FORT KNOX, Ky. – U.S. Army Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, participated in the Field Leader Reaction Course as part of Cadet Summer Training on Fort Knox, Ky., July 20, 2023.

During the FLRC, Cadets go through a series of obstacles that test both their mental and physical skills while also seeing how well they can work as a team. 

Cadet Michael Zirpola from Troy University shares his experience at the FLRC.

“It’s going great, we are working as a team and we’ve got a lot of unit cohesion,” Zirpola said. “We are faced with challenges and obstacles but we’ve come victorious and we found solutions for both through teamwork and unit cohesion.”

Some Cadets come in with experience prior to joining the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, Zirpola shared his experience.

“I did about 10 years in the Marine Corps Reserve, with some active time and then I transitioned to the Army enlisted side,” Zirpola said. “I saw a great opportunity to further my career and help those around me with pursuing a commission and becoming a United States Army Officer.”

Zirpola was not the only Cadet with prior service, Cadet Joesph Perez from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, was an Army Infantry Soldier and discussed how he uses that experience here at CST.

“I have done some of these obstacles before on different training sites,” Perez said. I think by doing actual missions and objectives you learn your role and how to help others.”

Perez then discussed the differences between the transition from his past service to his current leadership training.

“It is more fun but it’s also a little more stressful because I have responsibilities, if things go awry, now I have to answer for it,” Perez said. “It is definitely more rewarding to have the power to make those decisions, see your plans go through, and get to take care of soldiers how you want.” 

Zirpola left off on what part of CST he was most looking forward to.

“I would say it is probably the culminating event of being in the field and running lanes together, being graded and working hand in hand with our Cadre,” Zirpola said. “Really developing that team camaraderie and finding a great objective and outstanding mission!”