Field-Based Tailored Training (FBTT) provides an alternate training path to officership for cases which meet specific criteria. It is “field-based” meaning that the majority of training is done while in a supervised ministry setting rather than at CFOT. It is “tailored” for candidates who already have a significant amount of formal learning (i.e. courses that fulfill a large portion of the academic program). The opportunity to engage in FBTT may be offered to candidates who demonstrate emotional and spiritual maturity, knowledge and commitment to the mission and practices of The Salvation Army, competence in ministry leadership, self discipline in the area of learning, have a significant number of exemptions based on prior education, and encounter special life circumstances that preclude two year training in residence at CFOT.
It is acknowledged that this territory has offered ‘tailored training’ for decades. The tailoring has varied as programs have been individually shaped to acknowledge prior learning, address learning gaps and meet special needs of individual cadets. Recent examples include:
- the assignment of a first-year cadet / Booth University College graduate to London.
- a second-year cadet given an extended field placement in British Columbia for the purpose of intensive field training.
- the facilitation of cadets living and serving in Zimbabwe as they engaged in tailored studies.
Key principles of field-based tailored training include the following:
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Flexibility of content: With FBTT credit is given for qualifications and experience previously gained by the individual, and a personally tailored training program is designed to enable the individual to complete the training required for officership. Regardless of prior formal learning, all Salvation Army distinctive courses, including Spiritual Formation, will be completed through CFOT.
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Flexibility of method: Flexible training can include a mixture of methods, such as residential training, distance learning, short courses and practical experience. The training plan will take into account the individual needs of FBTT cadets and will also give priority to the needs of the organization, particularly as it relates to costs and training resources. Supervised field practice will be a major component of their programs. Effective FBTT therefore relies on the availability of capable field training supervisors who are exemplary leader-coaches.
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Flexibility of length: With flexible training there is no pre-determined length for the training period. This will depend on the circumstances of the individual. Some will need the standard length of two years to complete their training. Some may need more. Some may need less. The model assumes that the cadet will be engaged in the program full time, unencumbered by expectations of employment.
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Flexibility of location: FBTT cadets train while living in communities other than Winnipeg. All FBTT cadets will come to Winnipeg for intensive studies, Welcome Weekends, In-Sundays, Commissionings and other learning opportunities, while their primary location of training will be elsewhere. While all FBTT cadets will train outside Winnipeg, there may be cases where an extended portion of the training program is best completed in residence at CFOT. Each case is looked at individually and uniquely tailored to fit the needs of the cadet and The Salvation Army.
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The chart below outlines the process for identifying candidates for Field-Based Tailored Training. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We will do our best to begin a conversation which will be informative and encouraging to those who are interested in learning more about this path to officership.
To learn more about our other training models, simply click on the highlighted titles below:
- Full Time Residential Training: Cadets train on site, in Winnipeg, for two years with occasional variations depending on their prior learning.
- Auxiliary-Captain Training: Training is completed in approximately five years, while assuming the responsibilities for an appointment.
- Field-Based Tailored Training: Cadets with significant prior learning and ministry competance train at a Salvation Army ministry unit rather than at CFOT.
If you have further questions about officer training or any of the information on this website please leave us a comment and we will do our best to get back to you. To leave a comment or ask us a question please Click here.
