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FORT HOOD, Texas — The sharp echo of drill sergeants’ voices and the thud of boots hitting pavement greeted busloads of high school students as they arrived March 25 at Sadowski Field for the U.S. Army Experience, an immersive event designed to introduce young student athletes to the structure and intensity of Army basic training.
Students from multiple school districts across Central and Southeast Texas stepped off their buses and were immediately directed into formation by former drill sergeants, replicating the controlled chaos and discipline Soldiers encounter during their first moments at initial entry training.
Throughout the day, participants rotated through a series of physically demanding obstacles, including rope climbs, cargo nets, wall vaults, over-and-under log drills and the Army Fitness Test’s sprint-drag-carry event. The stations were designed not only to test physical strength, but to reinforce teamwork, communication and the Army’s seven core values.
Sgt. 1st Class Demetre A. Cooper, assigned to 13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command, a former drill sergeant in charge of the event who oversaw the coordination of the obstacle course, said the event has grown significantly in both size and organization compared to previous years.
“The biggest improvement from last year is the organization and participation,” Cooper said. “It’s bigger, there are more people, more agencies, and more drill sergeants. You can really see this thing coming to life right in front of you.”
The U.S. Army Experience was first conceptualized in 2017 after Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Betts, operations and community engagement noncommissioned officer with the III Armored Corps Public Affairs Office, was approached by a high school strength and conditioning coach during a football game about ways the Army could support student-athletes during the off-season.
“The conversation sparked the idea,” Betts said. “I wanted to create something that would give students a real look at what we do, not just through a video but through a full Army experience.”
Under the umbrella of the U.S. Army Experience, students participated in both the Basic Training Challenge and a Career Expo, where they were able to explore military occupation specialties, interact with Soldiers and view military equipment up close. Betts said the goal of the event is to strengthen the relationship between the military and local communities while exposing students to opportunities that they may not encounter otherwise.
“The main goal is to give back to our community,” Betts said. “If we can help coaches, teachers and mentors reinforce discipline, teamwork and character in young people, then we’re doing our part."
Coaches and athletic directors in attendance said the experience directly aligns with the values they emphasize in their programs. Maria Lewis, director of athletics for Alief Independent School District, coordinated student participation more than a year in advance and brought approximately 100 athletes to Fort Hood.
“The military is all about discipline, commitment and teamwork, and those are the same things athletics are about,” Lewis said. “We want our students to understand that what they learn on the field or court carries into real life.”
Jessica Harbort, assistant athletic coordinator and head softball coach at Chaparral High School, said the event pushed students outside their comfort zones and forced them to rely on one another.
“They’re together, they’re out of their comfort zone and have to trust each other as they work through the obstacles,” Harbort said. “That’s something we try to teach in sports every day.”
Roy Locks, defensive coordinator at Shoemaker High School, said the structure and planning behind military operations closely mirrors how football programs prepare for competition.
“In football and in the military, everything is about attention to detail and preparation,” Locks said. “You plan all week so when it’s time to execute there are no surprises. That’s the same mindset they’re seeing out here.”
For the students, the experience provided both excitement and intimidation. Many said their first encounter with drill sergeants shouting commands was unlike anything they had experienced before.
“It was kind of scary at first,” said Michaella Johnson, a softball player at Chaparral High School. “They were very loud, and you’re on the spot with everyone watching you. But it pushes you to do better.”
Tiarra Harris, a varsity volleyball captain from Harker Heights High School, said the event reinforced lessons she already valued as an athlete.
“If you don’t work together, you won’t get the outcome you need,” Harris said. “It showed us that teamwork and dedication matter in everything, not just in sports.”
Football players from DeSoto High School, Ethan Feaster and Bryson Briscoe, echoed those sentiments, comparing the structure of Army units to positions on the football field.
“Everybody has a job in the military and it’s the same on the field,” Briscoe said. “If one person doesn’t do their job, the whole team suffers.”
Beyond the obstacle course, students also visited the Career Expo, where Soldiers demonstrated equipment and discussed career paths, education benefits and life in the Army. The event served as both a recruiting tool and an educational opportunity, allowing students to ask questions and see potential career fields firsthand.
“The expo was a great opportunity to engage with the future of not only our military but the community we live in," said Spc. Josefina Garcia, mass communication specialist assigned to 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. “Being able to talk and interact with young adults allowed us to inspire the future generations.”
Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, commanding general of III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, addressed the students before the events began, encouraging them to embrace the challenges ahead.
“It is important that we bring in new young Americans every day to be able to serve our nation,” Admiral said. “Just like you do in school every day, commitment and dedication, and that’s going to be challenged today.”
Organizers said the U.S. Army Experience will continue to expand in future years, with plans to reach larger metropolitan areas such as Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. As participation grows, Betts hopes the program will continue to build bridges between Soldiers and the communities they serve.
For many of the students, the day ended with sore muscles, hoarse voices and a new appreciation for the discipline and teamwork required for Soldiers.
“It’s intimidating at first, but you’re pushing yourself, and everyone’s all together,” Johnson said. “It’s a good experience. I’ll carry this mindset with me long after today.”
| Date Taken: | 03.27.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 03.27.2026 13:27 |
| Story ID: | 561440 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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