By utilizing the links above, you can see the scope of the training we provide. Out goal is simple - to provide our students, and the wing, with the best quality of training and the best trained operators possible. Our methodology has been developed over the past decade and is refined following every event to accomplish this goal.

The 2007-2008 cycle will be the tenth year of the program. The FTX program was started in 1997 as a test-bed for the infant National Emergency Services Curriculum and National Ground Search and Rescue School. Since that time, the FTX program has grown to become one of the longest running CAP ground team task training programs in the region.

Students from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee have all participated in the program. We continue to be closely tied to the National School, with many of our FTX staff members serving at the National school. In addition, the FTX program also serves to test programmatic and methodology changes that may be implemented at the National school.

The FTX cycle is divided into three courses of instruction:

· The Basic Course is where the majority of students receive training and education to complete the task requirements for Ground Team Member 3 and Ground Team Member 2.

· The Advanced Course will take members up to the Ground Team Member 1 "G1" qualification, and is only available to members that have previously graduated FTX or earned GTM 3 and 2 through other training.

· The Team Leader Course is available to members who meet the age and training prerequisites for Ground Team Leader candidates. In addition to the academics and field work of this school, Team Leader students have the ability to actually lead their own ground team throughout the cycle.

Every year during the off season, the FTX staff has made at least one significant programmatical change to be implemented in the following cycle. This allows the staff to evaluate the success of the changes and prevents the training from stagnating. This year, we will be adopting a more scenario based training program, which will provide a more realistic method for our students to learn and practice qualification skills.

While Maxwell AFB is the home of our program, and our academic program is based there, we would be remiss not to share that the program’s success is directly influenced by member support from all over Alabama Wing. The actual field training is conducted in Tallassee, Alabama on terrain owned by the families of students. This environment provides variable terrain in which to coordinate exercises that are as realistic as possible.

If you are a visitor to this site, I hope it has been useful and that you have a greater understanding and appreciation of the program. If you are an FTX student, I hope you will be gratified by your training and experiences; I, and the other staff members, look forward to working with you. If you wish to read more about the history of the FTX and how the curriculum has evolved please read the History of the FTX Cycle.

Regards,

Michael Long, Maj
Director