Training Overview

As outlined by the National Emergency Services Curriculum Project, the FTX program follows what is known as a task based training program. This section provides a general idea of what this program means for each student.

The Task Guide
The FTX program uses the Ground and Urban Direction Finding Team Task Manual as its primary tool. This manual, more commonly referred to as the Task Guide, is a textbook of sorts, containing nearly all of the information an individual needs to acquire to become GTM-3, -2, -1, GTL or UDF qualified. The Task Guide is divided into numbered and lettered tasks that must be passed in order to achieve the rating sought. There are three categories of tasks: Operations (marked by an O at the beginning of the task designation), Planning (marked by a P) and Logistics (marked by an L). Tasks are grouped together by relevance, not by the rating that requires them. For instance, tasks O-0001 through O-0010 all relate to individual and team equipment, but not all of these tasks must be passed to achieve the GTM-2 rating. The task guide also contains the criteria for attaining each level of Ground Team rating.

Task Format and Testing
Each task in the guide spells out three things: the objectives of that task, what the student needs to know to pass, and the task evaluation criteria (how the evaluator is to test the student). This means that participants are given a study guide with the test questions and answers already in it. For example, the objective of Task O-0002, Conduct Individual Refit, is for the student to learn, then correctly identify and explain the steps that must be taken to prepare for the next sortie or mission. The task outlines and explains these steps, then concludes with instructions to the evaluator. All tasks follow this format.

There are two types of tasks: tasks that are evaluated by knowledge (“knowledge based tasks”) and tasks that are evaluated by demonstration (“practical tasks”). Knowledge based tasks (such as task O-0002), require that the student verbally show mastery of the information covered by the task. Practical tasks (like task O-0001), require that the student either demonstrate a skill or the practical application of the covered information. This means that any “downtime” students encounter should be devoted to studying and testing for their assigned knowledge based tasks. Participants will be briefed as to whom they may go to for testing during the activity. It is important to note that responsibility for getting many tasks signed off is in the hands of the participant, not the staff! It is each student’s responsibility to pass the tasks.

Task Breakdown and Organization
The FTX cycle breaks down all of the tasks required for the GTM-2, -1, and GTL ratings into three tracks. Tasks are covered according to the track to which each participant is assigned at the beginning of the cycle (see FTX Track Breakdown). Each weekend of the cycle has specific tasks assigned to it, based on modules covered in each track that weekend. For example, weekend 2 modules in the Basic school include ELT/DF and stretcher work. Accordingly, the Basic students are responsible for the ELT/DF and stretcher tasks that weekend. Task assignments are covered in detail during the weekend. Testing for practical tasks will be done according to the schedule set by the staff, while testing for knowledge based tasks may be done at any time during the weekend. The staff will keep records of all tasks that each participant has passes to ensure that they receive credit with NHQ.

FTX Track Breakdown

The FTX program is separated into three different tracks or schools. Participants are organized into separate tracks at the beginning of the cycle. The track that a participant is placed in is based upon their rating, experience and age. These tracks correspond to the different levels of Ground Team member that can be achieved. Please note that all levels require that an individual complete General Emergency Services training (available online) and a First Aid/CPR course on their own. GES and First Aid are NOT provided during the FTX cycle.

Basic
The Basic track covers all tasks necessary to become GTM-3 and GTM-2 qualified. This track is for younger participants or those who are new to ground operations. Skills taught include land navigation, electronic direction finding, basic survival and field-craft, basic radio techniques, participating in a search as a Ground Team member, and basic map skills. Basic track students are organized into teams that are led by Ground Team Leader trainees or staff members.

Advanced
The Advanced track covers all tasks required to become GTM-1 qualified, and is thus for more experienced or older participants. Many Advanced students are in their second year of attending the FTX program, their first year being in Basic. Topics of instruction in Advanced include more complex search techniques and introductory leadership tasks with respect to ground operations. Many Advanced trainees are used as Assistant Team Leaders on Basic Teams during the FTX cycle. An individual must be rated at least GTM-3 to participate in the Advanced track

Team Leader
The Team Leader course prepares participants for the responsibilities of being a Ground Team Leader. Consequently, the Team Leader course has the most experienced and oldest students (Team Leaders must be 18 years of age, as per CAP regulations). Items taught include leadership and administrative duties of Team Leaders, as well as more advanced search theories, techniques and map skills. Team Leader trainees are assigned to be the Team Leader of a Basic Team during the FTX cycle, allowing them to gain practical experience as well. A potential Team Leader student must be a senior member or a cadet at least 18 years of age. In addition, all Team Leader students must be rated at least a GTM-3.