___ Cadet begins attending as a member of Delta Flight

Delta Flight is our Orientation Group.  All prospective cadets begin training with this group and stay here for 6-8 meetings, while learning how Civil Air Patrol operates and some of the basics needed to begin their cadet life.

As of the date you turn in your signed paperwork, you are considered a member of the squadron.  However it will take 1-2 weeks before your CAPID is assigned by the National HQ. The CAPID is the key to a few things for you to get started.  But we’ll cover that shortly.

 The Delta Flight Commander is C/CMSgt Zophia Raleigh

 The Delta Flight Sergeant is C/SSgt Arden Heath

 We expect you to have questions and to use your Chain of Command.

___ Start putting together your uniforms

Until you get your uniforms, the uniform for a Cadet/Basic is black t-shirt, jeans and sneakers for meetings where the BDU (Battle Dress Uniform –  Woodland camoflauge) is the uniform of the day.  On the 3^rd Tuesday of the month, the Cadet/Basic should wear dress clothes (preferred dress is dark slacks, white dress shirt, dark dress shoes.)  When you earn the Curry Achievement and receive your first promotion, you may wear the AF-style blues uniform on “Blues” night.

As long as there are funds available, Cadets receive one set of BDUs and one set of Blues for free. However, you cannot start the process to get a free uniform until you have been assigned a CAPID.

 We are also limited by what the Minnesota Wing of CAP has available.  Because many activities require a full BDU to participate, if the squadron does not have the available uniform in your size, you can opt to purchase uniform materials.  These will not be reimbursed.  However, when uniform materials become available in your size, you can still requisition a uniform.  Many members find that having a 2nd BDU is helpful.  When a cadet attends Encampment, having a 2nd BDU is recommended and helpful.

To get your free BDU uniform, talk to our Logistics Officer in the Supply Room (located behind the kitchen area on the lower level).  The Logistics Officer is 2d Lt John Hane.  Logistics is staffed from 6pm-7:30pm on Tuesdays.

Once you have your CAPID, you can get your BDU pants, blouse and cover from the Supply Room (you are responsible for boots, belt, belt buckle and tip).  If we don’t have your size, the Logistics Officer will speak with the Wing Logistics Officer to see if we can acquire the needed size.  This is often a slow process; be prepared.

You can purchase a BDU uniform if you don’t want to wait.  CC Military, www.ccmilitary.com, has locations in Brooklyn Park and Maplewood.  They carry both new and used versions of the BDU uniform that CAP uses. You can also order from CAP’s licensed retailer, Vanguard, online at http://www.vanguardmil.com.  Sign up for their newsletter to get coupons.

When you earn your Curry Achievement and promote to Cadet Airman, you’ll be eligible to wear insignia on your BDUs and on your Blues uniform. You will receive your first insignia from the squadron.  As you promote, you can trade in your insignia for the next set. We have some insignia in the Supply Room, but not many.  We advise that you order your own insignia from Vanguard to ensure your uniform is always up to date. 

It is your responsibility to make sure your uniform is always up to date and correct.

Want to purchase uniforms & related items instead of waiting?  See the bottom of this page for a price reference chart/shopping list.

Vanguard Quick Reference Guide:

Blue Cloth Name Tape – Product ID CAP0599HA

Blues name Plate (Cadet) – Product ID CAP0599M

Civil Air Patrol Blue Tape for BDUs – Product ID CAP0599J

 Upon earning the Curry Achievement, you are eligible to order your Blues Uniform. Look for instructions on how to do that further down this document

Weekly Meetings

We meet every Tuesday at 1830 (6:30pm) at the squadron building.

Formation is promptly at 1825 (6:25pm) so the meeting will begin on time.

Exceptions will be announced: Cadets will be notified primarily by email.

Check the cadet training schedule at www.anokacap.com

Parents may contact the Deputy Commander for Cadets; cadets use their own Chain of Command.

In general, you can expect that the standard schedule to be as follows:

1^st Tuesday – Emergency Services

2^nd Tuesday – Aerospace Education

3^rd Tuesday – Character Development

4^th Tuesday – Safety

Blue Moon occurs when we have a 5^th Tuesday in a month. This occurs a few times per year. This is a fun night where our Parent Organization organizes a potluck and the cadets come in civilian clothes for some fun activities. Our Parent Coordinator is Mary Vivier.

What to do between meetings?

Locally at Anoka Composite Squadron

CAP is designed as a self-study program in addition to the drills/commands learned at the weekly meetings.  New Cadets receive a Membership Kit from National HQ with the study program for Phases I and II. Promotion is achieved by passing tests, attendance at classes, and (for some grades) participating in an interview (Review Board.)  The basic parts are:

·        Aerospace

·        Leadership

·        Physical Training

·        Character Development class

The first achievement is the Curry Award. To earn this achievement a cadet must do the following:

·        Pass an online Leadership Exam.  This is an open-book test with a 30 minute time limit.  There are 25 questions on the test.  You pass with a score of 80% or better.

·        Pass a PT test. 

·        Pass a Drill & Ceremonies test

·        Participate in a Character Development Class (held during meeting on 3^rd Tuesdays)

·        Participate in a Review Board with the cadet command staff and a senior member.

Once you earn the Curry Award, Cadet Basic is promoted to Cadet Airman.  You earn the first ribbon and the privilege of wearing the CAP uniforms.

Please note:  Only a complete uniform may be worn.  Complete includes all appropriate accessories.

The Cadet Program is designed to instill in cadets a sense of personal responsibility and self-discipline. Cadets – not their parents – are responsible for preparing their uniform, planning ahead to juggle school and other obligations, and signing and showing up for events.

Email is the official communication form of the Civil Air Patrol.  Be sure that we have the email address that you check regularly so you receive announcements.

Wing (State) Activities

EPS (Encampment Preparatory School)

A weekend opportunity in the Spring for cadets to experience the basics of the weeklong Encampment. 

Encampment (Camp Ripley, MN, June)

Encampment is required for all CAP cadets desiring to progress in the program into the Officer grades.  It is a boot camp environment with drills, uniform care, marching, inspection, etc. Encampment is hard work but very rewarding.

It is also required that you attend Encampment before being eligible to attend National Cadet Special Activities.   These activities include aerospace/leadership training, Flight Academy, International Exchange, etc. and take place at Air Force Bases around the country.

Interested in flying?

It’s possible for a teen to solo through the CAP Cadet Program and take that first step toward a pilot’s license. Orientation Flights, or O-Flights, are offered to cadets throughout the year as funds are available.  Cadets are given 5 powered flights and 5 glider flights.  Anoka has its own powered flights.  We make arrangements with another squadron for glider flights.

A cadet may connect with one of our qualified CAP pilots to receive one-on-one training.  This is coordinated between the cadet, pilot and parents.  Additional costs may be involved.

In recent years, MN Wing has offered a flight academy.  The announcement is usually made in January so you can make plans for attendance and finances. Space is limited.  Scholarships may be available.  Contact MN Wing and ask.

What to do once you have your CAPID

eServices

Create your eServices account by going to http://www.capnhq.gov

In the center of the page, find the text that says:

First Time User? Click Here to activate your account.

When you click there you’ll need to have your Social Security Number to create your account.

Once your account is active, when you first login, you’ll be prompted to take the OPSEC test.  This stands for Operational Security.  Take this as soon as possible. You can’t go any further online until you do.

The cadet is agreeing to not talk about Air Force related materials used in the CAP program.  We suggest that parents read through this with the cadet.  If you disagree, your cadet cannot participate in Search and Rescue training or an actual SAR.  Additionally, there is a 1-month waiting period before the test can be taken again.

Once you complete the OPSEC, you can explore eServices and you can start your Online Testing.  In this area, you also need to take Online Safety Training – Introduction to CAP Safety.

Cadet  Testing

Leadership Tests.

Part of your achievement testing is done online. As long as you have access to the internet, you can take the test whenever and wherever you want to. Even if you don’t have your book yet, you can view and download Chapter 1 at www.capmembers.com and work on getting ready for your first Leadership test.

Currently, all Leadership achievement tests through the Mitchell Award are available online.  The exceptions to this are certain milestone awards that are still administered as paper exams at the squadron building. All Aerospace Dimensions and all Aerospace Journey of Flight tests are also available online.

Each test is 25 multiple choice questions.  They are selected randomly from a question bank.

You must achieve 80% or better to pass. It is an open book test and you have 30 minutes to complete it.

 You receive feedback immediately.  The software helps you review the questions you got wrong so you can correct your test to 100%.

Access this through eServices. 

Once you are logged in, look at the menu column on the left. 

Click on Cadet Online Testing.

Only the tests that you are eligible to take will show as available.

Once you click on a test title, the test begins.  You have 30 minutes to complete the test

Do not begin the test until you are ready. If you attempt to re-start the test, the system will count it as a failed test.  When the system thinks you’ve failed twice for the same test, you are locked out of the test for 7 days or until the testing officer resets your access.

Once you pass a test, your score is automatically recorded in your online record.  But you need to print out the certificate from Cadet Online Testing and bring it to the squadron building.  Turn it in to the Cadet Administrative (Admin) Officer or the Senior Testing Officer so it can be recorded in your paper file.

PT and Drill Tests

Physical Training (PT) tests are required for each advancement in grade. Drill tests are required for Phase I and II grades.  When you are ready to take these tests, email your Flight Sergeant and/or Flight Commander in advance of the meeting. Planning ahead is important.  It helps your flight staff organize their time to help you get the tests you need to promote.

The Testing Officer is:   2d Lt. Huso, SM Vicki Frey, or SM Jody Frey

The Senior Admin Officer is:     Capt. Robert Mallia

Promotion – How do I get one? See the Promotion Policy and Procedure page

CAP Knowledgebase

This is a fabulous tool to use for information.  Cadets should use their Chain of Command for questions about squadron or Wing activities.  However, CAPKnowledgebase references manuals in answer to questions like, “On which sleeve is the American Flag patch worn?”  Always check the answer with the regulation references.

 To access CAPKnowledgebase, go to www.capmembers.com.  It’s listed in the menu column on the left side.

Drill

Cadets should practice at home before a full length mirror, if possible.

Emergency Service (ES) Training and Testing

As one of our primary missions, it’s important that cadets take FEMA courses to fill out what is referred to as the 101 Card. When you have trained and qualified in certain areas, you are eligible to go out on Search and Rescue missions.

 For basic ES training, cadets should take the following FEMA courses:

IS-100 Introduction to Incident Command Systems

IS-700 National Incident Management System (NIMS) An Introduction

Taking these courses involves watching a Power Point presentation online followed by an online exam.  Take notes and feel free to use notes on the test.  When you pass, print out the certificate at the end.  Print two copies – one for your record at the squadron and one for your personal records.

Once you pass these exams, you need to record the date that you passed in your online record.

To do this, login to eServices and click on My Operations Qualifications.

Under Emergency Services, click on Single Person.

This is where you enter your Emergency Services Training information.

All the options a CAP member can take are listed here.  Scroll down to IS 100 and IS 700.  Enter the date on your certificate in the appropriate field.

If you have achieved the Curry Award, your 101 card will show as ACTIVE.  If you are still an Airman Basic, it will read INACTIVE until you have promoted to Cadet Airman.

Form 7 – Parent/Guardian Permission

This MN Wing form must be signed by parents every time cadets go to non-squadron activities sponsored by CAP.  It is the responsibility of the cadet to get your signature and to provide you with the information including contact phone numbers.

Free Uniform (Blues)

Once you have promoted to Cadet Airman, log in to eServices and click on Cadet Uniform.  Use the size chart to determine the size blouse, pants and hat you need.  Enter the information in the Online Form. 

 The Logistics Officer receives a message and approves your request for the blues uniform.  This uniform request is fulfilled by a department within the USAF.  It will take 6-8 weeks for your blues uniform to arrive.  It will be shipped directly to you.

Meeting Attendance

As in any organization, attendance at meetings is important for success.  Be sure to check yourself in on our Attendance Chart when you arrive for a regular meeting. If a cadet cannot attend, the cadet should contact his/her Flight Sergeant.  Cadets must attend a Character Development class for each promotion.

Physical Training (PT)

Physical Training should be practiced at home in preparation for testing at the squadron.  You are tested on running ability, push-ups, curl-ups (crunch/sit-up hybrid) and flexibility with the sit-and-reach.

Resume

Keep documentation for your Cadet career.  This should be done by the cadet. When applying for position at the squadron or wing level, the application may ask for the cadet’s “CAP Resume” and this is what should be submitted. Squadron will keep an official record of a cadet’s achievements, but this is for your personal records.

Suggestions:

·        Current information placed at the top

·        Record information immediately after the event

·        Use an easy-to-read style

·        Keep in computer with a back-up

·        CAP Training can also earn college credit so keep all records to support resume.

Here’s an example:

Iam A. Cadet

CAPID 123456

NCR-MN-021

Joined Date: Month Year

 Uniform Care

This is the responsibility of the cadet, including washing and ironing.  You will need to have spray starch available. Hint: starch the inside to avoid a shiny residue on the outside of the uniform.

 Patches/Insignia must be sewn according to specifications in the Cadet Manual.  This can be found online at http://www.capmembers.com.

 Websites

Anoka Squadron – www.anokacap.com

Minnesota Wing – www.mncap.org

Civil Air Patrol – www.capmembers.com

Vanguard –CAP official uniform store – www.vanguardmil.com

eServices – www.capnhq.gov

CC Military – www.ccmilitary.com

How Can Parents Help Their Cadet Succeed in CAP?

Cadet Sponsor Member

So you can

·        Accompany/Chaperone cadets on trips

·        Help with fundraising

Requirements

·        Apply (requires fingerprinting)

·        Dues, both National and Local

·        Child Protection Class (online)

·        CAP Driver’s License Record, if you desire to drive the CAP van

·        Uniform: CAP polo, grey slacks, black shoes, name plate

Senior Member

So you can

·        Same as above

·        Sky is the limit because you are in CAP just like your cadet

Requirements

·        Same as above, except for dues

·        Choose a Specialty Track (Emergency Services, Ground Team, Air Operations, Administration, etc)

None of the above possible?

Please actively participate as a parent in any way you can.  Just ask us what you can do and tell us about your talents.  We can always use someone willing to sew, work on fundraisers, make contacts for promotional opportunities, provide treats, etc.

Keep informed by adding your email address to the Wing and Squadron CAP Announcements list.  You’ll learn a lot and stay informed.

Uniform Price Guide/Shopping List for those who want to get outfitted right away

BDUs

CCMilitary carries used and new BDUs in the Woodland design. 

Blouse/Pants:  $7 (used) to $33 (new) each piece

Cover: $8-$10 new 

Belt (cut to fit), Tip and Buckle:  $6

Boots

Used boots can be found at CCMilitary.  Just be aware that not every size will be available.  Fleet Farm also carries some military surplus gear but it’s a small assortment.

New boots can range from $30 to over $100.  Shop around for what works best for you.

Blues:

CCMilitary does have used Blues blouses and pants, but the selection is very random. They are completely dependent on people selling their uniforms when they get out of the military.  However, if you are patient and shop consistently, you may find the sizes and pieces you need.

Blues Blouses can be as low as $5

Blues Pants can be as low as $8

Blues Skirts can be as low as $12

Blues Flight Caps are sold new at CCMilitary for around $12 but are not always in stock.

Vanguard sells BDU and Blues uniform pieces and accoutrements.  When you order $50 or more, you get free shipping.

CAP Tape $1.55

Name Tape $3.55

Blues Blouses $44

Blues Pants  $49.50-$55.00

Blues Skirt $49.50

Blues Flight Cap   $16.50

Blues Flight Cap Device $5.80

Blue Name Badge $3.20

Single Ribbon Holder $1.00

Curry (Airman) Ribbon $0.85

Curry (Airman) Set of Insignia $5.20

 CCMilitary has locations in Brooklyn Park, MN and Maplewood, MN.  www.ccmilitary.com

Vanguard products are available only online at www.vanguardmil.com