The ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) - otherwise known as Warrior Forge - will not be returning to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

According to Congressional sources, Cadet Command's LDAC is moving to Fort Knox, Kentucky. ROTC officials did not confirm the report.

But the move will happen.

The Ranger newspaper first reported about plans for this move this past May stating that the move was due to federal budget constraints and the need to have a more centrally located training base.

"It seems the U.S. Army has been determined to make this move for some time," a statement from Rep. Denny Heck's (D-Olympia) office read.  "I am still disappointed by this decision."

This past summer, more than 6,500 cadets comprising 13 regiments passed through JBLM in order to serve as officers.

During the 29-day training event, cadets lived in World War II barracks and in the field as they received training under the supervision of the base's infantry units and contractors.

Warrior Forge has given thousands of soldiers their first impression of the Pacific Northwest.

"LDAC has been a positive addition to JBLM and the surrounding communities in the many years it has been located here," Heck's communiqué continued. 

"I will be sending a number of questions asking for an explanation as to how and why this decision was made."

LINK: Summer 2013 Warrior Forge at JBLM coverage