On April 1st our
cadets in Det. 415 found out who among them were selected to go to Field
Training this summer. When we found out that our detachment had a 100%
acceptance rate, the cadets erupted with cheers, laughter, and even tears. To
get an insider’s perspective on the training that has been going on throughout
the semester, the trainers and the cadets answered some burning questions that
we had.
When asked how the trainers are preparing their cadets
for Field Training, Cadet Amundson said, “we are training them with the idea of character and personal
development at the forefront. In our experience, the best Cadets not only
at Field Training, but also at the detachment, are those who are the best
people. Anyone can learn technical skills, though the character and
interpersonal skills are what sets leaders apart from the pack.” Cadet Bryson
added that, “the main focus for us this semester was not only focusing on the
fundamental knowledge requirements, but also teaching the FTP cadets to think
creatively and to understand the purpose behind their actions.”
Field Training is known to be tough on the body
physically, but it also takes a lot of mental strength as well. Cadet Bryson
said that while cadets are at Field Training they should remember, “The reason that they were chosen to be there. Everyone
chooses a career in the Air Force for their own personal reasons. Remember that
on the days that you are tired and hungry.” Cadet Amundson addressed the
relationships made during this time when he said cadets should remember that, “They are a team. Friendships that last a lifetime will be
forged down there, and that they will never have another experience like this
again. Make the most of it.”
Field Training is
typically described as “The most fun you never want to have again.” According
to Cadet Bryson, most people don’t realize “How much fun it can actually be.
Everyone knows that it will be hard and that they will be tested, but not many
people realize just how enjoyable the experience can be if you put all of your
effort into it,” according to Cadet Bryson. Cadet Amundson said that most
people don’t know that “Most of the instructors are actually pretty nice
guys/gals that sincerely want the best for you, and will push your limits to
help you achieve that. It is important to not lose sight of that when you
are down there.”
Cadet
Amundson, when asked one thing he wish he had been told before Field Training,
said, “To not worry so much, and to keep a journal. Much of FT can turn into a
blur if you don’t have a way of recording it and there will be things that you
wish you could have a clearer memory of.” Cadet
Bryson agreed and said, “Eat more dinner rolls. Although, in all seriousness I
would echo Cadet Amundson’s thoughts. Just remember that you have the knowledge
and training, and you will be fine. You’ve got this."
Lastly,
the crucial information, the golden ticket; we asked the best piece of advice
that they were given while at Field Training. Cadet Bryson said, “Don’t
roll in the ant hills (which I inadvertently ignored and regretted almost
immediately). That and to shut up and let people make their own mistakes. Often
times we can get caught up in our own experiences and forget that we are part
of a team [of people] who all have their own strengths and weaknesses. By
stopping and letting someone else make a mistake (even if you know the answer)
you could potentially learn something new yourself by watching and/or helping
them through it.” Cadet Amundson chimed in with, “Remember names, not only for
Field Training, but also life in general. It says a lot about someone who
remembers the names of the people he/she works with, leads, or trains.”
Now for the
opposite perspective, we asked cadets some questions about their concerns,
preparations thus far, and needed improvements. Cadet Hughes said she’s most
nervous about “sleeping” at Field Training. Cadet Beck said, “I am most nervous
about falling asleep during the speakers that I will sweat so much I
will turn into a prune.” Cadet Clark is most nervous about not taking care of
his team, “not being creative enough, not devoting enough time to prayer, or
getting passive aggressive and doing something stupid.”
The best
advice that Cadet Hughes has gotten thus far is “don’t try to be the type of
leader you think a leader should be, be the leader you are.” Cadet Beck was told
“to
just be myself down there (at Field Training), and to be confident.” From what
he’s heard, “as long as you are true to yourself and a good person you will
have no problem meshing with you team and making the experience bearable.”
Cadet Clark was given more specific advice as to wear his soffees under all his
uniforms.
When asked
how preparation as a flight is going, Cadet Hughes said “as
a flight/squadron we have been doing more outdoor marching, Group Leadership
Projects (GLPs)… basically following what is in the Field Training Manual (FTM)
to ensure we know everything before we get to Field Training. Additionally, we
are working on learning different leadership, as well as followership skills.
As for Physical Training (PT), we have been upping the intensity with more
running, push-ups and sit-ups and working on the skills that will allow us to
do our best on the FA.” Cadet Beck had a similar answer when he said “we continue to become physically fit
during PT. We also continue to develop the mindset that will help us down there
by practicing GLP's according to the LCE forms. One big area where we prepare
together as a flight is at the FTP review sessions held every Sunday night where
we practice bed making and shirt and sock rolling.” Cadet Clark added that they
“did
a self assessment to figure out where our weak areas are and sought the
trainers input to catch the areas that we're weaker in than we think, which has
helped us focus in on those weak areas. At this point, everything is on us to
work together to prepare.”
Individually,
Cadet Hughes said she has “been studying the FTM,
studying warrior knowledge, working out outside of PT and just trying to
mentally prepare by talking to older cadets about their experiences.” Cadet
Beck has been “practicing rolling clothes outside of FTP review time as well as
studying Warrior Knowledge, including the quotes, and the verbiage for
procedures.” Cadet Clark has been working on “practicing all the little details
now so that they're second nature by Field Training (i.e. shirt rolling, bed
making, warrior knowledge, etc.), looking over past Group Leadership Project
notes, and evaluating what my strengths and weaknesses are as a leader, follower,
teammate, and cadet.”
We
asked the cadets who they first told about being selected for field training.
Cadet Hughes, Cadet Beck, and Cadet Clark all told their parents.
Lastly,
we asked the cadets about one aspect they could improve before Field Training.
Cadet Hughes said, “Everything… honing in on
the skills that will help me be a better leader and follower, whether in
marching, GLPs, warrior knowledge or being a good wingman.” Cadet Beck said he
is looking forward to improving his “bed-making abilities (which still need work), however I am most
looking forward to improving my ability to be a dynamic follower. I think the
staff that we have training us right now are doing a great job
on continually improving each one of us. Dynamic follower-ship is something I
think they have helped me out the most with and I believe they will continue to
help me improve this skill.” Cadet Clark is eager to improve his “followership,
selflessness, and trust.”
