One of the most challenging experiences of your life
During the summer after your sophomore year, you will participate in Field Training. This rigorous program involves physical conditioning, weapons training and survival training. But more than that, Field Training is your opportunity to develop your skills as both a leader and team member.
Field Training is required for all cadets who seek membership in the Professional Officer Course (POC) and is the only summer event that AFROTC requires cadets to attend.
Some activities during Field Training include:
- Physical conditioning
- Marksmanship training
- Survival training
- Air Force specialty orientation
- Confidence course
- Aircraft and crew orientation
- Human relations
- Drill and ceremonies
- Leadership study
- Group and expeditionary leadership activities
Combatives
When cadets attend Field Training, they are trained to fight with a weapon that is concealed, yet it is seen at all times: their own body. During that training experience, cadets go through numerous hours of instruction and practice in the art of ground combatives. While the training is elementary in nature, it tests cadets physically, mentally and emotionally.
Subsequently, a few cadets are specially selected for the opportunity to return to Field Training as an instructor, called a Combatives Cadet Training Assistant (CTA).
Firearms familiarization
Also at Field Training, cadets have the opportunity for weapons training with Air Force small arms weapons such as pistols and rifles. Along with that familiarization comes instruction in small-group urban assault tactics through staged scenarios.