FORT KNOX, Kentucky. – Cadets from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, took on the Field Leadership Reaction Course, July 18, 2024, on Fort Knox. The FLRC is utilized to develop Cadets’ leadership skills by simulating scenarios that require communication and teamwork with their battle buddies. Each station has equipment, such as ladders and planks, and must be completed before time runs out.

As teams rotate between obstacle courses, Cadets are given opportunities to utilize their leadership abilities to help their squad complete their mission. Cadet Alex Rodriguez, Texas Tech University, explained how important it is to work as a team.

“The course builds chemistry that we need before we go to the field,” Rodriguez said. “We do different tasks that make you work as a team, communicate, and not second guess each other.”

One of the many stations in the FLRC is Cliffhanger. Cadets are tasked to successfully transfer each squad member to the opposite end on a one rope bridge. The catch: one of their members is injured and must be transferred on a medical evacuation sled. Rodriguez explained how important chemistry is and can be the difference between a successful or unsuccessful mission.

“The first day we all met together, we clicked,” Rodriguez said. “We all know our strengths and weaknesses. Some are good at rope tying and some are better at getting across the rope. It works as a big function together.”

An element to the FLRC is the role of the Cadre. The course requires Cadets to brainstorm and plan together, meaning that besides explaining the rules of their station, their guidance is purposefully absent. This is an aspect that prepares Cadets to become future leaders.

“FLRC is designed to get Cadets to think innovatively,” Staff Sgt. Morocho, FLRC Cadre, said. “They came to Advanced Camp with a lot of knowledge and they’re able to apply it to their mission and test what they can do. It enhances what they already know and builds on that for their MS IV (senior) year, so they come out with a lot more knowledge and proficiency.”

But as Cadets mentally and physically push themselves in, sometimes, awkward or uncomfortable positions to complete their mission, Cadre must carefully inspect their progress to ensure teams are working together safely. One of the times they can advise teams is to inform them about what they can or cannot do.

“I make sure they’re doing everything safely. But other than that, I let them figure it out,” Staff Sgt. Morocho said. “At the end when we do our after-action review, I give them probing questions. Some missions are successful, some of them aren’t. But those questions make them realize what they could’ve done differently or what could’ve worked better.”

As 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, progresses through their Cadet Summer Training by completing the FLRC, Cadets will continue to develop and learn. Skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and leadership will be crucial in their future training.