Warrant Officer Emily Ross, Cadet Correspondent, 2966 RCACC, FEO, February 6, 2025, VOL. 6 ISSUE 11
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, Fort Erie’s 2966 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps embarked on their annual winter Field Training Exercise (FTX) at I CAN-T.E.R, a local equine therapy ranch. The day-long event provided cadets with hands-on survival training in a winter environment and an opportunity to test their skills in real-world conditions.
Throughout the day, cadets participated in various outdoor activities, including fire-building with and without matches, preparing signal fires, identifying the seven enemies of survival, and snowshoeing through the snowy landscape. The training teaches cadets essential survival skills while encouraging teamwork in challenging conditions. The cold weather and strong winds during the exercise added to the challenges of the day, so the staff prioritized making sure cadets had properly layered their clothing and were warm enough during the day.
Cadets of all experience levels took part in the exercise, including Warrant Officer Evan McIntyre, who has recently started as the Battery Sergeant Major (BSM) for the corps. While McIntyre did not instruct any lessons, he found the activities engaging. “Everything we did was pretty fun,” he said. One of his highlights was observing a lesson the commanding officer, Captain Jessica Carthew, taught. “It was the whole coyote thing,” he recalled, referring to a session on dealing with wildlife in the wilderness. Lessons like this help prepare cadets for unexpected encounters in the field and teach them how to handle different survival situations effectively.
For cadet Bombardier Keegan Barszcz, the most anticipated activity was snowshoeing. However, his favourite part of the day was learning fire-building techniques. “We got to build the structures for a fire,” he said, talking about the practical and hands-on nature of the training. Bombardier Barszcz, a two-year cadet, expressed his enthusiasm for future FTX events and possibly attending a summer camp with the program. “Overall, I enjoyed this,” he added, highlighting how these exercises build confidence and essential life skills.
Cadet Lillyanna Sullivan, who has only been in cadets for a couple of months, had a slightly different motivation for the day. “Probably the lunch we got to have,” she joked, adding that she also enjoyed snowshoeing and the survival class. “We got the example of if a plane were to crash and you survived, what are you going to do?” she explained. This type of training helps young cadets think critically about their environment and prepares them for potential real-life emergencies. She described the experience as “just a great day!”
The army cadets’ winter FTX at I CAN-T.E.R was a resounding success, providing valuable outdoor survival training in a real-world setting. With engaging lessons, hands-on activities, and plenty of teamwork, the cadets left the event better prepared for future challenges and looking forward to the next adventure. The event also showcased the dedication of the cadets and their instructors, fellow cadets, and the corps staff, reinforcing the importance of these exercises in developing strong leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
For many cadets, participating in Field Training Exercises (FTXs) is one of the most rewarding aspects of the program. These exercises, held throughout the year, provide hands-on training in essential survival skills, teamwork, and leadership. Whether participating in local FTX events or advancing to larger-scale training opportunities such as Cadet Training Centres (CTC) courses, the cadets participate in fun and rewarding activities that help them grow their skills and social circles.
The Cadet Program is open to all youth between 12-18 years old. It develops confident, self-sufficient leaders who form lasting friendships and are engaged in their communities while promoting physical fitness and healthy living and fostering an interest in the activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. If you are ready for the challenge, visit www.canada.ca/join-cadets.
