Parents Intro to Cadet Program

1. Parents Intro to Cadet Program Gainesville Composite Squadron www.ga160.org

2. The Cadet Program • The Cadet Program is organized around four program elements. • As cadets participate in these four elements, they advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way

3. What’s our goal? Parents should not view CAP as a place to correct a child who has disciplinary problems. Parents should view CAP as a partner to help the cadet develop responsibility, enhance their personal values and develop leadership skills. We view our relationship with parents as a partnership.

4. Cadet Program Schedule • Weekly Squadron Meetings • Meet weekly for two hours. (1900-2100) • Please make a special effort to be on time. • If your son or daughter is unable to attend a weekly meeting or other activity, they should let their Flight Sgt Know in advance!! • Weekend / Summer Activities • There are many weekend and summer activities available to cadets at the local, state and national levels. • The Squadron tries to have one weekend activity per month. • The cadet program will have a quarterly overnights.

5. Cadets' Responsibilities • 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 and planning ahead.

6. Advancement • Cadets advance at their own pace through self-study and group study. • To progress, cadets must actively participate, pass written and performance tests and show they are ready to accept increased responsibilities. • If a commander believes a cadet is not ready to advance, he or she may retain them at their current level and counsel them to help them improve.

7. Advancement II • Cadets should promote at least twice a year. • We attempt to provide cadets with as much instruction as possible. • However, due to schedules and limited time of weekly meeting. Cadets must study on their own.

8. Cadets Achievement Requirements

9. Cadets Fitness Requirements Cadets must pass a CPFT once per achievement.

10. Cadets Fitness Requirements II

11. Cadet Activities • Outside regular meetings cadets have the option to participate in several local, state, regional and national activities. • Local weekend training • Wing level training • Regional activities • National Special Cadet Activities

12. Local Weekend Activities • The Group and Squadrons provide a weekend activity at least once a month. • SAREXes (Search & Rescue Exercises) • Frostebite (cold weather exercise) • SQTR Training (GTM-3, UDF, Flight line Marshalling) • Radio training • Aircraft vectoring

13. High Adventure Activities • “With ‘challenge’ being one of the key traits of cadet life… commanders are encouraged to offer cadets youth-scaled, high adventure activities…” • Includes rappelling, rock climbing, ropes courses, water survival courses, and similar activities. • Activity Director must brief Wing CC on safety plans • Wing CC must approve activity in writing • Cadets need parental permission

14. Wing Level Activities • Frostbite cold weather exercise (February) • Wing conference (April) • Wing Cadet Competition (October) • Encampment (Week-long Summer activity) • BCTs • Model Rocketry Weekends • Cadet Competition

15. Encampment • During weeklong encampments, which are usually conducted on Air Force bases, CAP teaches cadets Air Force values and traditions. • First-year cadets develop teamwork and self-confidence in what is for many their first experience away from home. • Advanced cadets apply their leadership skills while serving in positions of responsibility.

16. All cadets are encouraged to attend their first encampment as soon as possible. • GA encampment is normally held in late June. • Encampments base cost is approximately $125.00 • Families should be prepared to spend an additional $200.00 for a successful experience by outfitting the complete equipment list.

17. National Cadet Special Activities (NCSA) • NCSAs expose the cadet to complex technical training at a reasonable cost. • NCSAs must be applied for by 15 Jan each year. • Cadets must have completed one encampment.

18. Parents' Committee • Some of the ways parents can help include: • Becoming a registered senior member to take on a helpful staff role; • Asking area businesses to make financial or in-kind donations; • Organizing a carpool system; • Planning an awards night or pot luck dinner; • Helping the squadron connect with civic groups; • Helping recruit new members.

19. The Cadet’s Expenses • We strive to provide as many activities free or at low cost. We do not receive any significant financial support from outside. • However, there are many expenses dependent on your child’s activities. • Dues • Uniforms • Transportation • Lodging • Estimated annual expense for a moderately active cadet is; Typical Highly Active • Dues = $54.00 $54.00 • Uniforms / Equipment = $100.00 $350.00 • Weekends = $100.00 $200.00 • Summer Activities = $250.00 $600.00 Total= 504.00 $1204.00

20. Uniforms • Blues - Dress uniform. • The first set of blues can be ordered free through e-services. http://www.capmembers.com/cadet_programs/new_cadet_help/cadet_uniforms.cfm • The cadet will need to order • Shoes ($30 -$50) • Flight cap device - CAP0748A ($3.95) • 3-Line nameplate (last name) - CAP0599M ($3.95)

21. Uniforms II • BDUs – Utility uniform preferred by cadets. • The Cadet will need to purchase: • BDU top ($20) • BDU Bottom ($20) • Squadron Ball Cap ($10) • Black Combat or Jungle Boots ($30-$85) • "Civil Air Patrol" cloth tape - CAP0599K ($1.95) • Cloth nametape (last name) – 4432430 ($1.95) • US Flag patch (reverse) – 4432430 ($3.95)

22. Useful Links • Squadron Site – http://www.ga160.org • Cadet Library- http://www.capmembers.com/cadet_programs/library/ • New Cadet Help- http://www.capmembers.com/cadet_programs/new_cadet_help/ • Wing – www.gawg.cap.gov • Cadet Supplies- http://www.vanguardmil.com