Field Testing

Field Testing is a main quest

Background
Following the evaluation of their aptitude by Knight Shin and Scribe Valdez, the Vault 76 dweller faces their final test before becoming a probationary initiate of the Brotherhood of Steel: Carrying out a mission without direct supervision on orders from the commander of Fort Atlas, Paladin Rahmani.

Walkthrough
The quest begins automatically after completing the mission in the ATLAS substructure. The first step is talking to the paladin, who will now decide to test the dweller's capacity to work without direct supervision by dealing with a feral ghoul infestation in the southwestern part of the Forest. This would also help establish the Brotherhood as a beneficial presence in the area, rather than just another self-interested force. It's also possible to use Charisma 4+ to inquire about an additional reward. Rahmani will note that initiation is its own reward, but give a single stimpak as encouragement.

Since the precise location of the nest is unknown, she will direct the player to Lewis & Sons Farming Supply, where the Putnam family lives inside a renovated barn, repurposed as the Putnam residence. Entering the barn will startle the Putnams, but after explaining the player is with the Brotherhood, George will lower his gun and the undisputed family leader, Carol, will invite the player to talk. The whole family gathers at the lounge, including Marty and Colin. In the course of the conversation, Carol will reveal that she has reported the ghoul infestation to the Brotherhood when it was passing through. Both of her sons will express interest in joining the Brotherhood, causing a small headache for Carol. They can't pinpoint the origin of the infestation, but will mention the bulk of the sightings as originating from the highway up to Flatwoods, usually in the hills surrounding Orwell Orchards.

Once again it is possible to use Charisma check 4+ to inquire about an additional reward. Carol will brusquely refuse due to the Brotherhood affiliation of the dweller, but George will hint at the dangers of radiation and give a single dose of anti-radiation chems, Rad-X or RadAway. Through an optional objective, one of the Putnam sons can also be recruited for the Brotherhood, with Colin being the brain and Marty the muscle. If either one of them is recruited, they will assist the dweller during the next part of the quest. Note that recruiting either one of them ultimately serves no real major purpose or consequence to the overall story, although the player will get to see another outsider's perspective on the events that unfold in the Brotherhood, as well as receive an extra free weapon (see last paragraph).

Either way, the Putnams will agree that wiping out the ghouls would be beneficial for the entire region and definitely earn the Brotherhood some good will. Upon reaching Orwell Orchards, the task at hand is to head into the basement of the Orwell family home and gain access to the Orwell Orchards bomb shelter. Once inside, the objective is to eliminate all marked feral ghouls. If either Colin or Marty were recruited, they can be given a pep talk before heading further into the bunker as well as a debrief speech after the ghouls are taken care of.

Returning to Fort Atlas and Paladin Rahmani, the Vault Dweller can then turn in the quest for their reward, including the promotion to probationary initiate. Recruiting Colin will also reward the unique plasma gun Mind Over Matter, while recruiting Marty will instead reward the unique super sledge The Farmhand.