COLUMBUS COMPOSITE SQUADRON CADET GUIDE 2018
Contents Section 1 - Introduction... - 1 - Forward... - 1 - Squadron Organization... - 1 - Safety Procedures... - 1 - Section 2 Required Cadet Knowledge... - 2 - Cadet Knowledge... - 2 - United States Air Force Mission... - 2 - United States Air Force Core Values... - 2 - Civil Air Patrol Missions... - 2 - Civil Air Patrol Motto... - 2 - Civil Air Patrol Core Values... - 2 - The Honor Code... - 2 - The Cadet Oath... - 3 - Section 3 Uniform and Appearance... - 4 - General... - 4 - Minimum Uniform... - 4 - Uniform Combinations... - 4 - Obtaining Uniform Items... - 4 - Wearing the Uniform... - 5 - Insignia... - 5 - General Cadet Appearance... - 5 - Male Cadet Appearance Standards... - 5 - Female Cadet Appearance Standards... - 6 - Tips on Uniform Wear... - 6 - Section 4 Meeting Nights... - 8 - General... - 8 - Meeting Schedule... - 8 - Meeting Cancellations... - 8 - Signing In/Out... - 8 - Absences... - 8 - Section 5 Testing/Promotions... - 10 - General... - 10 - Testing... - 10 - Promotion Eligibility... - 10 - Promotion Review... - 11 - Additional Cadet Officer Promotion Requirements... - 11 - PT Procedures... - 12 - Section 6 Squadron Staff... - 13 - General... - 13 - Staff Positions... - 13 - Staff Position Term... - 13 - Staff Position Selection Process... - 13 - Job Performance... - 14 - Application Tips... - 14 - Section 7 Important Publications... - 15 - General... - 15 - Publications of High Importance... - 15 - Publications to Be Familiar With... - 15 - Publications for General Knowledge... - 15 -
Section 1 - Introduction Forward This guide was written for cadets of Columbus Cadet Squadron. It was designed to provide an overview of regulations needed on a regular basis and to provide instruction on how Columbus Composite Squadron carries out its missions. This guide is directive in nature and the policies contained within it are to be strictly adhered to. This guide does not supersede Regulations, Manuals, or Pamphlets published by CAP National Headquarters, but is designed to supplement them and be a guide for squadron specific procedures. For more detail on the Civil Air Patrol Regulations contained in this guide, cadets are encouraged to look them up on the CAP National website (www.gocivilairpatrol.com). Squadron Organization Columbus Composite Squadron consists of both Cadet and Senior Programs. The squadron has a Commander and two Deputy Commanders that are all adult members. Adult members participating in the Senior Program have their own structure, classes, and training that is separate from the Cadet Program. All cadets participate in the Cadet Program and will work directly with select adult members that are specifically assigned to roles in the Cadet Program and report to the Deputy Commander for Cadets. Squadron Commander Deputy Commander for Cadets Deputy Commander for Seniors Cadet Members Senior Members Safety Procedures If an emergency should arise while at a squadron meeting, ensure the senior member in charge is advised immediately. For police, fire, or medical assistance, call 911. All members should become familiar with the location of fire extinguishers and shelters at Beightler Armory. In the event Beightler Armory is evacuated, everyone should proceed to the nearest emergency exit. Once outside, all members shall meet at the back of the building in the large parking lot. Be prepared to give your name and any information you may have about the incident to the senior member in charge. While participating in CAP activities, all members are required to wear seat belts when traveling in CAP or personally owned vehicles. No person, by virtue of rank or position, shall take undue advantage of or inflict cruelty on subordinates, including hazing, indignity, oppression, or deprivation as outlined in CAPR 36-1. Cadets will not be treated differently by virtue of their race, religion, ethnic background, or sex. Any offenses should be directed immediately to the senior squadron commander or any senior available at the time. - 1 -
Section 2 Required Cadet Knowledge Cadet Knowledge The following section contains important knowledge information for all cadets within Columbus Composite Squadron. This information could be asked during a promotion review board, a staff application interview, at summer activities, etc. It is imperative that this information is memorized and ready to be recited at any time. While many of the most important pieces of cadet knowledge are contained here, this section should not be considered all encompassing, and cadets should make themselves aware of additional information not contained within this section. This includes chain of command up to the National Commander, Air Force knowledge (Major Commands, key officers in the Air Force and DoD, etc.), definitions of the knowledge contained here, and the meaning of the information. United States Air Force Mission Fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace United States Air Force Core Values Integrity first, Service before self, Excellence in all we do Civil Air Patrol Missions Cadet program, Emergency services, Aerospace education Civil Air Patrol Motto Semper Vigilans Always Vigilant Civil Air Patrol Core Values Integrity, Volunteer service, Excellence, Respect The Honor Code As cadets in Civil Air Patrol, you are expected to uphold the greatest of standards at all times. These standards have been summarized in the Honor Code used by the United States Air Force Academy: We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does. The Honor Code is something that every member of Civil Air Patrol must be willing to follow. It is not something that you may use at one time and not another. It is a permanent part of your Civil Air Patrol experience. - 2 -
The Cadet Oath An oath is a custom dating back to the Romans, of publicly committing yourself to do a task. It makes you and others know you are really serious about doing what the oath says you will do. As members of Civil Air Patrol, you are required to take an oath and stand by it always. The cadet oath is: I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program, and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly, and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state and nation. - 3 -
Section 3 Uniform and Appearance General Civil Air Patrol members are often judged by the Air Force and by members of the general public. The first thing that anyone notices is how the uniform is worn. Because CAP members wear the Air Force style uniform, it is imperative that members keep their uniform in the best possible condition, and that they constantly present themselves in a professional manner whether during a unit meeting or at outside functions. While in uniform, you represent Civil Air Patrol and the United States Air Force. All guidelines for proper uniform wear are in the CAPM 39-1. Minimum Uniform It is the members personal responsibility to equip him or herself with the proper uniform items. The squadron will attempt to provide as much of a uniform as possible, however supplies are often limited. The minimum basic service uniform required for CAP participation is as follows: MALE Short-sleeve, light blue shirt Dark blue trousers Blue belt/silver buckle Blue flight cap Black shoes and socks Insignia: CAP nameplate, grade insignia (as required), and flight cap emblem FEMALE Light blue blouse Dark blue skirt Flight cap Neutral nylon hose Black shoes Insignia: CAP nameplate, grade insignia (as required), and flight cap emblem Uniform Combinations Uniform combinations are designated by the specific articles of clothes that make up the uniform according to the climate and/or special occasions. Civil Air Patrol has two basic uniforms for cadets, the blues uniform and a field uniform. The blues uniform is for day to day activities at meetings, classes, formal occasions, etc. The field worn by CAP is either the BDU or ABU combinations. This uniform can be worn for day to day activities at the squadron, but is designed more for field use or when the blues uniform would not be appropriate. Activities such as emergency services, flying, and activities outside of an office or classroom type of environment would typically call for BDU or ABU wear. The uniform combination for squadron meetings and activities will always be on the squadron calendar when it is available. Obtaining Uniform Items Columbus Composite Squadron will make every effort to provide uniform items to those cadets that need a particular item. If the unit cannot provide a specific item, it will be the responsibility of the individual cadet to purchase that item from Vanguard, a military surplus store, online, or through a Base Exchange such as the one at Rickenbacker IAP. To obtain uniform items through the squadron supply, cadets will use the following process: A. The cadet will provide a list of items and sizes (for clothing items) to their Flight Commander B. The Flight Commander will pass the list up the chain to the Deputy Commander for Cadets, who will ensure that the items are in stock. C. All items in the squadron supply will be given to the requesting cadet. Any items not in stock will be the responsibility of the cadet to purchase. - 4 -
If a cadet decides to leave Civil Air Patrol, they are required to return any uniform items that they were given out of the squadron supply or purchased using the Curry Voucher through Vanguard as soon as possible! Wearing the Uniform Cadets will wear the proper uniform combination each Tuesday and at any other designated activities. If a cadet does not have the uniform needed for the specified activity, he/she will follow certain guidelines. A. If a cadet or cadet applicant does not have a blues uniform, business casual attire will be worn that is in line with the uniform of the day. In most situations, a collared shirt with khaki or dress type pants should be worn. B. If a cadet or cadet applicant does not have a BDU/ABU uniform, a Polo style and khaki or dress type pants should be worn by men. Women should wear something in line with the men s attire. Women should not wear dresses, skirts, sandals or open toed shoes to meetings. C. If a cadet does not have blues, BDU s may be substituted in certain circumstances. For squadron meetings, cadets shall wear whatever uniform combination they have, regardless of what the uniform of the day is. For outside activities, cadets shall confirm with the officer in charge of the activity before attending in the wrong uniform. Insignia All cadets will wear some form of insignia on their uniform. Most cadets will wear chevrons (enlisted grade) or pips (officer grade). Cadet Basics, those cadets who have not completed any achievements within the program will not wear any collar insignia. For proper wear procedures, refer to the respective pages of CAPM 39-1. Cadet insignia will be given to cadets on an exchange basis as they progress through the program. Upon quitting Civil Air Patrol, all insignia provided by the squadron to include grade insignia, epaulets, ribbons, and ribbon racks will be returned as soon as possible! General Cadet Appearance All members of CAP must be well-groomed and assure that their personal appearance at all times reflects credit upon themselves, CAP, and the United States Air Force. Uniforms must be clean, neat and correct in design and specification, properly fitted, and in good condition. Uniforms will be kept zipped, snapped, or buttoned and shoes will be shined and in good repair. Metallic insignia and other devices, including the blue service uniform buttons, must also be maintained in the proper luster and condition. The American public draws certain conclusions on military effectiveness based on what it sees, the image that you present also affects this. This image must instill public confidence in the effectiveness and responsiveness of each member. Appearance standards can be found in CAPM 39-1. Male Cadet Appearance Standards A. Hair will be clean, well-groomed and have a tapered appearance on the sides and back. It will not be dyed an unusual color, or touch the eyebrows when groomed. The hair must not touch the ears when groomed and only the closely cut or shaved hair on the back of the neck may touch the collar. It will also be at least 1/8 inch and no more than 1 ¼ inch in bulk. B. Beards and goatees will not be worn while in a CAP uniform. - 5 -
C. Sideburns will be neatly trimmed and tapered in the same manner as the haircut. They will be straight and of even width and end in a clean-shaven horizontal line not to extend past the lowest part of the exterior ear opening. D. A mustache may be worn, but must not extend downward beyond the lip line of the upper lip or extend sideways beyond a vertical line drawn upward from the corner of the mouth. E. Wristwatches, bracelets, and rings are permitted if they meet the standards set forth by CAPM 39-1. Female Cadet Appearance Standards A. Hair will be clean, neatly arranged and styled to present an attractive feminine appearance. The style will not prevent the proper wear of the military cover or include hair ornaments such as ribbons or jeweled pins. Plain pins, combs, or barrettes similar in color to the individual s hair color may be worn. Hair length will not extend below the bottom edge of the collar when in uniform. Hair must not exceed three inches in bulk and the bangs must not extend beyond the top of the eyebrow. B. Cosmetics will be conservative and in good taste. C. Bracelets must be conservative, no wider than one inch, and not present any safety hazard. You may wear no more than one. No more than three rings will be worn at any given time. Earrings must be small spherical, conservative, diamond, gold, white pearl, or silver pierced or clip earrings. They must fit tightly without extending below the earlobe. Only one earring will be worn per lobe. D. Women may carry a plain black purse that meets the requirements in CAPM 39-1. E. Women may wear sheer nylon hose of a neutral, black, dark brown or dark blue color, which complements their uniform and the individual s complexion. Tips on Uniform Wear SHOE SHINE Any good method for shining shoes always starts with a good base of wax on the leather. The purpose of the wax is to fill the tiny pores of the hide. Remember to build up the wax in layers, not all at once. Once the base has been established, a small amount of moisture mixed with wax, buffed by a soft cloth, will result in a high gloss. To obtain a brilliant shine, moisten a cotton ball with water, dab the ball on the wax (use very, very little wax), and apply to the shoes in small circular motions. To get the dust and dirt out of the cracks and seams of the shoe, use an old toothbrush, it will make all the difference at inspection. GIG-LINE The gig-line is a straight line, which extends down the front seam of the shirt, along the crease of the belt buckle and along the edge of the fly of the pants. The gig line must be straight at all times. NAME PLATE Will rest on the top of the pocket, but not go over the top of the pocket. To get the name plate to be tight with the shirt, place a piece of cardboard or other backing material behind it on the inside of the shirt and then secure it with the proper fasteners. RIBBONS If ribbons are loose on the ribbon rack, gently squeeze the top and bottom portions of the ribbon that go around the ribbon rack. This will tighten the ribbon on the rack and prevent it from falling off. Be careful to not squeeze too much because they can become too tight, which makes it harder to put them on the rack and could lead to the back of the ribbon being cut by the ribbon rack. Ribbon racks should also get cardboard or backing material placed behind them on the inside of the shirt to keep them tight to the shirt. Ribbons are the same as the name plate and should rest on the top of the pocket, but not over it. BADGES Cut cardboard or other backing material to place behind the badge on the inside of the shirt to make sure the badge is tight to the shirt. Use the appropriate fasteners to hold everything together. - 6 -
THREADS All loose threads should be cut and trimmed off all uniforms. Finger nail clippers work well for this. Do not burn them off. SWEATER May be worn with the lightweight jacket, but the sweater must not extend below the bottom of the jacket. When wearing the lightweight blue jacket, it must be zipped up at least half way. ALL WEATHER COAT When wearing the all-weather coat, all buttons except the top button must be fastened. The strap must also be properly secured around the waist. For additional info see CAPM 39-1 - 7 -
Section 4 Meeting Nights General Meetings will be held every Tuesday with the exception of a few weeks during December when the Squadron breaks for the holidays. Meetings will also be cancelled if other holidays fall on meeting nights or if there is inclement weather. Meetings begin promptly at 1900 hours and run until 2115 hours. Cadets should plan to arrive at 1845 and Cadet Staff will arrive at 1830 to prepare for the meeting. No members are permitted to arrive prior to 1830 unless it is coordinated with a senior member prior to arrival. Cadets shall ensure that the armory is clean and all chairs, tables, and equipment is put in the proper locations prior to leaving. Meeting Schedule The meeting schedule is maintained through the squadron Google calendar. This can be accessed through the squadron webpage or by adding the calendar to your personal Google calendar app. The schedule for each meeting along with the uniform of the day and any change of location will be on the calendar. Each cadet is responsible for ensuring they look at the calendar to know what classes or activities are coming up. Meeting Cancellations At times, meetings will need to be cancelled due to inclement weather. While this will typically happen during the winter months, it is possible that a meeting could be cancelled anytime throughout the year due to weather. The following procedure will be used to determine and notify squadron members of a meeting cancelation. A. The Squadron Commander will confer with the Deputy Commanders and the Safety Officer on the day prior to the meeting. B. Every effort will be made to decide whether to cancel the meeting the day prior. If a decision is not made the day prior, a final decision will be made no later than noon on Tuesday. C. Once the decision to not have a meeting has been made, the calendar will be updated to show the cancellation. A mass email (using the email saved in eservices) will be sent out to all members of the squadron and the Facebook page will be updated providing additional notification methods of the cancellation. D. It is the responsibility of each member to check the calendar prior to coming to the meeting if the weather looks questionable. Signing In/Out Every cadet is required to sign in for every meeting or activity in CAP. Failure to sign in to a meeting or activity means that the cadet will not receive credit for any of the activities of the evening which may impact promotion eligibility. Cadets are required to sign in due to liability reasons and action will be taken against any cadet who fails to sign in. Sign in will occur after opening formation and cadets will form a single file line and sign in with the Administration Officer. Cadets should have their CAP ID card with them and be ready for sign in. Sign out is automatic and assumed to be 2130 or 15 minutes after the conclusion of the meeting or activity. Absences Cadets are expected to attend as many meetings as possible. If an absence should occur, the following procedure will be utilized to provide notification to the cadet staff. - 8 -
A. If a cadet will not be able to make a meeting, they are responsible for notifying the next person in the chain of command as soon as possible. Cadets should notify staff of their absence no later than Monday before the meeting unless extenuating circumstances arise. B. Element Leaders will compile a list of cadets that will be absent and pass it up the chain of command to the Flight Commander. This information will also be collected from the Element Leaders during report at opening formation for the Squadron Commander. C. Any cadet with three consecutive absences without a legitimate excuse will be dealt with according to CAP regulations. - 9 -
Section 5 Testing/Promotions General Part of the CAP cadet program is to test and promote regularly. Failure to do so could lead to a dismissal of the cadet or other action. It is each individual cadet s responsibility to test and make sure that everything has been successfully completed for a promotion. Cadets are encouraged to track their progress through the program using the Personal Cadet Tracker that National Headquarters has prepared. It can be found at: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/personal_tracker_26e409b4b484d.pdf Testing Cadet testing is completed online through the secure Civil Air Patrol website (eservices). Leadership and Aerospace testing will be completed by cadets on their own time at home, with the exception of Award tests (Wright Brothers, Mitchell, and Earhart), which will take place at the squadron. Because the squadron does not have a dedicated internet connection, a cadet that would like to take an Award test must follow the following procedure to request: A. Award tests are closed book and can only be taken when a squadron Testing Officer is present. B. Submit a written request to the Deputy Commander for Cadets through the chain of command. C. The request should arrive to the Deputy Commander for Cadets no later than 1 week prior to the meeting in which the test is requested. D. Under normal circumstances, the test will be administered during the regular squadron meeting. If the schedule will not allow that, the Deputy Commander for Cadets or a Testing Officer will advise the cadet of the conflict and try to work out an alternate time. This will typically be prior to the meeting, but an alternate date may be suggested as well. Drill tests will typically be offered the second meeting of the month. If a cadet would like to request a drill test outside of the time offered by the squadron, they will be responsible for coordinating that with their flight staff. Flight staff will coordinate with the First Sergeant to attempt to accommodate the request. Cadets are required to pass a physical fitness test once in the previous 180 days. The exception to this is cadets who are in phase 1 of the Cadet Program. Those cadets are only required to attempt the test, but do not need a passing score. All cadets are required to participate in 1 physical fitness activity at the squadron between promotions. This is in addition to the physical fitness test requirements. Promotion Eligibility In addition to Leadership and Aerospace testing, Civil Air Patrol requires cadets pass a number of additional requirements that vary depending on which achievement or award they are working toward. Most promotions will require that the cadet pass a drill exam, participate in character development, and participate/pass a physical fitness test. Later promotions may also require an essay, speech, and/or a staff duty analysis. All promotion requirements are laid out in CAP Regulation 60-1 Cadet Program Management, Chapter 5 (Cadet Advancement). Cadets can also reference the Cadet Super Chart that is available at https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/capva_60100_1caf4a9c48c91.pdf. Each cadet is responsible for tracking their promotion eligibility and ensuring they meet the requirements for the promotion they are working toward. Only after completing all requirements for the desired promotion are cadets eligible to sign up for promotion review. - 10 -
Promotion Review In order to receive a promotion, the cadet must sign up for promotion review. Promotion review is the process of the cadet file being reviewed to determine promotion eligibility. For certain promotions, the cadet will be required to sit before a review board. Final promotion authority is the Squadron Commander, who will decide to promote based on feedback from the Deputy Commander for Cadets and the Cadet Commander (or highest-level cadet if a Cadet Commander is not currently in command). The following procedure will be used to sign up for promotion review: A. The Promotion Review Sign Up will be open from the first meeting of the month until the second-tolast meeting of the month. At that time the form will close and cadets will no longer be able to sign up. B. Cadets will sign up for promotion review by completing the Promotion Review Sign Up form on the squadron website. Cadets must use their Ohio Wing email to be able to complete the form. C. All requirements for the requested promotion must be complete prior to signing up for promotion. Cadets who have not completed the necessary requirements prior to the second-to-last meeting of the month will not have their file reviewed and will need to sign up the following month. D. Cadets will be notified at the end of the second-to-last meeting of the month if they have completed the necessary requirements and will be promoting or if they still need a review board. E. Cadets that require a review board will, through proper channels, notify their Flight Commander or supervisor that they will be sitting before a review board and will need a Leadership Feedback Form completed prior to that date. F. The Flight Commander (or supervisor) will ensure that the proper Leadership Feedback Form is completed and forwarded through the chain of command to the Deputy Commander for Cadets by the last meeting of the month. All Leadership Feedback Forms will be typed! G. Promotion review boards will be conducted during the last meeting of the month with any remaining boards finished during the first meeting of the following month. H. Once the promotion review process is complete, the cadet will be notified of the results of the review. Cadets that have a review board will be notified during the review board if their promotion is approved. Cadets that just need a standard promotion review of their file will be notified via email once that review is complete. The promotion date will be the date that all requirements are completed and will be entered into eservices in that manner. Promotions will typically take place at the end of the first meeting of each month. Additional Cadet Officer Promotion Requirements Upon completing the Mitchell Award, cadets will have additional requirements to complete for each promotion. During Phases III and IV, cadets will be required to complete a Staff Duty Analysis (SDA) as per CAPR 60-1, section 5.4.4. Each SDA has four components that must be completed in sequence service, technical writing, oral presentation, and feedback. Additional information is available in CAPP 60-32, Staff Duty Analysis. A. Service The cadet must serve for at least 8 weeks in any staff position available to cadets. B. Technical Writing The cadet must complete a technical writing assignment to demonstrate communications and critical thinking in a staff environment. Options for document type and samples are available in CAPP 60-32, Staff Duty Analysis. - 11 -
C. Oral Presentation The cadet must give a 5- to 10-minute oral presentation about their service learning experience and technical writing document. They must also make themselves available for questions and answers. D. Evaluation and Feedback The entire SDA process is graded comprehensively. The Leadership Officer will ensure the cadet receives positive, constructive, and specific feedback. This may be combined with the CAPF 60-90 series feedback session. PT Procedures Physical Training (PT) will be administered in some capacity at least once per month. The PT program will follow the guidelines in CAPP 60-50 and include the Cadet Physical Fitness Test (CPFT), calisthenics, team sports, and healthy lifestyle topics. Additional information about the Civil Air Patrol PT program can be found at: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/library/fitness A. The CPFT will be given at least once per quarter. Cadets must have a score in the Healthy Fitness Zone (CPFT attempt only for Phase 1 cadets) within the previous 180 days. It is the responsibility of each cadet to ensure that they have the required CPFT in order to promote. B. Cadets are responsible for knowing what scores they need to be within the Healthy Fitness Zone. C. Cadets must also participate in an additional 45 minutes PT activity at least once per achievement to promote. D. Physical Fitness activities and the CPFT will be posted on the squadron calendar. E. Cadets shall wear appropriate clothing to participate in PT. Typically, this would be shorts, t-shirt, socks, and athletic shoes. Cadets should also bring clothing appropriate for the weather conditions (ie. sweatshirt and sweatpants if it is cold) as PT will take place outside if weather allows. - 12 -
Section 6 Squadron Staff General Within Columbus Composite Squadron, each cadet will have the opportunity to apply for any staff position that has an opening in which the cadet feels he/she would be willing and able to perform. All staff positions require more than just showing up to the unit meetings. With increasing leadership positions comes increased responsibility and this should be considered before applying for a staff position. Staff Positions Staff position openings will be based on the need of the squadron. The bigger the squadron, the more positions that will be available. The below list shows some of the staff positions that are typically available to cadets within the squadron. This list should not be considered all encompassing and additional staff positions may be added as needed. Likewise, depending on the needs of the squadron, not all of these positions may be available. A. Cadet Commander B. Cadet Deputy Commander C. Cadet Leadership Officer D. Flight Commander E. Flight Sergeant G. First Sergeant H. Aerospace NCO/Officer I. Great Start Program NCO/Officer J. Physical Fitness NCO/Officer Staff Position Term The length of time a cadet may be assigned to a particular position is typically 3 to 4 months. Higher level positions such as Cadet Deputy Commander or Cadet Commander may have a longer term in order for the cadet serving in that role to get an adequate amount of leadership experience. Staff Position Selection Process Cadet staff will be selected through a standard application process. In order to be considered for a staff position, a cadet must complete the required application on the squadron website. At times, Flight Commanders will be given the opportunity to select certain members of flight staff, such as Element Leaders or Flight Sergeant. The following process will be used for all staff selections: A. Once staff openings are announced, cadets interested in a staff position will complete the Cadet Staff Application found in the Cadet Resources section of the squadron website B. There will be a limited time that applications are accepted, so it is imperative to complete the application on time. Late applications will not be accepted. - 13 -
C. After the application period ends, the Deputy Commander for Cadets will compile the applications for review. The Deputy Commander for Cadets may seek input from the Squadron Commander, Cadet Commander, Cadet Deputy Commander, or other staff cadets as needed. D. If multiple cadets apply for the same position, in person interviews may be conducted by the Deputy Commander for Cadets and any other personnel deemed necessary for the staff selection. E. Once all selections have been made, the cadets will be notified individually. Depending on the number of applicants and the number of open positions, there may be times that applicants are not selected for a staff position. Job Performance Applying for, and accepting a staff position brings with it a great responsibility. Cadet staff are held to high standards and judged on what you do, how much you do, and how well you accomplish your duties, goals and other tasks. Job performance will be taken into account when applying for advancement within the squadron. Job performance will be measured is through CAPF 60-90 series (Cadet Leadership Feedback Form). This is done to provide feedback from the immediate superior so that the staff member knows where they have succeeded and areas they should look to improve. Leadership feedback will be given throughout the staff term with Cadet Leadership Feedback Forms being completed at least once during the term. Cadets selected to serve on cadet staff are expected to lead by example and set a very high standard for themselves. Before applying for cadet staff, one should think about the time commitments required, the necessity to be at most meetings during their term, their ability to maintain excellent communication with their superior officers and those cadets under their command, and the need to complete projects on time. Cadets that do not demonstrate the highest levels of commitment may be removed from their staff position. Application Tips Cadets who decide to apply for a cadet staff position should take the application seriously. When completing the application, cadets should be as thorough and complete with their answers as possible. Applicants should try to set themselves apart from their peers with their responses. Applications will be reviewed to determine which cadets are the most active within the squadron and at outside activities. If selected for an in-person interview, cadets should be prepared to answer questions about their application and how they plan to carry out the duties required of that staff position. A good staff member is self-motivated and has ideas to better the squadron. - 14 -
Section 7 Important Publications General Civil Air Patrol has a very large number of manuals, regulations, and pamphlets that lay out the rules and guidelines for which we operate. A small number of those are specific to the cadet program. As a cadet in CAP, it is important to be familiar with these publications and understand what their content is. This will help you understand how the program runs, what is required of cadets, and how to advance in the program. The below list is not an all-encompassing list, but these are the most important publications to be familiar with. The complete list of CAP publications can be found at: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/members/publications/. Publications of High Importance A. CAPM 39-1 CAP Uniform Manual This manual is a very important publication that describes the different uniforms members can wear and how those uniforms are to be worn. This manual also includes information about grooming standards. Cadets are expected to be very well versed in this manual. B. CAPR 60-1 Cadet Program Management This regulation is the most important for cadets to be familiar with. The 60-1 provides the rules by which the cadet program must be run and includes information about cadet advancement. Cadets should be very well versed in this regulation. C. CAPP 60-33 Drill and Ceremonies The Drill and Ceremonies pamphlet is one of the most important cadet publications, along with CAPR 60-1 and CAPM 39-1. The Drill and Ceremonies manual gives specific instructions on the various drill movements and ceremonies that are utilized by CAP members. Cadets should begin to familiarize themselves with this pamphlet as soon as they join the program and should know it very well. D. CAPP 60-50 Active Cadet Fitness Guide This pamphlet lays out the cadet fitness program for CAP. It includes everything from weather considerations, basic calisthenics, and the Physical Fitness Test. Cadets should know the section related to the Physical Fitness Test and the requirements for them to successfully complete the test. Publications to Be Familiar With A. CAPP 60-31 Cadet Staff Handbook The Cadet Staff Handbook is the primary reference for cadet staff positions within CAP. This pamphlet not only talks about what is involved with serving as a cadet staff member, but it also discusses how to organize a squadron based on size and experience level. It also gives positions descriptions for the most commonly used cadet staff positions. Cadets with a desire to serve on cadet staff should know this pamphlet well. B. CAPP 60-32 Staff Duty Analysis This pamphlet is only for those cadets who have earned the Mitchell Award. It spells out how to complete the Staff Duty Analysis for each achievement in Phases 3 and 4. Cadet Officers should be very familiar with this pamphlet. Publications for General Knowledge A. CAPR 20-1 Organization of Civil Air Patrol This regulation details how CAP is organized from the National level all the way to the squadron. This regulation includes information about cadet staff positions and how a cadet squadron should be organized. Cadets should be familiar with this regulation and have a good understanding of the cadet portions when they begin to apply for staff. - 15 -
B. CAPR 39-3 Awards of CAP Medals, Ribbons, and Certificates This regulation provides the details for the various awards, medals, ribbons, and certificates that can be earned by CAP members. If you have questions about the requirements to receive a specific award, ribbon, etc., this is the best place to start. Cadets should have a general knowledge of this regulation and should know that it exists. C. CAPR 60-2 Cadet Protection Program This regulation describes the program used to protect cadets and the training that all senior members must complete prior to being allowed to work with cadets. Cadets should just be familiar with this regulation. - 16 -