Brief Summary
This documentary follows the journey of cadets at the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Basic School, highlighting the rigorous training and the transformation they undergo to become state troopers. It emphasizes the core values of loyalty, integrity, and professionalism, and the challenges cadets face, including stress inoculation, physical training, and specialized courses. The program aims to equip cadets with the skills and mindset necessary for success and safety on the road.
- Cadets undergo rigorous training to instill core values and prepare them for real-world scenarios.
- The training includes physical challenges, firearms instruction, defensive tactics, and specialized courses like collision investigation and water rescue.
- The documentary captures the emotional journey of the cadets, their motivations, and the significance of milestones like receiving their hat badge, Class A uniform, and patrol vehicle.
Introduction
The video opens with aerial shots and radio communications, setting the stage for a documentary about the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Colonel Freddy Johnson Jr. introduces the documentary, emphasizing the values of loyalty, integrity, and professionalism upheld by the State Highway Patrol. He notes the challenges faced by cadets during Basic School and the extensive training they receive to become elite law enforcement officers.
First Day of Basic School
First Sergeant Ler welcomes the 164th basic school class, emphasizing the difficult journey ahead. Major Jeremy Brunon, Director of Training, explains that the goal is to provide cadets with the necessary tools and skills to become pillars in the community. He highlights the importance of core values, humbleness, work ethic, and team-building skills. Cadet Alvarado describes the chaotic first day, with intense focus and constant yelling.
Stress Inoculation and Team Building
Sergeant Elliot Williams explains the purpose behind the rigorous training methods, which is to stress-inoculate cadets and prepare them for high-pressure situations on the roadside. The goal is to break down individuals and rebuild them as a cohesive unit. Cadets Brigman and Thompson share their experiences of the chaotic first day, the lifestyle changes required, and the importance of discipline in aspects like marching, flag salutes, and dining hall etiquette.
Taser and OC Spray Training
Cadet Hues discusses the Taser training, which includes classroom instruction, virtual reality simulations, and personal exposure to the Taser 10. He describes the experience as an uncontrolled takeover of the body. He also describes OC spray training, which involves performing push-ups and simulating real-world scenarios while sprayed, teaching calmness and resourcefulness under duress. Cadet Rock shares his personal motivation for becoming a State Trooper, inspired by his father's career in the Highway Patrol.
Driver Training
Ricky West, a lead driving instructor, outlines the expectations for cadets during driver training, emphasizing safety and attentiveness. The training includes a skid pad to teach vehicle control on wet surfaces and instruction on performing a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT). Cadets learn to control vehicles during hydroplaning, perform PIT maneuvers, and drive at high speeds in a controlled environment with safety equipment.
Firearms Training
The firearms program teaches cadets the basics of rifle handling and progresses to shooting around vehicles and moving with a car. Instructors encourage cadets to consider real-world scenarios and prepare for potential deadly force situations. The training includes shooting through car pillars and window gaps, as well as active shooter scenarios to simulate responding to incidents at schools or banks.
Defensive Tactics (DT) Training
DT class teaches cadets self-defense and how to place combative or non-combative offenders under arrest. The training starts with basic techniques like backfalls and progresses to more advanced maneuvers like escaping from mount and guard positions. The class emphasizes officer safety and builds confidence in cadets, especially those without prior fighting experience.
Collision Investigation and Water Rescue
Cadet McCain describes collision investigation training, which requires critical thinking in complex, real-life scenarios. The training covers coordinate and triangulation methods for measurements, using tangible reference points. The video also touches on water rescue training, which teaches cadets how to handle situations involving vehicles in water, including awareness of eddies and currents.
Hat Badge Ceremony
The hat badge is described as an extremely important part of the Highway Patrol uniform, remaining unchanged since 1929. During the ceremony, each member of the basic school staff congratulates the cadets and hands them their hat badge. Cadet Rock recounts the profound effect of receiving his father's hat badge, a symbol of his 30-year career.
Class A Uniform and Patrol Vehicles
Cadet Hues describes the surreal feeling of putting on the Class A uniform, complete with the campaign hat and badge. He notes the sense of accomplishment, while also recognizing the remaining training ahead. Cadets receive their assigned patrol vehicles, a significant milestone in the academy. The feeling of seeing their patrol car for the first time is described as an amazing, indescribable experience.
Graduation Day
Cadets express their anticipation for graduation day, looking forward to seeing their families and celebrating their accomplishments. They acknowledge the sacrifices made by their families and the pride they feel in completing the program. The video culminates with the graduation ceremony, where cadets take their oath and officially become Troopers of the State Highway Patrol.
