I Want to Join CAP But...

[CAPSmith]

This thread is designed for CAP Q&A in regards to eligibility for joining, how you would be affected by being in multiple organizations, etc. Feel free to ask questions, make comments, discuss CAP, etc.

So, here are a few FAQ:

Q: What is the difference between CAP and JROTC?
A: While there are many differences, the largest one is that JROTC is a school based program and CAP is a community based program. JROTC cadets take JROTC as a class and recieve school credit for their work. CAP cadets perform their CAP duties in addition to their full school course load.

CAP also offers cadets and senior members the ability to participate in Emergency Services like search and rescue, disaster relief, etc.

Q: How old do I have to be to join CAP?
A: CAP Membership is open for any 12 years old or greater.

To be a cadet, one must join between their 12th birthday and before their 19th birthday. If you are already a cadet prior to your 19th birthday, you may remain a cadet until you turn 21.

Senior membership is open to anyone 18+, provided that they can pass an FBI background check.

Q: I am in JROTC, how does that affect my status in CAP?
A: If you are currently enrolled in JROTC you may qualify for advanced promotion rate in the CAP cadet program. CAP cadets are required to have two months time in grade for each of their promotions. For example, if you have been actively enrolled in JROTC for at least two years you can qualify to cut that time in half until you reach the Billy Mitchell Award (Transition to Cadet Officer).

In addition to decreased promotion time, you are eligible to recieve CAP Encampment credit for completion of JROTC Summer Leadership School.

JROTC grade does not directly transfer to the CAP cadet program. All cadets must work from the bottom up.

Q: Do I need to be prior military or have military experience to join as a Senior Member?
A: No, most senior members do not have any military experience. Training and indoctrination (in the best sense of the word) is completed at the local unit and is designed for people of all experience levels.

That should get us started, but if anyone has any other questions, I'll try to incorporate them here.

[StormCrow]

Well,

That answers a lot of my questions...lol. Still to old...darn it...oh well...maybe in the next life.

Storm

[CAPSmith]

Now back to you Storm,

You want to join CAP but...

You think you're too old and don't know if you could make it.

Have you considered joining as a Senior Member? You would have the ability to work with cadets in an adult role. I notice that you are interested in faith based teachings, etc. CAP has roles/positions for both Chaplains and what we call "Moral Leadership Officers." The MLO spot may be a good place for you.

You might want to check out the "study guide" for CAP MLOs to get a better feel for what the program entails: http://level2.cap.gov/documents/u_082503085249.pdf

Also, there is reference materials/lesson plans:
http://level2.cap.gov/documents/P265_001V1.pdf
http://level2.cap.gov/documents/P265_001V2.pdf

As you progress in your religious studies you might qualify to become a CAP chaplain.

I have found CAP to be very rewarding and think that you might be able to find a spot that would appeal to what you are interested in. I should be able to answer any questions you have, if not, I know people who I can get answers from :)

[StormCrow]

hmmm...

I might just look into that...I miss the uniform and since I didn't complete my fourth year in JROTC I still got some stuff in the basement. Being a CAP senior member might just rectify that situation. Thanks, CAPSmith... I'm gonna look more in depth to that.

Storm

[MP_Girl]

Ah hah!

See, you do it every time my dear. You get into stuff I'm into, like Djiing. (MP_Girl smiles at Storm)


Actually, I do have a question. What is CAP's regulations in regards to Senior Members being with other Senior Members. As you know, J and I are engaged to be married, but I've been looking at CAP for a while now. I actually contacted the person in charge of the unit close by. So if you could answer my question in regards to the above, just so I know what the regs state. Thank you in advance.

[CAPSmith]

Ah hah!

See, you do it every time my dear. You get into stuff I'm into, like Djiing. (MP_Girl smiles at Storm)


Actually, I do have a question. What is CAP's regulations in regards to Senior Members being with other Senior Members. As you know, J and I are engaged to be married, but I've been looking at CAP for a while now. I actually contacted the person in charge of the unit close by. So if you could answer my question in regards to the above, just so I know what the regs state. Thank you in advance.

There is no issue as long as it doesn't hinder your ability or doesn't get in the way of performance of your duties. My wife and I both volunteer with CAP as Senior Members in the same unit, and it is actually quite common. At one point she was even my supervisor (well, not that she isn't normally :) ) but you know what I mean.

However, Senior Members are not allowed, under any circumstance to be in a relationship with a cadet. This even applies if the SM is 19 and the cadet is 19 (see rules above on ages).

Cadets can be dating each other too. Just keep it professional and don't let it get in the way of the squadron operations and it's fine. In many ways it makes it more fun and enjoyable.

[C/ZOOMIE]

Ah hah!

See, you do it every time my dear. You get into stuff I'm into, like Djiing. (MP_Girl smiles at Storm)


Actually, I do have a question. What is CAP's regulations in regards to Senior Members being with other Senior Members. As you know, J and I are engaged to be married, but I've been looking at CAP for a while now. I actually contacted the person in charge of the unit close by. So if you could answer my question in regards to the above, just so I know what the regs state. Thank you in advance.

Adding to what Maj Smith said: also as long as there is no public affection shown......

[TruBlu]

Man, I'm glad you posted this. I really hadn't the faintest idea about CAP, and now I have a little more to chew on. But my question is, what is it that you DO in CAP? Like is every cadet supposed to be an aviator and all that? I just don't know much about it that's all...

[C/ZOOMIE]

Man, I'm glad you posted this. I really hadn't the faintest idea about CAP, and now I have a little more to chew on. But my question is, what is it that you DO in CAP? Like is every cadet supposed to be an aviator and all that? I just don't know much about it that's all...

Heres our website. It should answer all your questions:

http://gocivilairpatrol.com/html/index.htm

[CAPSmith]

Man, I'm glad you posted this. I really hadn't the faintest idea about CAP, and now I have a little more to chew on. But my question is, what is it that you DO in CAP? Like is every cadet supposed to be an aviator and all that? I just don't know much about it that's all...

Civil Air Patrol has three missions; Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education and Emergency Services.

The Cadet program is a community based leadership development program. Cadets progress though a system of achievements modeled after the USAF grade structure. Cadets begin at C/AB and can work their way to becoming a C/Col.

During their progression, cadets are exposed to varying leadership positions like C/Flight Sergeant, C/Flight Commander, etc which increase in skill required and responsibility.

Activities vary from parades, color guard, honor guard, drill teams, air shows, community events, model rocketry, orientation flights (both powered and glider), hiking, bivouacs, search and rescue training, many of our National Cadet Special Activities (www.cap.gov/ncsa), encampments, military balls, conferences, etc.

A typical squadron meeting usually consists of a 2.5 hour meeting broken up into instructional blocks. Normally squadrons do a uniform inspection, some D&C time, and a variance of one of the activities above.

Weekend activities also come into play and vary greatly depending on local offerings and what your squadron is interested in.

My suggestion would be to find your local unit at www.gocivilairpatrol.com and go see what it is about in your area. That way, you'll get a feel for the local environment and see if it is something you'd be interested in.

You asked if all the cadets were expected to be aviators, simple answer - no. However, CAP offers all cadets 5 powered flights and 5 glider flight free of charge during their time as a cadet. We also have flight academies where you can earn your solo rating, if you're so inclined, and offer many flight scholarships.

The program isn't about making cadets into a specific job role or interest, it is about developing better leaders and citizens. All skills that you can take with you later on in life.

[TruBlu]

Alright cool. Thanks guys, this is pretty good, and the "go CAP" site looks great! Thanks for the links and the heads up about all this, I'm gonna check it out right now.

[C.A.P. Flight Officer]

I want to join CAPS, but I want to know how often does CAPS hold meetings? I want to know because I have various things to do after school: AFJROTC, FFA and I also work at home football games on Friday.:mp:

[rightstuffpilot]

It mostly depends on what your squadron prefers. Most meet weekly, some meet every other week. www.gocivilairpatrol.com

[Delta Charlie]

I want to join CAPS, but I want to know how often does CAPS hold meetings? I want to know because I have various things to do after school: AFJROTC, FFA and I also work at home football games on Friday.:mp:Most CAP (pronounced C-A-P, not 'cap', and there is no S anywhere) squadrons meet weekly, for 2-3 hours. Usually is is during the week but a few units meet on Saturdays. My squadron, for instance, meets from 1800 to 2100 every Tuesday. You can also expect to participate in weekend activities, ranging from a few hours on a Saturday morning to all weekend, Friday night to Sunday evening. There are also numerous other activites, namely NCSAs (National Cadet Special Activities) and Encampment, that last a week or more. They are typically held in the summer, but certain activities like Civic Leadership Academy and some Encampments are held in the winter.

[rightstuffpilot]

CAP is a great addition for a cadet in AFROTC/JROTC. It offeres cadets the opportunity to attend a variety (varies year to year but averages 12-16) of different countries on the International Air Cadet Exchange for $250 (including uniforms, hotels, meals, tourist activities). CAP also offers many flying and academic scholarships. These two things in particular I believe are very unique to CAP and amazing opportunities.

[MP_Girl]

So I've joined CAP with my local area here in Florida. I'm in what is called a "Catch 22" because I'm 19, and there are some Cadets that joined before 19, and stay Cadet's until 21, but I'll have an Officer Rank. The LT is a great guy, just need to refresh myself on some things in regards to the Military..It certainly has been a while for me..I'm not going to tell anyone I was in the Military until tonight...They may wonder where I got the uniform :-P

So I'm nervous, but it is a good nervous..I think it will be great for me to get back into Uniform and freshen up on some things.

I'll let you know my experiences

[CAPSmith]

So I've joined CAP with my local area here in Florida. I'm in what is called a "Catch 22" because I'm 19, and there are some Cadets that joined before 19, and stay Cadet's until 21, but I'll have an Officer Rank.

Welcome to CAP and to the CAP Flight Officer Club. There are very few of you out there, but that definitely doesn't make you all any less valuable.

It is a weird situation, too old to be a cadet, too young to hold an officer grade. You'll get cadets who will shrug you off because your a senior member and senior members who'll shrug you off because they think that you're some sort of senior cadet :)

Heck, I'm 26 and still get confused as a cadet. Most recently I was the emcee for our wing conference. I walked into the hospitality suite and got a few "oh, no cadets allowed in here" and "can I help you cadet" comments. So, don't take it as an insult if people don't really understand "what" you are.

Just be sure that you go in with an open mind, stay out of the politics and everything will be fine - and fun.

Welcome to CAP! :)

[MP_Girl]

Welcome to CAP and to the CAP Flight Officer Club. There are very few of you out there, but that definitely doesn't make you all any less valuable.

It is a weird situation, too old to be a cadet, too young to hold an officer grade. You'll get cadets who will shrug you off because your a senior member and senior members who'll shrug you off because they think that you're some sort of senior cadet :)

Heck, I'm 26 and still get confused as a cadet. Most recently I was the emcee for our wing conference. I walked into the hospitality suite and got a few "oh, no cadets allowed in here" and "can I help you cadet" comments. So, don't take it as an insult if people don't really understand "what" you are.

Just be sure that you go in with an open mind, stay out of the politics and everything will be fine - and fun.

Welcome to CAP! :)


Ya...not too sure how I'll do with the above statement..

I was in the Army, and am prior service..so I guess I'll just deal with it :-P

[Drill for life]

Excuse me CAPsmith, I've always been interested in joining CAP. Is it taught by Senior CAP members or retired Air Force personnel?

[CAPSmith]

Excuse me CAPsmith, I've always been interested in joining CAP. Is it taught by Senior CAP members or retired Air Force personnel?

DFL,

CAP is a community based volunteer organization. So, we have a mix. Unlike JROTC instructors, our CAP senior members come from a WIDE variety of backgrounds.

For example, the CAP senior members in my squadron include a retired AF MSgt, a stay at home mother, an AT&T ops manager, an Army veteran, a computer engineer and a retired helicopter designer. There are many more, but I think you get the idea.

My last squadron had more military personnel only because we were located on an AD Air Force base.

So long story short, no, CAP cadets aren't taught/lead by retired military personnel by requirement or necessity.

[rightstuffpilot]

Ideally, CAP cadets are taught and led by CAP cadets. The program is designed to be cadet run and led with senior member oversight. However, there are alot of exceptions to this depending on the age, grade, amount, and skill level of existing cadets and senior members.

[rightstuffpilot]

Sorry to get off topic but MP_Girl I can't respond to you because you have PM's turned off.

[ufcfootballfan]

I believe CAP delves into leadership better then JROTC and possibly any other program out there. I am currently a Cadet/Senior Airman and i have had experiences in CAP like no other. It is an amazing program. If anyone has any questions, send me a private message.

[AFGirl]

I loved CAP till our unit began to have a lot of drama. So I quit. If the drama would stop I would like to try again.

[C/SSGT Seifer]

This is a little vague, but what exactly IS CAP, and since it isn't a school course or anything how often do they meet. I don't know anything other than the fact that it stands for Civil Air Patrol and that it is part of the U.S. Air Force.

[AFCadetSteel]

This is a little vague, but what exactly IS CAP, and since it isn't a school course or anything how often do they meet. I don't know anything other than the fact that it stands for Civil Air Patrol and that it is part of the U.S. Air Force.

CAP is a Private, Non-Profit Organization, but while under direct command of the Secretary of the Air Force, they are the Auxillary of the USAF.

They perform 90% of search and Rescue missions in the US, saving approximatley 100 people per year.

They are organized sort of like the actual Air Force, by wings (usually regional or by state), groups (again regional), and Squadrons/Composite Squadrons.

Composite Squadrons consist of Cadet Members (12-18 Years old) and Senior Members (18+ years old)

Squadrons consists only of Senior Members.

The cadet program is similar to JROTC, except they meet out of school, usually once per week, for 2-3 hours. For example, my local composite squadron meets Thursdays, from 1900-2130 Hours.
They have Cadet Ranks that follow the Air Force rank structure (Cadet Airman Basic - Cadet Chief Master Sgt ; C/2ndLt - C/Col). To get promoted, you must pass a knowledge, and PT test, that get's more difficult with each rank. The highest achievement is the Spaatz Award, which is awarded once a cadet reaches the rank of C/Col.

They hold what are called Summer Encampments, which are like COLS, JCLC, etc. Basically mini-boot camps that teach leadership, drill, special skills, etc.

Cadets learn many different things, from survival to search and rescue operations, to learning how to fly. Cadets can actually earn their solo flight certificate while in CAP.


That's all the information that I know, if any of it is incorrect, please tell me and i'll edit it away.

PhoenixCadet would probably be the right man to go to for your questions. That kids Hardcore CAP.

[SlightlyCatholic]

I believe CAP delves into leadership better then JROTC and possibly any other program out there. I am currently a Cadet/Senior Airman and i have had experiences in CAP like no other. It is an amazing program. If anyone has any questions, send me a private message.


How is CAP with developing small unit leadership? Cadet NCOs with subordinates?

I'm just wondering, because I've heard from a lot of JROTC cadets that the presence of officer ranks tend to degrade the role of cadet NCOs (we actually just had a big discussion on this in another thread). CAP also has cadet officers, so would you mind commenting on the effect those ranks has on small unit leadership? Just curious...

[Billyd]

How is CAP with developing small unit leadership? Cadet NCOs with subordinates?

I'm just wondering, because I've heard from a lot of JROTC cadets that the presence of officer ranks tend to degrade the role of cadet NCOs (we actually just had a big discussion on this in another thread). CAP also has cadet officers, so would you mind commenting on the effect those ranks has on small unit leadership? Just curious...

The difference is that you don't simply become an officer simply because of the position you hold.

Check CAPR 52-16 (http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/CAPR_5216_65BBED989C8B7.pdf). Each achievement or promotion has requirements that must be fulfilled.

[PhoenixCadet]

PhoenixCadet would probably be the right man to go to for your questions. That kids Hardcore CAP.

I'll be reaching my 5 year mark in October. I'd say that's about right. :D

Though, I do have to correct a few things on that (not knockin' ya, man - it's just for further clarification).

1. We aren't actually under direct command of the SECAF. We are under command of the CAP/USAF liaison commander (an active duty USAF Colonel). This organization falls under that of the Air University, which is, in turn, subordinate to the Air Education & Training Command.

2. CAP has three types of squadrons. a) Cadet Squadrons - Almost completely comprised of cadet members, with a handful of senior member officers to support said Cadets. b) Composite Squadrons - An equal amount of opportunities for both Cadets and senior member officers. c) Senior Squadrons - Comprised entirely of senior member officers. (The senior squadrons focus solely on our emergency services mission.)

As C/SSGT Seifer stated, we require a few tests for each promotion. These consist of an aerospace test, leadership test (also covers general military protocol & CAP history / knowledge), PT test, and - if your squadron decides to do them - a verbal review board (which usually focuses on memory work, chain of command, and generan CAP knowledge).

We are different from JROTC in that we do not promote Cadets on the basis of billet (your leadership position or duty within the squadron). We require all Cadets to start out at the bottom, and work up through each rank.

C/SSGT Seifer,

AFCdtSteel summed it up pretty well. We have our strengths and weakness, just like any Cadet Program does - though I wouldn't go so far as to say we teach things better than JROTC does. A claim like that really cannot be made, because - with any organization - your insturctors / teachers will vary all over the palce, giving you a different result. (In regard to the specific cirriculum, however, I am not qualified to answer that as I don't have AFJROTC experience).

If you'd like to shoot me a PM or e-mail, I'd be more than happy to talk with you more. As I said, I've been a Cadet for almost five years now, and I'm the Cadet Commander of a unit I worked with my school administration & CAP Group staff to establish.

-PC

C/SMSgt, CAP

[SlightlyCatholic]

The difference is that you don't simply become an officer simply because of the position you hold.

Check CAPR 52-16 (http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/CAPR_5216_65BBED989C8B7.pdf). Each achievement or promotion has requirements that must be fulfilled.


Just because CAP ranks look more like a ladder than a space shuttle launch pad, that doesn't mean that cadet NCO ranks can't be downplayed. That's what I'm getting at.

[PhoenixCadet]

Just because CAP ranks look more like a ladder than a space shuttle launch pad, that doesn't mean that cadet NCO ranks can't be downplayed. That's what I'm getting at.

There really isn't a concrete answer which can be given for the entire organization. As already clarified, we have different promotion procedures than JROTC, and cannot "brevet" a cadet to a specific position (if that term can be used here). You can have a unit with no cadet officers; a unit with a variety of different ranks; a unit who's highest ranking cadet is junior enlisted, etc. In the current unit I'm in (that I started) - I'm the highest ranking cadet at C/E-8. We have one C/E-5, and the rest are C/E-1s and C/E-2s.

Because of our (my unit's) current set up - one can see that we're in-fact the opposite; our very few (read: one) NCOs are heavily overworked.

[CAPSmith]

Tim,

I think what you're getting at is that in the military, the NCO structure is separate and has distinguishable differences in what their role is. In CAP, the NCO grades appear to be just another stepping stone on a cadets way to being a C/Officer.

However, this doesn't make the C/NCO grades unnecessary or unneeded. Many units have a good core of C/NCOs who fill positions like Element Leader, Flight Sergeant, First Sergeant, support roles, etc.

My unit for example is comprised of 1 Cadet Captain (C/O-3), 2 Cadet First Lieutenants (C/O-2), 4 C/CMSgts (C/E-9), 4 C/TSgts (C/E-6), 4 C/SSgts (C/E-5) and a bunch of C/AB-C/SrA. (about 30)

Our unit has a solid cadet staff structure that actually enables cadets to be in positions appropriate for their grades. This actually enables C/NCOs to be used as NCOs should be. The cadet officers are doing officer things, the NCOs are doing NCO things.

However, as I pointed out before, their goal isn't to become lifetime NCOs because that isn't what our program is about and any cadet who only makes it to C/CMSgt has only accomplished just under half of what our program offers.

In terms of staff structure, sometimes we find ourselves in odd situations (i.e having 20 C/NCOs and 5 airman) which forces some "interesting" staff structures because we don't have manning standards (i.e. can only have 3 C/SSgts and 1 C/CMSgt, etc).

In the end though, it really depends on the local leadership. If the local leadership doesn't have an understanding of what the cadets are supposed to be doing at a particular grade, or allow a cadet to assume a position that isn't appropriate for their grade (i.e. Cadet Commander as a C/MSgt) then they are doing that cadet and their squadron a disservice.

[SlightlyCatholic]

In the end though, it really depends on the local leadership. If the local leadership doesn't have an understanding of what the cadets are supposed to be doing at a particular grade, or allow a cadet to assume a position that isn't appropriate for their grade (i.e. Cadet Commander as a C/MSgt) then they are doing that cadet and their squadron a disservice.

This is what I was looking for. It seems like the program works when its ideal structure is employed, but should other factors skew that structure then there will be issues. Sometimes programs (by their very nature) tend to misrepresent the actual duties of ranks, but it doesn't seem to be the case in CAP (at least the way you and a few others have described it).

Thanks for the feedback.

[C/SSGT Seifer]

I am a bit confused about the senior members. Do they have their own rank structure separate from the cadet structure or are they tossed in to the mix. So in other words can a 14 year old be telling a 20 year old what to do?

[PhoenixCadet]

I am a bit confused about the senior members. Do they have their own rank structure separate from the cadet structure or are they tossed in to the mix. So in other words can a 14 year old be telling a 20 year old what to do?

Yes, and no. Here's how rank works:

You've got "cadets" and "senior members". Cadets follow the rank structure similar to AFJROTC (Cadet E-1 through Cadet O-6). A Cadet can join the program between the ages of 12-18, but can stay a cadet until their 21st birthday - when you become a senior member. If you join after you turn 18, you're automatically a senior member.

Now for senior members (a generic term for any adult member of CAP) - you've got two distinct categories. "Flight officers", and "officers" (I'm leaving out former military NCO's - who are allowed to keep their rank - for the sake of simplicity). Flight officers (flight officer, technical flight officer, and senior flight officer) are senior member who are between the ages of 18-20. For some reason, the Air Force doesn't want our members holding "commissioned officer" rank until they're 21. Once you turn 21, you become a "commissioned officer" and can hold the ranks of 2LT through MGen.

As for your question of whether a 14 year old be telling a 20 year old what to do - sure. Cadet "A" joins at 12, rises up the ranks to C/2d Lt in two years. Cadet B joins just before his 18th birthday. He starts as the bottom as a Cadet Airman Basic (C/E-1), still a Cadet, and thus, lower in rank than the 14 year old C/2d Lt.

*Our members are not actually "commissioned" (unless they're actually a real commissioned military officer). I'm just using that term to distinguish between the officer and flight officer ranks.

I hope this has helped!

-PC

[C/SSGT Seifer]

As for your question of whether a 14 year old be telling a 20 year old what to do - sure. Cadet "A" joins at 12, rises up the ranks to C/2d Lt in two years. Cadet B joins just before his 18th birthday. He starts as the bottom as a Cadet Airman Basic (C/E-1), still a Cadet, and thus, lower in rank than the 14 year old C/2d Lt.

*Our members are not actually "commissioned" (unless they're actually a real commissioned military officer). I'm just using that term to distinguish between the officer and flight officer ranks.

I hope this has helped!

-PC

I am sorry, I think I worded the question wrong. My question was like can a 14 year old that reached say c/2d LT would he be able to tell a new senior member what to do?

[PhoenixCadet]

I am sorry, I think I worded the question wrong. My question was like can a 14 year old that reached say c/2d LT would he be able to tell a new senior member what to do?

Ah - sorry if I misread your question.

No, that is not possible. Cadets of any grade, all the way up to the senior most Cadet Colonel in the CAP, are still junior to even the newest flight officer or officer.

[SPCAubin]

This sorta-off topic but, If you join CAP, PLEASE learn how not to be a waste of oxygen. My local boys couldn't find water in the ocean. We host the summer encampment here and there are usually 5-10 near-miss incidents every summer.

[PhoenixCadet]

This sorta-off topic but, If you join CAP, PLEASE learn how not to be a waste of oxygen. My local boys couldn't find water in the ocean. We host the summer encampment here and there are usually 5-10 near-miss incidents every summer.

Thank you for those ever insightful comments. :sleepy:

I think you'll find "oxygen wasters" in all walks of life, even *gasp* in the Army. Don't be so quick to out one organization when you've not figured out all the problems within your own first.

-PC

[SPCAubin]

Thank you for those ever insightful comments. :sleepy:

I think you'll find "oxygen wasters" in all walks of life, even *gasp* in the Army. Don't be so quick to out one organization when you've not figured out all the problems within your own first.

-PC

That's not what I meant. Don't be like MY local unit. Learn what your job entails and do it RIGHT and with PRIDE (something the local doesn't do). I hope that helps. I'm not in CAP BTW I just ran ground operations at the airport.

[PhoenixCadet]

That's not what I meant. Don't be like MY local unit. Learn what your job entails and do it RIGHT and with PRIDE (something the local doesn't do). I hope that helps. I'm not in CAP BTW I just ran ground operations at the airport.

Roger. My apologies for the mis-interpretation.

-PC

[C.A.P. Flight Officer]

Hello everyone , it has been a long time since I have posted something on this thread. Thank You to everyone who answered all of my questions about C.A.P. !! I had no clue what it was until I got helpful insight. I have been an official member for about four months now and I am loving it ! I am a Flight Officer and Deputy Commander of my Cadet Squadron. Coming from AFJROTC , I love teaching cadets. I am working on getting a specialty track in Administration , Aerospace Education , Cadet Activities , and Communications. :D :blueberet: :afgarrison: :flag:

[CAPSmith]

This sorta-off topic but, If you join CAP, PLEASE learn how not to be a waste of oxygen. My local boys couldn't find water in the ocean. We host the summer encampment here and there are usually 5-10 near-miss incidents every summer.

SPCAubin,

If I may...

I'm sorry to hear that your local CAP unit hasn't lived up to what you think they should be. I can assure you that their behaviors aren't typical of what we do everyday.

Being an all volunteer "force" we have people from all walks of life, just as you do. All are outstanding people, but many find themselves put in positions they aren't qualified to hold simply to fill a void - to no fault of their own. It's unfortunate, but the truth. Despite their shortcomings, however, they all share a passion for what we do - and I can respect that.

Our organization faces a lot of scrutiny from the public, as it should. However, I think you'll find more people sharing their bad experiences than the good ones. Not because we don't do good things, but because nobody talks about the positive things.

There is one thing that I've found to be true in all my years in CAP. We need good people. Good people have changed this organization for the last 67 years. If what we do is something you may be interested in and something you think you can help with, please, go down to your local boys and offer your assistance.