Two Mississippi State University senior ROTC cadets are being recognized after placing in the top 1% at this summer’s U.S. Army ROTC Advanced Camp.
MSU sent 25 cadets to compete against 5,800 participants at the national level. Wyatt Howell, a senior industrial engineering major from Athens, Alabama, earned a No. 6 national ranking, while Samuel Wilkerson, a senior wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture major from Vancleave, finished an impressive No. 46.
The 36-day training event, held at Fort Knox, Kentucky, brought together cadets from universities across the nation. Advanced Camp tasks cadets with real-world challenges such as squad and platoon leadership; basic rifle marksmanship; land navigation; chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear training; rappelling; grenade assault courses; and confidence-building on obstacle courses. The demanding environment fosters critical thinking, adaptability and tactical decision-making under pressure.
“A pillar of our recognition as a top 5 Military Friendly university is associated with the high degree of excellence in both our Army and Air Force ROTC programs,” Executive Director of Veteran and Military Affairs Andrew Rendon said. “Cadet Howell and Wilkerson’s unprecedented accomplishments highlight this excellence. I am super proud of these young men and also congratulate the work of our Army ROTC staff and leadership.”