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2011 Spring Field Training Exersice
Every spring brings a valuable training event for the Cadets of the Fighting Saints Battalion. This is also the time that the MSIIIs refine their land navigation, Situational Training Exercise (STX), and other leadership skills in preparation for the summer's Leadership Development Assessment Course (LDAC). The Joint Spring Field Training Exercise (JFTX) held at Camp Ripley gives every one of the MSIII Cadets the opportunity to put these skills into practice. Bringing together Cadets from MSUM, NDSU, UND, and UMTC, this four-day event encompasses day and night land navigation, STX and FLRC lanes, as well as several other field and garrison leadership opportunities. Cadets experience long training days, little sleep, and several challenging situations that push them to their emotional and physical limits. The hard work and preparation these Cadets put in during these months will surely set them up for success at LDAC and in their future careers as Army officers. Thursday morning brought about a trip to the rifle range where FSB MSIIIs qualified with M4 rifles -many for their first time on a pop-up range. That afternoon Cadets were organized and integrated into their platoons and squads and continued the weekend's training with a written land navigation test. FSB held the highest average WLN scores of all universities. Friday morning involved movement to the obstacle course where many Cadets led their squads through the Field Leader's Reaction Course (FLRC). Each squad relied on teamwork and problem solving to maneuver through several challenging obstacles in order to accomplish their mission. Friday afternoon and evening put Cadets to the test with one of the most challenging land navigation courses these Cadets have faced to date. For some this course brought reward and success; for others, adversity and a chance to reflect on skills that require more attention. The final training day involved a full day of STX lanes as Cadets led their squads through various squad missions and variables. Despite being physically and mentally tested, many FSB Cadets earned some of the highest evaluations amongst their peers. While the JFTX brought both successes and failures for every Cadet, all who participated can reflect upon the weekend's training with pride. Our FSB MSIIIs can move ahead into the final weeks of the semester with a clear direction and purpose to their training. The upcoming months will surely hold many opportunities for them to succeed and build upon their knowledge and abilities for the future.