FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets of 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp took on their weapons qualification July 3 at George Blair range.
“What’s required of Cadets is discipline and the fundamentals of shooting such as the firing position, the trigger squeeze, the breathing and also target acquisition, which is identifying the target.” said Staff Sgt. Austin W. Bowles, Range Safety Officer, Fort Hood, Texas.
Bowles expressed that he felt as though it would be difficult for Cadets who were not familiar with firearms to qualify given that marksmanship can be a tedious task to master.
Cadets make sure that their weapons are put together and functioning before they start weapons qualification (Photo by Breanne Ward)
Bowles also shared his advice on how he believed that Cadets could be the most successful in weapons qualification.
“Motivation and the ability to stay out of your own head,” said Bowles, “because they get multiple times to qualify. If they don’t qualify within the first or two times, they start to believe that they will not be able to and they get really frustrated. I would say to stay out of your head, keep your head clear and continue the course.”
Bowles also advised Cadets to listen to Cadre members and to remember the training that was given to prepare for this event.
Cadets can also use the weapons qualification to work toward the Recondo Badge, an award given to qualifying Cadets at the end of Cadet Summer Training. Cadet Erica Loroff, University of Toledo, is one of the Cadets in the running for Recondo in 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp.
“This is the second event for the Recondo competition, the first was the PT test. You had to score above a 90 in each category and today you had to score a 36 out of 40, which is qualifying for expert.” explained Loroff.
Apart from these two events, Cadets hoping to qualify must also be a first-and-go in all of the testable events as well as completion of several other events such as CBRN and Land Navigation.
Cadets get down and ready to ensure safety before firing at weapons qualifications. (Photo by Breanne Ward)
Loroff expressed that she believes that listening to Cadre is key to being successful in CST as well as remembrance of training.
After graduation, Loroff will be celebrating eight years if marriage in August.
Cadet Summer Training will bring about 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
