FORT KNOX, Ky.- Engagement Skills Trainer is an event at Cadet Summer Training that helps familiarize the cadets with their M4 Carbine rifle. On July 9, 2026, 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, went through EST to introduce themselves to the military standard.

For Cadet Joseph Fitzgerald from University of Wyoming, it was not his first time with a rifle, but his first time with an adjustable stock and iron sights.

He had to familiarize and generalize his misunderstandings with the rear site aperture in the front post, so he could change his zero; a skill he has to learn before Group and Zero the next day.

“Overall, today, I feel like I got into a better position on the rifle, and I understand this rifle better,” Fitzgerald said.

He talks about how running through the simulation was really helpful to him, seeing how the targets pop up, and what qualification will look like. Learning the movements of the rifle and positions was also really helpful to him and getting him ready for Advanced Camp.

Through EST, Cadet Landon Taitingfong from University of Guam got accustomed to military life and standards. CST has also been helping him get familiar by learning military bearings and values.

He talks about how EST and the rest of his training at CST is good exposure for Advanced Camp and getting ready for it next year.

“I learned more weapons familiarization and I learned about the shooting qualifications that we will be doing next year for Advanced Camp,” Taitingfong said.

Cadet Joyrdan Crooms from Georgia Military College was among those learning today, from scratch.

Crooms explains that she came to CST not knowing anything. She came in not knowing how to hold and shoot a rifle, what platoons were, and the roles played in a company. She says it’s been really stressful having to be a quick learner but with the support of the people around her is moving her along.

“The people that are around me, they help me,” Crooms said. “Cadre is also super nice, so they help. Nobody’s going to leave you behind.”

Today at EST, she learned how to shoot and hold her rifle, along with multiple other things that prepare her for Group and Zero and her qualification in Advanced Camp.

“I feel like I can take all of that knowledge I have right now that I learned and take to advanced camp and become better and become a leader,” Crooms said.