Fort Knox, Ky., – As the sound of the shots ricochet off a rusted decommissioned tank, Cadets assigned to Basic Camp, get to fire four new weapon systems during a weapons demonstration on Steeles Range, July 10, 2025. Cadets on the course are reminded of their previous training, remembering the mentors that inspired them to join ROTC.

The weapons demo introduces Cadets to the M7 rifle, M2 .50-caliber machine gun, M240 machine gun, and M320 grenade launcher. Prior to attending Basic Camp, most Cadets have never worked with these weapons before, making this day even more important.

Cadet Emmit Boeh, Ohio State University, had the opportunity to shoot the M320.

“I didn’t expect to shoot a grenade launcher this early in my career,” Boeh said. “The recoil was more than I expected, but it was really cool.”

During his time on the range, Boeh was reminded of his reason for joining ROTC.

With a storied history of family members serving this country, Boeh specifically recalls the mentorship and experiences his grandfather shared.

“(my grandpa) told me a lot of crazy stories about being in the Navy. It’s just in my DNA.” he said. “I want to serve my country too.”

Boeh feels a strong push to excel in the Army and make his family proud in every aspect of his life. Taking the lessons taught into his life at university.

“I’m going through college, getting good grades. I’m pursuing an aviation degree to try to be a commercial airline pilot,” he said.

Choosing to take on as many challenges as possible, he feels that it’s essential to find balance between civilian and military life. The biggest factor in success being the relationships he builds.

Boeh’s connections go further than family, meeting people that set an example and inspire him to pursue improvement.

College is the perfect place to find people with similar ambitions, developing similar experiences.

“During college, I met a guy trying to become a Green Beret. He was one of the coolest, most confident people I’d ever met” Boeh said. “He had a lot of qualities I wanted.”

With his friends and family in mind, Boeh really felt that everyone around him set the standard for his life. Considering his future ambitions, he feels open to wherever life takes him, and more importantly, what he naturally excels at.

Leadership is huge within CST. Boeh explains that if his future plans fall through, he would be more than comfortable returning to teach the next generation of Soldiers.

“That’s what being an officer is all about—leadership. It’s about leading by example, and I’m ready for all of it.” Boeh said.

In having such a wide range of incredible mentors, it’s no surprise that ambition and leadership are the underlying themes of one’s life.

Either in the field or studying in the classroom, Boeh carries his mentor’s advice and stories with him every step of the way.