From November 15-17, 2024, Cadets from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) Army ROTC programs participated in a comprehensive Field Training Exercise (FTX) at Tonner Canyon. This joint exercise aimed to enhance leadership skills, teamwork, and tactical proficiency among the Cadets, preparing them for Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox, KY.
Day 1: Team Building and Land Navigation Challenges
The FTX commenced on November 15th with a series of team-building exercises designed to foster camaraderie and trust among the Cadets. Anteater and Titan Cadets worked together to solve puzzles and answer questions to better familiarize themselves with the Cadets that they would be spending the next few days in the field with. These activities set the tone for the rigorous training that followed.
CDT Johnson deliberately analyzes a military map before stepping off to locate his points during Day Land Navigation
Later in the day, the Cadets were assessed on their ability to apply what they learned about land navigation in the classroom. First, Cadets were tested on their knowledge on how to navigate terrain during the written land navigation test. The test prepared the Cadets for what they were going to embark on later on in the day. They would later go on to find points randomly selected for them on the land navigation course in both day and night conditions. These exercises tested their ability to effectively use only a military map, compass, and protractor to navigate challenging terrain, a critical skill for military operations.
Day 2: Mastering Individual Warrior Skills
On November 16th, the Cadets homed in on individual warrior skills lanes and marksmanship, each designed to simulate real-world combat scenarios and enhance tactical capabilities and proficiencies.
CDT Zhi, the Detachment S-1, accounts for every Cadet while preparing for a brief.
MSIII Cadets learned the basics of marksmanship and how to engage targets with the M4. With the assistance of their upperclassmen, Cadets learned how to fire tight groupings at targets projected at 300 meters. Understanding the fundamentals of marksmanship is essential to being a warrior leader in the United States Army.
In the Care Under Fire block of instruction, Cadets learned how to treat their “battle buddy” while in the heat of a firefight. Cadets learned how to assess their wounded peers and how to properly care for them. Furthermore, Cadets were taught the different methods of getting a casualty out of harm’s way.
Building on Care Under Fire, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) focused on advanced medical techniques in combat situations once the Cadets have properly secured their area. Cadets learned how to stop massive hemorrhaging and how to assess a casualty’s airway among other critical steps in attempting to save a Soldier’s life.
Cadets then practiced how to safely transport injured personnel using a sked, a critical skill for battlefield evacuation, and make a 9-Line Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Request. This exercise taught cadets how to move a casualty safely and securely and to effectively communicate and request a MEDEVAC using the standard 9-Line format.
Cadets also practiced essential actions for successful mission completion. Cadets learned to clear and search Enemy Prisoners of War (EPWs), how to recover those wounded while conducting tactical operations, and the steps required to get off of their objective.
Understanding the importance of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense, Cadets practiced donning protective equipment to include their CBRN Protective Masks in under nine seconds and their Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) Gear. Furthermore, Cadets learned how to react when they come under a CBRN attack.
Cadets don a protective mask and MOPP Gear while receiving a block of instruction on how to react to a CBRN attack.
Communication is key in military operations. As a result, Cadets learned to assemble a Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) and send concise reports. These reports included Situation Reports (SITREP), SPOT Reports, LACE Reports, and 9-Line MEDEVAC Requests.
Proficiency with automatic weapons is crucial for success at CST in the upcoming summer. Cadets demonstrated their proficiency with the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) and the M240B during the FTX. Cadets were trained in their operation, maintenance, and actions to take in the event of a malfunction.
Finally, Cadets practiced the safe and effective use of hand grenades in combat scenarios during the Hand Grenade Assault Course. Here, the Cadets learned six different types of grenades, their capabilities, and how to employ them in different scenarios.
Day 3: Situational Training Exercise (STX) Lanes
CDT Shetzline disseminates information to her team as her squad prepares to execute a mission during STX Lanes.
The final day was dedicated to Situational Training Exercise (STX) lanes. These lanes provided cadets with the opportunity to apply the skills learned over the previous days in simulated mission scenarios. Cadets were tasked with executing complex operations that required strategic planning, leadership, and adaptability. Their missions varied from simple reconnaissance patrols to reacting to direct fire contact.
The Joint FTX at Tonner Canyon was a resounding success, providing UCI and CSUF Army ROTC Cadets with invaluable hands-on experience and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with their peers. The skills and lessons learned during this exercise will undoubtedly contribute to laying the foundation for their development as future leaders in the United States Army.
Anteaters pose for a group photo after successfully completing the Fall FTX.