FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets of the 2nd Regiment Advanced Camp finish their weapon qualification at Fort Knox, Kentucky June 6.
According to the Cadre at the site, the number of Cadets qualified at the practice range amazed them. Only 14 Cadets needed to reshoot for qualification to pass the camp.
Cadets were given a pep talk by the trained Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) prior to going past the firing line, on how to shoot the proper way.
“Concentrate on what you’re going to do behind the weapon,” said Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Baeza, 4th Squad 3rd Cadre Regiment (4CR).
Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Baeza instructing Cadet on what to do. Photo by Lindsey Crown
Baeza expressed the importance of elbow placement when holding their weapon. When Cadets are in position to shoot, they need to know how to hold the weapon properly.
The Cadets who did not qualify yesterday had to work on another target.
“The Cadets are allocated four attempts to qualify and if they don’t qualify they get an additional chance to qualify on what we call an ALT-C which is a paper target. So they get a total of five chances to qualify for camp,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Halterman, Ohio State University, 7th Brigade.
With the paper target, Cadets are required to shoot 40 rounds before switching with another Cadet. Once the second Cadet shoots their four rounds then Cadre escorts them past the firing line to look at their target. If the Cadets qualified then they are to take their target to the Cadre who are keeping count of who did or did not qualify.
Cadre showing Cadets the targets. Photo by Lindsey Crown
“I was really nervous but once our Cadre sat with us and talked to us I kind of settled down, they gave me more confidence. I usually encourage myself or I’ll say a prayer when I’m nervous to calm myself down,” said Cadet Renay Byrd, University of Alabama Birmingham, Savannah, Georgia.
Being able to qualify with a weapon, for some, is a big accomplishment especially to those who have never fired a weapon before. In order to perform well, Cadets need to relax, breathe, then fire.
Cadet Summer Training will bring 8,200 Cadets through Basic and Advanced Camp this summer on Fort Knox. These camps are designed to help challenge, grow and improve various skills and leadership qualities within the Cadets. If you think you have what it takes to be a Cadet or if you are interested in a job after college click the following link: https://my.goarmy.com/info/rotc1/index.jsp?iom=IP08-AUTO-R1NA-BR-XXX-XX-XXX-MO-XX-X-BRCMAC:IP08
