Parents Intro to Cadet Program Gainesville Composite Squadron

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

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.

Cadet Program Schedule Weekly Squadron Meetings  Meet weekly for two hours. ( )  Please make a special effort to be on time. they should let their Flight Sgt Know in advance!!  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.

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.

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.

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

Cadets Achievement Requirements

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

Cadets Fitness Requirements II

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

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

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

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

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.

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 $ Families should be prepared to spend an additional $ for a successful experience by outfitting the complete equipment list.

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.

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.

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; TypicalHighly Active  Dues = $54.00$54.00  Uniforms / Equipment =$100.00$  Weekends =$100.00$  Summer Activities =$250.00$ $ Total=504.00$

Uniforms Blues - Dress uniform.  The first set of blues can be ordered free through e- services.  The cadet will need to order  Shoes ($30 -$50)  Flight cap device - CAP0748A ($3.95)  3-Line nameplate (last name) - CAP0599M ($3.95)

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) – ($1.95)  US Flag patch (reverse) – ($3.95)

Conclusion CAP is rewarding for cadets who actively participate. Parents should not view CAP as a place to correct a child who has disciplinary problems. Parents should consider CAP a place to grow their child’s leadership.

Conclusion II While cadets are expected to progress and plan with limited parental support. Parents are still a huge factor in early success for the cadet. Parents should familiarize themselves with the program and encourage the cadet to study early on. Parents should also stay involved and informed. Ask your child what information was put out at the end of the meeting.

Useful Links Squadron Site – Cadet Library- New Cadet Help- Wing – Cadet Supplies-