FORT KNOX, Ky. – The sun beams over Fort Knox, June 12, 2025, with fair humidity. Perfect for putting Cadets assigned to Charlie Company, 2nd Regiment, 1st platoon, Advanced Camp, to the test, like the Field Leader Reaction Course.
The FLRC is a challenging series of problem-solving stations requiring Cadets to coordinate and complete while under certain restrictions and simulated scenarios. Some that require the station to be completed in under 15 minutes, or for Cadets to communicate via hand signals only.
The course is designed to develop and evaluate leadership—it requires Cadets to act. Jacob Page, University of North Dakota, took the initiative when his squad’s progress slowed to a halt during the “quicksand” station.
The test requires Cadets to cross over three pillars using several wooden boards, from one side of mulch to the other. But the front of Page’s squad was unsure on the best way to get down. They were just six feet away from crossing and completing the activity, yet they were stumped.
The squad leader was also in the back of the formation coordinating the rest of the team, so he was unable to push anyone at the front closer to the end.
Page, in the middle, stood up on the wooden boards and proceeded to step over his confused battle buddies until he was at the front. He then led by example, showing the way down by fearlessly walking down the last, narrow board that steeply pointed to the end of the mulch.
Success was on Page’s mind.
“I know I’m not going to break (the board), and time is key in situations like this,” Page said. “There is no point in wasting time. When someone’s not taking action, it’s up to you to make it happen.”
Page is currently enlisted in the Army National Guard and is going to school for civil engineering. He wants to do his part and serve while also getting his education.
Talking to his recruiter, Page was encouraged to join the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and become an officer and “lead from the front.” Page plans to use his engineering knowledge to do good in the Army.
“I want to shape the future and bring something to the Army,” he said. “ROTC gives me leadership ability for any aspect of life, not just for the military.”
“Do what you can to improve it. Showing up and, though it’s a cliche, leaving it better than how you found it, you know?
The most important example of power is not money, not electricity, not even the wind that flies with the turn of the Earth. It is the will of a person who acts when something must be done.
About the Author: River Murt
