FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY – As Cadets approach the daunting rappel tower, the idea of inching down toward the ground causes nervousness and anxiety. Some are novice to rappelling and for others it is seemingly second nature.
While rappelling may be new to some Cadets, others have gained experience from attending Army Air Assault School. These Cadets from 8th Regiment Advanced Camp bring the techniques, skills, and perseverance they learned in this specialized training with them to the 64-foot rappel tower July 17, 2024 on Fort Knox.
Army Air Assault School is 10 days of rigorous training. This school is focused on Combat Assault Operations. Soldiers learn the basics of aircraft safety, aero-medical evacuation procedures, and how to efficiently rappel out of helicopters in combat situations. Not only do they learn these fundamentals, but they are put through physical strain while engaging in this training. Cadets who have gone through Air Assault School often say this experience aids them in completing the rappel obstacles they face in Cadet Summer Training.
Not every Cadet gets to go through Air Assault Schooling. Some Cadets volunteer for this training based off personal motivations and goals, while others are sent from their unit making Air Assault attendees a small pool. When facing the rappel tower, this unique group is set apart from their peers.
Cadet Daniel Keown from Wofford College is prior enlisted as a Sergeant and completed Air Assault School at WestPoint prior to arriving at CST. Keown talks about Air Assault School being the “10 hardest days in the Army” but emphasizes his love for the experience and how it prepared him for the rappel exercises he encounters at CST.
“Even though we did some harder stuff there, you come back here remembering the basics and remembering how to do things correctly.”
After learning how to tie a Swiss Seat and rappel out of a Blackhawk 80 feet in the sky. Keown was more than prepared to take on today’s challenge. While Air Assault School helps Soldiers familiarize and become more comfortable with rappelling, some still get nervous at the sight of the ropes and carabiner clips.
Cadet Cole Glasser from the University of Texas San Antonio has been through Air Assault School as well, but still gets uneasy when it comes to rappelling. Whether it’s rappelling out of a helicopter or down the side of the tower, Glasser has a unique approach to conquering his nerves.
Cadet Cole Glasser from 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, gets in position to rappel down the open wall on the 64-foot rappel tower during Cadet Summer Training on Fort Knox, Ky., July 17, 2024. The rappel tower is an exercise which teaches Cadet’s to face their fears, trust their equipment, and motivate their peers, and eventually, their Soldiers. | Audrey Shaw, Florida State University, Cadet Summer Training Public Affairs Office
“Excitement and nervousness are the same thing in your body,” Glasser states. “So, if you’re nervous, you just tell yourself that you’re excited.” Excitement is a common emotion felt by those who have Air Assault experience when they see the tower.
As Trejahn Mannin, from the University of Iowa, reflects on past rappels from his JROTC program up to Air Assault school he states, “I love rappelling. I’ve been doing it since I was a freshman in high school.”
Mannin’s multiple experiences with trusting the ropes has helped him not only overcome his fears but reflect on them to be able to motivate those around him.
“We are all afraid of some aspect of that rappel tower,” Mannin reveals and adds on how he encourages fellow Cadets. “You’re going to be scared and it’s okay to be scared, but let’s do something courageous today.”
Army Air Assault School has prepared Soldiers by equipping them with the skills necessary to rappel, given them a unique perspective on fear, and has allowed all three Cadets to motivate those around them. The 64-foot rappel tower is an exercise which causes a rush of emotions for many Cadets. With their past experience setting them up for success, these Cadets were able to power through.
About the Author: Audrey Shaw
