Voices rise above the simulated sounds of shots and consistent clicks of magazine changes, as the Cadets assigned to 1^st Regiment, Advanced Camp, learn about their weapons during Engagement Skills Training on Fort Knox, Ky., June 7, 2025.

Through a virtually simulated shooting range, Cadets focus on the ability to consistently shoot on target. This training ensures the Cadets are ready for the live fire qualification.

Between each round, Cadets rotate through other training stations to continue practicing the fundamental skills needed to fire their M4 Carbine safely. Each station has a specific task, such as positioning and moving with their weapon, magazine changes, disassembling and reassembling their weapon.

One of the many Cadre assigned to the EST was Staff Sgt. Andrew Kortbawi, an infantryman assigned to 3d Cavalry Regiment. He believes in teaching the basics before moving onto more advanced skill sets.

“It is important for the Cadets to perfect their movements and technique during EST,” said Staff Sgt. Kortbawi. “We (Cadre) would rather have them make a mistake during EST than with live fire.”

Cadet Dominic Del Toro, assigned to Hofstra University, 1^st Regiment, Advanced Camp, was there to develop healthy habits and muscle memory when handling his M4 Carbine. Although, he has prior experience shooting at a range, he wants to continue learning so he can meet the Army’s standards.

“One thing that our Cadre said is that ‘practice makes permanent,’” said Del Toro. “If you learned a lot the wrong way and practice the wrong way, then you will do it the wrong way.”

In the Army, practice only makes perfect when you are training the correct way. If you want to be accurate and see improvement in your performance, it is essential to learn from the Cadre.

Each Cadet is individually tested on their performance, but many of them learn from each other in their rotation groups. They have created healthy competition by pushing each other to be the best leader they can be.

The Cadets use training to help develop trust in their platoons through motivation and encouragement. For many of them, this is their first time being introduced to people from all around the world.

“Although cultures sometimes clash, we’re all out here for a joint purpose and that’s probably the part that gets all of us through, regardless of our differences,” Del Toro said.