Fort Knox, Ky – Cadets assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp, spent the morning mastering their group and zero training exercise on June 13, 2025.

Group and zero is the third of five training exercises Cadets receive during Cadet Summer Training to get them comfortable with the M4 Carbine.

This training requires Cadets to ‘group’ their shots together in a tight circle on their target, aiming for the center each time no matter where the shots fall. Then, instead of moving their sights, Cadets adjust settings on the barrel to ‘zero’ their shots to the center.

Among the masses, Cadet Kainoa Samulson, Christopher Newport University, came to this training with prior weapons experience and was pleasantly surprised to still learn new skills.

“I think CST has ultimately exceeded my expectations,” said Samulson. “I never really thought I would be learning a lot, however being here with hands-on experience I believe CST 2025 is preparing us very well for the M4 qualification.”

The training exercises that CST provides, specifically for M4 Carbine use, bridges the gap between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ Cadets. Bringing each individual up to date on Army standards while refining their existing knowledge.

Samulson identified similarities between working hard in each training exercise, regardless of his prior experience, and his approach to school. Having just graduated from university, Samulson holds a major in cellular, molecular, and physiological biology with a double minor in military science and leadership studies.

Two reasons make up Samulson’s decision to pursue such a rigorous education while balancing ROTC. The first, a personal pique of interest, and the second comes from a place much closer to home.

“The reason why I really chose that major was because of my Aunt who played a major part in my life, she passed away due to glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer,” said Samulson. “That really motivated me towards science, so that hopefully one day I can be behind the cure for cancer.”

With a course load that requires determination, time in the library and a lot of studying, Samulson credits the Army for his advancements. Explaining that everything he plans to continue doing to support his future, from grit to leadership, has come from his decision to join ROTC freshman year.

“I don’t think I’d be able to recognize myself four years ago compared to now,” said Samulson. “I worked incredibly hard, and never let my end goal out of sight.”

Samulson overcame hardship in college and now at Advanced Camp through a mindset of not letting anyone down, himself or his team. His leadership is reflected by his compassion towards his ROTC class in and out of uniform.

“We’re all humans at the end of the day, I’ll always help out my class whenever it’s needed,” said Samulson. “I’m there to support them and whatever their endeavors may be.”

On top of his major and minors Samulson was involved in over seven student organizations from president of his fraternity to the President’s leadership program.

With hopes of becoming a Chemical Corps officer, Samulson aims to intertwine his passion for science and interest in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risk reduction for Soldiers in the field.

His two cents for future Cadets is simple: if you get to know your peers and do as you’re told, everything will be OK.