The George Blair range ignited with gunfire as the M4 qualification of 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp began. Across 30 lanes, with 120 magazines each, Cadets fired at pop-up targets one by one.

The M4 qualification has a maximum of 40 potential points for Cadets to score, but only 23 points are needed to qualify for a Marksman rating. Going beyond the requirement, however, is encouraged. Cadets meeting the 30-point mark are given the Sharpshooter distinction, while those meeting a minimum of 36 points are classified as Expert status.

Qualifying with an M4 Carbine represents an invitation to the future careers of these Cadets, yet some are motivated by those who have come before them.

“It’s kind of a tradition, every Soldier has to be ready to pick up a rifle and support their country”, said Cadet Ryan Fagan, University of Georgia.

Excited and eager to learn from other Cadets, with prior service, Fagan admires the well-roundedness of the people surrounding him. A patriot at heart who hopes to commission as an aviation officer, he shared what he loves about Army ROTC and America.

“My parents, have always made me proud to be an American,” said Fagan. “I mean America’s offered so many opportunities to me, whether it be through ROTC, or just my life growing up, and I say I’m blessed to be here.”

With emptied magazines, Fagan began walking to the line to receive his test scores, filled with the hope of performing his best. His high regard for his uncle and learning more about his great grandfather’s role in history, motivated him to follow in their footsteps.

“My great grandfather was a part of Ranger Battalion during World War II and later went on to be apart of the formation of the Office of Strategic Services,” said Fagan. “My uncle was an F-18 pilot for thirty years and retired as a captain in the Navy.”

Further from the firing lane, Cadet Rakesh Olanda, Morehouse College, gathered with other Cadets in the shakedown pits, as M4 Carbines rang out. The Georgia National Guardsman began in the U.S. Army as an infantryman, later joining the Green to Gold program. Originally, Olanda did not expect ROTC to be his path.

“At some point I saw myself joining the military, but I was waiting a little bit because I had athletic scholarships from football and track,” said Olanda. “Then I, completely scratched that out my head.”

Flying planes during his military career, Olanda’s stepfather transitioned from piloting tankers to commercial and eventually private aircraft. Olanda realized he wanted an opportunity that would not risk his education.