FORT KNOX, Ky. – There’s big smiles and laughter for some Cadets, assigned to 4th Regiment, Advanced Camp, as they peered over the ledge of the 64-foot rappel tower, June 21, 2025, the height doing nothing to phase them.

“It’s very motivating seeing everybody going down (the tower),” said Cadet Thomas Kirsch, Virginia Military Institute, “It’s a fun time, honestly.”

For Kirsch, there’s nothing he loves more than the rush of rappelling down the side of the tower. Having just completed the Army Air Assault Course at Fort Benning two weeks prior; he was fully confident in his abilities and comfortable with his equipment.

“I came here (to Fort Knox), and I knew I was ready to rock,” said Krisch.

Unlike Kirsch, Cadet Bryce Franck, New Mexico Military Institute, had no prior experience rappelling and was a little nervous as he began to climb the winding staircase to the top. Yet, after his first time down the closed side, he was hooked, enjoying the experience of descending the tower.

“Getting to rappel for the first time here was actually just exhilarating,” said Franck. “I felt confident, and I was ready to go for it.”

Cadet Caden Shelter, University of Iowa, was excited to go down the tower, showing no signs of worry as he leaned back and assumed the L-shaped position.

“Having good Cadre and rappel masters at my school helped,” said Shelter, “Just building that confidence before coming here really sets you up to do well.”

Even though Shelter has plenty of experience rappelling, there is a first he hopes to accomplish during his time at Cadet Summer Training. Tracing way back to the Spanish-American War, he has had relatives who have served in the Army, but none of them have become officers.

“I joined Army ROTC because it will give me more experience,” said Shelter. “It sets me up for success in my future.”

With each step and bound down the tower Cadets are inching closer to their goal of commissioning, and they are doing so with confidence. Even when they are nervous, they push on knowing that they are growing stronger with every obstacle they overcome.