FORT KNOX, Ky– From 64 feet up in the air, the Cadets learned to trust themselves and their equipment on the Rappel Tower on June 14th, 2026. 

After going through the Confidence Course, the Cadets of 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, spent their morning training and preparing for the Rappel Tower. The Rappel tower is a 64-foot tower built to instill trust in the Cadets. After getting situated in their swiss seats, a rope harness, the Cadets start out on a slanted tower to ease them into the activity.

With a safety at the top of the tower, and a spotter aiding each descent at the bottom, the Cadets are able to focus on the equipment and getting down the tower safely. 

For Cadet Kimberly Piminta from University of Arizona, 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, who went down the rappel tower first, trust was the biggest factor in her going down successfully. 

“Having confidence in the Cadre who work the rappel tower is genuinely what made me feel so much better and at ease.”

Some Cadets, who were afraid of heights, had to lean into the safety and support building around them.

“I had a great safety up there who talked me through it… he said, just focus on looking at this wall, focus on the rope, focus on the things you have control of, and you’ll do great.”  Cadet Min Lee, University of Texas, San Antonio, 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, said. 

Community played a big part in building a trustworthy atmosphere for each Cadet, whether they were scared or not. Cheering could be heard from around the tower, from Cadets to Cadre, supporting the scared and the fearless. 

For Cadet Gabriel Lima from University of Georgia, 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, this supportive community was easily noticeable. 

“To have this entire team looking after you, instructing you, supporting you, people cheering for you, is the fundamental pillars of what makes us effective as an Army.” 

The Cadre went through rappel tower school and learned how to teach the Cadets properly. They inspired each Cadet, knowing when to give tough love or distract them from the rappel ahead. The Cadre practiced training and teaching the rappel tower for two weeks before Alpha Company showed up. 

For the first time, everything went smoothly and because of the Cadres’ extensive training, the Cadets were able to relax and trust themselves. 

“Everbody in this sphere does not expect you to not be scared, they expect you to be brave.”