Army teaches leadership, teamwork to Gilbert students

GILBERT, Ariz. (KSAZ) - A little encouragement goes a long way.

"When you're yelling at someone that is not helpful, you have to be helpful, tell them what to do, let them know where their strengths are, where their weaknesses are, really help and encourage them," one student said.

That's the lesson students at Gilbert High School learned today.

"I have my three best friends right here, so we're lucky enough to push each other a little bit," another student said.

A little push is what leads to success, that's according to the U.S. Army, and that's why recruiters set up this high school challenge -- they've been so nationwide since 2009.

"It's great for the kids, great for the school, great for the Army," Lt. Colonel Scott Morley said.

Lt. Colonel Morley says the teens do a series of push ups, like I did, run an obstacle course, build a disc tower and more.

"Right now, America's youth, less than 30 percent, qualify for military service, so this is a great way to expose them to life goals," Lt. Colonel Morley said. "Most importantly, just expose them to the opportunity we could provide."

"It builds a lot of character," one student said. "In the middle of it, you have people falling over, you're not sure what to do, but you figure it out anyway."

U.S. Army
https://www.goarmy.com/