FORT KNOX, Ky. — Mid-summer rain puddles beneath the Confidence Course as the 8th Regiment Advanced Camp treks in to complete Fort Knox’s collection of obstacles. Self-reliance is a key element in achieving success in the aptly named Confidence Course, a series of challenging obstacles that push cadets to their limits, both physically and mentally.

Today’s highlight– the “low crawl” obstacle was flooded, forcing cadets to crawl face down into a pool of mucky water with a web of wire just above their heads. What, at first, was hesitation turned into a roar of cheers when the first cadet splashed in. According to Cadet Jake Reed, Arkansas State University, morale like this is what makes training worthwhile.

“Nobody in our squad wanted to get wet at first,” he said. “But, after the first guy in our squad did it, we all just decided to go face first.” 

At CST, competition takes a backseat to a far more potent motivator: camaraderie. While outdoing fellow Cadets might hold a brief appeal, Cadets like Reed discover more strength in supporting one another. “It’s not you versus the next guy, it’s you versus yourself,” he said. 

For Reed, encouraging others is a key aspect of leadership. “Morale builds the ability to tackle even greater challenges,’ he said, describing how overcoming the obstacles at the Confidence Course creates momentum to prepare for more throughout CST.  

“I’ve always wanted to be a leader,” he said. “Obstacles like these help me become a more confident one.”

Cadet Owen Traphen, North Carolina State University, echos that familiar idea: “As a squad, I think we’re coming away today with a lot more confidence and ability to push our capabilities,” he said, reflecting on his squad’s ability to overcome heights and traverse slick obstacles. 

For Traphen, mental strength overrides physical ability. “A lot of people have gone through here, all different sizes and physical capabilities,” he said. “If your mental toughness is there and you know how to push through events, that is over half the battle.”

To Traphen, success in a leader is not measured by a cookie-cutter result. “Even for similar problems, each person has to navigate themselves differently depending on who they are,” he said. “Not everyone’s going to have the same solution.”

Demonstrated confidence throughout CST enhances leadership qualities as cadets learn to push through new terrain (and mud puddles) and motivate their peers.