Fort Knox, Kentucky – What does it take to forge unbreakable bonds and build a team under pressure? At Fort Knox, on July 14, 2024, Cadets from 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, face the ultimate test of teamwork and camaraderie during the Teamwork Development Course. This challenge requires Cadets to complete complex objectives that demand seamless collaboration and communication. As these future leaders go through the obstacles of Cadet Summer Training, they strive to demonstrate the core values of unity that are required for their success in the Army.

Cadet Makayla Dotson, 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, highlights her experience at the TDC during a particularly challenging obstacle, the “one rope bridge.”

Every Cadet has the appointed duty of either leading or following. Although some squads may excel at sticking to their roles, others struggle. Dotson says, “I think the most challenging part was ensuring that you let your leaders lead, and if you’re supposed to be following, you sit back and do your job”.

The TDC often helps Cadets realize what role they prefer in a collaborative setting, Dotson admits to finding comfort in being a follower, prior to Basic Camp she found it burdensome to to work collaboratively with peers. The transition from an everyday, comfortable life to one where she is forced to rely on her peers was daunting, but she quickly adjusted.

Confidence. Adaptability. Communication. Dotson hopes to bring these attributes back home, applying them to her future military career. Being at CST has given Dotson a deeper appreciation for not just being in a group, but also fully embracing a specific role, a strong follower.

“Teamwork and camaraderie is crucial to being here, especially in moments of stress and doubt, the people here definitely help you get over some of that.” Dotson says.

While Cadets face the challenges of the TDC, Sgt. Antonio Luna observed their progress. The pride he had in their growth was apparent, especially as he received a challenge coin—a prestigious award within the military, in his case for exceptional leadership.

Luna admits to being caught off guard when being presented with the coin, “I simply do my job here, my job is to teach these Cadets and I’m doing just that,” Luna said.

Luna credits the Non-Commissioned Officers from his past, showing him what good leadership looks like. Since joining the Army at 17, he never felt like a natural-born leader, but that leadership was something that he had to work on endlessly.

“I want to pass that along to the next generation, make sure that we have good leaders within the Army,” Luna says, “If you take care of the Army from the bottom, everything else will follow.”

The TDC helps Cadets and Cadre alike, honing in on their abilities to guide others. Whether one is familiar with the concept, or entirely new to it, leading is a crucial skill, possibly above all else in the military. Leadership is not just about giving orders but about inspiring and empowering others to achieve a common goal.

As these Cadets and Cadre leave the Teamwork Development Course, they carry forward invaluable lessons, ready to inspire every soldier they lead.