FORT KNOX, Ky. –- Most people know if they are introverted or extroverted from a young age. While Cadet Skyler Townsend grew up shy and went to a small private high school where it was difficult to make friends outside her bubble, Reserved Officers’ Training Corps allowed her to grow outside her comfort zone.

By joining ROTC, she said it has helped her discover a part of herself that has always been there, a leader. Townsend joined ROTC because she wants discipline and to be in service to others. She has done this by being involved with her school’s ROTC program at University of South Alabama and acted as color guard commander. Now, at Cadet Summer Training, assigned to 6th Regiment Advanced Camp, Townsend is learning all the aspects of leadership.

“Being in ROTC really has shown me the full scope of leadership. It’s more than just wearing the label, it’s more than just being in the front of the formation, it’s all these other attributes that come with leadership,” Townsend said.

While Townsend has held leadership positions in the past, CST has not only made her a leader but has taught her how to be an effective one.

At the Field Training Exercise, cadets are tested on their ability to complete an assault mission. For this mission, Townsend acted as a squad member. While this position is not a main leadership role, Townsend said you can still find ways to be a leader by having a positive attitude.

“Everything’s always a teaching moment. I know that there’s always room for improvement. I never get down about anything like that because I know that they host things like this in order to teach us,” she said.

Townsend said this mindset has been instilled in her by her parents when she played sports growing up. During this period of time, she said she would have to be reminded to stay positive.

Now at CST, Townsend said she has a stronger will power with her attitude towards herself and others.

“ROTC has definitely pulled all those attributes out that I was holding back and honestly, it just flows naturally now. I just feel like I was born to be a leader,” Townsend said.