Civil Air Patrol

[Typhoon1244]

We all know where everyone stands. I'll put you down as favoring B at the expense of A, [prefer being saluted by children over a constructive learning environment].

Well, you'd be wrong. (See my previous remarks about "saluting fetishes.")

I'm ready to drop this subject too, but I can't let go until I correct A Squared perception of my view of the cadet program. That view is simple: leadership education, aerospace education, and military custom and courtesy are facets of the C.A.P. cadet program. To eliminate any one of the three would redefine the entire program and make it redundant. (It would be exactly like removing the uniforms and customs from a school like V.M.I.)

Please, for God's sake, did you understand me that time?

 

[501261]

Zeek's a bit extreme, but I can certainly see his point!

Personally, it’s a volunteer organization, if people want to play dress up in their own time I have no problem with that.

My issue with CAP is that they are spending MY tax money, when I think it can be spend in better ways.

As far as the flight suit issue, I saw a couple of CAP members wearing nice looking polo shirts the other day, and let me tell you it makes for a much better "impression" than those "coulda, woulda, shoulda, flight suits!"

 

[wil]

Why are you so negative? What if I want to join an organization to help young kids and my flying community? I can't teach as a paid CFI (per company policy nor would I want too and take money out of the local CFI community) but I miss teaching and enjoy helping kids? I made the mistake of dropping to your level earlier but why don't you prove yourself a true "Officer and a Gentleman" and see the good in helping others. No organization is perfect. God bless and fly safe- Wil

 

[Typhoon1244]

top [several times]

Not that skilled with computers, are you? Or are you having a seizure?

 

[Typhoon1244]

Originally posted by Zeek
I was having a seizure - while strapped into my venerable Cessna 182 RG- you know the ready alert 5 Bird- -- I missed you typhoon1244--- xoxoxo

Amazing. I have never met a commissioned officer with less decorum.

Anybody can get on web boards like this one and claim to be anything they want. I don't know who you really are, Zeek, but you sure don't sound like an officer or a gentleman.

You sound more like a "woulda/shoulda/coulda."

 

[Typhoon1244]

Anybody can get on web boards like this one and claim to be anything they want. I don't know who you really are, Zeek, but you sure don't sound like an officer or a gentleman. You sound more like a "woulda/shoulda/coulda."

Okay, in light of the P.M. I received, I must apologize. I believe Zeek is a bona fide military aviator.

But he's not very polite...

 

[JediNein]

There IS an ignore feature on this website. No one has to know you are using it. . .

 

[PilotoHalcon]

The CAP is an offshoot of the USAF right? So that is maybe where the requirements of military customs and courtesies come from in the CAP. Nobody has to join the CAP. But if you do you have to play by those rules. But like in ANY organization, there are some who will abuse power. They will be dealt with eventually. I get the feeling here that there are some of us who would do away with sports in school because it is too confrontational and someone may get hurt. Well, welcome to the world. Mediocrity will not put food on your family’s table. Like the Boy scouts should never allow girls. It's just the way it is.
j
Ps, where is that ignore feature anyway?

 

[Clearsky]

He sounds more like a mentally unbalanced 15 year old. What an embarrassment to the military, if he is actually in it.

 

[Clearsky]

Yes, how could volunteer work possible be a good thing on the resume (sigh). I hope you feel better now that you've made your "attack" and also altered my original post. You appear to be a class act.

I agree with some of the negative points made in this particular discussion but I feel they are out-weighed by other positive factors. If you want to affect a constructive change why don't you contact the Air Force.

Did you have some kind of a run-in with a CAP person because the verocity of your attacks on this issue are amazing and appear a bit over the top?

In all seriousness, in what way would you improve the organization and why do you think the Air Force maintains the CAP if it's such a bad thing? Maybe they have no choice...I'm not being sarcastic here. Post something constructive, we've had enough of your useless derogatory remarks.

 

[Typhoon1244]

You all take it easy on Zeek. He was once molested by a gardener wearing green coveralls and tennis shoes...bound to make a man bitter.

So Zeek, haven't gottn any P.M.'s from you lately. Still think I know you?

 

[bobbysamd]

Volunteerism

The CAP is an offshoot of the USAF right? So that is maybe where the requirements of military customs and courtesies come from in the CAP.

That is essentially correct, although I recall the Air Force took over sponsership of CAP much after WWII.

I believe there is also a Coast Guard Auxiliary. It, too, is a volunteer organization and its members were CG-adapted uniforms.

I always listed my CAP experience on my resume. I had interviews. My apologies if this was already mentioned, but shortly after 911 the President urged Americans to volunteer their time and services. Although we as pilots naturally focus on the aviation aspects of CAP, there is lots of things available for non-pilots, including flight opportunities as navigators and observers. And, you get to wear Nomex! Seriously, there never is enough non-pilot crew available. Also, ground team is essential to the mission. Some of best and most competent people in my squadron were non-pilots who were in charge of admin.

There is something for everyone in CAP. Maybe more open-mindedness and less cynicism is in order here.

 

[d328pilot]

I had to throw my 2 cents in on CAP. CAP does have some problems but all in all, it is a wonderful organization. I joined when I was 14 years old and was in it for about 7 years. I had never flown before and I joined because I always wanted to go into the military and at 14, that was as close as I could get. I ended up getting so much more. So what did I get out of it. I got my first flight for free and knew that this was what I wanted to do. I progressed through the entire cadet program and learned a lot about leadership and communication. I got to be the commander of 2 encampments where a learned a lot about dealing with people. I got to spend a week at Columbus AFB to learn all about the AETC. I got to spend a day talking with the fomer AF chief of staff. It took me about 2 hours just to get over the awe of the 4 stars on his shoulder. I got a free two week trip to Israel where I got to meet the President of Israel who flew for the IAF and still flies in his ME-109. I got to spend the night on an Isreali air force base and watch an alert drill done by the IAF. I got a government tour of the entire country and got to fly on an Israeli c130...and that might not be a big deal to some people, but I was 17 years old....it was a big deal to me. I could go on and on about that trip. I was able to become a check pilot and I loved the look on some of the older guys came to me some 18 year old kid for a checkride. I was able to afford my flying lessons because I had a CAP instructor that understood that a 16 year old does not make that much money pumping gas at the airport after school. The CAP let me use the airplane for about 25 dollars an hour. I had grown men that respected my opinions and I was allowed to help make policy for my wing. It might only be CAP policy but it was still a big deal to me. I was able to meet people that helped me get my first job flying checks when I was 18. I got my first airline job about a year and a half later...now I am just waiting for my birthday to upgrade. I owe all of this to CAP....and the best things are that I have made some wonderful friends for life and after I got my CFI, I was able to take some of those 14 years olds up for their first flight and see how excited they were. Yes, some of the stuff they do is a little strange. There are some good groups, and some that are just an old mans flying club. But most guys have one thing in common...they love to fly. That made a huge impact on me. And yes, I will admit that the 14 year olds running around in camo does look a little strange. But I use to be one of those kids. I cant even begin to tell you how CAP impacted my life. It is a very very good program and you will never convince me otherwise. I just wish they could have taught me to spell.

 

[PilotoHalcon]

That was a darn good post. My dad spent time volunteering with the CAP years ago. Later when I was flying for the TX Guard and we were doing bucket bombing with the H60's, the CAP flew us from our home to AUS to get to work. I thought it was good of them.
When I find a position in TX after this Kuwait thing I will vollunteer my time as well. But I will not wear the tennis shoes.
And if they let me, I will wear the Warrant Officer rank
j

 

[Jeff G]

(come on this SH*t is funny)

*Yawn*. No, not really.