Fort Knox, Ky. – Peering over the edge of the 48-foot rappel tower, a chilling sense of fear sets in as Cadets are secured and ready to rappel. Thunderbolt rappel tower teaches Cadets to trust in their equipment while testing their ability to overcome fear during Cadet Summer Training, July 19, 2025.

After climbing up the tower, the only way down is through facing their fears, no matter the anxiety Cadets may face.

Cadet Ryan Lopiccolo, University of South Florida, assigned to 1st Regiment, Basic Camp, found that the closer he got to the top of the tower, the more the anticipation built.

“My heart was beating a bit,” he said. “When you’re leaning back, and you’re looking down, the nerves are definitely running through.”

For him, it’s all about taking a deep breath and jumping in.

Lopiccolo felt that the biggest factor in his success on the tower was having a calm mindset and relying on the motivation of his platoon around him.

“This is a big part, just the camaraderie and support from everyone,” he said. “So, you’re just saying, hey, you got this. Keep going.”

Prior to Basic Camp, he didn’t know anyone in his platoon, let alone his regiment. Eleven days later, he finds himself forming lifelong bonds with the people around him.

“The time, although it seems short, it feels like we’ve been together for a lot longer than we actually have been,” Lopiccolo said.

Months before CST, Lopiccolo got a head start in his training, finding motivation amidst the process of preparation.

“It’s waking yourself up in the morning, going for that run, going to the gym, making sure you’re physically fit,” he said. “Getting up early in the morning, that’s my biggest (challenge).”

Further outside CST, Lopiccolo also finds support in his family back at home, they provide a sense of familiarity and inspiration.

Having big shoes to fill, with a grandfather, father, and stepbrother with prior military experience, Lopiccolo looks to his dad as an example and a source of motivation.

“He’s definitely been very supportive,” Lopiccolo said. “He texts me. He’s like, you’re almost there, keep going.”

At the current moment, Lopiccolo isn’t set on where he intends to branch, instead he chooses to be intentional about the person he wants to be, wherever he ends up.

“I just want to be set in a space where I can help people,” he said. “Just be the best that I can be, to help other people around me.”