Thanks for this and the other CAP videos you have posted, they provide very helpful overviews. My 12 years old son attended his first meeting last week and is planning to continue. I had some conversation with a senior member there about my own possible involvement in the future. Your videos are helpful in understanding more details about what that could look like. Keep up the good work.
Great! I hope you can get involved with the great opportunities CAP has to offer senior members! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! Thank you :)
When I first joined CAP in 1998, I tried to get into a specialty track that related to my military specialty. I got nowhere at the time because the support just wasn't available. After sitting as a 2lt for a couple of years, our squadron commander got me interested in Personnel & Administration. The specialty tracks were somewhat easier to accomplish at the time and I found that I was good in those positions. Before I knew it I had advanced to Captain. After that I took on Safety, Aerospace Education and Cadet Programs, eventually completing level 5 training. Best advice is to pick something easy to work on first, then maybe something tougher later. (CAP retired 1998-2018)
My flight never removed the American Flag 🇺🇲 patch from the Woodland BDU-Battle Dress Uniform they told Wing to Piss Off. These 2 little old ladies tried for several years. We always trolled are you going to give me $5 for it ? I shouted out loud mines not for sale and everyone busted out luaghing as someone escorted them to the door . I still have the American Flag 🇺🇲 patch on My Civil Air Patrol Air Force Auxiliary & Young Marines Woodland BDU-Battle Dress Uniform 😂.
Why would they ever remove/not have the American flag patch if the CAP operates under the US Air Force and is a patriotic (should be anyway) program where you perform duties and responsibilities to your community/country? Makes no sense to me at all.
Thank you so much for the other videos; my 12-year-old attended his first meeting. This video helps me understand senior members' roles in the organization. Thanks again
Great Job on explaining Personal Development I am a senoir member and former cadet. I just retired from my law enforcement job and joined a local unit with my son. I am commo officer and dep.commander glad to be back in. I also served in us army MP. Best Wishes
Glad I found this, I never paid much attention to the senior member side and I’m interested in rejoining. I was in Civil Air Patrol from 2006-2010 as a cadet. Solid program. Unless it has gotten better, the experience you have as a cadet will vary entirely on which squadron you are at. 3 of the 4 squadrons I was in were family run and if you weren’t the kid of the squadron commander, you were put on the back burner.
The senior member and cadet programs have experienced some significant changes since 2010! The cadet leadership materials were updated before you left, and the senior member professional development program is now the education and training program with virtual options to complete training (versus exclusively needing to be done in-person). Every squadron is different, and I hope you consider coming back and have a positive experience as a senior member! Be the change you would like to see in the program!
Question....Have you or have you known a Senior Member who attended the Hawk Mountain Ranger School? If so, how was it? Does it truly train as well as it advertises?
If you’re a senior member officer, say you move to a new squadron? What do you do when it seems like they don’t care if you are there or not, or won’t give you a squadron assignment? You go and no one gives you the time of day, but you have taken your CAP career seriously for 17 years. It’s just weird to me. They talked about needing someone for cadet programs, I was dep commander of cadets for several years in my previous squadron. It’s not like I’m new to the program. I was out for a few years since my family needing my undivided attention. I’d appreciate any advice or ideas.
Haha! I don't know enough to speak in-depth about it. There is limited unit-level legal work to do, but you could probably support the state (wing) level with your experience!
@@Redberryweo How about OIG? Is that also more a State thing than a local unit thing? What would a local unit DO with an attorney, if they know CAP needs ‘em in some capacity even if not right there right then?
Hmm. See also CAP pamphlet 10-3. So no, not a lot for the Legal Officer to do at the local level, their work generally comes from way above. “Appointment of a Legal Officer The appointment of a legal officer is unique among CAP duty positions in that it requires approval from a level above the appointing commander. Also, legal officers may only be appointed by wing commanders and above. Below the wing level, there is not much legal work to be performed, and so legal officers are often left feeling unengaged. This means an important resource for CAP may be underutilized. “
@@goodluckfox I feel the same way. I'm considering joining CAP in a month or so as a senior member and I can definitely understand the need for a Legal team to be assembled in such a program because, God forbid anything goes wrong, lawsuits may be filed and people would need to be held accountable. On the local level perhaps the Legal team would act as informants??🤔 Idk just ideas.
Thanks, I'm looking to join an a Senior member coming inform the USNSCC. So far Operations and Emergency Services look real interesting as a volunteer firefighter.
Great! ES and Ops are great choices for firefighters and anyone EMS! Depending on your health field certifications, you could also look into health services.
I have another question. Have you done any command training? Is there a downside to focussing on command? Is this a good topic to move up and receive responsibility for Senior Members? I ask because the topic sounds interesting to me.
Yes, I am in the command specialty track. It’s something that has to be approved by the wing level, and it is for deputy commanders and commanders at squadron level or higher. To get into the command specialty track, you would need to become an assistant deputy commander for cadets, senior members, or the entire unit. It is definitely interesting, and I like developing and mentoring members in my position. If you are just starting out, I recommend becoming familiar with CAP and working your way up to command roles.
can you do a video more about being a aerial photographer or other photography opportunities in cap and what training will be provided for it as a senior member and also the time commitment in order to train and participate beyond the weekly senior meetings and the physical requirements to be a member for certain positions keep making videos
Hey, Lucas Pastrelli! The emergency services video talks about AP (aerial photography) a little bit, but it is more of an overview. I can definitely cover time commitments of being a CAP member in a video! The short answer is that it depends on what your goals are. If you would like to be active and have the time, then you could volunteer for weekend or week-long activities. In terms of physical requirements, it depends on how you are getting involved as well. For example, emergency services and its exercises can include multiple miles of hiking/searching in wooded areas, which is physically demanding, especially during the summer. There are certain requirements for the wearing of the Air Force style uniforms, but there are no physical requirements to maintain membership and be active. Hope this helps! Thank you for your support!
You can do all of level 1 at your own pace with the exception of the summary conversation, which must be done with an Education and Training (E&T) instructor. Level 2 is somewhat straightforward to knock out, too. The form 5 process depends on plane and evaluator availability. There is also sometimes challenges with funding toward the end of the fiscal year. Are you a member already or plan to join soon?
Hello, I have many questions, Im only gonna bother you with 2😅. So my eyes water when people raise their voice at me, this makes me sound like a baby lol, is this something i should get over through out time? And I just atended my first meeting and don't have a uniform so should i get one when i join or when i earn my rank? Sorry if this gets in the way of your work. If you read this thank you for your time.
Squadron O7011... back in the cromagnon days of the 80s. I'm still proud. Please contact me....iono if it's bragging..PJOC, Hawk Mountain, SAR Find 2x.....yeah yeah yeah..thats what we ALL do... everyone deserves kudos
I'm sorry, I have to be an old man....I wore solid olive "utilities"...my insignia was full colour (DEs noted fluorescent Wing patch. You had to remove your flag (one got torn off my flight jacket).. I was repirmanded by a female Army Major at The Wall because my uniform was "1960s." Forget all that, it's over..will you let me still wear my crimson beret?
@@Redberryweo no. I'm too old. But God bless you for finally acknowledging SOMETHING we did back in the day. Kid..kiddo..Cadet..lil of HONOR..you already reconciled decades of hurt. Keep doing what you do, but keep in touch. Ok? So others May live.
WIll the CAP pay for someone to become a certified pilot to conduct missions? I have zero flight experience, just discovered CAP, and I am very interested.
Great question! In short, CAP does not pay for adult members (those who join 18 and over) to complete their private pilot licenses. There are multiple scholarship opportunities for cadets to get partially or fully funded pursuing PPL. However, CAP does pay flights associated with Emergency Services training and becoming fully qualified as an aircrew member. If you are already going for your private and are interested in being in an aircraft more frequently than what you are currently, I recommend asking your local unit to get involved with air crew and become a mission scanner then a mission observer! CAP has funding for pilots who already have their PPL to learn the CAP aircraft and get signed off by a qualified CAP pilot evaluator. However, you would need to have your PPL. Hope this helps!
Okay so im 24 and im a firefighter so i was just wondering getting into CAP for a senior member what rank would i start out with and is emergency services good to go to go into in CAP
Starting rank is Senior Member. You start with what’s called Level 1. After level 1 you choose your specialty track. Certain higher education degrees can be considered when determining your first grade. As a norm the 1st senior grade level is 2nd Lt.
Emergency services has what I call sub categories general ES Ground team Urban direction finding Mission pilot Mission scanner Mission observer Communications Logistics Mission staff
No limit beyond ensuring you can actively perform the duties to the level required. After 4 years of CAP service, I'm actively involved in eight tracks: Communications (technician), Command (technician pending captain), Operations (technician), Emergency Services (senior), Finance (senior), Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education (senior; soon master), and Professional Development (senior). I started in ES, added Finance when it became too cumbersome for the squadron when we hosted exercises and I served as the Finance/Admin Section Chief. There are similar stories around how I got into other tracks. Command is "invite only" for deputy commanders and commanders; served as the former before becoming the latter eighteen months ago.
Hi! so I am a cadet officer and am wondering if the specialty tracks are specifically senior member, because I have seen the specialty track pins being worn by cadets and didn't know if that was allowed or if that is against regulation
All duty positions have primary and assistant assignments. Each unit can have one primary and as many assistants as needed. If you would like to support the chaplain program but do not meet the requirements to become a chaplain, you could look into moral leadership officer/character development instructor.
@@Redberryweo sondo you need to volunteer? I'm a bit confused with how it all works. I have 2 jobs and am busy as can be so I really have no free time. I'd like to get license but would definitely have no time to volunteer.
Thanks for this and the other CAP videos you have posted, they provide very helpful overviews. My 12 years old son attended his first meeting last week and is planning to continue. I had some conversation with a senior member there about my own possible involvement in the future. Your videos are helpful in understanding more details about what that could look like. Keep up the good work.
Great! I hope you can get involved with the great opportunities CAP has to offer senior members! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! Thank you :)
When I first joined CAP in 1998, I tried to get into a specialty track that related to my military specialty. I got nowhere at the time because the support just wasn't available. After sitting as a 2lt for a couple of years, our squadron commander got me interested in Personnel & Administration. The specialty tracks were somewhat easier to accomplish at the time and I found that I was good in those positions. Before I knew it I had advanced to Captain. After that I took on Safety, Aerospace Education and Cadet Programs, eventually completing level 5 training. Best advice is to pick something easy to work on first, then maybe something tougher later. (CAP retired 1998-2018)
My flight never removed the American Flag 🇺🇲 patch from the Woodland BDU-Battle Dress Uniform they told Wing to Piss Off. These 2 little old ladies tried for several years. We always trolled are you going to give me $5 for it ? I shouted out loud mines not for sale and everyone busted out luaghing as someone escorted them to the door . I still have the American Flag 🇺🇲 patch on My Civil Air Patrol Air Force Auxiliary & Young Marines Woodland BDU-Battle Dress Uniform 😂.
Why would they ever remove/not have the American flag patch if the CAP operates under the US Air Force and is a patriotic (should be anyway) program where you perform duties and responsibilities to your community/country? Makes no sense to me at all.
Joining next tuesday. Thank you for this
3 years serving as a Senior Member, and am 2nd Lieutenant for the Eagle Rock Composite Squadron in the Idaho Falls wing. I also sponsor the squadron.
This video is an excellent tool for new Senior members
Thank you!
Thank you so much for the other videos; my 12-year-old attended his first meeting. This video helps me understand senior members' roles in the organization. Thanks again
I’m planning to join my local squadron, and your videos have been so helpful in getting more information. Would love to see you post more!
Great Job on explaining Personal Development I am a senoir member and former cadet. I just retired from my law enforcement job and joined a local unit with my son. I am commo officer and dep.commander glad to be back in. I also served in us army MP. Best Wishes
Thank you! Glad I could help!
Welcome back
Keep making videos, these are very informative and well done. People will be able to reference these for a long time to come!
Very good. I am reviewing the tracks and considering joining the CAP as a senior member.
Two of my children are new CAP cadets!
12 years in the USAF. I’m looking at joining with my son next year. Ty for this video
I enjoyed this video very much even though I am a ways away from senior membership. I always enjoy learning about CAP opportunities.
Many thanks, Deathtrooper 117!
Glad I found this, I never paid much attention to the senior member side and I’m interested in rejoining. I was in Civil Air Patrol from 2006-2010 as a cadet. Solid program. Unless it has gotten better, the experience you have as a cadet will vary entirely on which squadron you are at. 3 of the 4 squadrons I was in were family run and if you weren’t the kid of the squadron commander, you were put on the back burner.
The senior member and cadet programs have experienced some significant changes since 2010! The cadet leadership materials were updated before you left, and the senior member professional development program is now the education and training program with virtual options to complete training (versus exclusively needing to be done in-person). Every squadron is different, and I hope you consider coming back and have a positive experience as a senior member! Be the change you would like to see in the program!
Question....Have you or have you known a Senior Member who attended the Hawk Mountain Ranger School? If so, how was it? Does it truly train as well as it advertises?
If you’re a senior member officer, say you move to a new squadron? What do you do when it seems like they don’t care if you are there or not, or won’t give you a squadron assignment? You go and no one gives you the time of day, but you have taken your CAP career seriously for 17 years. It’s just weird to me.
They talked about needing someone for cadet programs, I was dep commander of cadets for several years in my previous squadron. It’s not like I’m new to the program. I was out for a few years since my family needing my undivided attention.
I’d appreciate any advice or ideas.
Great great job congratulations… just a small update.
PDO Profesional Development change into ET Education and training.
This video was published before the recent Education and Training update! Thank you for sharing :)
Dagnabbit, I'm a lawyer and was waiting to hear about what you had to say about the Legal section for seniors! :)
Haha! I don't know enough to speak in-depth about it. There is limited unit-level legal work to do, but you could probably support the state (wing) level with your experience!
@@Redberryweo How about OIG? Is that also more a State thing than a local unit thing? What would a local unit DO with an attorney, if they know CAP needs ‘em in some capacity even if not right there right then?
Hmm. See also CAP pamphlet 10-3. So no, not a lot for the Legal Officer to do at the local level, their work generally comes from way above. “Appointment of a Legal Officer
The appointment of a legal officer is unique among CAP duty positions in that it requires approval from a level above the appointing commander. Also, legal officers may only be appointed by wing commanders and above. Below the wing level, there is not much legal work to be performed, and so legal officers are often left feeling unengaged. This means an important resource for CAP may be underutilized. “
@@goodluckfox I feel the same way. I'm considering joining CAP in a month or so as a senior member and I can definitely understand the need for a Legal team to be assembled in such a program because, God forbid anything goes wrong, lawsuits may be filed and people would need to be held accountable. On the local level perhaps the Legal team would act as informants??🤔 Idk just ideas.
Wow, great PD video. Thanks from a fellow PD.
Thank you!
Agreed. I'm going to start showing this to new Senior Members in my squadron.
Thanks, I'm looking to join an a Senior member coming inform the USNSCC. So far Operations and Emergency Services look real interesting as a volunteer firefighter.
Great! ES and Ops are great choices for firefighters and anyone EMS! Depending on your health field certifications, you could also look into health services.
You do such a great job in these videos. Thank you for making them.
Thank you!
You're awesome, but why did you add music to this one? I can't concentrate!
I have another question. Have you done any command training? Is there a downside to focussing on command? Is this a good topic to move up and receive responsibility for Senior Members? I ask because the topic sounds interesting to me.
Yes, I am in the command specialty track. It’s something that has to be approved by the wing level, and it is for deputy commanders and commanders at squadron level or higher. To get into the command specialty track, you would need to become an assistant deputy commander for cadets, senior members, or the entire unit. It is definitely interesting, and I like developing and mentoring members in my position. If you are just starting out, I recommend becoming familiar with CAP and working your way up to command roles.
can you do a video more about being a aerial photographer or other photography opportunities in cap
and what training will be provided for it
as a senior member
and also the time commitment in order to train and participate beyond the weekly senior meetings
and the physical requirements to be a member for certain positions
keep making videos
Hey, Lucas Pastrelli! The emergency services video talks about AP (aerial photography) a little bit, but it is more of an overview. I can definitely cover time commitments of being a CAP member in a video! The short answer is that it depends on what your goals are. If you would like to be active and have the time, then you could volunteer for weekend or week-long activities. In terms of physical requirements, it depends on how you are getting involved as well. For example, emergency services and its exercises can include multiple miles of hiking/searching in wooded areas, which is physically demanding, especially during the summer. There are certain requirements for the wearing of the Air Force style uniforms, but there are no physical requirements to maintain membership and be active. Hope this helps! Thank you for your support!
Redberryweo
ok cool thanks ! I think thats a part that some people dont talk much about in videos so getting more info is nice keep making videos 👍
Excelente muy buena información
What an awesome video of information!!!!! Question, I'm 54 do you have to have served in military for senior? Thanks!
No prior service is required to be a senior member! Currently, military service is only required if a member wants to go the NCO route.
Very informative. Thanks!
Wonderful in every relevant way,, thank you..
Thank you!
How long is usually the process from first starting as a senior member to form 5 with an existing pilot cert?
You can do all of level 1 at your own pace with the exception of the summary conversation, which must be done with an Education and Training (E&T) instructor. Level 2 is somewhat straightforward to knock out, too. The form 5 process depends on plane and evaluator availability. There is also sometimes challenges with funding toward the end of the fiscal year. Are you a member already or plan to join soon?
@@Redberryweo i started level 1. i am curious how long it takes on average to get to form 5 if I have all the pic and xc time requirements.
Hello, I have many questions, Im only gonna bother you with 2😅. So my eyes water when people raise their voice at me, this makes me sound like a baby lol, is this something i should get over through out time? And I just atended my first meeting and don't have a uniform so should i get one when i join or when i earn my rank? Sorry if this gets in the way of your work. If you read this thank you for your time.
I love your videos CPT! Major Derfler
Thank you, sir! :)
Hey! Running into a pile of bees can happen!
🐝🐝🐝
May I ask, what CAP Wing are you with?
VAWG! How about you?
TX
CAWG
SCWG
I was a cadet master sergeant London kentucky composite squadron
Oh nice! Are you still in the program?
I'm 68 with a background in Fire/ EMS plus HazMat and a lot of other things. Is there room for a fossil?
Anyone is welcome to join CAP! You may enjoy emergency services given your background, but you are welcome to explore whatever you are interested in!
Squadron O7011... back in the cromagnon days of the 80s. I'm still proud. Please contact me....iono if it's bragging..PJOC, Hawk Mountain, SAR Find 2x.....yeah yeah yeah..thats what we ALL do... everyone deserves kudos
I'm sorry, I have to be an old man....I wore solid olive "utilities"...my insignia was full colour (DEs noted fluorescent Wing patch. You had to remove your flag (one got torn off my flight jacket).. I was repirmanded by a female Army Major at The Wall because my uniform was "1960s." Forget all that, it's over..will you let me still wear my crimson beret?
@@FrancisNStein Unfortunately, CAP does not allow wear of the berets in ABUs.
You could always rejoin if you are interested!
@@Redberryweo no. I'm too old. But God bless you for finally acknowledging SOMETHING we did back in the day. Kid..kiddo..Cadet..lil of HONOR..you already reconciled decades of hurt. Keep doing what you do, but keep in touch. Ok? So others May live.
WIll the CAP pay for someone to become a certified pilot to conduct missions? I have zero flight experience, just discovered CAP, and I am very interested.
Great question!
In short, CAP does not pay for adult members (those who join 18 and over) to complete their private pilot licenses. There are multiple scholarship opportunities for cadets to get partially or fully funded pursuing PPL.
However, CAP does pay flights associated with Emergency Services training and becoming fully qualified as an aircrew member. If you are already going for your private and are interested in being in an aircraft more frequently than what you are currently, I recommend asking your local unit to get involved with air crew and become a mission scanner then a mission observer!
CAP has funding for pilots who already have their PPL to learn the CAP aircraft and get signed off by a qualified CAP pilot evaluator. However, you would need to have your PPL.
Hope this helps!
Okay so im 24 and im a firefighter so i was just wondering getting into CAP for a senior member what rank would i start out with and is emergency services good to go to go into in CAP
Starting rank is Senior Member. You start with what’s called Level 1.
After level 1 you choose your specialty track.
Certain higher education degrees can be considered when determining your first grade. As a norm the 1st senior grade level is 2nd Lt.
Emergency services has what I call sub categories
general ES
Ground team
Urban direction finding
Mission pilot
Mission scanner
Mission observer
Communications
Logistics
Mission staff
Is there a limit to the number of specialty tracks someone can be a part of?
There is not a limit! However, it's good to focus on one or two when you first join.
No limit beyond ensuring you can actively perform the duties to the level required.
After 4 years of CAP service, I'm actively involved in eight tracks: Communications (technician), Command (technician pending captain), Operations (technician), Emergency Services (senior), Finance (senior), Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education (senior; soon master), and Professional Development (senior). I started in ES, added Finance when it became too cumbersome for the squadron when we hosted exercises and I served as the Finance/Admin Section Chief. There are similar stories around how I got into other tracks. Command is "invite only" for deputy commanders and commanders; served as the former before becoming the latter eighteen months ago.
Hi! so I am a cadet officer and am wondering if the specialty tracks are specifically senior member, because I have seen the specialty track pins being worn by cadets and didn't know if that was allowed or if that is against regulation
You can wear aircrew and ground team badges as a cadet. Was there a specific badge you saw a cadet wearing?
@@Redberryweo I have seen cadets wearing the ES track, communications track, and safety track pins
For chaplain, are there chaplain assistants in CAP?
All duty positions have primary and assistant assignments. Each unit can have one primary and as many assistants as needed. If you would like to support the chaplain program but do not meet the requirements to become a chaplain, you could look into moral leadership officer/character development instructor.
Can we get free flying / PPL?
Cadets are the only ones who can get free flight training. However, senior members can do air crew training for free
@@Redberryweo sondo you need to volunteer? I'm a bit confused with how it all works. I have 2 jobs and am busy as can be so I really have no free time. I'd like to get license but would definitely have no time to volunteer.
Do you wear a uniform as a senior member?
Yes, senior members wear uniforms