FORT KNOX, Ky. – Cadets with 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, participate in the Confidence Course, on Fort Knox, Ky., July 21, 2024. The Confidence Course involves traversing obstacles that test Cadets physically and mentally and is utilized to build confidence.

Cadet Lara Pavlovic, from Rutgers University, explains her experience with the Confidence Course. “We went through different obstacles, and it was really thrilling. We got to team build and instill confidence in ourselves,” said Pavlovic. Traversing through the Confidence Course served as a preparatory step, promoting camaraderie and building confidence for future exercises.

The Cadets approached the course with a blend of strategy and spontaneity. “We usually discussed each obstacle before we went into it, just to kind of see what our technique would be,” said Pavlovic, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and planning. “Especially for the rope climb, we discussed what the J Hook was so that everyone would be able to make it across,” said Pavlovic.

The course revealed both strengths and areas for improvement among the participants. “I think my strength coming into this was probably my upper body strength. That helped a lot, because most obstacle you had to pull yourself up,” shared Pavlovic. “Weakness? Cardiovascular, you know, it’s a lot of cardio doing these obstacles. It’s hard but also very fun, I enjoyed it.”

Despite the obstacles, Pavlovic emphasized once again the importance of perseverance and support from her team. “I think that pushing through when you think you can’t do it is really important, because a lot of people are going into some of the obstacles saying, ‘Oh I can’t do that. There’s no way; I don’t have the strength.’ And at the end of the day the entire team finished. We really encouraged each other and ourselves to push through these obstacles,” said Pavlovic.

As the Cadets completed the course, their sense of accomplishment and unity was palpable. The Confidence Course not only tested their physical and mental abilities but also solidified their bonds as a team, preparing them for the challenges ahead at CST.