Joint Field Training - August
August drill found us at Genesee County Park & Forest in Bethany, NY. This overnight field operation is one of the most highly anticipated activities of the year! This year, Rochester CA-124 Division was excited to join forces with The Sullivans and Training Ship Little Rock from Buffalo, NY. Nearly 60 cadets and officers braved the heat for an exciting weekend!
We were thankful that the weather cooperated to allow for comfortable tent camping. With the large contingency, it was really the only option.
Saturday had the cadets and officers in rotation through hands-on instruction that would be critical for the field operation after dark.
Cadets practiced radio communication with an exercise sending and receiving clear communication to complete a task. A simple LEGO build proved more challenging than it first seemed. Thank you to LTJG Schad and SN Sexton for skillfully leading this instruction.
Former Sea Cadet Nate Schad made the trek from Ohio to provide instruction on Intelligence. He helped the cadets think about different sources of intel - and to differentiate between good and bad information.
Instructor Reap took cadets into the park to learn and practice field maneuvers. Light and sound discipline, as well as taking cover and maintaining concealment, are critical to a successful mission.
Instructor Falzoi got the cadets to open their eyes during instruction to hone their observation skills and situational awareness. They examined their surroundings to identify things that were out of place or unusual for the environment.
Everyone always looks forward to medical and first aid instruction. Ensign H. Sexton & MIDN Beel reviewed the ABCs of first aid - Airway, Breathing, Circulation - with the cadets. They also practiced different rescue carries so they would be prepared if one of their shipmates needs assistance in the field.
When the park was closed and secured, we received the all-clear to start the night operation mission. LCDR O’Neil brought his A-game with this year’s mission - a hostage rescue and recovery operation! Senior cadet leaders and officers received a briefing to set up the scenario and understand safety overwatch protocol. League Cadets were the players who were staged with simulated casualties - and their acting was Oscar-worthy!
During the mission, a forward recon team assessed and advised two teams of operators on how to proceed - utilizing skills learned throughout the day’s instruction. Quick Response Force extracted the wounded and delivered them to medical.
Sunday morning brought an opportunity for cadets to reflect on the mission from the previous night. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with the realistic acting of the League Cadets and the efficiency of QRF getting top nods. It is always great to hear the after-action report directly from the cadets!
