In spite of a rain-soaked weekend and less-than-ideal field conditions, cadets participating in UCI Army ROTC Fall Field Training Exercise, held at Camp Pendleton from November 14–16, endured an intense and rewarding experience. Such weather added a dramatic degree of realism and difficulty, but cadets rose to the challenge by showing resilience, being able to adapt quickly, and utilizing opportunities for growth as leaders into the future.
A major focus of training for the weekend was in land navigation, where cadets conducted both daytime and nighttime iterations. Cadets navigated waterlogged terrain and poor visibility, honing their skills in plotting points, reading terrain features, and maneuvering with confidence using map and compass. The night iteration, in particular, tested patience, precision, and trust in individual skill.
Anteater Cadets plot points on a military map before stepping off to locate their points using only a compass, protractor and, a military map.
Cadets also honed their skills on the M4 rifle range by executing weapons familiarization and marksmanship fundamentals. Teams rotated through additional weapons lanes for exposure to numerous military weapon systems and the reinforcement of safe and confident handling. Some of the critical soldier tasks that were completed by cadets throughout FTX included:
9-line MEDEVAC request calls, emphasizing clear communication in simulated high-pressure scenarios. Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), including hemorrhage control, assessment of casualties, and their evacuation. Additional individual and small-unit lanes to reinforce readiness and technical proficiency
Even through mud, low temperatures, and persistent rain, morale remained high and teamwork stayed strong. The platoon embraced the challenge, showing discipline and preparedness that reflects the quality of training at UCI.
Cadets conduct recovery operations after successfully completing Fall FTX
UCI cadets distinguished themselves with the following performances:
CDT Perez and CDT Lam received recognition for having the top land navigation scores out of the entire battalion. CDT Park was recognized for receiving “Go”s in all rated lanes during the FTX.
These remarkable achievements are indicative of the level of dedication, preparation, and hard work committed daily at the UCI detachment. The performance of our cadets during the weekend reflects the standard of excellence that they maintain as they progress in becoming future Army officers.