GUEST: Military Advisor Rory Aylward

Colonel Phillips stands tall on the dusty training grounds of Camp Lehigh, his voice booming over the recruits. “…made up of the best minds in the free world. Our goal is to create the best army in history. But every army starts with one man.”

Steve Rogers, scrawny and determined, stumbles during an obstacle course, tumbling backward onto a net. The trainer’s shout cuts through the air. “Rogers! Get off of there!”

Phillips continues, undeterred, his eyes scanning the recruits. “At the end of this week, we will choose that man. He will be the first in a new breed of super-soldier.”

Steve crawls under barbed wire, struggling as the sharp metal snags his uniform. The trainer barks again. “Rogers! Get that rifle out of the mud!”

Phillips’ voice grows resolute. “And they will personally escort Adolf Hitler to the gates of hell.”

The trainer’s commands intensify, relentless. “Pick up the pace, ladies! Let’s go, let’s go! Double time! Come on! Faster! Faster! Move! Move! Squad, halt!” He points to a flagpole in the distance. “That flag means we’re only at the halfway point. First man to bring it to me gets a ride back with Agent Carter. Move, move!”

Recruits scramble, clawing at the pole, desperation in their eyes. “Come on! Get up there! If that’s all you got…”