FORT KNOX, KENTUCKY- Cadets with 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, participate in the High Ropes Course on Fort Knox, July 14, 2024. These Cadets traverse through different high ropes obstacles and learn how to properly belay so they can safely spot each other as they climb.

Cadet Trent Pyles shares his experiences and motivations for joining Basic Camp, shedding light on the unique challenges and rewards. Hesitant at first, “I originally started in ROTC,” Pyles says. “My Major convinced me to go through this camp and if you like it, you like it, if you don’t, you don’t.  He told me it would expand my knowledge of the Army and so I’m here now and liking it so far. We’re learning something new every day.”

Pyles’ journey through Basic Camp is marked by both anticipation and challenges. Discussing the High Ropes Course, “some parts were easier, some parts more difficult” Pyles says. “Where you had to change to a different rope, while standing on a tight rope was difficult, but sliding on your belly wasn’t too bad and of course the zipline at the end was fun.”

He acknowledges that Basic Camp is difficult, especially with the physical demands the Army requires of you. Nevertheless, Pyles remains optimistic about his future with the Army, although he is still undecided about the specific path he will take. “I hope to commission someday”, Pyles states. “I’m pretty confident in my skills, and I just have faith that I will. I just don’t know if I want to go Active Duty, National Guard, or Reserves, but I think going through Basic Camp will help me figure out.”

One of the significant aspects of Basic Camp is the opportunity for personal growth. The transition from civilian life to Army living can be difficult, but Pyles believes he has adapted well, pulling from his past experiences. “From our ROTC program, we wake up early to start physical training, so it hasn’t been too bad,” Pyles states. “It’s been a little different, they’re a little more focused on the little details, but overall, they just want you to learn and grow.”

Pyles wholeheartedly recommends Basic Camp to others who are thinking of joining the Army. “Overall, it’s a camp that will refine your skills, teach you new things, and even if you’ve done some of the things before, do it again, get the practice, it just refines your skills more.”

Many Cadets are in a similar situation as Pyles. They are not sure what career they want in the future and attend Basic Camp hoping to gain insight on whether an Army career is the path they want to take. The High Ropes Course is one of many events Cadets go through that give them experience and confidence to take on new challenges.