FORT KNOX, Ky.- Today Brig. Gen John R Evans. Jr stopped by Olive Theater to give a welcome brief to the Second Regiment, Basic Camp Cadets before they continued their journey into camp.

Brig. Gen. John Evans, Commanding General U.S. Army Cadet Command, gives a welcome brief to 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp on June 11. Photo by Scarlet VanMeter

SHOWTIME! echoes through the theater as the general makes his way down the aisle, shoulders back, head held high, commanding the rooms attention. He begins his briefing with reminders about what this experience will be like, as well as what to expect.

“By design we are going to make this tough”, explained Evans. The Cadets will go through some of their toughest challenges while at camp but through those challenges he wants these Cadets to succeed and take a lot out of their experience.

Brig. Gen. John Evans, Commanding General U.S. Army Cadet Command, gives a welcome brief to 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp on June 11. Photo by Scarlet VanMeter

“First thing that good leaders are, are aware”, said Evans. Throughout his briefing his main points to the Cadets were focused on leadership. Three rules of leadership were introduced during the briefing, 3. Remember the four attributes of good leaders, 2. Treat others with dignity and respect at all times and the number one rule, ‘always fly the airplane”. He left the number one rule for last so that the Cadets could remember this rule as they left the building. This rule is used as a metaphor –no matter what problem comes in front of you, work it out and deal with it. The general used different video clips during his briefing to show examples of what kinds of leadership he was talking about. By using these clips his briefing became not only inspirational but also relatable from a Cadet’s perspective.

Brig. Gen. John Evans, Commanding General U.S. Army Cadet Command, gives a welcome brief to 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp on June 11. Photo by Scarlet VanMeter

Evans displayed immense leadership skills while delivering his briefing. He spoke in clear, even tones, while respecting everyone in the room. He listened intently to each Cadet who had a question. Even though this briefing was geared towards the Cadets, everything Evans had to say could easily be used by anyone in their everyday lives. His final words to the Cadets were as encouraging as the rest of his brief, “You are the difference.”