Cadets’ Corner is a weekly column submitted by the 37 Orville Hand air cadets group.
Cadets are required to attend at least one weekend field training exercise a year as it is part of their mandatory training to pass their level, and on the weekend of April 14 to 16, 37 Squadron will be participating in this exercise.
Field training exercises, known as FTXs, are weekend activities conducted outside of the local headquarters. This year, it will take place at Canadian Forces Base Borden. The aim of these exercises is to support the regular Thursday-night training to teach outdoor survival skills, land navigation, leadership and radio communications among other things.
These classes are part of the mandatory cadet training program at all levels geared to the cadets’ level of skill and experience. Providing this instruction allows practical, experiential learning in an outdoors environment rather than in a classroom that is not conducive to learning skills such as these. The key is learning these skills in a safe and controlled environment with trained, competent and experienced adult leaders.
FTXs occur during the training year (September to June), where there are opportunities for cadets to sleep outside in tents. Typically, the squadron will stay in hard accommodation (buildings with often limited facilities) or soft accommodation (tents, field shelters or improvised shelters), depending on the facilities available and the training objectives. Except for extreme conditions, the training will not be impacted by weather. Snow, rain and sun offer unique experiences to the cadets. Regardless of the weather, if the cadets are equipped, we will conduct training. Typically, great memories come from weekends when the squadron has overcome adversity, which the weather has been known to provide.
Field training weekends are highlights of the training year and provide lasting memories while imparting skills, knowledge and experiences in a challenging, safe and fun endeavour.
In addition, training in the field allows cadets to test their leadership abilities, build character, improve physical fitness and can help to overcome fears, thereby building confidence in them. Just as important, these exercises are fun, challenging, safe and give some cadets opportunities they may not otherwise be able to partake in. For the squadron, these weekends are key to building morale.
