The crunch of the wet gravel beneath boots and the screech of a hand slipping off a slick wood surface. Cadets assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Regiment, Advanced Camp, took on the confidence course after a long night of thunderstorms and little sleep, June 19, 2025.

The confidence course consists of nine obstacles to test the Cadets’ physical strength and mental perseverance. The atmosphere was energetic as Cadets cheered each other on through the inconvenient circumstances.

Eight of the nine obstacles on the course were made of wood, which were slick from the damp conditions. The other was designed to practice a low profile while crawling under wire. The path they took was a mud pit.

The combination of exhaustion and wet obstacles created a greater challenge, as they had to remain focused to prevent making mistakes.

Cadet Nick Johnson, Youngstown State University, showed up with confidence in his ability to complete the tasks ahead, but there was more to it than his own resilience.

“You just have to keep looking forward,” Johnson said. “My squad helped me a lot. They were motivating me all the way through.”

Caked in mud and sweat, the Cadets felt the fatigue seeping in, but they weren’t done yet. As they moved to the rappel tower, they talked about their success and achievements as the first squad to complete the confidence course.

Johnson’s squad moved swiftly as they learned how to tie a Swiss seat and go down the inclined rappel wall. Some of the other Cadets in his squad feared heights or were nervous about completing a task. For many of them, the built-up anxiety of waiting was the worst part, but that was not Johnson’s perspective.

“The rappel tower was definitely my favorite part,” said Johnson. “I just love the rush.”

Although these challenges forced Cadets to face their fears and go outside their comfort zone, they trusted themselves and the Cadre.

“They’ve always put the troops first as if they are family,” he said.

Johnson tried something new by joining ROTC after learning about the leadership opportunities outside the National Guard where he worked in heavy equipment operations. While he enjoyed being enlisted, someone from ROTC reached out and told him “there could be more”.

One of the many things he has learned about being a leader is teamwork. Everyone has a different background and different set of skills that can be helpful.

“Everyone has their own niche,” Johnson said. “So, working together and having that family-like environment really helps everyone be the best they can be.”

Although every Cadet is being assessed independently, they get through all of it as a team. Johnson has developed new skills over the past several weeks to improve his leadership abilities, physical strength and mental fortitude. Cadet Summer Training is not about being independent, it is about growth and pushing yourself and your fellow Cadets to be the best they can be.