So, I've dug around little, and visited a squadron, but I still have some questions.

I'm a retired T/Sgt from the Air Guard, with prior service in the Army and Marine Corps. How does this whole senior member thing work, rank-wise? I believe that I can participate with no grade whatsoever, and I have considered that route. My goal would be to provide experience and positive influence for cadets, and, maybe, participate in the SAR side. Not sure about that, yet.

So, anyway, I see reference to enlisted rank senior members, but I have yet to actually see any in practice. I see officer rank senior members. I have seen references to senior members starting with no grade.

Where does my experience in the service come into play, if I were to join? Is it taken into consideration for rank? For example, if a non-prior service adult, and I were to join CAP, would we start at the same level, or, would the fact that I was an NCO place me in a different track? I recall when I was visiting a squadron, there was a Naval officer visiting, and considering joining. He was told his rank would carry over.

As far as choosing a path in CAP, what would best benefit the Cadets? I know that many cadets have aspirations to continue on to military service. It seems to me that a senior member, with grade, in military CAP uniform would best prepare them in dealing with the military environment. On the other hand, I see how a corporate type senior member could be approachable, and possibly easier to see as a mentor, rather than a "chain of command" type relationship. I can function in either role.

I welcome input, and opinions, and I am looking forward to discussing this topic.

Background in addition to my profile, I was a cadet about 26 years ago, for about 2 years. I can imagine how things have changed a bit. I am a police officer. My goal would be to let cadets draw on my experiences to further themselves. It is good to see young people pursuing honorable activities in an organization such as CAP, rather than wearing baggy jeans and sideways ball caps...

You have three choices. One, you could be a senior member without grade, Two your NCO rank does transfer. Three, you can become a CAP 2 LT after six months. In all three you have to complete the Cadet protection program and level 1. These are most often given as a one day class, but there are other options. See your Squadron Commander.
You'll find that cadets react more to a CAP NCO since they know you earned that rank in the military. You may have to learn the differences between Army and USAF drill and ceremonies. While USAF follows most of the Army D&C there are differences. If you decide to come in as an NCO, you can always switch to officer grade later. One drawback to CAP NCO grade, you can't promote in the NCO grades. (TSgt to MSgt as an example)

There are only about 50 or so CAP members who have chosen to retain their NCO rank (according to a presentation given to CAP leaders last year). All the other prior-service NCOs have joined as senior members and progressed through the CAP senior member training program and advanced up the officer ranks like everybody else. Some courses you may have taken while an NCO may help you meet some of the promotion requirements in CAP.

Realistically, it won't make a bit of difference which route you go as rank doesn't mean much in CAP. It is the position in the organization that matters in terms of authority and responsibility.

The best thing you can do is just visit your nearest units and see what what they are doing and where you might fit in best. Although basically similar, different CAP units focus on different aspects of the program. This is real apparent in terms of cadets. Some units more or less just do aerospace education, while others really get into drill team and honor guard stuff, while others have a strong focus on ground SAR and other ES activities.

If I understand correctly, there is an NCO program in the works at national.

Not sure about the details, but it was an initiative created under the Pineda leadership and headed by a CMSgt from Iowa.

Recently, the Chief left CAP and I'm not sure where the CAP NCO program is going. Does anyone know more about this?

CAP has had NCOs for many, many years. They just don't serve any unique purpose that any other CAP officer might fill.

I recall way back when I was a cadet, seeing reference to senior NCO's, just never actually saw one.

I have communicated with the local squadron, which I have not visited yet. I have been invited to come and see what they are all about. I'll have to go next week, as this Thursday, when they meet, is my kid's Cub Scout pack meeting. I'm looking forward to it. I'm curious as to what their emphasis is, whether ES, SAR, aerospace...I went in to HQ where I work and got fingerprinted for my background check, in order to be able to be around the cadets.

So, if you join as a senior member, and opt to wear your AF uniform, prior to the 6 month period until you get 2LT, what the devil do you wear on your shoulders in the blue AF shirt? I suppose on the BDU's you wear cloth CAP cutouts instead of cloth rank? What if I opt not to accept grade? Am I still able to wear the Air Force Uniform with CAP insignia, and no rank? Or, must I choose a corporate uniform? I an AF service uniform, with CAP insignia, I would wear my military decorations and badges. Am I reuired to wear CAP ribbons and badges, once awarded, or, is that optional? Frankly, with my military awards, I already look like a south american dictator (pretty cheesy), and I really don't want to add anything. In fact, I'll probably drop a few, like the state awards. I guess I have all of these questions because I don't want to look like a soup sandwich. And, it's just fun finding out about this stuff.

BTW, you guys are being very helpful. Thank you. ]Originally posted by RiverAux:
CAP has had NCOs for many, many years. They just don't serve any unique purpose that any other CAP officer might fill.[/QUOTE]

Oh, are green jungle boots authorized? And, are the rough out green AF boots authorized for the bdu uniform (like in the AF)? I know you can wear the new green ABU boots with woodlands in the AF....

You might want to look at the CAP uniform manual CAPM 39-1 available (along with some change letters) here. That should answer your questions.

So, those of you who are senior members, what is your motivation, and what do you find to be fulfilling in CAP? If you are involved in cadet programs, do you find it worthwhile? Do you have any success stories, or any particular favorite highlights, such as a cadet getting into a military academy? Or, those of you involved with ES or SAR or aeronautics. What , particularly, do find to be the most enjoyable experiences of being in CAP? Do you consider yourselves to be a positive role model, and, how do you feel the cadets view you? I would think that varied life experiences are invaluable tools in assisting the cadets, whether you are prior military, a business owner, a working person, or whatever. As I previously stated, most of the young people I come into contact with are when I'm at work, and, sadly, much of the time, they are crime suspects. I'm no social worker, for sure, just a street cop in a metro agency, but, when I have gone to the local air show, it was nice to see young folk in uniform, behaving well.

And, if any cadets are out there reading this forum, I welcome your input, and, what you feel you would like to see in a senior member.

quote:

Originally posted by RiverAux:
CAP has had NCOs for many, many years. They just don't serve any unique purpose that any other CAP officer might fill.

Right. What I am trying to confirm is whether or not there is still a program in the works at National for NCOs in CAP to actually function as NCOs rather than officers in disguise.

Hi Gene,

First, I'd like to thank you for your service, both in the military and as a police officer. Both are truly admirable.

Second, I'd like to thank you for your interest in CAP and working with cadets. It appears as though everyone was on top of the uniform and rank related questions, but weren't interested in answering the other ones, so I thought I'd answer a few.

quote:

Originally posted by GeneSchubeck:
So, those of you who are senior members, what is your motivation, and what do you find to be fulfilling in CAP?

I am a cadet programs officer (as well as some other things) and have been a senior member for about 5 years now. Until recently, I had a hard time placing what my motivation was to work with the cadet program - I don't have a cadet in the program and I don't have any children of my own.

A few months ago, something happened that made me realize why I come and do what I do. We have a really high speed 15 year old cadet who at the time was a C/SSgt. She had been put in a position to train all 18 of the new cadets we had recruited from an airshow. She did a great job and all of those cadets have already received their first stripes and most of them have their second stripes now. She's done a great job and wants to help them do more.

Of all the hard work and effort that gets put in to get those cadets to progress, I find that the most gratifying thing is when those cadets who have worked so hard to do something positive with their lives get that huge smile on their face when they show their parents their new ribbon.

That's why I do what I do.

It's just....nice.

quote:

If you are involved in cadet programs, do you find it worthwhile? Do you have any success stories, or any particular favorite highlights, such as a cadet getting into a military academy?

Fortunately, there are so many success stories with our cadets. CAP by its very nature recruits 'good kids,' the ones that want to accomplish things in their lives - it's not by nature a behavioral reform organization, though the program does have an affect on their behavior as they progress.

Here are a few highlights: Cadets that I recruited into the program about a year and a half ago...

1 has just received her acceptance letter to the Air Force Academy. She also earned her Private Pilot Certificate and is about to earn her CAP Amelia Earhart Award (which will make her a C/Capt) - she's a high speed cadet.

1 is a Freshman at the Air Force Academy this year. He was a member of our color guard that went to the National Color Guard Competition. Although he was only an active cadet for a year, he still earned his Billy Mitchell Award (JROTC exemption). Another high speed cadet.

1 is a Freshman at the US Military Academy at West Point this year. Another high speed cadet.

1 has a mental disability and some physical disabilities and completed a CAP encampment (As well as made it down the rappelling tower!) He hasn't made it that far in the cadet program, but he has accomplished so much - I am really proud of him.

1 will be a Freshman at the USNA this year.

2 others will be Freshman at the AFA this year.

All of my cadets that graduated from high school are going to college this year.

Several have become pilots, others pursued engineering, etc.

All in all, cadets are good kids and I'm proud of every cadet that puts forth any effort to better themselves.

quote:

I would think that varied life experiences are invaluable tools in assisting the cadets, whether you are prior military, a business owner, a working person, or whatever.

This is one of the great things about CAP, not all the cadets are interested in pursuing military careers so for them to see our varied backgrounds only helps them. They get to see how no matter what they choose to do in life they can be successful. It also gives them an opportunity to find someone that is in a career field they are interested in and BAM you just found a cadet to mentor. You'll find that if they are interested in what you do or what you have done, they will kind of 'cling' to you.

quote:

As I previously stated, most of the young people I come into contact with are when I'm at work, and, sadly, much of the time, they are crime suspects. I'm no social worker, for sure, just a street cop in a metro agency, but, when I have gone to the local air show, it was nice to see young folk in uniform, behaving well.

Quick story (I started in CAP as a cadet for 5 years): Our squadron took a week long trip to Washington, DC - we toured the west wing of the Whitehouse, monuments, museums, etc.

Well, we were all in a hotel for the week and there were several schools that had also decided to visit DC around the same time. Guests were complaining constantly about the kids from these schools because they were running up and down the hallways, yelling, swearing, etc. The teachers just couldn't get them under control.

One of the teachers asked our squadron commander why we were so well behaved. They said, "It must be easy to keep the discipline when you're allowed to hit them..."

Our squadron commander simply replied with, "We don't hit them, we just set the expectation of good behavior."

Many times the kids that are facing trouble just don't have the expectations from their parents that they should behave - so they don't. The cadets in CAP know there are those expectations so the 'bad cadets' are the ones that do things along the lines of not ironing their uniforms.

I think that if you get involved with the cadets and figure out what the program is all about and how it is meant to be instituted you will probably find it one of the most rewarding experiences in your life. I know I have.

Thank you.