JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. - Fear is a powerful thing, but it can be overcome at the Leader Development and Assessment Course. Cadets here manage the pressures of fear in their own way, making the choice of taking fear by the horns or leaving LDAC empty-handed.

Water and heights are just two of the many obstacles in Cadets' minds as they conquer tasks at Joint Base Lewis-McChord this summer.

At the Water Confidence Course, Cadets learn to overcome their fear of water and heights. U.S. Army photo by Al Zdarsky

"We'll ask them what their fear is first and make them understand that it is OK for them to have fear," said Sgt. Maj. Gary Fortunato, a senior advisor to the confidence committee. But as leaders they need to learn to push through their fear. We remind them of their past successes in training and to trust their leadership abilities."

Cadets are not alone as they complete the events on this course. Not only is teamwork needed to conquer one of the events on the course, but while Cadets face some of their biggest fears, members of their regiment have their back. The course is full of cheering and encouragement.

"At this course, Cadets gain more of a collected identity and realize they are a team - not singling out Cadets from different schools," said Lt. Col. Paul Baker, chief of the confidence committee.

At the poncho raft assembly, Cadets are shown how to wrap their gear to keep it dry and afloat in their packs. Many who have prior service overseas explained that this type of training does come in handy.

Next, Cadets learn through timed experience how to work as a team and operate Zodiac watercraft efficiently. A team of 10 and a coxswain in charge power into the water from the launch site. Halfway through the water course, they must intentionally capsize their boat, right it again, and get everyone safely back in. They then proceed to shore where they must carry the raft a distance of 50 meters on the ground and then maneuver it back into the water.

"This course is about overcoming fear and building camaraderie," said officer in charge Warrant Officer Nick Martocci.

After these educational and team-building tasks, Cadets conquer some of their greatest fears. Climbing up the 35-foot ladder is not what scares most Cadets. It is the initial step away from the ladder onto a narrow beam over the water that gives them pause. Looking up at the course, Cadets get a different perspective than when they are balancing on the beam themselves. What they hear below is the pounding of their hearts in their chest as they take those first initial shaky steps.

Martocci not only stressed how Cadets gain leadership skills at LDAC, but at the water confidence course Cadets realize they have to accomplish tasks to help out their fellow Cadets and finish the mission.

"They understand that they need to put their fears aside to help out their ‘Joes' and the mission," said Martocci.

Cadets will fall into the water regardless, but it takes some of them a little time to convince themselves they can cross the beam. Others have no problem. One Cadet was even said to have danced across the beam.

"It doesn't matter how scared they are. It's whether they can do it or not," said Staff Sgt. Philip Dubose, an instructor and site coordinator.

After completing the log walk, Cadets then climb another ladder to crawl across and dangle from a rope. After gathering their composure - the time it takes to do this keeps them from a wonky fall - Cadets let go and plunge into the water. Fear of heights and water beaten, right?

Maybe. But talk about water confidence at LDAC always turns to the "slide for life," a zip line attached on one end to a 57-foot tower. The climb up is slow - gives Cadets time to worry whether or not they'll step off the platform when it's time, trusting their grip.

The way down is not slow. Grabbing onto a pulley at the top, they glide down and hope to properly time their drop into the water - 250 meters from their starting point. Coming up from the water this time for the Cadets means that they have taken the last adrenaline rush needed to become an officer.

"I love zip lines," said Cadet Eva Wilkes, visiting from the United Kingdom. "I could do it all day. But the log drop really freaked me out; I was absolutely terrified. But now it's no worries."