Fort Knox, Ky. – Lane one on rappel!

At the Cadet Summer Training rappel tower, Cadets from 10th Regiment, Advanced Camp, are learning to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. The 64-foot tower is designed to help Cadets grow in confidence as they face their fears and push through them. On July 27, 2024, Cadet Patience Gbedema, University of Massachusetts Boston, faced hers. 

“There were a whole lot of emotions going through my head while I was up there,” Gbedema said. “I am scared of heights, but I know I want to be here for a reason and this is part of the requirements, so I just try to stay so positive and motivated. I try to smile through everything and just think of the end goal, which is commissioning.”

At the top of the tower, Cadets are hooked on to the ropes by Cadre after having their safety knots and carabiners double-checked. They’re always in safe hands; the real challenge of this exercise is a mental one. As you start to lean back into the L-shaped position, heels hanging off the platform, 64-feet of air between you and the ground, your nerves become your own worst enemy.

“I  think facing your fears is very, very important as a leader because if you’re afraid to overcome obstacles, if you’re afraid to take on challenges, how do you expect your soldiers to follow you? As a leader, you have to lead by example,” Gbedema said.

Having the support of your platoon can be essential in overcoming your fears. Cadet Benjamin Moran, Kennesaw State University, admits to high nerves while atop the tower, but says that his battle buddies, who now feel like a second family, got him through.

“I looked over the edge of the tower and saw that one of my buddies were down there being the belay for me,” Moran said. “And when I saw him down there, I knew he would have my back if I fell, so I didn’t have to worry about falling as much.”

Even if a Cadet does lose their footing on the tower, their belay will hold tight to the rope to keep them safe and give them the time they need to replant their feet. There’s only one way down the rappel tower; once you’ve righted yourself, you’ll have to try and try again until your feet are back on the ground.

“It’s all about resilience,” said Cadet Mason Counter, University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Resilience is such an important characteristic, not just for Army leaders, but for everyone in life because everyone goes through setbacks and challenges. That’s just part of life, and it’s essential that everyone, no matter their occupation or profession, whether they’re in the Army or they’re a civilian, knows how to deal with adversity and just keep moving on.”

Even for Cadets who aren’t afraid of heights, the rappel tower has something to teach them.

“Events like this build empathy,” said Cadet Zachary Budnek, Pacific Lutheran University. “One day, there are going to be soldiers that we’re over who need someone to help and support them and push them to success. Now that we’ve gone through this, we can better understand what they need when they do something like this.”

Before they can help their soldiers expand their limits, these future leaders will have to push past theirs.

“You have to do things that are uncomfortable if you want to grow,” Moran said. “The longer you stay in your comfort zone, the smaller it becomes. I don’t like heights and so this is a good way for me to get out of my comfort zone. And it’s important to remember that every other officer that you’ve ever seen has gone through this, and they’re here today, still alive and kicking, so there’s nothing to worry about. I got through it, and I honestly had so much fun. I’ve always wanted to do something like that, and I’m grateful that I got to have the opportunity.”

Lane one off rappel!