Students of the Recruit Training School work together to overcome one of the obstacles on the leadership course. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Catharine Spence, 436th AW Public Affairs, Dover Air Force Base)

More than 50 students of the Delaware Army National Guard Recruit Training School prepared for basic training by attending a leadership course held at Dover Air Force Base’s obstacle course.

The leadership course teaches recruits how to work together to accomplish a mission by having them work through a series of obstacles.

"We do things like this to prepare the students physically and mentally for Army Basic Training," said Army Sgt. 1^st Class Robert Woodward. "We get them motivated, physically fit and we get their brains working for their upcoming challenge. With them prepared, it should be a little bit easier for these students to get through basic training."

The leadership course is split into different obstacles. Each obstacle lends itself to a solution, but not without the teamwork of the group. Along with the teamwork, leadership qualities are formed. Instructors, similar to basic training drill instructors, are on hand watching the recruits and giving them ideas of how to get through an obstacle.

The leadership provides both mental and physical challenges. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Catharine Spence, 436th AW Public Affairs, Dover Air Force Base)

"Teamwork and leadership are one in the same," said Woodward, Recruit Training School instructor. "As the groups demonstrate teamwork, leaders are there to give them direction and suggestions. There’s always at least one leader in a group."

"The purpose of this course is to teach students to work as a team," said Army Staff Sgt. Gabriel Gonzalez, Recruit Training School instructor. "They’ve already done really well, with the two groups I’ve watched, both accomplished the mission successfully."

Sgt 1st Class Robert Woodward (left) watches his recruits navigate another obstacle. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Catharine Spence, 436th AW Public Affairs, Dover Air Force Base)

Woodward agreed with Gonzalez that the course taught the students how to work together.

"In each obstacle, teamwork develops," said Woodward. "Through that, leaders are easily identified by those who make suggestions or initiate resolutions. Everyone here participates, and everyone helps to figure out the obstacle."

For the students, the leadership course is a unique way for them to think through a problem.

"The course is challenging," said Army Pfc. Timar Lyons, student. "It really makes you think about different ways you can complete the obstacle. There’s a lot more factors in solving these obstacles than I first thought."

For some of these students, while the obstacles proved to be challenging, it was a fun way to improve on their teamwork and leadership skills.

"Throughout the course, I never gave up. I gave it my all and that’s what’s important," said Pfc. Army Aaron Costa, student.

The students in the class ranged from E-1 to E-3, some of them not even out of high school, and none of them through the trenches of basic training. The Recruit Training School is a school that prepares students for the basic training they are soon to endure.

In the end, the day proved to be successful as students passed the leadership course with flying colors. With zero injuries and 100 percent completion of the leadership course, students went home with a feeling of satisfaction, realizing they could do anything if they just put their mind to it.