Alright, this may seem strange but I got curious about this lately. I'm an enlisted member of the AF and I was wondering if anybody has known of enlisted members to volunteer for squadron activities before. I realize that officers run it and they're "kind of a big deal around here" but is it restricted? I'm not talking getting into positions within the squadron, just getting in contact and helping out now and then. No, no kids near cadet age.

We had a AF Sr Amn join us as a Cadet Leadership Officer. I was great. I'm sure you'll be a big help.

Vehs2A7X3,

First, thank you for your interest in CAP.

There's a couple of things that I think we can look at in terms of your post because there are a few things to address.

The first is your question about "enlisted members volunteering to help with squadron activities." The quick answer is yes, enlisted AF personnel have helped CAP with activities, but probably not in the capacity that you're thinking. AF personnel frequently help by acting as a liason between our two organizations. Personally, I've "used" AF personnel to get tours of facilities, do activities around the base (go play with the logistics readiness flights, fire dept, etc). I'm sure that your local squadron would be more than appreciative of that sort of effort if it were offered.

If you were thinking about acting as a chaperone or in a supervisory capacity for cadets on an excursion or activity, that isn't going to happen, or at least shouldn't.

Now, if you were to become a member, there are far more things that you would be able to do to help the squadron in a more direct manner. You could help with the cadet program, emergency services or even the aerospace education mission. There would also be benefits for you.

As a CAP senior member you would be eligible to take courses that as an enlisted member you wouldn't be like Squadron Officer School, Air Command Staff College, Air War College, etc. Your service in CAP could also help make you eligible for the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal - which would help earn you points towards your promotions.

I would also like to address your comment about "officers running it and them being a big deal." When an adult joins CAP they are automatically sent along the officer progression path. The only "enlisted" personnel we have are prior/current service NCOs, but even many of them opt to go the officer route. It isn't that "they're a big deal" but that it's the only way to go in CAP. Unless you are an E-5 or higher, you too would only be eligible to go along the officer path.

So, long answer short, yes, you could offer to help the squadron organize some things around the base and help coordinate things that may be difficult for them to do (work the back channels). I'm sure they'd appreciate it - but don't be surprised if they ask you to join too

Any other questions, feel free to ask!

I know my home unit is always happy to have current active duty/NG/Reserve folks join as they serve as good military examples both to the cadets and the adults in the program.

Thanks for all the information, surprised I got anything that fast! This has just gotten me more curious about the CAP, I honestly never thought about actually joining while being active duty or anything. Not sure how well actually being in the military and volunteering in this would be, but I could give it a try.

I know who the commander is for the squadron I looked at for Nellis because of a different event I volunteered for last friday (some CAP kids were there, along with their captain/cc).

Well, now the only thing in my way is the fact that I work swings and will for some time.

Thanks again.

The only real problem for military folks and CAP is the military deployments can cause havoc in getting some of your CAP training done and may slow you down more than others. However, CAP is very flexible and if it takes you a year or two to get some qualification, thats no problem.

Sounds good to me. I'm curious again - the squadron I've been looking at is the Nellis Composite Squadron. I realize I am an adult and enlisted in the Armed Forces, but I'm also still a teen for a few months more. What capacity or group would I best serve in? I'd think the senior side, but this squadron has both. I don't know the regular ages for the groups, but I read somewhere (and conveniently forgot where) that you have to be 21 for promotion in the senior bracket. I also feel iffy about the cc being the point of contact, but that's just me being me.

Any thoughts?

The Squadron Commander at Nellis is a good guy and will not have any problem with you contacting him. He just recently retired (I think) from the AF as a Senior NCO, so he probably knows what it's like.

As for the "promotion" bracket being at 21, that isn't necessarily true. You would join as a "Senior Member without Grade (SM)." After completing the first requirements (level 1) after 6 months you would be eligible for promotion to "Flight Officer." The Flight Officer grades (there's three) are for SMs between 18 & 21. When you reach 21, theres a conversion system for your FO grade to regular officer grade. So you can get promoted and all that good jazz under 21.

But, don't feel awkward contacting the Nellis Squadron Commander, I'm sure he'll be glad to hear from you.

Good Luck.

quote:

Originally posted by Vehs2A7X3:
I honestly never thought about actually joining while being active duty or anything.

Sorry for the double post, but I wanted to comment on this.

There are actually quite a few active duty personnel (both officer and enlisted) that volunteer their time to CAP. My wife, for example, is in CAP - at the time she was active duty stationed at Langley AFB, VA. Her chain of command was extremely supportive of her efforts and even permitted her to take permissive TDY for some of her CAP activities/courses (It's in the AFIs). Of course the expectation is that your AF career comes first - so you need to make sure that your CDCs and upgrade training, etc is taken care of, but as long as you can balance both, there should be no issues.

Just start slow, get a feel for it and go from there.

Vehs2A7X3

I am the former commander of the Nellis Composite Squadron....but I am still active in the unit.

Shoot me an E-mail...I'm on the global...at patrick.harris@nellis.af.mil and I will get you started.

I just retired as a MSgt so there is absolutly no problem with enlisted folks joining CAP.

If you are going to be at the airshow this week end...I'll either be with the CAP air planes at the recruiting booth (third bay in the hanger just to the left of the T-bird hangers) or somewhere on the radio. Just drop by the booth and ask for Capt Harris.

Cheers

quote:

Originally posted by Vehs2A7X3:
Sounds good to me. I'm curious again - the squadron I've been looking at is the Nellis Composite Squadron. I realize I am an adult and enlisted in the Armed Forces, but I'm also still a teen for a few months more. What capacity or group would I best serve in? I'd think the senior side, but this squadron has both. I don't know the regular ages for the groups, but I read somewhere (and conveniently forgot where) that you have to be 21 for promotion in the senior bracket. I also feel iffy about the cc being the point of contact, but that's just me being me.

Any thoughts?

If you became a member you'd be a senior member but you can't be an "officer" until you turn 21. You can still progress through the ranks as a "Flight Officer" until you turn 21.

The Flight officer is kind of like a Warrant Officer but converts when you turn 21.

After Completing the first stage of training as a Senior Member you become a flight officer in lieu of a 2LT. Next phase completed you can become a Technical Flight Officer in lieu of a 1LT. Next Phase is Senior Flight Officer in lieu of Captain.

So although you are under 21 you can still progress in your training. Actually you can do it faster than a member over 21 because the Time in grade requirement for promotion is half of what it is for "officers"

Good Luck