FORT KNOX, KY. – Ropes shook and swayed as Cadets assigned to 2nd Regiment, Basic Camp made their way across the course. The high ropes course was another test of Cadets’ trust in themselves, their equipment and their battle buddies. 

The Forest Hills Climbing Complex course consists of one long path of different ropes Cadets navigated, divided into sections. Cadets make their way through each section by either walking, crawling or jumping, depending on how the ropes are strung in each section. 

The Cadets rely on each other to get through the course. It was a big part of why Cadets Xavier Villa, Allegheny College, and Walker Calhoun, Sam Houston State University, made it through the course. Villa found his confidence to push through the course in spite of his fears by listening to his fellow Cadets cheer him on. He also discovered that drive by encouraging others. 

“It’s just a cycle,” he said. 

Villa had fun cheering on everyone else; it also served as a distraction. It kept his mind occupied, not thinking about how much distance was between him and the ground. Calhoun found that same distraction by racing the person going through the course beside him. Calhoun just thought about winning. Even when he fell off one of the ropes, Calhoun wasn’t scared; he was frustrated with himself. All he could think about was how that meant he was going to lose the race. 

Though he was focused on winning, Calhoun still recognized the importance of encouraging his battle buddies. The culture of camaraderie the Army has is part of why he decided to join ROTC. Up on the course, a Cadet in front of Calhoun was struggling and a little scared. He cheered her on, offering words of encouragement to show his support. 

“People who aren’t even in the same platoon, same company, are trying to help each other out,” Calhoun said.

Everyday that goes by, bonds between Cadets grow stronger. The last few days were spent on the range, but even that still strengthened their connections. 

“We’re really becoming more of a team, day by the day,” Calhoun said. 

Navigating the high ropes course worked as a catalyst to build up that camaraderie, not only because Cadets were able to offer more support than they could on previous events. Cadets had to trust each other to be safeties. They had to put all their trust in each other to keep them safe. 

It was hard for some Cadets to relinquish that control, but ultimately it made their connections stronger and taught them that they need each other.

“Life’s not worth it if you’re doing it by yourself,” Calhoun said. “It’s better when we’re all together.”