Training is critical in the military and helps service members prepare for their operations. This training ensures that our troops can handle the physical and mental challenges they will likely encounter during their careers and combat situations.

Before you head to the field, you want to make sure you’re adequately prepared for the physical and mental challenges you’ll encounter. Continue reading to learn more about the field, the importance of preparing for the field, and our tips to help you get ready.

What Is the Field?

The field refers to field training exercises, also known as “FTX”. These exercises generally occur in open areas like a field, bombing ranges, or closed-off areas. The time service members may spend in the field can vary based on the training they’re doing, but can be as short as a few days or last as long as a few weeks.

You will spend time outdoors with your fellow troops learning crucial tactics and information that will benefit you in your future operations. The number of times you go out into the field will depend on your specific branch and other specific circumstances, such as an upcoming deployment or another operation.

How the Field Varies By Branch

Each branch handles their training differently. While the field is meant to prepare service members for future operations, the types of operations vary based on the role of the specific branch. For example, field exercises in the Army and Marines are usually more physically intense and demanding than they are in the Navy or Air Force since these two branches focus more on combat and support. The drills you run and the training you receive will be relevant to the work your branch is doing and the specific role you have in your branch.

Why It’s Important to Prepare for the Field

The field can be physically and mentally grueling to prepare you for the real-world scenarios you’ll encounter during your missions and deployments, so it’s important to prepare before heading out. If you show up unprepared, you won’t be as focused or motivated to perform your best, which could make it difficult to adequately prepare for future operations.

Tips for Preparing for the Field

Before you head out to the field, you need to take some steps to prepare so you show up feeling your best and ready to tackle your training challenges. Below, we share some tips to help your prepare for the FTX so you can get the most from your training.

1. Take Care of Your Body

One of the most important things you can do leading up to your trip to the field is to take care of your body. If you’re exhausted and feeling unwell, you won’t be able to perform your best or pay attention to important details and information you learn during your training.

You’ll want to make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night, which means getting a minimum of eight hours of shut-eye so you feel well-rested for your upcoming training. You should also make sure your diet is on point so you’re getting the food you need to sustain your energy levels while keeping your body in good health. You should also be monitoring your water intake to make sure you’re properly hydrated, especially since the field can be physically grueling.

2. Pack Extra Items

You don’t want to get into the field only to realize you’re ill-prepared to handle the conditions. While you may think one pair of socks for each day is enough to get you by, think again. Bring plenty of pairs and make sure they’re good boot socks so you don’t end up with sore and bleeding feet at the end of the first day.

You will also want to bring extra batteries for things like your flashlight or headlamp since you may run out of juice sooner than expected. You can also share extra batteries with your fellow troops as others are bound to run out of power and not have extra batteries to keep their lights on.

You may also want to bring extra clothes or uniforms in case weather conditions make your other pairs more uncomfortable to wear. You don’t want to be caught in the rain only to be forced to wear your damp clothes the next day. You can pack some items in gallon bags to keep them protected from the elements so they’re ready to use at a moment’s notice.

Consider what other items you may need during your time in the field and determine whether it would be worth it to pack extra. If you have enough storage space, try to pack extra of items you expect you’ll need. It’s better to bring extra and not need them than not to bring enough.

3. Consider Bringing Some Quality of Life Essentials

There are some items you can bring that can help improve your quality of life while you’re out in the field, especially since you’ll be away from the luxuries of home for extended periods. You may want to bring things like baby wipes for times when you’re not able to shower, a hydration pack to help you keep up with your daily water intake, and a multitool to help you with repairs on the fly. Other items you might consider bringing include:

●Travel-size hygiene items

●Foot powder

●A Jetboil

●Phone chargers

●Books or a deck of cards

4. Go In With the Right Mindset

You may not enjoy the field, but you don’t want to go in with a negative mindset or attitude as it can affect your ability to be productive and learn while you’re there. Don’t focus on how physically demanding or mentally exhausting the training might be. Instead, try to approach the field as an opportunity for growth and head in with a positive attitude so you can get the most out of your training.

5. Ask Others How They’re Preparing

People who have been to the field countless times have likely picked up on a lot of tricks to help them make it through the grueling days of training. Talk to others going with you to the field who’ve been before or find discussions online to hear from experienced service members, which can help you determine what you need to bring and other things you can do to adequately prepare for what’s to come.

6. Use the Right Bag to Carry Your Supplies

You’ll need supplies to help you make it through your training in the field, which means you’ll need a reliable way to carry everything you need. You will need to choose a high-quality bag that’s capable of withstanding the rigors of your training.

A good bag will be made from high-quality materials and have strong stitching to ensure it holds up against some of the tough elements you’ll encounter. You also want a bag with enough space to carry everything you need, so choose a bag that has a significant carrying capacity for your essentials.

Find the Bag You Need for Your Field Essentials Here at MLC

If you’re looking for a high-quality bag you can rely on during your time in the field, Military Luggage Company has you covered. We offer a wide selection of bags for various military applications, including assault packs, backpacks, rucksacks, and more. You can find a bag with the right specifications you need for your next trip into the field. Shop our complete selection to get started or contact us today with your questions!