Field Engineering Readiness Laboratory (FERL)

Field Engineering Readiness Laboratory (FERL) is a five-week program that provides opportunities for a limited number of AS300Aerospace Studies. Junior-level course studying the anatomy of leadership, the need for quality and management leadership, the role of discipline in leadership situations and the variables affecting leadership. (rising senior) civil engineering (CE) majors to get hands-on work experience in the CE career field. Cadets 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 Air Force bases and at the US Air Force Academy

This is a two-phase program. The first phase is Civil Engineering 351 consisting of a two-week temporary duty (TDY) 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 US 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.