Last Updated: June 13th, 2024By


FORT KNOX, Ky. Cadets from 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, worked together in teams to complete multiple obstacles during the Team Development Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 24, 2023.

Cadet David Lucidore from Slippery Rock University, 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, works with his team to complete the “Destroyed Bridge” obstacle at Fort Knox, Ky., July 23, 2023. TDC builds Cadets’ leadership, teamwork and communication skills. | Katie Catterall, Ball State University, CST Public Affairs Office

TDC builds Cadets’ leadership, teamwork and communication skills through the six obstacles they must strategically traverse.

Cadet David Lucidore from Slippery Rock University, felt like his group did well.

“I think we did pretty well,” Lucidore said. “We completed two of the six that we did and got close on a few of the other ones.”

Lucidore’s team utilized strong communication skills to traverse the obstacles effectively.

“We had good communication the whole time,” Lucidore said. “We just ran out of time on most of them.”

Despite strong communication among their group, there were challenges they ran into along the way.

“For some of the obstacles, it was just trying to figure out how to do it,” Lucidore said. “A lot of them aren’t obvious on how to complete the task.”

Working through these challenges can be difficult but taking the time to listen to your teammates and allow others to lead is important.

“Listening whenever I’m not in charge or don’t have an idea is important,” Lucidore said. “I’m listening to what other people are saying, because not everyone needs to be a leader all the time.”

Cadet Charles Liu from the University of Virginia, listened to his teammates and let others lead.

 

Cadet Charles Liu from the University of Virginia, 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp, works with his team to complete the “River Crossing” obstacle at Fort Knox, Ky., July 23, 2023. TDC builds Cadets’ leadership, teamwork and communication skills. | Katie Catterall, Ball State University, CST Public Affairs Office

“I definitely tried to be a personal support by helping people get up on the cables,” Liu said. “For the last obstacle we did, I was trying to just make sure that the planks didn’t fall down.”

Even though Liu listened to his teammates, his team struggled to communicate amongst each other overall.

“There’s a lot of strong attitudes and characters within the squad,” Liu said. “At the first sign of trouble, there’s like 10 different voices trying to say that their solution is the best.”

Despite the challenges Liu has encountered so far throughout his time in Basic Camp, he hopes to continue his journey with the Army.

“I wanted to serve,” Liu said. “I didn’t want to just say that I wanted to serve without acting on it, so I tried out Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and really like it.”

About the Author: Katie Catterall
Katie Catterall
Kathryn is a recent graduate from Ball State University with a degree in photojournalism and a minor in political science. She is also a current Cadet Command public affairs intern. She is interested in pursuing a career in photojournalism and is specifically interested in documentary photography and wildlife photography. In her free time, she enjoys photography, writing, skateboarding and spending time with family and friends. She also loves being outdoors and working around wildlife.