First FTX

[shloky]

Well today was my first day at UCA's (University of Central Arkansas) AROTC. We learned a bit about what we're going to be doing through out the year, 2 days of mandatory pt, normal class, expected to be on either color guard or ranger challenge etc

We also learned that in sept for our ftx, blackhawks are gonna come pick us up and we fly out to ft robinson, train, then fly back. anyone done anything like that? any tips/pointers/stories?

Thanks,
Shlok

[shloky]

oh, and we also get issued our gear tomorrow.

a ruck sack, duffel bag, water bottle, couple pairs of pt gear, 2 sets of bdus and dogtags (apparently required to fly in a blackhawk)

is this pretty normal or too little or too much? is there anything else i should run out and get?

thanks guys, its hard to find AROTC info online other than the basics.

[Associate289]

im surprised they didnt issue an LBE, we use that thing more than the ruck... what year are you?

[shloky]

ms 1.

they may issue an LBE but im not sure, ill find out tomorrow.

[Associate289]

I'm sure they'll issue you all the "ingredients" for the LBE. As far as running out and getting anything, don't worry about it right now, you're only an MS I. If something one of the other cadets has that catches your eye, then go out and pick it up.

[Wes]

See it was fun for me to attach a K-Bar to my LCE... scared the shit out of the cadre and other cadets. Now that I'm back in ROTC.....

Normal packing list for an overnight FTX

Wearing:
1 Set BDUs
1 Brown T-shirt
1 set ID tags
1 ID card
1 pair of socks
1 pair of boots
underwear optional
1 BDU patrol cap
LCE with:
2 1Qt canteens
2 ammo pouches
1 first aid pouch

Items:
Rucksack
Duffle bag if it doesn't all fit into ruck
2 brown t-shirts
2 pair socks
1 pair boots if you have them and it's raining where you are going
poncho
sleeping bag
Gortex or wet weather top and bottom
I suggest gloves if it is cold
hygine kit for X number of days gone
foot powder
Gold bond for males (inner thighs will chaife(sp?) if you are rucking or walking a lot)
water proof bag
ear plugs in ear plug case

Thats my suggestion. I don't know what you will be issued, they should give you a packing list. Oh, and if you are wearing pin-on rank, take it off before you get on a helo.

[burlazzi]

haha Blackhawks .... don't have high hopes for that expect a fraggo on that one lol ... simulated blackhawks maybe ... lol ie the GSA vehicles

[Sammy Sandbag]

Our BN used hawks for their Fall FTX every year, and 47's the year before I started. It's not that uncommon.

[MansonTheTool]

Don't take Wes's advice... at our battallion (and I'm assuming it's nationwide) sheath knives aren't allowed for any ROTC activites, including FTXs.

At OSU the army guys have Blackhawks and Hueys take them out. All of the issued gear sounds about standard though.

[Wes]

Ya.... I was told to remove it after about the 3rd day. Ignore the knife, I suggest bringing one, just have one that fits in your pocket. I'm serious about the rest of the stuff though.

[HerdROTC]

Our Batt. is cool w/ sheath knives as long as the blade is I think 3 or 4" max. I'd kill to have our FTX in September. They always schedule ours for the first or second weekend in November out at Ft. Knox. Gets cold as hell there......

[natedogg42]

according to the AF this will pass for an "ftx"....show up @ evening in state park.....eat an MRE....play flashlight tag......go to sleep....wake up....drive home

actually, i just drove home when everyone went to sleep....totally lame

those it was amusing to see the future CPAs, finance officers, and admin officers (the ones that think they're hardcore + sing ranger cadences @ PT) of the chAirForce dressed out in BDU/face paint to play flashlight tag in the dark.....

[Associate289]

why ever did you switch?!??!

[natedogg42]

i want that year back so bad....and i signed up for army in the first place, let some tards change my mind....goddamnit