Fort Knox, Ky. – The M240 ammo chain rattles aggressively against the weapon as Cadets learn the fundamentals of the M240 light machine gun. Cadets train on a variety of weapon systems during weapon skills on Fort Knox, Ky., July 21, 2025.

Weapons skills helps Cadets refine their abilities with familiar weapon systems and teach new skills with others.

During the testing today, and Cadet Summer Training as a whole, it’s easy to fall into overconfidence. Cadet Emma Ludenia, University of Alabama, 8th Regiment, describes her new perspective.

“CST has only broadened my horizon,” she said. “I thought I knew a lot already. You come here, and you learn so much.”

Prior to this summer, Cadets worked with their M4 carbines back at university. For other weapon systems such as the M240 light machine gun, M249 machine gun, and claymore mine, Cadets learn and test on the same day during Advanced Camp.

Back at home, Ludenia worked as a Public Affairs officer during her sophomore year of college, taking photographs of Cadets in her ROTC program. This gave her good leadership experience and taught her how to handle complex problems.

“It’s helped me learn how to think outside the box,” she said. “Not everything is going to go your way. Learning how to think of something new or push yourself to the limit is important.”

Ludenia is currently studying nursing, but being in ROTC helped Ludenia understand that she wanted to pursue that career further.

“I will be applying for nursing school this fall,” she said. “After two and a half years, I will hopefully commission as an Army nurse.”

With a heart for helping others, Ludenia found her original spark for the Army from a family friend after seeing the impact made.

After joining ROTC and enduring the hardships it brings, the underlying factor to her success was the support along the way.

“I can’t say that I would be who I am today without them,” she said. “I’m honestly blessed to have them in my life.”