The FTX usually lasts one weekend and the training includes land navigation, first-aid, locating distress beacon, crash site management, communications, shelter preparation, and teamwork building exercises.

Cadets spend a majority of time in the field practicing the skills that they have been taught previously in the classroom. Cadets are trained in the different positions on the ground team and are expected perform those duties during actual "real life" SAR missions.

Field Training Exercises (FTX) at the MBMS provide in-depth training into the function of CAP Search and Rescue Teams. MBMS has provided this training to hundreds of cadets and senior members for over a decade.

The FTX is usually scheduled 4 times a year and generally takes place at Fort Pillow State Historic Area, which is located about 1 hour north of Memphis TN. This park has served us very well in the past as it is relatively close, offers challenging terrain, and the squadron instructors are very familiar with the area.

Students also have the opportunity to learn air to ground coordination while working with CAP aircrews that are flying SAR aircraft overhead. By utilizing CAP radios and maps students are taught how to coordinate probable search locations and locate crash sites with the assistance of the aircraft.

While the Ground Team training is demanding and thorough, once completed members are utilized on actual SAR missions. Ground Team members are then able to participate on actual ground teams and aid in the search for a missing aircraft or person.

Instructors attempt to make the training scenarios as real as possible by providing the occasional "mock up" crash site and an individual with simulated injuries. During the FTX instructors emphasize teamwork and the importance of working together to accomplish one common goal. After working hard during the day FTX students are rewarded with dinner, at the camp site, that is prepared by the FTX staff.