Fort Knox, Ky. —Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, began a crucial phase of their Cadet Summer Training through the Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction. This training teaches Cadets the skills for safe and effective weapon handling, essential for all soldiers.

Spc. Ocampo highlighted the importance of PMI, explaining that it covers the basics of M4 manipulation and shooting positions essential for qualification.

“It’s essentially how to manipulate the M4 and then positions during their qualification,” Ocampo said. “From here, they’re going to go to EST, and then the following day, they’re going to go to the range, and then so on and so forth.”

Spc. Mitchell emphasized the universal need for soldiers to be proficient with their M4 rifles.

“No matter what job they do, every soldier is expected to be proficient with the M4, because that’s what’s going to save their life at the end of the day,” Mitchell stated. “These basic skills are what’s going to save their lives when it comes down to it.”

This training is crucial for personal safety and mission success, ensuring Cadets are prepared for operational scenarios, including field problems where they will face active engagement by opposing force (OP4) cadre.

Approaching PMI with an open mind is necessary. Ocampo advised Cadets to focus on learning regardless of prior knowledge, as the training could be lifesaving.

“You just need to come in with an open mindset and be like, ‘Hey, I’m here to learn.’ Whatever I’m learning, I’m taking it seriously because it could save my life,” Ocampo explained. “They’re going to use that exact M4 to fire their qualification to see how good of a shooter they actually are.”

This mindset is essential for taking in the latest military doctrines and techniques. Mitchell explained how military tactics and techniques have evolved. For example, soldiers were taught to avoid placing their magazines in the dirt due to reliability concerns with older M16 rifles in the past. Today, they encourage the opposite.

“According to new doctrine, it’s always to put your magazine in the dirt so you have an extra point of stability,” Mitchell noted. “Technology is always changing, and then however many wars we get into, people always find out new ways to either mount in the prone, mount in the kneeling, different ways.”

The training provided by Ocampo and Mitchell is grounded in the latest military doctrines and techniques. Both specialists have been certified by the Army Marksmanship Unit, ensuring Cadets receive current and effective training methods.

“We got trained by the Army Marksmanship Unit, which is like the Olympic team and the military unit that develops the military shooting doctrine,” Ocampo said. “So, it’s kind of like, no matter who told you what, just come in with an open mind.”

Continuous learning and adaptation are key themes in PMI. Cadets are encouraged to absorb knowledge rapidly, as training time is limited. Mitchell advised future Cadets to approach training with a willingness to learn.

“Keep an open mind. Our instructors made sure that we were equipped to teach you. So, we’re teaching you the newest, most modern tactics,” Mitchell said. “Just definitely be able to grasp whatever knowledge we throw at you and be prepared to get a whole bunch of knowledge real fast at once.”

As Cadets progress through their training, the lessons learned during PMI will be invaluable. This training will influence their performance during field exercises and qualifications. Cadets will need to apply the skills and techniques learned during PMI to succeed in the rest of their Cadet Summer Training and military careers. The expertise of Cadre like Spc. Ocampo and Spc. Mitchell ensures that Cadets are well-prepared for future challenges. With a strong foundation in marksmanship, these future leaders are equipped to excel and uphold the highest standards of the U.S. Army.