FORT KNOX, Kentucky – Cadets with 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, take a virtual step toward their marksmanship qualification through completion of the Engagement Skills Trainer on Fort Knox, July 15, 2024. A virtual shooting simulator, EST allows Cadets to practice their fundamental skills in firing their M4 Carbine in a controlled indoor environment before engaging in live fire at the range.

Groups of Cadets practice their shooting positions as they wait to be tested. With this time to practice, Cadets are also given the opportunity to converse with each other, giving out advice and reassurance for the exercise to come. It is only the first week of Cadet Summer Training for 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, but there is an evident comradery forming between these Cadets.

Cadet Eleyah Armstrong, Virginia Military Institute, believes it is sharing a common goal that allows Cadets to form strong bonds so quickly during Cadet Summer Training.

“We’re all trying to commission as an officer so we’re all trying to learn the same tactics and the same skills,” said Armstrong

A psychology major at Virginia Military Institute, Armstrong hopes to help people and network many different relationships during her time in the Army. She plans to do so by commissioning into the Adjutant General Branch

Practicing alongside Armstrong is Cadet Kokiatou Kaba, St. John University, New York, who agrees that it is facing challenges together which bonds Cadets.

“We’re all in the suck together. We’re open and honest with each other. Everyone doesn’t got it all 100% figured out,” said Armstrong

Embracing the struggle alongside their comrades, Cadets take the initiative as leaders to guide each other to success.“I’m in Bravo Company. And what I can say about Bravo Company is right now, we’re a team,” Armstrong said. “We’re working together like if one person is lacking something and one person will help them or give them knowledge on a skill set that they may not have knowledge on before.”

Initially struggling with EST, Armstrong recounts the advice given to her by a fellow cadet during the exercise to improve her technique. “When I first went into the stimulation, I didn’t really know how to pull the trigger at a steady slow pace. I also didn’t know how to control my breathing. She [the Cadet] was telling me, slow down my breathing, don’t focus on it and keep my M4 steady, when I pulled the trigger don’t pull it too fast. So that was helpful”.

Armstrong expressed appreciation for the assistance, crediting the interaction for helping her stay motivated to qualify.

These connections drive Cadets to bring out their best, for both themselves and their teammates, as they progress through Cadet Summer Training. Kaba appreciates this aspect of the program for bringing her and her fellow Cadets together.

“We’re all from different states. I’m from New York, Eleyah is from Virginia, and Mackenzi [Cadet Mackenzi Zimmerman, South Carolina State University] is from South Carolina. We never would have crossed paths if it wasn’t for this program. I’m pretty sure I can see us as lifelong friends.”

After completion of EST, the Cadets of 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, will head to the Ground and Zero Range for their final day of preparation before they complete their marksmanship qualifications.

Cadet Mackenzi Zimmerman, South Carolina State University, Cadet Rokiatou Kaba, St John’s University, and Cadet Eleyah Armstrong, Virginia Military Institute, 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, pose for a photo at the Engagement Skills Trainer exercise as part of Cadet Summer Training, June 15, 2024, on Fort Knox, Ky. EST is a virtual shooting range designed for Cadets to practice and their fundamental skills in firing their M4 Carbine.