FORT KNOX, Ky. – Scattered showers drifted over the area, and the day was well underway for the Cadets of Charlie Company, 2^nd Regiment, Advanced Camp. With their M4 Carbines and surrounded by computer equipment, they went to conduct their Engagement Skills Training.

Inside, the Cadets move in small groups between different drills and lectures for weapon discipline before operating their rifles. The groups either took notes during demonstrations detailing proper weapon mounts and the mechanics of the rifles, or they took apart their weapons and reassembled them while under a timer.

For these Cadets, EST is no different than any other gun range—except the range itself is a computer simulation inside a dark room.

The Cadets lie flat on a stage surrounded by wires and computers, after receiving a M4 Carbine, one that’s outfitted with technology that creates artificial recoil when the trigger is pulled. The same technology allows the weapon to be interactive with the Cadets’ targets, which are projected on the wall across from the stage.

Cadet Joseph Ward, Brigham Young University, moved through the exercise with a different conviction than his fellow cadets.

“I’m married to my lovely wife, Emma, and we just had our first kid,” Ward said. “His name is Matthew, and he was born during this past semester. He’s about seven months old now.”

The family resides in Utah, where the couple both attend BYU.

“It’s just me and her and our little kid,” he said. “It’s been a kind of unique challenge because not only are you balancing the needs of an education and ROTC in the Army, but you’re also balancing your family to a higher degree. Finding that balance has been tricky, but it’s been good.”

At BYU, Ward studies mechanical engineering with great ambitions. He hopes to work in systems engineering and project management, as well as pursue an offer to work with defense contractors.

“I’m looking to do research and development, designing cutting edge weapons systems” he said. “Eventually, I’d love to end up in a directorship one day.”

Ward is attached to an aviation unit back home in the National Guard, and he takes note of his lieutenants to pick up leadership skills and practices. He does this to be a good officer himself.

He joined ROTC through 09 Romeo, the National Guard’s pathway to becoming a Cadet. He did this not only to serve his country, but because of his family’s long line of service. He said his father was in the Navy, and his grandfather in the Marines.

“There’s an aspect of patriotism and giving back,” he said. “I feel like it was my duty to also contribute in (serving).”