FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY — At Cadet Summer Training, men and women from various universities come together to enhance their military proficiency and prepare for future leadership roles in the army. Cadets with 4^th Regiment, Advanced Camp, engaged in a series of demonstrations and tests in Warrior Skills on Fort Knox, June 30, 2024. These Cadets underwent comprehensive training, enhancing their proficiency in essential military tactics such as camouflage, hand signals, and the operation of various weapon systems.

Cadet Gabrielle Perez, from East Tennessee State, shared her insights on the importance of camouflage and tactical awareness. “We learned how to camouflage our face, weapons, and equipment to blend in with our surroundings,” said Perez. “It helps us be more tactical on missions and hide from our enemies.” This training is not just about visual concealment but also about understanding and maintaining their weapons. “We have multiple weapons systems like the M240B, M249, and the M4. We do weapons checks, disassemble and assemble them, and ensure we know how to prevent and clear jams,” Perez.

Perez’s journey into ROTC began with a desire to serve and a fascination with the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. However, her experiences and the program’s culture shifted her focus to logistics. “I joined because I wanted to do something bigger than myself,” said Perez. “Now, I aspire to be an Ordinance Officer.”

Cadet Chun Pham, from Purdue University, highlighted the practical aspects of the training. “Today, we’re doing our warrior skills test, focusing on camouflage and hand signals,” said Pham. “Later we’ll work on the M240B and M249.” For Cadet Pham, joining ROTC was a way to give back to the country that gave his family refuge. “My parents are immigrants from Vietnam, and this is my way of saying thank you to the United States,” said Pham.

During the qualification exercises, Cadets are familiarizing themselves with various weapon systems, including M4s, M249s, M240Bs, and claymores. The purpose of these exercises is to enable Cadets to perform specific tasks, which are then scored to help determine their future job positions as military officers. Focus is highlighted on proper magazine insertion, efficient loading, and the ability to clear a misfire or jammed round without hesitation.

Cadet Summer Training is not just about learning tactical skills; it’s about building character, resilience, and leadership. Cadets are preparing to become the future leaders of the military, equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of modern warfare.