Detachment 880’s 2026 Fall FTX: Testing Tactics and Teamwork

Every fall, Virginia Military Institute’s Air Force ROTC cadets gather for their Field Training Exercise (FTX), a rigorous weekend designed to test their tactical knowledge, physical endurance, and leadership capabilities. This year’s FTX brought new challenges and specialized training, ensuring cadets continue to build the camaraderie and skills necessary for their future careers as Air Force and Space Force officers.

Friday: Preparation and Strategy

The weekend officially kicked off on Friday, October 9, as cadets formed up at Mallory     Lecture Hall. The detachment received a comprehensive briefing from C/Capt Clarke outlining the operations for the days ahead. Following the briefing, flights transitioned to the Parade Deck for dedicated “Flight Time”. During this time, cadets strategized for the upcoming events, compiled their resources, and built team spirit by practicing morale chants and jodies.

Saturday: Tactics and Technical Skills

Saturday, October 10, started before dawn with a 0555 formation on the Parade Deck, followed immediately by Physical Training Time (PTT) led by C/Capt Charlesworth, in which the cadets performed a gear run around post. After a quick hygiene break and flight breakfast at Crozet Hall, the cadets jumped right into their morning rotations.  On the Parade Deck, flights rotated through Land Navigation courses and FDES training, testing their compass and grid-reading skills.

The afternoon shifted focus to specialized operational knowledge. Cadets rotated through Group Leadership Projects (GLP) in the Kilbourne Hall classrooms, challenging their critical thinking and communication. Meanwhile, in Mallory Lecture Hall, cadets received specialized instruction on IED and UXO awareness from visiting Langley AFB EOD Personnel.

After a long day of intense training, the detachment regrouped in Cocke Hall for an evening Morale Event led by C/Capt Clanton, allowing cadets a chance to decompress and strengthen their bonds. This was followed by the presentation of awards to flights for their respective performances on the main events from FTX.

Sunday: Physical Challenges and Heights

The final day of the FTX, Sunday, October 11, tested the cadets’ physical agility and ability to operate under pressure. The detachment formed up at the Corps Physical Training Facility (CPTF) in their OCPs, led by C/Col Boone. Throughout the morning, flights rotated through a series of physical obstacles. Cadets navigated the Leadership Reaction Course (LRC), tackled the Rock Wall, conquered the High Ropes course, and pushed through a Modified E-Course. These events required immense trust and teamwork, as cadets had to rely on one another to successfully complete the obstacles.

The weekend concluded with a final dismissal at the CPTF by C/Col Boone. Exhausted but accomplished, the cadets of Detachment 880 walked away from the 2026 Fall FTX with sharpened tactical skills, stronger flight cohesion, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to lead.