Air Force FTX

Air-Force Field Traing Exercise (FTX) was full of thoughtful training for all Cadets. Initial Military Training (IMT) was provided with many chances to learn what they had been taught within their first year. With plenty of Group Leadership Projects, their mental aptitude and leadership abilities were tested. Not only were they tested in their leadership capabilities, but their patience was tested through various sessions of "death by PowerPoint". Briefs are a staple of the Air Force, and along with important information they were going to use in the last two days of FTX, IMT was introduced to the challenge of impromptu briefings. While IMT was experiencing their first spring FTX, Field Training Preparation (FTP) was being put through VMI Day. Detachments from across Virginia and Maryland, including cadets from James Madison Universiry, Virginia Tech, and University of Maryland gathered at VMI to go through a simulated day and a half of field training. Professional Officer Course (POC) cadets acted as Cadet Training Assistants (CTAs) and officers from across all detachments acted as Field Training Officers (FTOs) to prepare cadets accepted for their time at field training this summer. (FTP) cadets were measured in their ability to lead in Leadership Reaction Courses (LRCs) across North Post, knowledge of the Air-Force and its core values, and their abilities to lead a flight in Drill and Ceremonies. VMI Day culminated in an FTP-lead PT session Sunday morning and hot seats where cadets took the time to provide advantageous feedback to each other. Finally, the storm passed, and all Cadets and officers enjoyed a picnic at Jordan's Point before their new friends said farewell and returned home. Monday was quite the experience for Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). Cadets woke up bright and early at 3 in the morning to board buses and take a trip to Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia. There the detachment was taken through the fire department, communications squadron, and the Air physiology center. After lunch in the DFAC, cadets had the opportunity to take a close look at the F-22 and speak to the weapons crew and several T-38 pilots. Additionally, cadets who had received AFSCs were able to shadow officers in their fields for the day. The Cadets concluded their visit and headed back to VMI looking forward to the next day with excitement. Tuesday was full of fun and excitement, despite the heat. The detachment traveled to Stonewall Paintball to practice several different mission scenarios throughout the park. Cadets went through several different stations and tested their newfound experience and practical application of tactics in a culminating event where the entire park was treated as a deployment zone. AS100s and AS200s were led by the AS300s to find a cache of illegal drugs and secure the cartel's (AS400s and Det. Staff) leader. Air-Force Cadets overall had a very instructive FTX. While the AS400s will go on to graduate and begin their new life as officers, the next wave of leadership is already looking to next year's FTX.