FORT KNOX, Ky. – Near the end of their first week on Fort Knox, Cadets underwent Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction on June 6, 2025.

In a four-event cycle, PMI prepares Cadets for their respective weapons qualifications within Cadet Summer Training.

The events included understanding M4 carbine assembly, their technical weapons knowledge, M4 qualification procedures and mock group and zero exercises.

Teaching them the basic operations and shooting positions of the M4 carbine, regardless of their prior experience.

Each Cadet’s experience with weapons ranges from one day to more than a decade. PMI ensures a strong understanding of safe and efficient weaponry use across all Cadets.

Cody Allen, University of South Florida, a Cadet assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, has over 12 years of service in the Army and a wide range of weaponry experience, and even he was willing to take a step back to learn.

His mindset coming into the PMI training – remaining humble and practicing leadership traits.

Allen described interacting with Cadets who had no prior weaponry experience as fun, “I’m from a different generation so we communicate differently and I get to learn a lot of new lingo,” said Allen. “I wanted to take it (the training) in like I’ve never done this before, come out and do my best.”

As the Cadets learned everything from loading ammunition to calculating the trajectory of their bullets over far distances, many were happy to teach and learn from their peers.

Cadet Saher Ahluwalia, Purdue University, assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, was among those with no weaponry experience coming into PMI.

“Holding and carrying a weapon is a big responsibility, and knowing how to operate it is really important as a Soldier,” said Ahluwalia. “I don’t have any experience with the M4, but I’m really excited to be doing this today.”

In addition to lessons from Cadre members, Cadets’ commitment to each other’s understanding of the PMI made a difference in their individual confidence.

According to Alhuwalia this embodiment of teamwork is essential for every aspect of the Army, not just weaponry.

“With weapons I’m looking to my right and my left to figure out who can help me with this,” said Ahluwalia. “I’m nervous (about Advanced Camp) but I understand it’s a training that is supposed to make me better, a step closer to becoming a leader, I’ll get through it.”

Cadets with all levels of experience can take something away from this block of instruction.

Lance Travis, Georgia Southern University, Bravo Company, 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, has been honing his weaponry skills for years.

Travis comes from a military family, his father having served 20 years before retiring as a captain. He credits his personal discipline, education and accountability to the Army.

“My mindset was to take it slow, shooting is a perishable skill,” said Travis. “You can lose it whenever no matter how experienced you are it will always have that diminishing effect so going back to the basics and fundamentals is actually really important.”

After completing PMI, Cadets leave with trust in themselves, their weapons and peers.