additional information
during in processing.
•Each barracks does have limited washers and dryers.
Post Exchange (PX). The PX is a major shopping facility (department store) on post. It offers quality goods at
substantial discounts. The non-transferable cadet identification card you will receive at LTC will allow you to use
the PX.
Medical Services. Injuries or illnesses sustained by cadets while attending Leader’s Training Course are treated,
without cost, at Fort Knox medical treatment facilities.
Recreation Facilities. While off duty, you may use recreation facilities at Fort Knox. Fort Knox has an indoor
acquatic center, a water park, golf courses, bowling centers, etc. (Shuttle buses are available to these sites)
WEATHER
Fort Knox summer daytime temperatures range from low 70's to high 90's with high humidity and frequent
thunderstorms.
OBLIGATIONS
You will sign a conditional contract prior to departing campus for LTC. This contract represents your intent to
attend and graduate LTC, and fully contract upon your return to campus. You are highly encouraged to remain at
camp for the entire cycle. Hasty departures from camp because of unfamiliar surroundings or inconvenience in the
first few days are almost always regretted later. Remaining with your camp peers will allow you to fully appreciate
the Army camaraderie and lifestyle. If it becomes necessary for you to depart camp prior to graduation, please be
aware that it routinely takes 12 to 24 hours to arrange unscheduled transportation. You remain the responsibility of
Leader’s Training Course personnel until you are transported back to the Louisville airport for departure. Each year
over 90% of basic camp attendees meet the challenge and graduate from camp.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
You will not be subject to military law (Uniform Code of Military Justice) while attending Leader’s Training
Course. The camp, however, is located on federal property under jurisdiction of a Federal Magistrate. The
magistrate is empowered to try cadets who have allegedly committed traffic offenses or minor criminal offenses on
Fort Knox. As an example, shoplifting is always prosecuted. The United States Attorney prosecutes major criminal
offenses in the U.S. District Court in Louisville, KY. While at Fort Knox, your automobile is subject to search.
The barracks are also subject to search, and your personal belongings are subject to health & welfare inspections.
Laws governing possession/use of unlawful drugs are enforced, both on Fort Knox and in surrounding communities.
Cadets who violate local, state, or federal laws may be surrendered to the proper authorities.
GRADUATION AND BEYOND
Leader’s Training Course ends with military ceremonies to salute your accomplishments. The graduation event
includes a cadet parade, presentations of cadet awards for outstanding camp performance, addresses by government
or military dignitaries, and a reception for parents and friends. We encourage you to invite relatives and friends to
share this important day in your life.
Graduation day is actually a beginning. Having completed LTC, you are now eligible to seek a commission as an
officer in the United States Army during your next 2 years on campus. Your ROTC cadre will contact you
following Leader’s Training Course for enrollment in the ROTC advanced course.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
KEEPING IN TOUCH
During in processing at Leader’s Training Course, we will give your son/daughter a letter to send home to provide
you with his/her mailing address. Cadets look forward to receiving letters from home during "mail call." We also
encourage cadets to write home. Pay phones are available but demand is high during the summer. Expect phone
calls to be infrequent. One of our corporate sponsors provides a 30-minute calling card to each cadet during in
processing.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
If you must contact your son/daughter in an emergency, you should first call his/her ROTC unit (Professor of
Military Science) and/or notify the American Red Cross. These organizations will help you make the necessary
contacts.
GRADUATION
During Leader’s Training Course, each cadet will be given graduation invitations to send to family and friends. We
invite and encourage family and friends to attend the briefings, tours, ceremonies, and receptions sponsored in
recognition of the cadets’ accomplishments.
PMS PRE-CAMP CHECKLIST
LEADER’S TRAINING COURSE
QUALIFICATIONS TO ATTEND
Be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 17 and 30 years with no more than 3 dependent family members
Be enrolled in college full-time in pursuit of a baccalaureate or advanced degree and have at least 2 years remaining in
school or be sponsored to attend camp by a military junior college (MJC)
Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale(MJC student must have a minimum ACT score of 18 or SAT score of 920)
Initiate DODMERB physical; Have no civil convictions (unless waiver is approved)
DOCUMENTS
(NEEDED UPON ARRIVAL AT CAMP – DO NOT PACK IN YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE)
6 copies of your travel orders; Your ticket and any return ticket; Copy of your physical exam; Copy of your transcripts;
Copy of your diagnostic APFT.
THIS CHECKLIST SIGNED BY YOU AND THE PMS.
GENERAL
This student has been briefed that he/she must complete at least 80% of all training at Leader’s Training Course.
This student has achieved a minimum of at least 50/50/50 on the APFT. If not, the PMS has received approval from the
Brigade Commander and the waiver memorandum is provided.
This student is capable of meeting the Army’s height, weight and APFT standards within the fall semester/quarter.
This student has viewed the Leader’s Training Course video.
This student understands that Army drill sergeants, ROTC tactical officers and NCOs will be in charge of his/her evaluation
while at Leader’s Training Course.
This student has all the personal and professional clothing items required for camp IAW Passport to Gold packing list.
A personnel file has been forwarded on this student to LTC. The file contains orders, DD Form 93, W4, transcript, and
other required documents IAW regulatory guidance.
This student data has been entered into CCIMS and verified with the student as of _______________(date).