Summer Programs

Field Engineering Readiness Laboratory (FERL)

Field Engineering Readiness Laboratory (FERL) is a five-week program that provides opportunities for civil engineering (CE) majors to get hands-on work experience in the CE career field. CadetsCadetsMembers of the student population of AFROTC must have a secret security clearance to apply for this program. FERL provides qualified cadets with:

• An introduction to the basics of civil engineering
• Practical hands-on construction experiences
• An engineering feel for the capabilities of construction equipment
• Experience working with both military and Air Force Academy instructors on actual CE projects at various U.S. Air Force bases and at the U.S. Air Force Academy

This is a two-phase program. The first phase is Civil Engineering 351 consisting of a two-week temporary duty (TDYTDYTemporary Duty ) assignment to an Air Force base where cadets will be exposed to an active duty CE squadron in action. The second phase (located at the U.S. Air Force Academy) is the three-week Field Engineering and Readiness Laboratory.

FERL is presented in three blocks:

Surveying

Learn the basic principles of engineering measurement and get hands-on experience with different types of surveying equipment.

Computer Applications

Gain an appreciation of how computers may be used to aid in solving engineering problems.

Construction Materials

Highlights include performing structural tests and housing construction for a Pueblo, Colorado Indian Reservation.