FORT KNOX, Ky – From climbing high ropes and ladders to crawling under wires through the dirt, cadets from 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp, conquered a series of challenges within the Confidence Course on June 28, 2026. Not only does it test a cadet’s physical prowess, it is also designed to build self-assurance among themselves and their equipment.

However for Cadet John Ng, a student from Creighton University assigned to Charlie Company, rather than learning how to conquer his fear of heights, he instead used his prior experience to overcome the course while still acknowledging his fear.

“Fear is always a natural thing,” said Ng.  “Being a good leader is listening and understanding your fear, but also not letting it control you.”

Before joining ROTC through the Green to Gold program, Ng enlisted as an infantry soldier and was a member of the 11th Airborne Division. His enlistment served as both a pathway to earn his citizenship and a foundation for his development as a leader.

Through challenging oneself with opportunities that may be difficult or demanding, he believes it creates an opportunity to develop character with a higher level of discipline and competency.

“Either you pursue excellence or you don’t,” Ng said. “Even though you’re afraid of it, it’s better to conquer your fear and be better than everyone else rather than just going the easy route.”

Ng emphasized the need to control fear, as he believes that it is a necessary and important emotion that cannot be avoided or eliminated entirely. Although one may not be able to control a situation, they can instead make tactical decisions in order to operate regardless of them.

“If you have no fear, you have a tendency to be reckless,” he said. “If you have fear, you’re human.”