W&L Army ROTC Student Earns Prestigious Award While Completing Basic Training

By Brian Laubscher
August 26, 2024

Washington and Lee University student Kylee Cross '27, a member of the Army ROTC program offered through Virginia Military Institute, earned the Soldier Leader of the Cycle Award for Delta Company after completing the U.S. Army's 10-week basic training program at Fort Jackson, South Carolina on August 1.

A native of Baltimore, Private Cross was one of 10 soldiers (out of 1,075) in the 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 193rd Infantry Brigade, to receive an award. Cross served as platoon leader during her basic training and was bay boss for her barracks. Bay boss is an unofficial position appointed by drill sergeants to elicit accountability in the barracks, ensure that maintenance standards and regulations are met and to serve as a point of contact for soldiers who face issues or struggles with their training.

The Soldier Leader awards are given to top-performing soldiers during their basic training. Drill sergeants select the award recipients from each basic training company based on their performance in the Army Combat Fitness Test, basic rifle marksmanship, course scores and leadership. The soldiers then attend a board where drill sergeants judge them on their personal appearance, general knowledge, leadership, competence, discipline and motivation.

"Being awarded the Soldier Leader of the Cycle was a true honor, and I was proud to represent my company, and all of the battle buddies that I had built camaraderie with throughout the cycle," says Cross. "It was so special for me because I shared this moment with my loved ones. I would not be the leader I am today without the love and support of my family and the W&L community. Basic training provided me with so many amazing opportunities that I was able to learn so much from, and I can't wait to continue my military career as an aspiring army officer."

Cross began her basic training immediately following the completion of Spring Term, enduring 75 days of intense physical and mental training while facing minimal contact with friends and family.

"For me, basic training was one of the hardest experiences of my life," said Cross. "I was able to push myself to new limits and I feel that I left as a much better version of myself."

Cross intends to major in biology and Spanish, with plans to attend medical school and become an anesthesiologist.

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