Fall FTX

Celebrating the successful Fall FTX Cadet Zhang sends report using tactical radio during leader reconnaissance

German Army exchange officer assists Cadets during FTX Colonel Thompson visits Cadets at Texas A&M

Cont. on Page 28

Fall FTX 2021

Story by Joshua Legg ‘22

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (November 12-14, 2021) – Contracted and non-contracted cadets from Alpha and Bravo companies conducted an intense field training exercise (FTX). The Fall FTX was designed to be a recruiting tool for non-contracted cadets. The FTX allowed these cadets to perform team-building exercises on the obstacle, endurance, and leadership reaction courses in addition to basic rifle marksmanship.

“I enjoyed being able to learn about more squad tactics from another perspective and learning how to run a fire team which gave myself insight on how to lead and get closer with my squad.” Carlos Tamez shared his insight.

The fall FTX also afforded our contracted cadets the opportunity to show off the training and skills they have developed throughout their time in the corps. While discussing the fall FTX, Cadet Steven Petracca explained, “Well planned and well executed, all training points were hit and emphasized over and over again.”

Over the course of the first two days, the contracted and noncontracted cadets were kept integrated. However, on completion of the marksmanship training at the range, the non-contracted cadets returned to their dorms, while the contracted cadets loaded their equipment onto buses to be taken to a training area. These cadets were then exposed to field conditions and patrol base operations. For many, this was their first time sleeping outside with nothing but a sleeping bag and their ruck. Saturday proved to be an important day of the field training exercise, Cadet Hayden Hutchison mentions that, “One thing I liked about the FTX was the extended period of time we got to group and zero our weapons on Saturday.” According to Cadet Coleman, “I enjoyed the strict utilization of weapons training. Knowledge on the subject will allow cadets from Texas A&M to show off their training and knowledge upon commission.”

Saturday night, the Seniors took their squads and showed them the tips and tricks of Army fieldcraft that make life a little more comfortable while in the field. These tips included which snacks to bring and how to efficiently pack a rucksack. Additionally, they were taught how to correctly field strip an MRE by taking it out, eating the entree when there is time, and saving the snacks for when you are on the move. The following morning these cadets conducted night and day land navigation to further sharpen their skills and prepare them for Advanced Camp.

The Fall FTX proved to very successful and a great experience for these cadets. When asked what they most enjoyed about the training, the participants offered enthusiastic responses. Cadet Leary enthusiastically stated “The FTX mitigated this singular loathsome aspect by filling me with knowledge of Army tactics through the practice of shooting and ops: boosting my overall expertise of, and enthusiasm for the Army ROTC!”

Rudder’s Rangers Cadets conduct Round Robin training to include Weapons, Radio, and Claymore Mine.