FORT KNOX, Ky.—Cadets of Advanced Camp, 5th Regiment, built leadership skills, June 16, at Alex Field Leadership Reaction Course.
“We are still in the getting-to-know-you process, so we are trying to work together and build better relations so that when we get out to the field, we can work better as a unit.” said Cadet Apoorva Parab, University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas.
The Cadets on Parab’s team were at Station 10, Rope Bridge, and were required to get the entire team across without anyone falling through the bridge within the allotted time. They were able to finish with almost six minutes to spare even though they amassed a one minute, thirty second time penalty and experienced some challenges along the way.
Cadets worked together to get across the Rope Bridge obstacle in the Alexx FLRC. (Photo by Breanne Ward)
“My disadvantage is being short. In this station, being taller makes it easier to reach the ropes and get across. The first time I tried getting across, I fell.” said Parab, who is the shortest member of her squad. “Then towards the end, it all worked out. My team members encouraged me and said things like “Hey, it’s okay if you’re short.” or “Hey, you’ve got it!” That was my disadvantage and my squad members really helped me through it.”
Parab is excited to be at Advanced Camp and cannot wait to commission. This will be her third time at Fort Knox. She has been to Basic Camp, returned as a trainer, and now is here to complete Advanced Camp.
Captain Charles Watson, Missouri University of Science and Technology, led the squad through the FLRC course and offered guidance as they made their way through the stations.
Cadets of 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp, work together to get their Squad members over the wall in the Station 10, Rope Bridge, obstacle in the Alexx FLRC. (Photo by Breanne Ward)
“We are taking the Leadership Model, the Troop Leading Procedures, out of context from a tactical situation and applying it to situations that you wouldn’t normally see or unique situations so that we can ensure that the Cadets understand the leadership process before we start teaching them the doctrine that’s overlaid against the process.” said Watson, who is in his first year of Cadet Summer Training.
Watson hopes that the Advanced Camp, 5th Regiment Cadets, who just arrived a few days prior, will advance in their group development, become better equipped with their TLPs and overall gain a greater sense of confidence from the training.
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
