Field Training Preparation

            On April 1^st 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.”