FORT KNOX Ky. – Cadets assigned to 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, finished their meals and fueled themselves for the challenge of the day—the Field Leadership Reaction Course, June 15, 2025.

Broken down into squads, Cadets prepared to face 10 obstacles designed to develop teamwork and leadership skills through a variety of tactical scenarios.

Cadet Dorothy Arthur, Texas State University, sat away from the noise. Capt. Brian Vissepo, a Cadre member, described how Arthur took charge while leading her squad.

“They came in with low morale after a very hard week at land navigation,” Viseppo said. “By the end of it, they came out with some very high morale that was directly due to her pushing her squad.”

Arthur decided to begin her military career four years ago by going active duty in the Army. She counts on herself to be the change she wants to see in the world.

“I joined ROTC because I want to work in the behavioral health department, and that usually involves working with officers,” Arthur said. “I just wanted to be in a place that was part of the solution.”

Called to action by the global mental health crisis, Arthur hopes to branch into medical services as a clinical social worker. She believes her calm demeanor and patience will benefit the Soldiers she serves.

When she branches, Arthur said she plans to prioritize her Soldiers’ mental health—not only on the job, but in their lives outside of the uniform.

As squads continued through Cadet Summer Training, the traits of a leader were mirrored across the group. Before the FLRC began, Cadets encouraged one another, easing tension and setting a positive tone for the event.

During the course, the role of squad leader transferred from Arthur to Cadet Hatem Muhammad, Norwich University. Like Arthur, Muhammad emphasizes the well-being of his fellow Soldiers. Preparing his team for their first station, he explained how the right mindset contributes to mission success.

“There are two important things we need to do as a group,” Muhammad said. “Set the tone for the rest—have fun but also try to accomplish the mission.”

Inspired by his father, Muhammad joined the Army. His coursework at Norwich prepared him for the responsibilities of leadership.

“Clinical and ROTC labs and classes always conflict,” he said. “Being able to balance both of those together is something you’re going to need to know as an officer and as a nurse.”

While both career paths are demanding, Muhammad embraces the challenge.

“I thought those two came together properly,” he said. “The best way to serve my country and serve people is to be a nurse in the U.S. Army.”

Soldiers support Soldiers. As future medical practitioners, Muhammad and Arthur understand they will be responsible not just for treating injuries, but for managing the risks Soldiers take.

During the FLRC, their squad crossed penalty zones using planks, upper body strength and balance. At one station, fittingly named “Destroyed Bridge,” Cadet Lawrence Jordan, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach, leaped through the air—trusting his team to catch him.

Afterward, Muhammad reflected on leadership, decision-making and risk assessment.

“As a leader, you have to assume risk,” he said. “As a new platoon leader, you’re going to join their unit, and you have to trust that they know what they’re doing.”

Even when the call isn’t theirs to make, medical leaders must always consider each teammate’s abilities and the safety of the whole.

“Since Jordan was squad leader, I’d seen his athletic abilities,” Muhammad said. “I trusted that he was able to make that jump.”

When compassion meets commitment, future medical officers like Arthur and Muhammad are ready to lead with care. In their hands, leadership means more than orders—it means trust, understanding and service. With leaders like these, the next generation of Soldiers truly can “Be All You Can Be.”