FORT KNOX, Ky. — Most civilians do not get the chance to witness cadets perform a mission lane during their Field Training Exercise, but for those of us who do, we get the opportunity to see them go from their planning phase all the way to their enemy objective.

But there are far more things that go on behind the scenes of an FTX, and many more factors that play a pivotal role in a successful mission.

Cadets assigned to Delta Company, 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, entered the Panther phase of their FTX on July 31, 2026, and had a few words to say about what goes on behind the curtain after completing their first mission lane.

“That first lane, it feels really good to get it done because we just entered our Panther phase. So it feels good to know that we are progressing through the lanes,” said Cadet Takeria Belser, assigned to 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, from Alabama A&M University.

Belser said that even though they are always in a tactical environment and are being graded on their leadership abilities, there is one factor that stands out, both in the planning process and in the execution of their mission — confidence.

“Being confident in whatever decision you make and standing beside it. You have to believe in yourself out here at all times,” Belser said.

From planning to performance, Belser claimed that she never once doubted her platoon leader’s leadership, and believes that since they have limited time during their planning phase, a good impression from their squad leader can make all the difference.

However, Belser is not the only cadet to think this.

Cadet Kyle Branigan, a prior enlisted soldier assigned to 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, from Boise State University, felt similarly.

“If you fall out of that level of confidence, your peers at that point are either going to become disinterested or they are going to eat you alive with recommendations and make it very hard for them to look up to you as a leader,” Branigan said. “Confidence really goes a long way.”

According to Branigan, planning can not be rigid — the cadets have to be able to mold to whatever the mission demands of them. The discipline, confidence and competency that the cadets have has to show in every aspect of their FTX.

Whether it is pulling security around their patrol base or planning their route to their enemy objectives, the cadets of 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp, are determined to ruck through all three phases of their FTX with the same dedication and confidence that they walked in with.

“Do not doubt yourself,” Belser said. “Confidence is the key.”