Do you have what it takes?

Survival training in the CACC is foundational to leadership development. It teaches self-reliance, critical thinking, self-confidence, resilience, character development, grit, smart risk-taking, value of preparation, and techniques to deal with stress and failure. It also increases odds of survival in adverse situations, develops an appreciation and respect for the outdoors, and creates strong bonds between the participants.

The Survival Training Unit and the Advanced Survival Training Unit will conduct their next Field Training Exercise (FTX) during the 2026 Summer Encampment Advanced Camp, 22-27 June 2026 at Camp San Luis Obispo. Enrollment will be limited to 50 cadets.

Prerequisites and How to Apply

Prerequisites:

• Incoming 10th grader or higher
• All cadets will be enrolled in a virtual classroom with assignments and meetings to be scheduled. Cadets must attend a virtual information/safety brief to be allowed into the course. Virtual meeting times will be posted in the virtual classroom and sent through email prior to the course.
• The Survival FTX is capped at 50 participants and entry is competitive.
• Entry is competitive. See the point system that is posted.

How to Apply

• Submit an encampment application on the online registration system with Survival as your first choice.
• Email your certified/signed by Commandant Form 13 to CPT Leavell NLT 15 MAR 2026
• Attend required virtual training and informational sessions starting 15 APR 2026

Competitive Entry Point System

The following point system will be used to determine entrance into the Survival FTX. The cadets with the most points will be placed highest on the entrance list. This does not guarantee entry to the Survival FTX. The Form 13 will be used to determine points. If you don't submit requested information to Survival@cacadets.org, you will not have any points.

• 1. 15 points:
• a. Recondo Certification
• b. Medic Certification
• c. Wilderness Skills Certification
• d. Mountaineering Certification
• 2. 10 points:
• a. Attendance and graduation from a previous CACC Summer Encampment
• b. Completion of 2 Brigade bivouacs with earned ribbons
• c. CERT Certification
• d. CACC Summer Encampment Field Skills Certification
• e. CACC XTC participation
• 5 Points:
• a. First Aid Certification
• b. Completion of half (5 events) Recondo Certification
• c. 1 Brigade Bivouac with earned ribbons

More information about prerequisites will be sent to interested participants through email, displayed on the published WARNORD and on https://cacadets.org/Events/Survival.

Survival OIC is CPT Daan Leavell at dan.leavell@cacadets.org. You will also find information on the Survival program at https://cacadets.org/Events/Survival.