It’s natural for cadets to make mistakes — that’s what the Field Training Program is for. As an FTO, your job is not just to correct mistakes, but to identify why they happened, explain how to fix them, and ensure they aren’t repeated.
Below is a list of common mistakes seen during training, along with suggested methods for addressing them.
Poor Radio Communication
Description: Speaking too fast, using wrong codes, and not calling out traffic stops or pursuits.
How to Address It: Practice short callouts, utilize radio training scenarios, review 10-codes, and encourage a slower pacing.
Officer Safety Lapses
Description: Situations such as standing in crossfire, poor positioning, and not watching surroundings.
How to Address It: Conduct positioning drills, discuss potential risks during debriefings, and correct positioning in real time on-scene.
Failure to Use SOPs/Protocols
Description: Skipping established procedures or handling situations “their way” instead of following guidelines.
How to Address It: Always refer back to the SOP, explain the reasoning behind each policy, and reinforce the structure through repetition.
Overuse or Misuse of Force
Description: Actions like tasing too quickly, improper escalation, or drawing a weapon without an actual threat.
How to Address It: Review the force continuum, conduct use-of-force training calls, and engage in discussions on proper escalation and de-escalation techniques.
Incomplete or Vague Reports
Description: Omitting important details, missing charges, or submitting reports with sloppy formatting.
How to Address It: Review report writing standards, have the cadet revise their report, and provide a model example of a well-written report.
Lack of Scene Control
Description: Allowing a situation to become chaotic by failing to give clear commands or manage civilians effectively.
How to Address It: Emphasize the importance of clear communication and have the cadet practice taking control of scenes during training with minimal guidance.
Freezing Under Pressure
Description: The cadet panics or shuts down when faced with stressful or high-pressure situations.
How to Address It: Offer reassurance and support, simulate high-pressure training scenarios, and conduct calm, reflective debriefings after incidents.
Arguing or Resisting Feedback
Description: Exhibiting a defensive attitude when corrections are offered.
How to Address It: Address the behavior privately, emphasize that feedback is an essential part of growth, and escalate the matter to a supervisor if the issue persists.
When addressing mistakes, your tone and approach matter just as much as the correction itself.
Stay calm and professional.
Never raise your voice or embarrass the cadet in front of others.
Explain, don’t just correct.
Help them understand why what they did was incorrect and how to do it properly.
Debrief frequently.
Use the end of each scenario or shift to talk about what went well and what didn’t.
Use mistakes as teaching moments.
Every error is an opportunity to build confidence — not tear it down.
Not all mistakes require immediate consequences, but repeated issues after being addressed may signal deeper concerns. You should escalate to a supervisor or training lead when:
The cadet repeatedly ignores SOPs or safety practices
There is a clear attitude or respect issue
Mistakes pose a serious risk to others
Cadet performance shows no improvement over multiple shifts
Documentation of the issue, your coaching, and the outcome should always be included in your Daily Observation Reports (DORs).