Recently, Army ROTC conducted a Field Training Exercise (FTX) in Fort Wolters, Texas. We conduct these twice a year, one each semester. The spring FTX is always much more intense as we partner with around 3 other schools. This is the final chance for the juniors to run tactical lanes before their month-long assessment this summer. As a "Battle Captain" my job was to help the platoons stay on track while they run missions. While I was told I needed to stay inside the Tactical Operations Center (TOC), I took that as more of a suggestion and walked with them all day.
It was supposed to be hot that weekend but ended up being overcast and windy, really great weather for running missions. I enjoyed hiking through the woods and the dry creek beds. Unfortunately, we had many cadets fall into cacti fields and get covered in thorns. The coolest thing I saw was a live rattlesnake, I had never seen one before! I then took the time to explain the Abbey story to some of my fellow cadets, they actually found it pretty cool.
Something weird I have noticed at many Army bases is a substance informally called "moondust". This is sand or dry dirt that has been driven on so many times by heavy vehicles that it turns into this powder-like substance. It coats absolutely everything and gets kicked up easily when it is windy.
Overall, FTXs are some of my favorite parts of being in ROTC. It gives me the chance to spend time outside and analyze the terrine for a purpose. I like that we usually have little to no cell service so I can fully invest into the activities I am taking part in outside.
No comments:
Post a Comment