My First Night at CAP

[MP_Girl]

So for everyone who knows me, they know that I was discharged medically from the Army NG (Of Course honorably) and wanted to do something to keep me busy and get me back into the swing of the Military. I tried police explorers, did not suit my "need" for more. Then a few friends of mine who are in Civil Air Patrol told me to join CAP. I had thought about it, and never really looked into it, but today I decided to go to CAP and become a member. I know, I know, I'm not officially a member until I receive my ID and all that stuff, but I wanted to tell you about what it was like for me.

At first, it was uncomfortable, and a bit uneasy to me. I was used to the Army side of things, and the CAP uses all Air Force stuff. Upon my arrival via taxi, at 1700 hours to the meeting location, I found that I was an hour early, so I took time to observe the area around me. The area that we meet in is a wooded area, nice scenery. Birds chirping, the whole hoopla. The LT is a cool guy, he is the one who runs the show. We have a Major, who really is there to observe and back up the LT, and then we have three including myself Senior Officer's. The rest are all Cadets.

The experience for me was completely new. I'm used to Class A, B and C and the Air Force calls them "dress blues" and the uniforms look sharp. Also BDU's. Have not used them nor seen them in a longggg time, and apparently that's what the CAP uses. Not to mention that they call me Ma'am. I apparently am a Ma'am now..that's going to take some getting used to. Also, I am not used to just sitting around and doing nothing. I wanted to PT and do D+C with them so badly, but as a Senior Officer, your job is really to observe. (Meh, I might ask to participate for encouragement LOL)

Overall, it seemed like a great program. highly recommended. The only thing I did not like was the fact that because I'm a senior member, I have to buy everything myself. Everything else was great.

Now I just have to get used to the Air Force Ranking and CAP Ranking and Terminology. I'm going to do some studying before this weekends encampment. I'm attending the CAP "curry camp" because it will give me knowledge that I need to be an active participant in CAP, and also a better understanding as a senior member.


oh and for anyone who is wondering I'm a technical flight officer, aka TFO.

[rightstuffpilot]

Welcome to CAP! The only item cadets are issued is one dress blues uniform without shoes. Cadets and Senior Members alike should have access to your local supply. You may still want to buy some or most of your own things depending on the selection and sizes. The CAP program can always use more dedicated cadets and seniors. Best of luck! Feel free to PM me with questions.

[PhoenixCadet]

I know I talked to you on AIM about it before you went, but again, welcome to CAP! Most tend to think that if you came from a military service other than the Air Force (or another cadet program) you'll have a harder time trying to assimilate into CAP - but it will actually help you.

Good luck!

-PC

[rightstuffpilot]

I don't think you'll have a problem at all. I've come across more non-AF ex military than Air Force (in actual CAP ranks.)

[MP_Girl]

So quick update:

I will not be going to this weekend's curry encampment, because it turns out that I need to have my Cadet Protection Policy Module done first. Just wanted to give you guys that update.

[C.A.P. Flight Officer]

Originally Posted by MP_Girl

So quick update:

I will not be going to this weekend's curry encampment, because it turns out that I need to have my Cadet Protection Policy Module done first. Just wanted to give you guys that update.

Could you please better explain what a Cadet Protection Policy Module is? I don't think AFJROTC has anything like that. If my unit goes somewhere like camping or to a leadership camp all the cadets have to do is get a permission form signed by a parent.

[C/ZOOMIE]

Originally Posted by C/Colonel

Could you please better explain what a Cadet Protection Policy Module is? I don't think AFJROTC has anything like that. If my unit goes somewhere like camping or to a leadership camp all the cadets have to do is get a permission form signed by a parent.

She's not a Cadet. She's a Senior Member. As an adult in the program you have to take a course on the CPP most likely for insurance reasons.........

[MP_Girl]

Originally Posted by C/ZOOMIE

She's not a Cadet. She's a Senior Member. As an adult in the program you have to take a course on the CPP most likely for insurance reasons.........

That is correct. I am not a Cadet. I am a Technical Flight Officer, also known as Senior Member. The reason for Cadet Protection Policy is because as a senior member you need to deal with Cadets, which means you need to know what to say, and what not to say. I also have to take my OPSEC Module, which also teaches me where to direct questions to and whom. Because Senior Members, also known as officers, have to take these tests to work with the Cadets, as well as for future promotions. I think it is a good thing, but I just need to wait until I get my ID card in the mail, so I can take OPSEC and CPPT, but for now, I'll stick to the intro to CAP module, which covers all the basics, and also read on some of the manuals.

[PhoenixCadet]

Originally Posted by MP_Girl

The reason for Cadet Protection Policy is because as a senior member you need to deal with Cadets, which means you need to know what to say, and what not to say.

More importantly than simply what to say and what not to say, CPPT training deals covers various types of abuse that may be seen in CAP and how to detect and deal with it (e.g. verbal / physical harassment / "hazing", sexual abuse / harassment, etc.).

-PC

[rightstuffpilot]

Actually, CPPT is required of all members who are 18 years of age and older. Cadet or senior, everyone wants the cadets to feel safe . Its not a huge undertaking but an important part of the program. It takes maybe about an hour. OPSEC is now required of ALL members.(not just Senior Members).