What is the field training exercise for the Air Force?

FIELD TRAINING EXERCISES Field Training Exercises, known as FTX’s are weekend activities conducted outside of the Local Headquarters, usually at an outdoors facility or a Scouts Canada Camp. The aim of these exercises is to support the regular Wednesday 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 boring classroom that is not conducive to learning skills such as these. The key is learning these skills in safe and controlled environment with trained, competent and experienced adult leaders. 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. Exercises occur during the training year (September-June), with one exercise per season, including winter, where there are opportunities for some 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.

Field Training is held at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, and lasts approximately three weeks, making it more efficient while maintaining its challenging nature. The updated Field Training emphasizes leadership evaluation and development. Cadets are placed in rotating leadership roles, where they are evaluated on their ability to lead, follow, and work as part of a team in high-pressure environments. Physical fitness and military bearing are a primary focus, and cadets must be physically prepared to meet the demanding standards. PT sessions, drill and ceremonies, and military discipline are integral parts of the training. Cadets also participate in Expeditionary Skills Training, which includes hands-on exercises related to combat survival, small unit tactics, and basic expeditionary operations. These exercises are designed to prepare cadets for real-world military scenarios and the evolving role of multi-capable Airmen. In addition to physical training, cadets receive classroom instruction on Air Force core values, leadership principles, operational security, and resilience. The Tactical Leadership Course is a new component that replaces parts of the older Leadership Reaction Course.

The 22nd Air Task Force, composed of Airmen from Travis, Beale, and Fairchild Air Force Bases, recently conducted a 200-level field training exercise at a Combat Support Training Range at Tyndall AFB, April 14-18, 2025. The exercise focused on enhancing unit cohesion and preparing the Airmen for the challenges of operating in a deployed environment. FTXs have long been a cornerstone of Air Force readiness. By aligning with the Air Force Force Generation model, the exercise now provides Airmen with more tailored and focused training based on their unit's specific position within the deployment cycle. This allows for more efficient use of resources and ensures Airmen are optimally prepared for their assigned roles. The recent FTX at Tyndall AFB focused on Airmen in the "Prepare" phase, providing them with the crucial hands-on experience needed to execute their mission effectively. During the exercise, Airmen faced simulated scenarios, honing their skills in areas such as base defense, command and control, and agile combat employment. This immersive training environment allowed participants to refine their tactical proficiency and strengthen their ability to operate in contested environments. The 22nd ATF’s combat deployment practices within the AFFORGEN model at Tyndall AFB which sets a precedent for future deployment models.