Fall FTX was held again this year at the U.S. Air Force Academy – October 07-09, 2022
CPT Wherley conducting pre-FTX CONOP with the Cadets in charge of planning the FTX. Photo courtesy of AROTC Cadet Preston Miglaw.
This year’s Field Training Exercise (FTX) began with a bus ride down to Colorado Springs on a cold and damp morning. The Cadets were picked up at the Denver Auraria campus parking lot early in the morning on Friday, October 07, 2022. Their destination being Jack’s Valley Training Area located on the grounds of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
This three-day event is an important part of each Cadets training curriculum. Cadets test their knowledge of basic skills previously learned during leadership labs such as land navigation, platoon operations/drills, ruck marching and maneuvering through obstacle courses. Some of the drills conducted were weapons handling and care (dismantling and cleaning); radio operational tasks (assemble and disassemble of radios); night and day land navigation with lensatic compasses; and field tactics (troop movements, attack plans and defensive strategies).
Cadets in charge of FTX go over the final plans for the day. Photo courtesy of AROTC Cadet Preston Miglaw.
The fall FTX also places MSIII Cadets into their first tactical leadership positions. The MSIV Cadets were right there to assist and help guide the MSIII Cadet’s. This exposure to planning and taking direction, is crucial for the MSIII’s as they work hard towards their upcoming mandatory summer training (CST – Cadet Summer Training).
The overall training exercise served as a platform for Cadets to learn-by-doing, help to receive feedback in the moment, while improving their inner unit leadership skills.
Cadets are shown how to put a field radio together. Photo courtesy of AROTC Cadet Preston Miglaw.
Congratulations to all of you on your hard work and dedication.
Army ROTC Cadets and Cadre beginning the 6-mile ruck march on the last day of FTX. Photo courtesy of Cadet Preston Miglaw.
Army ROTC Cadets and Cadre group shot on the last day of FTX. Photo courtesy of Cadet Preston Miglaw.