FORT KNOX, Ky. – Advanced Camp Cadet Gabrielle Frankenfield from West Virginia University, 7th Regiment, led her squad deep into the woods during their situational training exercise at Fort Knox, Ky., July 19, 2023.
The STX gives Advanced Camp Cadets extra time to work on their tactical skills. Cadets must build cohesion within their platoons during the first phase of Cadet Summer Training, so they can avoid mistakes when they are graded on their performance later on.
Frankenfield described the challenges she faced as squad leader.
“This was a rough lane,” Frankenfield said. “I always want to make sure my squad is on their toes and prepared for everything, but that gets hard to do when I’m not prepared for everything.”
During STX, Advanced Camp Cadets must be prepared to face an attack at any time, which puts them under more pressure and stress.
“It’s getting harder to get through camp because morale is getting low, and everybody’s tired,” Frankenfield explained. “Nobody wants to be here, especially with the rain, but all of us are going to finish this together.”
Frankenfield’s squad counted on her to guide them throughout the lane. Instead of letting the STX get to her, she stepped up as a leader, caring for her squad throughout every step of the mission.
“I put my team first above myself, and I make sure they’re okay before I am,” Frankenfield said. “The only way to be a good leader is to be a good follower. I’m not going to follow somebody who is a diva, I’m going to follow somebody who genuinely cares.”
Cadet Miracle Murphy from Fayetteville State University has been Frankenfield’s battle buddy since the beginning of Advanced Camp. Murphy said that sticking with her battle buddy is why she has been able to get through the tougher moments of STX.
“When we see each other down, we try to lift each other up,” Murphy said. “If I’m having a down day, she’s going to lift me up, so everything is equal between us.”
Frankenfield believes that her best attribute as a leader is her ability to care. Despite her efforts to show compassion, she mentioned that before Advanced Camp, some people doubted her ability to lead.
“Coming into camp, I was told by a few people that I wouldn’t do well,” Frankenfield said. “Then, I met my squad here, and they told me that they expected a lot from me, so now I’ve realized that I can actually rise to those expectations.”
Frankenfield wanted to pass on advice to incoming Cadets who lack self-confidence or have been underestimated by their peers.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned is that I’m capable of a lot more than I give myself credit for,” Frankenfield noted. “No matter how little you think of yourself, you’re going to find those people who actually do care, and who are going to pull you to the finish line.”
