Col. Ricci highlights Fort Knox role and relationships during Chamber breakfast

Fort Knox Garrison Commander Colonel Christopher Ricci says Fort Knox may have changed shape since the armor days, but the installation remains a “strategic, critical, and high functioning Army base.”

“In fact, we’re currently right in the middle of Cadet Summer Training right now,” Ricci said. “That is the largest annual training event for the Army, so we’ve got over 10,000 cadets from colleges and universities across the country descending on Fort Knox for training across this span of 100 days of summer. Additionally, over 5,000 cadre from across the Army are on post to assist in the training of these cadets.”

Ricci was the featured speaker during the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce’s June Business at Breakfast event, held Thursday at the Colvin Community Center in Radcliff.

Ricci discussed the command operations that are located at Fort Knox and their relationship to other operations in the Army. The colonel also said Fort Knox’s importance to the Army is evidenced by the construction of the Digital Air-Ground Integration Range, or DAGIR, at Fort Knox’s Yano Range, making it one of only three such ranges in the Army and the only one located east of the Mississippi River.

“DAGIR allows for all manner of tank, gravity fighting vehicle, aviation, mounted, and dismounted training and allows for integration of air and ground unit training simultaneously,” Ricci said “It’s a huge deal for the Department of Defense, the Army, and the greater Fort Knox community. It was a $56 million investment to make this range possible, but it’s been made to ensure our troops are the best trained in the world.”

Ricci said Fort Knox tries its best to alert the surrounding area of training activity and to limit the noise when they can in order to be good neighbors. He closed by recognizing Fort Knox’s gratitude for the support offered by area communities.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have the relationships that we do with all of the leaders in this community, and all the folks that are in this room right now,” Ricci said. “It’s something we don’t take for granted and we look forward to advancing in the years to come. Again, thanks for your time. We hope you know that your positive support to the soldiers, families, and civilians who live, work, and play on Fort Knox is without a doubt appreciated and absolutely contributes to the success of Fort Knox.”

Ricci encouraged anybody interested to visit Fort Knox. Information on the necessary passes can be found on the installation’s website.