FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets from 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, descend from a 64-foot rappel tower at Fort Knox, Ky., July 6, 2023.

Many Cadets scaled down the rappel tower every day. Each experiences their own challenges and fears, learning their own lessons in confidence, and cultivating an appreciation for being prepared and skilled.

“It’s to get Cadets comfortable with rappelling down the tower and off the open side of a tower,” said Cadet Nick Hagan, Virginia Tech. “It’s also really good for building confidence, just overall as a Cadet, and that’ll translate into the field.”

There are some Cadets, who go to the rappel tower and enjoyed the experience fully, unrattled by fear and embracing the adrenaline rush. In hopes of becoming a member of an air assault or airborne Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit that completes missions requiring rappel skills.

Hagan is one Cadet who readily seized the opportunity to sharpen his abilities.

“I liked the open side rappel a lot more [than the wall side], because it’s faster and you don’t have to jump in a specific way,” Hagan said. “On the walled side, you have to kind of jump out, come back in, and make sure you set your feet right. It’s an adrenaline rush.

Cadet Brodie Chandler, North Georgia University, who also enjoyed the rappel tower, wishes to become a Cavalry Scout with the possibility of going airborne. He felt that he learned an important lesson by embracing the feeling of adrenaline and trust.

“[Rappelling] is just trusting in your cadre, trusting in the gear that you have, and trusting in the people down below you,” Chandler said.

However, in contrast, there are some Cadets who go to the rappel tower afraid of heights or have anxiety about attempting to descend.

“I was hysterical the first two times that I did it but, on the last try, I think I did pretty good,” said Cadet Makhia Smith, Savannah State University. “When I went on the third one, it was slightly better. I was shaking just a little bit when I started going down, but the Cadre talked me through it, and I did it
successfully.”

Smith managed to confront her fears, acknowledging the confidence she has now and the lessons she learned in trusting.

“You have to get out of your head, and you have to sort of convince yourself that you can do it,” Smith said. “The first time I [rappelled], I did not believe they had me, but when I failed, they caught me. You just got to have faith.”