Fort Knox, Ky., – Breathing in the brisk morning air, Cadets prepare to traverse through dense forest during their land navigation test, July 13, 2025. Land navigation is one of the only individual tests during Cadet Summer Training, building Cadets’ orienteering skills.

Cadet Jakhyris Williams, University of Arkansas, assigned to 7th Regiment, Advanced Camp, struggled during his practice run of day land navigation, taking the wrong path, ultimately leading to him running out of time.

Compounding with prior mistakes, land navigation has been a struggle in multiple ways.

“I messed up my hamstring before I came (to CST), so I was worried that it was going to be a problem for me,” Williams said. “I played football, soccer, track, basketball and tennis. Being an all-around athlete, I’ve always had injuries.”

Land navigation is physically challenging, pushing Cadets to properly locate and travel to four different points spread across the map in under three hours.

This pushed Williams in more ways than one, but he found the strength to move forward during today’s test portion through learning from his past mistakes.

“I had to face my fears and go in and find every point I needed,” Williams said.

At the conclusion of his day land navigation test, Williams found all four points he was assigned.

Throughout Cadet Summer Training, he has continued to persevere, land navigation was another chance to learn.

Williams sets high goals due to his ambitious plans, hoping to secure a bright future. He plans on going through medical school then starting his own practice.

“I’m real big into injury prevention now because I’ve had a lot of setbacks dealing with injuries,” Williams explains.

Prioritizing endurance and long-lasting health, he finds purpose in helping others prevent injuries, looking out for others is a trait picked up from his uncle.

“He was the main reason I joined ROTC because he paved the route for me and told me exactly what I needed to do,” Williams said.

Finding mentorship from his uncle, a veteran with a purple heart, it was natural that Williams felt such a pull to follow his example and set out to be the second person in his family to serve.

“I can now follow his footsteps and do everything the right way, so I can be on a better trajectory path,” said Williams.

During Cadet Summer Training, mistakes are a part of the process, growing to be a better person on and off the field.

Holding a growth mindset, Williams actively works to fulfill his dreams, learning from wherever ROTC takes him.