FORT KNOX Ky.— Armed with only their wits, strength, and endurance, Cadets from the 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, completed the confidence course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 13, 2023.
During Cadet Summer Training, Cadets are faced with multiple instances in which they must exhibit both their mental and physical capabilities.
“The confidence course is an obstacle course that every Cadet at CST must go through,” said Cadet Melanie Franco, St. John’s University. “It tests basically where you’re strong, where you’re not, and if you can complete each obstacle.
Designed to challenge Cadets to overcome their mental stress and push their physical strength to the limit, Cadets can safely and effectively address their weaknesses or fears.
“It’s an important part of CST because it builds your confidence. Today, for example, even though I’m scared of heights, I had to face my fears,” Franco said. “I went to air assault, which is shocking to most people because of my fear of heights, so while [the confidence course] was basically a refresher, for me, I still struggled with the fear.”
Cadet Carson Shell, Sam Houston State University, overcame his anxieties while going through the course through sheer force of will and inner strength.
“You have to push out your struggles, just let go and don’t let it overpower your mind,” said Shell. “A lot of people struggle with obstacles, but [the confidence course] is all about building your mental toughness to be able to overcome your fears.”
The various events and missions that Cadets complete while at CST allow them to build trust within themselves, their squads, their Cadre, and their equipment.
“I trust the soldiers that are here, the [Non-Commisioned Officers], who give guidance, and I trust the equipment,” Franco said. “[When struggling], I think about how if everybody else can do it, I could also do it. I focus on how in the end, it’s going to be worth it — we are going to commission.”
By facing internal and external challenges during CST, Cadets are capable of utilizing the confidence and resilience they have learned in the future.
“If you’re in the field for days, and it’s getting hot, it’s getting tough, I’ve learned to have that motivation,” Shell said. “I’ve built a mental toughness to just keep trying, to keep encouraging myself and [my team] to keep everything good vibes.”
