Last Updated: June 13th, 2024By Tags: , , ,


FORT KNOX, Ky., – U.S. Army Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp participated in Group and Zero as part of Cadet Summer Training on Fort Knox, Ky., July 14, 2023.

Cadet Tyler Martin, Central Michigan University, 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, examines his target during a group and zero at Fort Knox, Ky., July 14, 2023. Group and Zero is the last preparation Cadets get before going through qualifications. | Photo by Danielle Smith, Ohio University, CST Public Affairs Office

“Grouping” is aligning firearm sights for accurate shooting while “zeroing” is calibrating the sights for accurate aiming at a specific distance. These skills are essential for Cadets to maintain shooting accuracy in a multitude of combat situations.

 

Cadet Grace Whaley from Norwich University shares her experience during Group & Zero.

“I was nervous, I am usually not a good shot and never really practiced shooting until I came here,” Whaley said. “This is my first time doing this stuff so I was really happy with how it went.

Building the Cadets Skills and Confidence are two of the main goals here at CST. Cadets come from all over with different backgrounds and skill sets.  

“That’s the best group and zero I’ve ever done before honestly,” Whaley stated. “I am 100 percent more confident in how I am going to do tomorrow.”

Cadet Whaley was not the only one to go from apprehensive to confident, Cadet Jessica Mayer from University of Idaho had a similar experience.

“I do feel [prepared for tomorrow] because we were talking to the Captain and some of the Cadre and they all said that they would feel confident in shooting with what I have zeroed and what I have grouped,” Mayer stated. “They feel confident for tomorrow and that makes me feel more confident for tomorrow.”

There are many skills that go into grouping and zeroing, Mayer shared some of the top skills she focused on today.

Lieutenant Jake Showah (right), Middle Tennessee State University, gives Cadet Steven Camacho (left), University of Guam, 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, guidance on his target during a group and zero at Fort Knox, Ky., July 14, 2023. Group and Zero is the last preparation Cadets get before going through qualifications. | Photo by Danielle Smith, Ohio University, CST Public Affairs Office

 

 

“I would definitely say your trigger squeeze, your breathing and your aim, if you are breathing wrong your shots are going to spray vertically, if your trigger squeezes wrong, they are going to spray horizontally and if your sights are wrong your aim will be messed up.” Mayer said. “I think those skills are really important to practice, especially with live rounds as well.”  Cadets must mentally and physically prepare for all of the tasks that they go through here at CST. Cadets enhance their marksmanship abilities during group and zero which is vital

About the Author: Danielle Smith
Danielle Smith
Danielle Smith, an upcoming senior at Ohio University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing, is currently serving as a CST Public Affairs Office intern at Fort Knox, KY this summer. As she delves into her role, Danielle aims to not only refine her multimedia skills but also elevate them by narrating the compelling stories of Cadets in a deeply meaningful manner. With her graduation slated for May 2024, she envisions a future in the media industry, where she can continue to make an impact. Beyond her professional endeavors, Danielle finds immense pleasure in indulging her passion for food exploration as a devoted foodie. Furthermore, her insatiable wanderlust fuels her love for travel, making her an enthusiastic travel addict.