FORT KNOX, Ky. – Loud bangs fill the air as Cadets assigned to 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp, send rounds down range during group and zero, June 25, 2025.

“We’re grouping and zeroing our weapons in order to prepare for the M4 qualification,” said Cadet Joshua Ankney, Indiana University Indianapolis. “Just making sure we are able to hit our targets at 25 meters up to 300 meters.”

The training will prepare Cadets, not only for their M4 qualification, but for their future Army careers.

Ankney, a prior enlisted cannon crewmember in the Indiana National Guard, and his brother were the first in their family to join the military, deciding that serving their country was what they were called to do.

“My brother went to the Marine Corps, and I went to the Army,” said Ankney. “There are a lot of opportunities for me in the Army.”

Ankney looks forward to his commission day, knowing that he’s working toward a better future for himself.

“I knew I wanted to stay in the Army for a long period of time,” said Ankney. “Being an officer, I can plan behind the scenes and help other Cadets.”

Cadet Alexandra Batts, Virginia Tech University, had a different background than Ankney, with family members enlisted in the Air Force, Navy or Army.

“My dad was in the Air Force and my grandfathers on both my mom’s and dad’s side were in the Army,” said Batts. “I knew I didn’t want to enlist in the Navy or Air Force, so Army it was.”

With this long history of military service in her family, Batts, a prior enlisted wheeled vehicle mechanic in the Virginia National Guard, knew she wanted to follow in their footsteps and serve her country, planning to work in military intelligence or cyber security.

“I knew I could do more than just the bare minimum,” said Batts. “I want to do it 100 percent or not at all.”

Whether they enlist in Army ROTC as the first in their family, or with a long line of service members that came before them, every Cadet has the opportunity become the future leaders they are training to be.