How do Navy Supply Corps officers learn to work together under high-pressure situations?
Classrooms may provide the necessary foundational knowledge, but additional magic happens through hands-on teamwork exercises designed to push future officers to their limits.
NSCS instructor LT Jake Williamson recently presented such a challenge to 3rd Battalion Echo and Foxtrot Companies during their 5-day Division Officer Leadership Course (DIVOLC) – the final BQC course before graduation. DIVOLC provides junior officers with the necessary tools to be successful leaders at the Division Officer level. They are taught to be proficient in five competencies: 1. Accomplishing the Mission, 2. Leading People, 3. Leading Change, 4. Working with People, and 5. Resource Stewardship.
LT Williamson’s “Reverse Pyramid Build” is a deceptively simple challenge that helps teach students those competencies. The task requires the use of teamwork and resilience as participants work together to build the tallest pyramid possible out of plastic cups, starting with the top level of a single cup. Though accomplishing this mission sounds straightforward, the fragile pyramid’s tendency to collapse forces participants to adapt and manage failure, while learning valuable lessons about patience, communication, and cooperation.
More than just a physical challenge, the Reverse Pyramid Build also requires mental agility and adaptability. Participants must be open to and lead change by constantly refining their strategies, solving problems on the fly, and most importantly, bouncing back from failure. Each collapse isn't a setback — it's an opportunity to adjust and improve.
What makes this challenge unique is its emphasis on sharing success. Team members are encouraged to work with each other to exchange tips, strategies, and resources. The message is clear: Helping others succeed only strengthens the larger team. This focus on collaboration over competition drives home a crucial lesson that participants will carry with them throughout their Navy careers.
The Reverse Pyramid is not a game; it’s a practical demonstration of the leadership, resilience, and teamwork that define Navy Supply Corps officers. Through experiences like this, these young officers are learning to navigate setbacks, trust their teams, and thrive under pressure — skills that are critical to success in the Navy and beyond.
