FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadet Gina Lucciono from 6th Regiment, Advanced Camp, played the role of a squad leader at the elevation station during the Field Leader Reaction Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 7, 2023.
Being the only Cadet to be given instructions from the Cadre, it was up to Lucciono to communicate specific directions to the rest of her team.
“I had to give out the information and pass it down accordingly,” Lucciono said. “I had to make sure everyone’s on the same page so we can actually execute the plan properly.”
The FLRC teach Cadets how to work tactically while under time constraints and other stressful conditions. Problem solving, team building, and adaptability are all skills that are put to the test at the FLRC.
During the planning stage of the mission, Lucciono listened carefully to her fellow teammates. Lucciono described the leadership style she used while working in a group setting.
“I was letting everyone express their ideas and processing it inside my mind,” Lucciono said. “That way, we can implement those ideas to the actual plan in order to complete the obstacle.”
Despite the strong teamwork skills that Lucciono’s squad put on display, three Cadets were eliminated during the mission. Luciano explained how her team was going to adjust going into the next station.
“Our main goal is to adjust accordingly,” Lucciono said. “We have to make sure everything is thought out properly so that everyone’s able to complete the obstacle.”
While the squad of Cadets discussed what improvements they wanted to implement at the next station, Sgt. 1st Class Zachery Yeagar from John Hopkins University spoke on what he thought the group did well.
“With this group in particular, I noticed that they came out strong,” Yeagar said. “They’re motivated, they are thinking through the problems, and their resilience is top notch.”
When asked what advice he would give to future Advanced Camp Cadets that will soon attend the FLRC, Yeagar said that being a good leader is all about learning how to follow.
“There are not enough people that are willing to go with the flow and be a part of the team,” Yeagar said. “I think you stand out whenever you’re a good follower,”
Within the squad, morale remained high as the group learned to move as one unit.
“Working as a unit is important because we’re supposed to be completing this as a team,” Lucciono said. “Having high morale makes things a lot easier, keeps fighting low, and is just a really good feeling.”
