FORT RILEY, Kansas  –   He's just 18 months into his Army career, fresh out of school and already stepping onto the biggest stage: the Best Leader/Best Squad Competition. This isn't your average rookie, though. PFC Seth Adkins is fueled by an unwavering belief in himself, his team, and the lives that depend on him.
He's not a battlefield medic. He's a lab specialist.
While his rivals are combat vets, seasoned in the chaos of treating wounds under fire, he's the guy who analyzes blood samples back at the hospital. But don't underestimate him. He's trained relentlessly, pushing his limits to master the skills that could make the difference between life and death on the battlefield.
This competition isn't just about winning - it's about saving lives.
For Adkins, every test, every obstacle, isn't just about a trophy. It's about the Soldier who might one day bleed out in his arms, trusting him to be the best he can be. He carries that weight with every step, every bead of sweat, every doubt he conquers.
He might be the newbie, the one with less time in the trenches, but his drive to prove himself is unmatched. He's determined to earn his place on the team, to be the rock they can rely on, not the burden they have to carry.
But he's not going it alone.
This Soldier knows the power of brotherhood. He trusts his team, and he knows they have his back. Together, they'll face every challenge, overcome every obstacle, and prove that heart, grit, and unwavering support can conquer even the steepest climb.
Watch his journey unfold. He might just surprise you.
Music title "Emergent" by Scott Buckley (@ScottBuckley) – released under CC-BY 4.0.