Lead Lab 20 (FTP)
Cadet Thomas Koll
Being a newer cadet, drill has been an aspect that I have needed to work on the most. I have to admit though, I was a little jealous that the IMT and POC were able to play Ultimate Frisbee while we FTP went through drill evaluations. As we all found out, however, drill evaluations were exactly what we needed to go through. While individually some of us may be able to execute the proper movements and facings, marching a flight around is a totally different story. Even something little like the right element leader veering off course by a degree can throw a series of obstacles at the flight commander in trying to execute a proper drill evaluation. Admittedly, a few of the cadets who joined the flight this semester have gone through even less drill than I have, and we were bound to have a few difficulties (not to say that this was the root of the problems, as there were plenty different ones). Though, I admired the composure of my flight-mates that day. All of us, I’m sure, were tense and frustrated, especially on the march back to the front of Crowder, but as far as I could tell, those around me didn’t break their bearing and tried to do everything the correct way in order to expedite our arrival.
Being able to have PT outside this week was great though. The SRC always gets muggy and humid, especially upstairs on the track. It definitely helped me get through a long week of tests and other projects, as running in cool weather always liberates my anxieties. Even doing the PFA was enjoyable. I saw a lot of teamwork and motivation throughout its entirety, especially for me when Cadets Popp and Westfall finished out the last stretch of the run with me. Although I didn’t even touch Cadet Byrd’s amazing time, I was still really proud I was able to do as well as I did.
All in all, it was a week full of ups and downs, filled with mistakes, but even more so filled with camaraderie. Without failure, we can never improve. Without pain, we will never become stronger. Every day we face adversity, we become even more prepared for dealing with it.
