FORT KNOX, Ky – As the sound of M4 carbines firing echoes through the morning air, Cadets assigned to 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed group and zero training on Fort Knox, Ky., July 3, 2025.

Group and zero training teaches Cadets how to calibrate their M4 carbine sights to ensure they can hit their targets accurately and consistently. During group and zero, Cadets fire five rounds at a time, gradually adjusting their sights to ensure their weapon is zeroed, consistently hitting the bullseye with their grouping.

Grouping and zeroing their M4 carbines ensures Cadets are ready to go back to the range to complete their M4 qualification. Cadet Adekunle Adelakun, Norfolk State University, feels prepared after grouping and zeroing and has been waiting for his day to qualify.

“I’m very ready and pretty excited,” said Adelakun. “It’s one of the things I’ve been waiting for since I got here.”

Before Cadets fire live rounds at any range, they must complete Preliminary Marksmanship Instruction. PMI teaches Cadets the operations and shooting positions for the M4 carbine, preparing them for grouping and zeroing as well as qualification. Cadet Connor Flaig, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, says that PMI was good practice for the range.

“The PMI was really helpful to hone in on (the fundamentals) and get your zero tight for the qual,” said Flaig. “It’s always good to go over a review.”

Flaig emphasized that the Cadet Summer Training Cadre members are here to help Cadets improve, they just have to listen.

“Know that the Cadre are here to make you better,” said Flaig. “Listen to what they say and listen good, you can always learn more.”

Alongside learning from Cadre, Flaig says that he learns from, and is motivated by fellow Cadets.

“When I see other people working hard, it makes me want to work hard,” said Flaig. “When people get motivated, it makes me motivated.”

Similar to Flaig, Cadet Renee Whittington, Bowie State University, says that her fellow Cadets rely on each other to push through training, boosting morale throughout their squads and platoon.

“Building camaraderie amongst yourselves is a big (booster) for morale,” said Whittington. “Morale goes a long way when you’re talking about needing to depend on each other for basically everything.”

Whittington knows firsthand that depending on her squad and platoon is crucial. Being a member of the National Guard simultaneous membership program, she completed basic training last year and is now at Advanced Camp as a Cadet while simultaneously being a member of the National Guard.

“I learned a lot of good things and a lot of bad habits,” said Whittington. “When I came here this year, my perspective was far different.”

With this different perspective, Whittington has been able to learn new things during her time at Advanced Camp, while being able to teach others from her experiences from basic training.

On top of learning new skills, Whittington has refined the fundamentals of shooting, honing her marksmanship skills, becoming more confident on the range.

“Confidence and humility (are) big things for shooting.” said Whittington. “Knowing those systematic things that I needed to be able to shoot better has definitely made me feel more confident.”

With this confidence gained from the range and the confidence gained from experiences at CST, also comes the ability to confidently lead a team. This newfound confidence will stick with these Cadets as they go on to commission and become the Army’s next great leaders as officers.

“Being able to encourage your Soldiers is being that representation of a good leader and a good officer,” said Whittington.

About the Author: Kristopher Fister