The leaves aren't the only thing changing in Alaska this fall. For Cadet Gabriel Gravel, an Alaska National Guardsman attending the University of Alaska Anchorage, transformation is also happening on his journey from enlisted soldier to officer candidate through the Army's Green to Gold program.
Gravel joined fellow ROTC cadets from his school, as well as the University of Alaska Fairbanks, for the annual joint fall field training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Sept. 17-20. During the multiday event, cadets were challenged with land navigation, patrolling and obstacle courses, all while developing the leadership traits needed to earn a commission.
The Green to Gold program provides enlisted soldiers with the opportunity to pursue a college degree while preparing to become Army officers. For Gravel, the transition builds on years of exposure to the Army, first in Junior ROTC, then as an enlisted soldier before stepping into the cadet role.
"When I was in JROTC, I talked to senior and retired officers — lieutenant colonels and majors," he said. "I picked their brains, and it led me toward something I wanted to do."
Additionally, Gravel said his enlisted experience provides an advantage in ROTC training and defines the type of officer he wants to become.
"I want to be a humble officer [who] can work together with [noncommissioned officers]," he said. "Overall, officers' knowledge complements NCOs' skills."
That perspective guided him through the field training exercise as he leaned on lessons learned from the enlisted side of the Army. The exercise reminded Gravel that leadership is about teamwork, not individual achievement.
"No matter how you think — it should end up with one common goal and you're all going to get it done together," he said.
Gravel credits his peers for building his confidence, even when facing obstacles like the rope climb.
"By the end of the [exercise], I was way more confident," he said. "Everybody trusted me more than I trusted myself."
Looking back, Gravel said the experience reinforced both humility and resilience. He encourages other cadets to embrace the challenge.
"Don't be afraid to embrace the suck," he said. "It might be raining, it might be 120 degrees, but the best thing is that you're doing it with other cadets next to you."
Ultimately, for Gravel, the Green to Gold program is more than a path to a commission. It is a journey where lessons from enlisted service meet the challenges of officer training, shaping a leader who values trust, teamwork and courage.
"They are going to rely on me, so I have to believe in myself to achieve the mission," he said. "No matter what, I'll always do what's necessary for both me and my battle buddies to accomplish our mission."