FORT KNOX, Ky. – Hidden in the forests behind the rappel tower looms its counterpart, the confidence course.

Made up of several different obstacles like The Tough One, The Weaver and The Confidence Climb, the course rightly performs its purpose: instilling true confidence in the Cadets of 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp August 8.

A Cadet from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp attempts to climb the rope on The Tough One, an obstacle at the confidence course at Fort Knox, Ky. August 8. Photo by Sade’ Wilson

That statement is more than true for Cadet Milynel Ortiz, a student from the University of Central Florida.

While working through The Weaver, a towering, pyramid-like obstacle that doubles as a ladder, Ortiz carried herself with accuracy and speed to the top.  She said having some innate confidence before conquering the obstacle helped her to move a lot faster.

“I had a lot of confidence in myself.  It’s really hard to actually build it through this, but that’s what the course is for – to build your confidence.”

Ortiz said it’s a vital trait to have as a future leader.

“If I have confidence, my people are going to follow me because they see that I can,” she shared.

A Cadet from 9th Regiment, Advanced Camp maneuvers through The Weaver, an obstacle at the confidence course at Fort Knox, Ky. August 8. Photo by Sade’ Wilson

When asked how having confidence will translate to his future military career as an Army officer, Cadet Jadon Arend of Wright State University said, “As a leader, you have to be that example.  You have to be the confidence for your platoon.”

He added that he thinks confidence is important to have both in and outside of training.

“I think confidence is two things,” Cadet Jadon Arend of Wright State University, expressed. “It’s being able to do something, but it’s also an attitude and presence and the ability to show others that you know what you can do and that you’re not afraid to do it.”

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