DeSoto, Texas — Soldiers from Fort Hood will conduct a team-building training session with the DeSoto High School football team on July 30 at DeSoto Eagles Stadium. The training will focus on the Army Values—loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage—and demonstrate how these principles can help the players achieve their goals for the upcoming season.

“This is more than just physical training—it’s about mindset, commitment, and character,” said Claude Mathis, Head Football Coach of the DeSoto Eagles. “The Army values mirror what we instill in our athletes every day. This experience gives them an opportunity to grow as leaders, teammates, and individuals. It’s exactly the kind of development we strive for in DeSoto ISD.”

Accredited media are invited to attend this event. To RSVP, please email iiicorpspaoops@army.mil  by 4 p.m. on July 29. A public affairs representative will meet the media in front of Eagles Stadium (700 Eagle Drive, DeSoto, TX 75115) at 8 a.m. on July 30.

This event serves as a preview to the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Experience (USABCTE), a larger event planned for March 25-26, 2026, at Fort Hood. That event is expected to draw over 4,000 student-athletes from across Texas, offering them a firsthand look at the challenges and teamwork involved in Army Basic Combat Training.

“The U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Experience has evolved over the years to become one of Fort Hood’s best ways to introduce our community to its Army,” said Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Betts, III Armored Corps Public Affairs operations noncommissioned officer and creator of the USABCTE. “We are excited because this year will make history as the first time the event is open for high schools from anywhere in Texas.”

Student-athletes can also visit the III Armored Corps and Fort Hood Career Expo 2026, which will bring thousands of additional high school students to Fort Hood to learn about the many jobs and opportunities available in the Army. It will run daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 25-27, 2026.

“We want both the student-athlete and non-athlete populations to have an opportunity to learn more about the Army,” said Betts. “The Career Expo puts all of our best equipment on display for students to get a unique opportunity to climb in a tank or helicopter and interact with some of our Soldiers.”

The event will include dozens of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and College, Career and Military Readiness activities, performances by the 1st Cavalry Division Band, a helicopter flyover and hands-on experiences with Army equipment, including the Abrams Main Battle Tank and Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

High schools interested in attending the USABCTE should register using this form as soon as possible. The event is open to male and female student-athletes from all sports. Due to limited capacity for this event, we anticipate all slots will be filled soon.

High schools interested in attending the Career Expo should register using this form. The event is open to all high school students.

Additional questions can be directed to the Fort Hood Media Center.