New Squadron

[westover]

Well It seems I got myself involved in CAP. A year ago I never heard of CAP. Now with help we started a new squadron in central Ca. What I want to know is Where do I find information on running a successful unit? Also what are the computer disks labeled and where do I go to find them?
Yes I have my hands full and any place to get help will be great.
Has anyone here started a new unit? What did hq send you?
Thanks
Jeff

[Pylon]

Welcome Jeff!

Certainly you will find a lot of resources online, including the official CAP website, here at CAPTalk and also at CadetStuff.org.  There are a lot of fellow CAP members here who have a wide variety of backgrounds and a great depth of experience to draw from.  Hope we can help and feel free to post questions and ideas as you have them.  Here's a few resources to get you started:

Getting your new members started:
Senior Member Level One:  http://www.cap.gov/one
Cadet Great Start (draft):  http://www.cap.gov/documents/GreatStartDraft.pdf
Pipeline Recruiting Discussion: http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=1708.0
Handy CP Files:  http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=2452.0

Managing your records and paperwork:
CAP online forms & publications:  http://www.cap.gov/pubs
Squadron Information Management System (highly recommended): http://www.squadroncommand.com

There's tons more to answer the many questions you must have at this juncture.  Please do search around, browse through some forum sections and welcome to CAP and CAPTalk! 

[bosshawk]

Jeff: where in Central CA are you?  While I am on Wing Staff, I attend the meetings of the Sq at Castle Airport in Atwater.  I am sure that some of the folks in that Sq would be happy to help you in your herculean efforts.

[JAFO78]

Hey Jeff, Welcome to CAP, and CAPTalk. I too am starting a squadron here in Central Florida. At times I feel overwhelmed, and I'm a past member and a former squadron commander.

We are getting help from another unit in my area. We have not done too much the last 2 weeks as school is out, and my family as been sick with the winter crud.

I am trying to read as much material as I can, and ask a lot of questions. I have gotten my 2 oldest sons interested in joining (21&19). Not sure about youngest son (14 & in Sea Cadets) oldest daughter maybe. Wife doesn't want to get involved, (too much politics). Youngest daughter only 9.

We plan on getting in contact with the nearest high school about meeting location or maybe going to local airport.  We have not decided what kind of unit yet, I am leaning towards cadet for now.

If you have any questions feel free to post them here as many folks are willing to toss their .02 in. Some will be great others will not be so good.

You can contact me through my email posted on my profile or send me a PM here.
I look forward to hearing from you on your journey in starting a new unit. 

[CadetProgramGuy]

Gentlemen,

Might I shamelessly plug a product for your file management?

www.squadroncommand.com

Get SIMS.  Once you learn it, which is simplistic in design, you will find it very nice for promotions, file management, paperwork, ect....

BTW, not my product, but I love it!!

[JAFO78]

Thanks I will check it out today.

[westover]

Thanks for everyones help I am going to need it.
I am Amador County  out side of Sacramento.
I have a good group of Seniors. One of them went out and bought a plane so we would have one!

[Pylon]

I have a good group of Seniors. One of them went out and bought a plane so we would have one!

Wow!  Now that's some serious support.