FORT KNOX, Ky. – 11th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets conducted training at the Field Training Exercise (FTX) Grizzly, August 9th, during Cadet Summer Training.
FTX’s are crucial to training, assessing the leadership and followership of Cadets is the end goal of Cadet Summer Training (CST). Platoons work hard to be prepared for the myriad of missions that will be presented to the group. They have to work together to complete each mission through the FTX in its entirety.
11th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadets conduct an After Action Review (AAR) at Fort Knox Ky., August 9, 2019. | Photo by Tristan C. Pilch, Public Affairs Office. Advanced Camp Cadet Bailey Weavill at University of South Dakota at Fort Knox Ky., August 9, 2019. | Photo by Tristan C. Pilch, Public Affairs Office.
Cadet Bailey Weavill, University of South Dakota, “This Training puts people in the position to learn how to be a follower and if you don’t know how to be a follower you won’t know how to lead.”
FTX’s are three to four day long events in the field, Cadet Weavill has advice for all Cadets going through similar training next year, “For Cadets coming next year try to have a good attitude – that’s what makes or breaks every day.” She added, “Interpersonal tact is key, if people don’t want to work with you, succeeding will be difficult.”
The Cadets will go on mission after mission engaging Opposing Forces (OPFOR). Cortney Hymans, Virginia Commonwealth University said, “Coming from basic training this is a little more intensive.”
11th Regiment, Advance Camp Cadet pulling security at Fort Knox Ky., August 9, 2019. | Photo by Tristan C. Pilch, Public Affairs Office.
Cadets understand the importance of this training however. “The training is beneficial for future officers, the FTXs are realistic, stressful, but you get work out friction points and increase team cohesion,” said Cadet Hymans.
The FTX provides a frame work for Cadre to present Cadets with a problem in a military persistent environment. This allows a consistent and fair assessment of all Cadets as they progress through Advance Camp.
