FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp, practiced shooting during the Group and Zero training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 17, 2023.
Group and Zero prepares Cadets for weapons qualification by ensuring their Close Combat Optic (CCO) is on point.
Cadet Dabin Kim from Drexel University, was confident going into the training despite not having a lot of experience with shooting.
“I, myself don’t have much experience,” Kim said. “I’ve only shot an M4 [carbine rifle] once, but I’m confident that I’ll do fine based off of what I’ve learned from some of the other non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and officers here.”
Kim’s confidence stems from the acronym BRASH he learned during the training.
“One of the acronyms that we were told was BRASH, which is breathe, relax, aim, squeeze and shoot,” Kim said. “I feel like I utilize those skills really well, and it helps me succeed.”
Even though Kim felt confident about the training, he ran into challenges along the way.
“Some of the challenges are just getting used to a weapon,” Kim said. “I’m not really used to holding a weapon and shooting it, so that change of environment is new to me.”
Despite the challenges he has encountered along the way, Kim has been inspired to continue on his Army journey by his family.
“I joined ROTC [Reserve Officers’ Training Corps] because I had family that served, and I also wanted to help out my family,” Kim said. “Family is a huge part in my life, and I wanted to give back to them.”
Unlike Cadet Kim, Cadet Jonathan Florencio from the University of Georgia, has a background in the Army and has shooting experience from his prior service.
“I have quite a bit of shooting experience,” Florencio said. “I’m pretty confident.”
Even with Florencio’s prior shooting experience, he still encountered challenges during the training.
“Working together is challenging, because we have different ways of operating and different procedures,” Florencio. “It’s finding out how to work together and staying in tune with the task.”
Even through the challenges, the Army has made a positive impact on Florencio and Kim’s lives.
“Because of the Army, at a young age I learned about integrity, as well as other Army training,” Kim said. “I’m able to keep living life to those morals and values.”
