FORT KNOX, Ky. – With dark clouds in the distance, rain approached and thunder loomed. That didn’t stop the Cadets assigned to Delta Company, 2^nd Regiment, Advanced Camp, from getting to their destination.

They marched in formation down the roads of Fort Knox with their M4 carbines in hand, before arriving to the pavilion by Callan Hall to receive their Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction.

PMI is an exercise for Cadets to learn the proper procedure for operating their rifle. Some techniques include getting proper sight, loading ammunition, calculating firing distance and weapon mounting.

Cadet James Trujillo, Old Dominion University, was first in line to practice the weapon mount. There, his instructors gave him notes and pointers by providing him a one-on-one lesson. They taught him how to use the flat ground, sandbags and structures to his advantage.

Trujillo was then given the liberty to get comfortable and aim his weapon as he chose. His prior weapon experience came from his time in ROTC, and as a Cadet previously in Basic Camp two years ago.

While attending Old Dominion, Trujillo studies criminal justice to learn the nuances of the law, depth of the criminal justice system as a whole and the complexity of police matters.

Trujillo joined the ROTC because he always wanted to serve his country. He believes the Army and his studies go hand in hand. Together, he wants to use his skills, knowledge and personal experience to do good for his fellow man.

“I want to make sure people are safe and are being served,” Trujillo said. “I want to volunteer and help people, schools or other organizations.”

Trujillo intends to serve in the Army and protect the community for as long as he can.

“I’d like to serve 20 years,” he said. “If not in the Army, then somewhere in law enforcement.”