FORT KNOX, KY. – Cadet Summer Training is built off of the support and community of each regiment, all the way down to squad.

This support was super important in the success of 5th Regiment, Advanced Camp, Charlie company during the Confidence Course and Rappel Tower on July 2, 2026.

Without this support, Cadet Andrea Toro from University of Puerto Rico would have failed the Confidence Course.

Toro had a difficult time during the weaver and ropes obstacles of the confidence course because it required a lot of upper body strength.

“We trust in each other. We help each other, because we’re one team, one fight,” Toro said. “Even if you fail, you’re not the only one failing because we are together in this.”

She also conquered her fear of the Rappel Tower with the encouragement of the cadre there. She felt more confident facing her fears with the support of her community.

The motivation of the cadre and peers also helped Destani James from University of Alabama also conquer her fear of Rappel Tower.

“My [battle buddies] were helping me with their encouragement all the way down, telling me that I got it and saying I’m doing great,” James said.

She felt rejoiced that she completed both the confidence course and the rappel tower because she knew that others didn’t.

Cadet Michael Koppelman from Florida Atlantic University was another cadet that recognized his squad as the reason he got through the course and tower.

Koppelman, who is afraid of heights, went through Jacob’s Ladder with his squad members who motivated him to finish the obstacle.

“The confidence course was great because my squad helped every single member get through,” Koppelman said.