FORT KNOX, Ky. — Cadets from 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, completed the Team Development Course at Fort Knox, Ky., July 21, 2023.

TDC is designed to challenge Cadets as they complete various obstacles to strengthen their teamwork skills.

“This is a part of our training because the military is not an individual thing,” said Cadet Janyah Robinson, South Carolina State University. “Everybody is a team, everybody is working together. We all represent one thing.”

During their time at Cadet Summer Training, Cadets are given many opportunities to get to know each other and grow together.

“We all knew each other’s weaknesses and strengths,” said Cadet Kayla Ward, John Jay University. “We’ve learned from each other and figured out how to put it together and work as a squad.”

While many Cadets enter their training alone, they learn to work with their squads so that they can leave together as a team.

“I came in thinking I was going to keep to myself, not going to make any friends. Since then, I’ve met some great people,” Ward said. “Yeah, we’ve had some arguments, but a lot of my squad has helped me out when I struggled. When you’re facing these challenges every day, you’ve got to be comfortable with yourself, and you’ve got to be uncomfortable to get comfortable.”

Through their training, Cadets know a strong team is built from strong individuals. These individuals all have something driving them, family being especially common.

“My family has helped pull me up so I can get through this. I don’t think I could do it without them,” Ward said. “I’ve seen now who I could be, and I want to work towards that.”

Cadets improve themselves for the sake of their families and use that to continue beyond their most difficult challenges.

“My family drives me, my little sister most of all,” Robinson said. “I want to give her something to look up to and my future. This is setting the foundation for myself, my future, for years to come.”

As these Cadets approach the end of their training, they know they will leave with a better idea of where they want their lives to lead.

“You really get to know yourself better,” Robinson said. “After this, you can better see the life that you actually want, not just what you’ve been living.”