What We Do Every Week

Our Training

Every week the Army Military Explorers at FCRC train at the Van Nuys National Guard Armory — then put those skills to the test in the field.

Explorers on a ruck movement through the Mojave Desert during a field training exercise

Field Training Exercises

In the field is where riflemen put classroom skills to the test: land navigation, small-unit tactics, and first aid in the woods of Big Bear or the Mojave Desert.

Explorers training at the Van Nuys National Guard Armory

Physical Fitness

FCRC members spend a portion of every week exercising and learning how to exercise — building long-term fitness habits that last beyond FCRC and the military.

Riflemen attending weekly classroom instruction at the armory

Classroom Training

Each week riflemen attend classes from 6 to 9 PM, learning skills from map reading to first aid. Classes grow more comprehensive and intense over time.

Rappelling

Riflemen learn to tie Swiss seats at the armory before traveling to Stoney Point in Chatsworth to rappel down a 90-foot cliff face.

Advanced Training

Marksmanship & Weapons Safety

Marksmanship is introduced after riflemen have built a foundation in classroom instruction, fitness, and field skills. Veteran instructors emphasize weapons safety above all else.

At partner military bases, qualified members may train and qualify with military weapons under direct supervision — always as part of a broader leadership program, not as a starting point.

Explorers receiving marksmanship instruction at the rifle range

Patches That Can Only Be Earned

Recondo School

The premiere training school offered by FCRC — carefully constructed by former Special Operations cadre for motivated individuals who want to push past their limits.

The FCRC Recondo patch, earned only by graduates of the two-week course

Every year, advisors offer members of FCRC the chance to attend a two-week Recondo School — our most grueling course. Riflemen learn more about themselves and what they believe is possible after successfully completing it.

The course consists of one week of classroom instruction at the Van Nuys National Guard Armory, followed by one week in the field at Big Bear. Due to the extensive time required to run it, the course is typically held once a year.

Select graduates earn the right to wear the black beret and Recondo Tab.

"This course has the same feeling as many U.S. military Special Operations selection courses, and helps those looking to be a member of the SOF community."
— Paul H., Air Force TACP

Ask About the Next Course

See It For Yourself

The best way to understand FCRC training is to stop by a Tuesday meeting.