Training is an essential part of your Air Force career and helps you be prepared for your future deployments or missions. Your training will help you deal with the physical and mental challenges you’ll encounter when you encounter real-world scenarios as part of your work. Before you get to the field, you’ll want to make sure you take the necessary steps to prepare so you can overcome your challenges and be in the right headspace to learn and retain information. Below, we’ll talk about the field in the Air Force and what steps you can take to prepare.

What Does the Field Look Like in the Air Force?

While Airmen typically engage in air operations, they still engage in field training exercises (FTXs) to help them prepare for potential deployments or joint operations with other branches of the military. The field is meant to simulate their missions or deployment environments so they’re adequately prepared to handle the various challenges they’ll deal with in their line of work. 

Many of these training exercises are spent outdoors with other Airmen or in collaboration with other branches, and you’ll spend time learning information and tactics that will be crucial in your future operations. You’ll run drills and receive training that’s relevant to your role so you’re able to handle the challenges you’ll face when you get to the real deal. 

The Importance of Preparing for the Field

The FTX is designed to be physically and mentally challenging, so you’re better prepared for the real-world situations you’ll have to face when you deploy or go on missions. It’s essential to prepare for the field so you’re in the right headspace to perform at your best, allowing you to start focused and motivated. Showing up unprepared can make it more difficult to carry out your tasks, and you may find it challenging to retain the information you need to learn.

Our Top 5 Tips for Preparing for Your Next FTX

If the field is coming up soon for you, it’s important to prepare so you’re ready to tackle the challenges ahead of you. Below, you’ll find our best tips for preparing for the field while you’re in the Air Force. 

1. Prioritize Your Health

It’s critical to prioritize your health in the days and weeks leading up to your training exercises. If you’re not functioning well or you’re exhausted, it’s going to be a lot more difficult to perform or pay attention to important details. 

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night, somewhere around eight hours. You may need to shift around things in your schedule to ensure you’re able to get in enough sleep and feel well-rested for your training. You should also keep an eye on your diet and make sure you’re getting enough nutrients so your body is in good health. A good diet will also make it easier to focus, making it easier to retain information you learn. In the days leading up to the FTX, make sure you’re drinking enough water, especially if your training exercises are going to be more physically demanding. 

2. Bring Extra Items

You don’t want to get to the field only to realize you don’t have enough of a specific item, or the conditions aren’t what you expected, and you’re not properly prepared. For example, you might think that one pair of socks for each day is enough, but you may end up going through a couple of pairs a day. Make sure to bring plenty of socks and make sure they’re comfortable inside your boots to help reduce soreness and blisters. 

You may also want to bring extra uniforms or clothes, especially if the weather conditions make some of your uniforms uncomfortable to wear. You also don’t want to be stuck wearing the same thing if you’re caught in the rain or other less-than-ideal weather. Before you leave, you can pack some of your clothing items into gallon bags to ensure they’re safe from the elements.

Think about what other items you might need while you’re at the FTX and consider if you should bring more. It’s better to be prepared and not use the extra items you bring than need something and not have access to it. If you have access to enough storage space, consider bringing extra items of all your essentials. 

3. Think About Packing Quality of Life Items

While the field is meant to be challenging, there are things you can bring with you to improve your quality of life while you’re away from home and the normal luxuries you’re used to. For example, baby wipes are an excellent option when you’re not able to shower for days or longer. Other things you might want to consider bringing include:

• Foot powder
• A multitool
• Travel-sized hygiene products
• Phone chargers and battery packs
• A deck of cards or a book

4. Have the Right Mindset

Make sure you prepare your mindset before you go into the field so you have the right attitude while you’re training. Rather than focusing on the negatives or fixating on how challenging training might be, try to see the field as an opportunity to learn and grow. Heading into the field with a positive attitude can help you get more from your training and put you in the right headspace to retain information and perform your best. 

5. Seek Advice From Others

You’re not the only one going to the field, and there have been people who have gone countless times who have likely figured out how to make the most of their days or weeks of training. You can talk to others you’re going to the field with or other seasoned Airmen who may be able to provide you with tips on how to best prepare. You can also search through online forums to figure out what would be a good idea to bring, and if there are any other things you can do to be ready for the field. 

Make Sure You’re Ready for the Field With the Right Uniforms

You’ll most likely have to stay in uniform while you’re out in the field, and you’ll want to stay within regulations while you’re training. You also want to bring enough uniforms in case weather conditions cause the uniform you’re wearing to get wet or dirty. At American Uniform Sales, we have AFI-compliant uniforms to help you meet strict AFI standards while helping you prepare for the field. We also offer boots and gear you can use to help you optimize your comfort and efficiency while you’re training. Check out our complete selection or contact us with your questions.