FORT KNOX – Cadets assigned to 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp talked about it the whole way there. The final obstacle – a steep, asphalt incline in the woods of Fort Knox.

“I was praying,” said Cadet Cherise Castillo, Morgan State University, on the anticipation before the climb.

The hill is unnamed, but names are not needed when it’s more known for the fear it causes.

A fitting final stretch for the Cadets who’ve trekked in thick humidity and intense heat for six miles, carrying 45lbs of gear on their backs.

But Cadets like Kenneth Glover, Florida A&M University, saw the climb as a welcome challenge.

“I was extremely exhausted, but I definitely enjoyed myself,” said Glover. “It really showed me how far I could push myself. What did I learn today? Don’t quit. Sure, it’s a lesson I’ve learned before, but it gets ingrained in me every time I do something like this, you know?”

After joining JROTC in high school, then ROTC in college and now at Cadet Summer Training, Glover gets better every moment of every day.

“I feel every day I get 1% better. (After climbing the hill), that’s 15-20% better. I’m definitely feeling stronger.”

Cadets like Zavier Crump, Troy University, say the hill was amazing.

“It made me think, it made me concentrate, it tested every single fiber of my being and I made it through,” said Crump.

Crump is a Green to Gold Cadet and joined ROTC for the mental, physical and professional challenges. With new limits and experience, he wants his service to better the Army and those around him.

“I want to be part of the bigger things and play a significant role in the Army for the development of our Soldiers.”

Cadets like these and others have more than just strength. They have the ability to conquer. Most of all, they have the aspiration to become more, even inspired by others’ example.

“…giving myself grace, but doing things with some grit,” said Castillo. “Even when I’m tired, I always got extra in me. Me showing my Soldiers I got more in me also motivates them, too.”

Castillo originally wanted to join the Army at 17 years old but was talked out of it and joined the Air Force instead. After serving six years, he wanted something different, something in leadership, too, and found that in Army ROTC.

“I wanted something to challenge myself, and it definitely has,” he said. “I’ve grown a lot in a lot of areas and definitely see parts of me that I know would benefit my Soldiers. And just being in ROTC, it’s been a learning lesson, and I know I’m here for a purpose.”

Castillo’s desire to serve started in middle school. For that, he credits his mother who used to be drill sergeant.

Cadet Alyah Blackman beat the hill with an unparalleled enthusiasm, and an energy that suggests she would never back down from difficulty.

Blackman is also a prior enlisted Airman but transitioned to the Army and ROTC because she wanted something that would meet her match and earn her education.

“The Air Force was too easy for me, so when I went to the recruiter, they sold me the dream (for the Army),” said Blackman. “I chose ROTC so I could further my education as well as make myself and my family proud.”