Bush Weekends (FTX)

A Bush Weekend, a.k.a. Field Training Exercise (FTX), is a major training period that is held outside of the regular Tuesday night training period. #3 Sqn plans for one or more FTX Weekends per training year. At FTX, many training points (performance objectives) are performed during exercises that can’t be done at any other time during the training year. 

A facility is booked from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon for the cadets to be able to eat, sleep, and perform all of the necessary activities. Since the vast majority of activities are performed outdoors, it is essential that the cadets are dressed for the weather and have any additional clothing required should the weather conditions change. The days are long and the cadets are challenged, however, it is all done in an informative and enjoyable fashion. The squadron staff and senior cadets provide the training and supervision throughout the weekend and the squadron sponsoring committee and volunteers are responsible for keeping everyone nourished throughout. Significant preparation takes place ahead of time, and everyone (staff, cadets, and volunteers) puts in long hours, and faces a variety of challenges, however, everyone leaves with a strong sense of accomplishment.