FORT KNOX, Ky. – It is up to you to take the first steps and make a difference. Cadets assigned to 7^th Regiment, Advanced Camp continue to walk along the path of leadership as they learn how to safely operate common Army weapons at warrior skills training on Fort Knox, Ky., July 16, 2025.

Cadet Summer Training was established to help Cadets become the leader and the Soldier they know they can be. During this event, Cadets became familiar with the M240B, M249, M4 and using Claymore mines. These skills are important to all Cadets as they pursue their future military careers.

Cadet Sam Veenstra, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Air Assault graduate from West Point, assigned to Bravo Company discusses how warrior skills ties into his long-term military goals of branching infantry with military intelligence detail.

“So, these tasks and drills that we’re doing, especially on the weapons lane, is stuff that we’re going to have to do as infantry officers,” Veenstra said. “But even if you’re not branching combat arms, it’s important to know how to do this stuff, because at the end of the day, we all are going to be officers in the US Army, regardless if you’re logistics, combat arms, aviation, doesn’t matter. You should know and understand how to do basic warrior tasks and drills like loading and firing an M4 or how to employ a claymore mine, things like that.”

During his time as CST, Veenstra has already exemplified and was challenged in his leadership skills while acting as Bravo Company’s first sergeant for three days during which, he oversaw men, weapons, and equipment for the entire company. In addition to working with the then acting company commander, he helped coordinate training and was responsible for getting Cadets through the M4 Qualifications event in a timely manner.

Providing a different perspective, Cadet Victory Ubogu, Bowie State University, assigned to Bravo Company shares why learning these skills are an important part of her goal to branch the U.S. Army Cyber Corps.

“It (warrior skills) would actually help me experience, you know, leading soldiers from the front, challenging myself and actually taking up roles that would push me forward, like with my leadership skills,” she said.

Ubogu decided to join ROTC after her enlistment in 2020. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in management information systems. Ubogu enjoys a good challenge, she enjoys thinking on her feet and being put to the test, whether that be against cyber-attacks or with her leadership abilities.

“I love computers,” Ubogu said. “And just being in cybersecurity for a while, I see how much you know, it challenges your brain. It helps my brain work properly. Just seeing different challenges every day, different cyber threats, different cyber-attacks. It’s just very dynamic. And I love working in a dynamic environment.”