FORT KNOX, Ky. – Gravel churned under the heels of Cadets assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Regiment, Basic Camp. Cadets learned discipline and accountability through the basics of drill and ceremony.

Drill and ceremony is one of the many traditions the Army continues. An efficient way to move groups of Soldiers, it teaches them to keep organization within their groups and respond to instructions from leadership with urgency.

Cadet Ruth Rickett, The Ohio State University, completed her second year of ROTC, known as military-science level II. Deciding to join the program in her first semester of sophomore year, she needed to adjust rapidly to gain experience.

Rickett is now a junior earning a degree in geographical information sciences. Months prior, she began to chart this new course.

“It was very tasking learning everything there was to know,” said Rickett.  “I was a year behind most and had to catch up.”

Forging bonds strengthened by Army values meant that she didn’t struggle alone. Rickett shared that the camaraderie and welcoming spirit she received in her ROTC program supported her during an unfamiliar time.

At camp, she is facing the challenges of leadership. Within her first days, she was assigned the role of platoon leader.

“At school (that position) is for the MSIII’s,” she said. “Whenever you’re an MSIII at ROTC, you have to learn how to flip operation orders and brief everyone.”

Despite hardships, service and leading in her father’s footsteps are her motivators. He served in the marines in the 1970s and is a Vietnam War Veteran.

“I always wanted to serve the country,” she said. “I want to do well for my country and my command.”

From civilian to servicemember, Rickett made the decision to join the Ohio National Guard in November. Now she works to conquer the trials of basic camp.

As Rickett continues through the next three weeks of Basic Camp, she’ll navigate together with fellow Cadets through their strengths and weaknesses. Sharing this experience, they’ll soon be molded into the makings of an Army Officer.