ROTC Cadets complete Spring 2026 Field Training Exercise

Apr 21, 2026

Valley Forge Military College ROTC executed the Spring 2026 Field Training Exercise (FTX) at Fort Indiantown Gap this weekend as a culminating exercise to assess the proficiency of cadets prior to Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox this summer.

Cadets arrived Thursday night and moved straight into night land navigation using just maps, compasses, and red lens flashlights as they maneuvered through the woods. They continued land navigation training on Friday with several day iterations followed by another night iteration.

On Saturday, Cadets transitioned to squad tactical exercise (STX) lanes which continued all day. STX lanes assess cadets ability to lead Soldiers in challenging scenarios that replicate combat in challenging terrain. Armed with M4s and blank ammunition, they planned, rehearsed, and then executed platoon missions against opposing forces played by our MS IVs.

“The cadets demonstrated the resilience, confidence, and discipline learned at VFMC throughout the academic year,” said LTC John Meier, Professor of Military Science.

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