ROTC cadets from The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), Alabama A&M University, and the University of North Alabama took part in field training exercises (FTX) from Nov. 7-9 at Redstone Arsenal.

Although the grenades used were plastic, the cadets treated the training with full seriousness, demonstrating the importance of accountability and preparedness.

“In the Army, accountability is everything,” said Cadet Heidi Kaeding, a senior at UAH studying business administration. “Even if it’s a $5 fake grenade, we must treat it as we would real equipment. This attention to detail prepares us for handling real situations with care and precision.”

The training involved around 75 cadets and seven cadre officers, focusing on skills such as land navigation, patrols, and managing a grenade course. Senior cadets like Kaeding took on leadership roles, passing on their knowledge to newer cadets while honing their own leadership and communication skills.

Cadet Daniel Navarro, another UAH senior and business major, helped coordinate the training from the Tactical Operations Center, emphasizing the importance of planning and real-time updates.

“The planning happens in here, but the real action is out there,” said Navarro.

For student-athletes like William Tarpley, an MS III cadet and pitcher for the UAH baseball team, balancing ROTC and sports requires careful coordination.

“It’s truly a balance with classes and early wake-up times,” Tarpley noted, adding that the teamwork skills he’s gained through baseball will serve him well in the Army.

Other cadets, such as Michelle White, an MS I and UAH soccer player, and Joshua Bonson, an MS II history major, echoed the importance of commitment and teamwork.

“I’ve always wanted to join the Army, inspired by my grandfather’s service,” said Bonson. “ROTC has been a great experience and has helped me form strong friendships.”