By Jai’Michael Anderson

FORT KNOX – The Field Leader Reaction Course is a series of lanes containing obstacles designed to push the limits of Cadets’ problem-solving abilities. Charlie Company, 1^st Regiment, Advanced Camp, Cadets put their teamwork and critical thinking to the test during the FLRC, June 7, 2025.

Broken bridges, moats and minefields are all challenges posed by the lanes. The squads have twenty minutes to complete each objective, assuring all their teammates and supplies make it safely to the other side.

The obstacles are tricky, not only testing the Cadets’ wit and physical abilities but their teamwork and communication skills. One lane named “The Sabotage” does not have a viable solution; no matter how hard Cadets try, it is designed to hinder anyone from crossing.

The lanes are a true test of each squad’s ability to handle hardship.

Cadet Aaron Goins, attending Tarleton State University, said his squad faced communication issues when the Cadre only allowed certain Cadets to speak during the first lane. They quickly adapted by using hand signals to communicate, opening the door for success when facing similar challenges down the road.

“It was very difficult because a lot of people (used) different hand signs that we’d never seen before,” said Goins. “We overcame it after that one, and we sat down and agreed on what hand and arm signals to use.”

Sometimes sending a message isn’t the most important part of communication. Goins expressed that listening to his fellow Cadets played a vital role in his success as the squad leader during the last lane.

“I led a little group discussion,” said Goins. “Before we got started, we pitched some ideas and agreed which ones we were going to try first.”

Advanced Camp is filled with hopeful Cadets striving for leadership opportunities in the Army. If commissioned as Lieutenants, they can lead platoons, being responsible for as many as 50 soldiers at a time.

Sgt. Gabriel Rodriguez said the skills developed in the FLRC will prove to be beneficial for anyone in the Army.

“They come out to FLRC, they learn to work together as a squad and they take those skills that they learned and transfer them to their platoon,” said Rodriguez. “This is going to test their leadership capabilities, but also their abilities to follow.”

Rodriguez emphasized that true Army officers know when to lead and when to follow. The FLRC forces Cadets to recognize the proper times for each role.