GREENFIELD — This summer the 246th Battalion of the California Cadet Corps of Greenfield High School had 20 cadets attend Basic Survival, earning the coveted red beret.
Cadets went through several types of classes: first aid, foraging, knife safety, tool and rope making, shelter building, fire starting and water purification. Another common activity for cadets was hiking.
For Basic Survival, cadets were divided into three teams of around 21-25, then separated into groups of three. Groups consisted of cadets from different schools throughout the state, so nobody knew each other.
The purpose for this is to get cadets out of their comfort zone, so they are comfortable with the uncomfortable. They spent the week outdoors using the skills they learned to constantly improve their situation.
On the last day, to complete survival and earn their red beret, cadets faced their final challenge, a crucible. The focus of the crucible is to test their knowledge of the survival creed and physically challenge them. Aspects of the course vary from year-to-year.
“Survival will show you all your weaknesses, even the ones you didn’t know you had,” said C/CSM Enrique Villanueva. “In that moment, you will fight to overcome those weaknesses and be stronger than ever before.”
“Something I’ve learned is to endure even when your body thinks it’s done,” added C/2LT Sam Martinez.
Survival training is held each summer and is open to cadets who are in high school and are members of a battalion.
