FORT KNOX, Ky. – Dark clouds with a promise of rain loom overhead as the buzz of cicadas welcome the arrival of Cadets, assigned to Alpha and Bravo Company, 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, at the George Blair Range on Fort Knox, June 9, 2025.

Cadets reported to the range at 9 a.m. for their practice M4 Carbine qualification, their last chance to prepare for their official M4 qualification that afternoon.

As a part of Cadet Summer Training, the M4 qualification tests Cadets’ ability to shoot targets up to 300 meters away. To be considered marksmen, and qualify with their weapon system, Cadets must shoot 23 out of 40 targets.

Those who hit between 30 and 35 targets are assigned the title sharpshooter; 36 to 40 targets earn the title of expert.

Cadet Stuewart Neal, University of Arkansas, has had years of experience with the M4 and used the practice qualification to prepare to meet his goal of sharpshooter.

“I’m getting comfortable with it, I’m making sure my rifle is zeroed, my trigger pull is good, that my breathing is good and my stance is good,” said Neal. “Basically trying to make sure that all of the variables I can control on the accuracy of this weapon are locked in and ready to go.”

Although 1st Regiment completes the qualification only nine days after their arrival, they will already have three M4 training programs under their belt.

Cadets start with preliminary marksmanship instruction, learning M4 basics and firing positions. They then practice in the engagement skills trainer, a simulated live-fire range that provides after-action review support. Finally group and zero training sharpens their accuracy and ensures they can properly zero their weapon at 300 meters.

According to Neal, the combination of skills learned during CST and the support of his peers has boosted his confidence going into the official qualification.

“I’ve already had some previous experience but it’s always good to go over how the Army thinks is the best way to do it,” said Neal. “What they say is going to help you no matter your basis of knowledge; I feel pretty lucky to come out here and do stuff with motivated people like this.”

Cadet Emma Wiser, University of Connecticut, like Neal, credited her understanding of the M4 to CST.

“I was feeling pretty nervous, I don’t have a lot of prior experience (with weapons),” said Wiser. “I was able to do EST multiple times, focusing on the repetition, and that really helped me.”

Both aiming to achieve recondo status, awarded to Cadets who display superior skills at Advanced Camp, Wiser and Neal had different individual experiences but remained focused on the fundamentals.

While the M4 qual can be challenging for Cadets, it’s a necessary stepping stone to establish knowledgeable and confident marksmen.