Fort Knox, Ky. – Cadets assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, got comfortable with heights breaking-in the Thunderbolt rappel tower July 8, 2025.

This exercise challenges Cadets to use a rope bridge to ascend a 48-foot tower they must then rappel down. Teaching them how to trust themselves and their equipment. Cadet Daria Astaire, Florida Institute of Technology, is new to the ROTC program and enjoying the rigor.

“Every day I’m being pushed to a point further than I ever thought I could go,” Astaire said. “We’re so high up in the air and even though it’s scary, that idea of persevering, pushing through and overcoming your fear is an important lesson we’re learning here.”

Astaire joined ROTC in January to help her gain a better understanding of how the military uses its equipment. Majoring in aerospace engineering, she studies everything airborne from the design of aircrafts to missiles. She saw the Army as an opportunity to immerse herself in the newest technology.

Currently planning to commission into the US Army Reserves, Astaire’s pursuit of the Army is methodical. She’s uniting a passion for learning to her motivation as a Soldier, by contributing to national defense.

After one week at camp, she was assigned the role of student first sergeant of Alpha Company, overseeing the formation of all three platoons. Cadets are assigned leadership roles at random times throughout their experience at camp. Prepared or not, they’re expected to excel.

“The initial shock was a bit nerve-wracking but none of the drill Sergeants are here to bring you down,” she said. “I think the pressure I experienced at first is only enhancing my skills. At this point I’m confident and I actually really like the job.”

From learning how to project her voice to an increase in confidence, Astaire has felt the difference since starting her role as student first sergeant. This opportunity has also allowed her to build teamwork outside of just her platoon.

“We’re all just motivating each other to do the right thing, wear the right uniform or be in the right place at the right time,” she stated. “They’re also encouraging me, whenever I doubt myself, I always see a smile or nod like ‘you got this’ and I’m like okay, I got this. It feels good.”

Though she loves a challenge, having never rappelled before – it was the motivation of her teammates and trust in CSTs Cadre that guided Astaire.

Staff Sgt. Preston Pavich, non-commissioned officer in charge of the Thunderbolt rappel tower at CST, advised Cadets from the start of training to support each other.

“They’re all in the same moment, it might not be the best moment, but they’re all going through the same,” said Pavich. “We always have to face our fears; that’s the mindset of this. Yes, it sucks but keep moving forward.”

This is the first time the Thunderbolt rappel tower has been used on Fort Knox. Basic Camp Cadets now gain experience high-up to break mental barriers and learn technical skills like tying their own harness, or Swiss seat, prior to Advanced Camp’s 60-foot rappel tower.