Students, Coaches Embrace Army Discipline, Teamwork at Fort Hood Experience

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 1, 2026 10:34 AM ET

Students, Coaches Embrace Army Discipline, Teamwork at Fort Hood Experience

Dozens of high school athletes from Central and Southeast Texas attended the U.S. Army Experience at Fort Hood. The event took place at Sadowski Field on March 25, 2026.

Event format and purpose

Participants moved through a Basic Training Challenge and a Career Expo. The day aimed to show military structure and career options firsthand.

Basic Training Challenge

Stations included rope climbs, cargo nets, wall vaults and over-and-under log drills. The sprint-drag-carry from the Army Fitness Test tested speed and strength.

Former drill sergeants ran the obstacle lanes. The exercises stressed teamwork, communication and the Army’s seven core values.

Career Expo

Students toured displays of equipment and talked with Soldiers about jobs. Representatives explained education benefits and military occupational specialties.

Leadership and organization

Sgt. 1st Class Demetre A. Cooper coordinated the obstacle course and led event planning. He said the program grew in size and in agency participation this year.

Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Betts first conceived the U.S. Army Experience in 2017. He developed it after a conversation with a high school strength coach.

Voices from the field

Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Sumrall and Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Snell instructed students on physical tasks. Sumrall led sit-up instruction on March 26, 2026, at Sadowski Field.

Spc. Josefina Garcia highlighted the expo’s outreach value. Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral spoke to the group before activities began.

Coaches and school leaders

Maria Lewis from Alief ISD arranged travel for about 100 athletes. She emphasized parallels between athletics and military discipline.

Jessica Harbort, head softball coach at Chaparral High School, praised the trust-building aspects. Roy Locks, defensive coordinator at Shoemaker High School, noted the shared focus on preparation.

Student reactions

Many students found the drill sergeants’ commands intense at first. Michaella Johnson called the experience intimidating but rewarding.

Tiarra Harris, a volleyball captain from Harker Heights, said cooperation was essential. Football players Ethan Feaster and Bryson Briscoe compared unit roles to positions on the field.

Community ties and future plans

Organizers said the program strengthens ties with local schools and mentors. Betts and staff hope to expand outreach to Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.

Filmogaz.com will follow future developments as the U.S. Army Experience grows. Students left with sore muscles, hoarse voices, and a new appreciation for discipline.

Key schools represented: Hastings, Chaparral, Harker Heights, DeSoto, Shoemaker, and Alief ISD.
Core activities: Basic Training Challenge and Career Expo.
Notable leaders: Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Sumrall, Marcus Snell, Demetre A. Cooper, Leroy Betts, and Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral.

Students reported practical lessons in accountability and unity. Coaches Embrace Army Discipline as a useful complement to athletics training. The program framed teamwork and leadership through a Teamwork at Fort Hood Experience.