Field Training (FT)
Field Training (FT) is a twenty-eight day training program that takes place the summer before cadets enter the POC. Completion of this boot camp-style training is a mandatory program for all individuals qualified to pursue an Air Force commission through AFROTC. All 200 level cadets compete among each other nationwide in their second semester to receive an EA (Enrollment Allocation), which allows them to progress to Field Training. The number of EAs awarded is determined each year by the needs of the Air Force.
2008 marked the first year that all AFROTC Field Training Units (FTU) were held at the Officer Training School complex at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. This move reflects the Air Force's greater emphasis on expeditionary operations in combat zone and the Joint Force Training Center (JFTC) at Camp Shelby, Mississippi.
The Field Training program is designed to evaluate military leadership and discipline, determine the cadet's potential for entry into the Professional Officer Course (POC), and to stratify cadets amongst their peers.
Field Training is split up into three sections: In-Garrison (14 days), and Joint Forces Training Center (JFTC, at Camp Shelby) (14 days) focusing on academics/drll & ceremonies, expeditionary skills training (EST), and deployment, respectively.
Field Training is headed by an active duty USAF colonel and a staff of approximately 55 active duty USAF officers, non-commissioned officers, and cadet training assistants (CTA). 14 consist of the senior staff, 18 are Flight Commanders (FLT/CC, active duty officers typically assigned to an AFROTC Detachment), and 23 CTAs. "CTAs are POC cadets selected, based on their FT performance and overall cadet record, to return to Field Training as assistants to active duty staff members." There is one FLT/CC and one Flight CTA assigned to each flight. Traditional CTAs include Group, Drill & Ceremonies, Physical Training, Public Affairs, and Standardization CTAs. The JFTC staff consists of approximately 15 officers and NCOs dedicated to two encampments at a time.
In each flight, cadets are ranked from first to last. The top 10% earn the distinction of "Distinguished Graduate", and the next 10% "Superior Performer". All cadets are ranked in one of three divisions in their respective flight: top, middle, or bottom third. The USAA (United Services Automobile Association) "Top Gun" award acknowledges the highest performing cadet in each flight. Various other awards are given for excelling at physical fitness, marksmanship, academics (extended FTU), and warrior spirit.
Cadets' rankings depend on the following criteria:
- Preparation for Field Training
- Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA)
- Leadership skills
- Professional qualities
- Communication skills
- Judgment/decision making skills
- Warrior Ethos
Only the active duty officers evaluate and stratify the cadets. CTAs often give input but never officially evaluate cadets. Those cadets recommended for CTA duty have the option to apply to become CTAs the following year.
Read more about this topic: Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps
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