FORT KNOX, Ky. – Tightening their grip on the weapons, Cadets assigned to 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, were hands-on at Steeles Range during Cadet Summer Training, July 21, 2025. The weapons demonstration not only introduced them to a new arsenal but primed them for a future in the Army.

Setting down their M4 carbines at the firing line, Cadets had the opportunity to check out the heavy weaponry the Army uses in combat. Hollowed-out cars and tanks across the range served as targets for the Cadets’ machine guns, marksman rifles, and grenade launchers.

Cadet Aaliyah Sanders, Virginia State University, positioned a target in her iron sights and pulled the trigger. Before coming to the range, the idea of handling high-capacity weaponry was daunting to Saunders. Now, she is ready to find more trust in her abilities.

“Doing the demonstration in the class and with the instructors explaining everything, it really is a lot of fun,” said Sanders. “It gets me excited to see what’s coming, knowing that eventually it’ll be us doing these things.”

While majoring in criminal justice at VSU, it was her criminal justice professor and former Marine, Vincent Robertson Sr., who spoke with her about the ROTC program.

“He said that it was a really good opportunity career-wise,” said Sanders. “It gave him a lot of experiences that translated into the real world. I want the same for myself.”

At CST, teachings from Cadre help Sanders to move forward, but guidance from her family and mentors keeps her grounded on her own journey. Her connection to the military runs deep. Her grandparents, parents, and cousins all have ties to the service.

Sanders is inspired by her mother’s poised nature, admiring her ability to connect with others because of her experiences in the Army. She is developing these qualities on her own journey.

“Encouraging those around us and motivating each other to be stronger is one of the easiest ways that I’ve connected with people so far,” said Sanders. “Here, we all wear Army green.”

Transitioning into the halfway point of Basic Camp, she continues to keep her eyes on milestones ahead. While tomorrow is another opportunity for growth, the fall semester also marks a significant milestone as she contracts into the Army.

Inspired by her family and professor, she hopes to one day commission as a judge advocate general.

“I want to make sure commissioning is something that I know that I can do physically, mentally, spiritually, etc,” said Sanders. “It’s not just me doing a job, but it’s me doing a job that’s meant to serve and protect other people.”