Royal Warrior Battalion Conducts Field Training Exercise

Military Science Level III Cadets Donald Yestrepsky and Nicholas Contantino discuss how they want to execute their mission during a platoon tactical training lane.

The Royal Warrior Battalion conducted the unit’s annual spring field training exercise this weekend as more than 110 cadets deployed to Camp Smith, N.Y., for training. The exercise began on Friday morning with military science level IV cadets taking part in a rifle range activity where the soon-to-be commissioned officers learned how to zero and qualify with an M-16. Following the rifle range, the remainder of the battalion’s cadets arrived at Camp Smith and, after downloading equipment into the barracks, engaged in a series of classes. Classes ranged from a review of basic first aid and operations order, to a written test on map reading and land navigation.

Saturday morning started before sun up, as cadets secured their rucksacks and set out on a 5K tactical march into the heart of the Camp Smith training area. After a short break to eat some breakfast and change socks, cadets were once again training as they executed platoon and squad tactical lane training, as well as land navigation training. The goal of the spring field training exercise is to assess the cadets on what they have learned throughout the year during both their classroom instruction, as well as what they have learned during weekly leadership labs. Despite some rather cold temperatures and afternoon snow flurries, the cadets continued to train. When evening arrived, the cadets once again executed a 5K tactical road march back to the barracks where, following a hot meal, they went right back to training on patrol base operations and weapons assembly/disassembly. The military Science level I cadets also had the opportunity to conduct some basic weapons training utilizing the weapons simulation trainer at Camp Smith.

“Training at FTX was a great experience," said Military Science Level IV Cadet Kaitlin Bolster, who will commission into the Army Nurse Corps in May. "Having the opportunity to familiarize myself more with the M-16 and practice shooting was by far the highlight. It was also very rewarding to see the underclassmen cadets we have been training develop their skills further and excel in training. It was enjoyable helping the cadets put the skills they have been learning in the classroom to the test in the field.It was definitely an interesting learning experience!”

On Sunday morning the training once again began prior to sun rise as military level II and III cadets took part in more platoon-level tactical lanes and military science level I cadets participated in the “Warrior Ride." The Warrior Ride is an event comprised of 11 different stations which the MS I cadets, working in 8- to 10-member squads, must complete. Tasks at the various stations ranged from testing on map reading and a mini-physical fitness test to leaning how to throw inert training hand grenades. 

“Despite adverse weather conditions, our battalion's spring FTX was a success," said Military Science Level IV Cadet Sydney Carmody. "Our senior military science class worked together with the cadre to ensure cadets were able to train safely. As OIC of the freshmen Warrior Ride, I worked with my assistants to challenge the MS I's with 11 different challenging stations in order to promote team-building within the MS I class and test their warrior skills."

For the military science level IV cadets the battalion field training exercise is an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to work as staff and training officers. The MS IVs are responsible for all aspects of the training event from the planning phases to the execution of training. This means during the exercise they must ensure training is probably resourced, safety standards are enforced, evaluation of the training is occurring and that the military science level I – IIIs who are participating in the training are receiving feedback on what they are during right and wrong.   

"The spring field training exercise at Camp Smith this past weekend for the Royal Warrior Battalion was a very successful one," explained senior Kevin Demko of the Cadet Battalion Operations Office. "In the face of cold weather and snow, the Royal Warriors drove on and gained valuable lessons in key aspects of Army training. From land navigation to squad and platoon tactics, cadets in the battalion worked extremely hard and gained valuable lessons in leadership. Overall, this past weekend was a great training event for the Royal Warrior Battalion."

Military science level IV cadets conduct qualification fire on the M-16 weapon system at Camp Smith, N.Y.