NSC 2009

[dwb]

Information on the 2009 National Staff College has been posted online (linky).

Anyone on CAP Talk planning to apply?  I'm applying this year, along with my Group's Chaplain, and we're going to hit some golf courses along the way while we're driving from NY to AL.

"An IG and a Chaplain were driving to NSC..." it sounds like the intro to a lame joke.

[AlphaSigOU]

Earliest I can attend is next year; I trade in my railroad tracks for gold bottlecaps and farts and darts in July 2010.

Airfares are not too expensive if booked in advance: To give an example: DFW-MGM runs about $232 r/t plus taxes for that time frame. Other locations may differ. (You can also do Southwest direct from DAL (Love Field) to BHM (Birmingham) and drive to Montgomery (about 100 miles south) for less than $200.)

[dwb]

Expedia shows the lowest price from SYR-MGM at $306, and that's for two stops.  A one-stop will cost at least $405, and that's not including taxes or fees (which would bump each price up by $50).

Flying in to Columbus, GA and driving the 85 miles into Montgomery drops a fair amount off of the price, and there are one-stop flights available.  I could get a one-stop for $300 including taxes and fees.

There's no easy way to get there from here.

[jimmydeanno]

I have every intention of applying this year.  It's the only thing I have left for level 5.

I hope it will be good, I hear many good things about it.

[Spike]

I hope it will be good, I hear many good things about it.

It is the best Senior Member Activity CAP has to offer.

Make some contacts, because you never know when it will benefit you.

Also get a chance to go to the Montgomery Brewing Co.  It is a restaurant that brews their own beer. The beer is fantastic, and they have live music most nights.  The usual guests are between 35 and 65, so it fits our age group perfectly!!  The "Brew Pub" as it is known locally has ads on base, or ask the BOQ desk.   

[jimmydeanno]

Also get a chance to go to the Montgomery Brewing Co.  It is a restaurant that brews their own beer. The beer is fantastic, and they have live music most nights. 

There's a pretty good pizza shop in Montgomery called "Tomatino's" that I recommend going to.

The usual guests are between 35 and 65, so it fits our age group perfectly!!

Sorry, doesn't fit my age group at all...I'm only 26...but I do enjoy a good brew.  We have a good place here in NH called Red Hook - they serve a great hefenweizen, a loaf of bread in every glass.

[CAPSGT]

I'll be there, provided I can get the time off from work.

[Camas]

I have every intention of applying this year.  It's the only thing I have left for level 5. I hope it will be good, I hear many good things about it.

Same here - just NSC and I've got my "five" as well. I met some great folks at RSC at Nellis a year ago including Jimmydeanno and Lordmanor just to name two. It'll be fun to rekindle old friendships and make new ones especially members who are on Captalk. The other side of the coin is, of course, figuring how to get to Montgomery AL from Portland OR but I'll worry about that later. There's plenty of time.

[jimmydeanno]

The other side of the coin is, of course, figuring how to get to Montgomery AL from Portland OR but I'll worry about that later. There's plenty of time.

Another challenge for me as well, I don't know if I'll be coming from home, Biloxi, MS or already be at Maxwell.  With my wife commissioning she could be at ASBC or Tech School (again).

[Strick]

I am going to try to attend this year, the air fair from Link Field(BGM) NY to AL sucks.   

[swamprat86]

Sounds like us NER people should charter a bus.  That would be fun.

[dwb]

You may be the first person in history to suggest that a charter bus to Alabama would be fun.

[RickFranz]

I am going to try and attend this year, that would finish up level 5.

[Cecil DP]

Expedia shows the lowest price from SYR-MGM at $306, and that's for two stops.  A one-stop will cost at least $405, and that's not including taxes or fees (which would bump each price up by $50).

Flying in to Columbus, GA and driving the 85 miles into Montgomery drops a fair amount off of the price, and there are one-stop flights available.  I could get a one-stop for $300 including taxes and fees.

There's no easy way to get there from here.

When I went the 2nd time in 1996, I drove from Boston to Maxwell.  nice ride and you can stop along the way as needed. Took I-81(Scranton-Johnson City)) most of the way to avoid the I-95 traffic and tolls. I would recommend it, especially if going on trips into town, Very few rides are available.

[dwb]

Do you recall how many hours of driving it ended up being?

Google Maps says 17.5 hours from Syracuse, NY to Montgomery, AL.  Interestingly, it has me driving west, through Erie, PA then down through Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, to Alabama.

[Cecil DP]

Do you recall how many hours of driving it ended up being?

Google Maps says 17.5 hours from Syracuse, NY to Montgomery, AL.  Interestingly, it has me driving west, through Erie, PA then down through Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, to Alabama.

About 20 hours from Boston, taking I 81 down cut out all the tolls between Boston and Washington and all the backups going through all those cities.  Going through Erie, PA would take you straight down 85 which will put you into Montgomery. I just charted it both ways on MS Streets and Trips and the time/distance is about the same. Though it does prefer the Erie route.

[brenaud]

I plan on being there, too.  Like others, it's all I have left for Level 5.

[Stonewall]

I plan on making a solid effort to make it there this year.   Ft. Benning is about a 6 hour drive and Montgomery is another 90 minutes.

Hopefully all works out.

[LtCol057]

I'm like several of you. Only thing I need to complete Level 5 is the NSC.  The problem I have is that they wait so late to announce when it's going to be held.  I know, we're at the mercy of the USAF for th scheduling.

I have to put in paperwork in Dec for vacation for the next year.  When they wait so late, I might possibly be able to get one or two days off, but to get a whole week off is not guaranteed.

I guess I'll just have to take the correspondence school route to complete L5. Almost would rather have a root canal without pain meds.

[CAPSGT]

well, got the time off OK'd by the boss and my application is in.

[dwb]

My application was sent to NHQ last week.  Next up: trying to convince my employer to pay for it as a professional development expense. 

[genejackson]

My application is in and the VAWG/CC told me he approved it.  I have permission to fly C-17 in one of our G1000 aircraft from MER to Maxwell.   I'm looking for another who would like to share the C-17 costs down and back.    From my base in Danville Va, it flight plans out to approximately 3.5 hrs one way and we can land right on Maxwell's runway.

email directly to me if you're in MER and want to talk about sharing a ride:  gjackson@gamewood.net

[Chappie]

I hope it will be good, I hear many good things about it.

It is the best Senior Member Activity CAP has to offer.

Make some contacts, because you never know when it will benefit you.

Also get a chance to go to the Montgomery Brewing Co.  It is a restaurant that brews their own beer. The beer is fantastic, and they have live music most nights.  The usual guests are between 35 and 65, so it fits our age group perfectly!!  The "Brew Pub" as it is known locally has ads on base, or ask the BOQ desk.

That is where Seminar 5 had dinner the first evening of the '08 NSC.    It is located downtown -- so you get a feel of the local community.  Not a "franchise" by any means.
Food is great and cost is reasonable.  Great place to hang out.

http://www.montgomerybrewpub.com/

[Strick]

Does any person know how much lodging runs a night at NSC?

[RickFranz]

The email I received yesterday stated lodging would be betwee $28.00 to $35.00 a night.

[Strick]

Rick, thanks for the info.....  I applied yesterday and just need the wing cc to sign off.   Going to have to start looking for a flight  from NY to AL.  I wish I still lived in FL because I would just drive up.

[Strick]

Just for FYI, I called the Unviersity Inn at Maxewell AFB and the service desk stated that as of 1 OCT the room fee wil be 39.00 per night.  It sucks because I was told it would cost me 28.00 per night.   I guess I wont be going now!    

[dwb]

I had to rescind my application, I just can't swing the coin to get down there and spend a week in lodging. 

I'll go when I get another free ticket on United.

[Strick]

That sucks DWB.......  These are hard times for people and CAP can get very expensive.   With the right type of budget I still might get to go.   The issue right now to get to go is to find a cheaper plane ticket.   If I can find the ticket for under $250.. Then IT MIGHT HAPPEM .     

[jimmydeanno]

D'Oh...the average age for the school just went WAY up... 

[CAPSGT]

Well, I'm still planning to go, so I'll help to drag the average age down. 

[Strick]

What age do you think the youngest memeber might be? , I was the youngest at the RSC 

[jimmydeanno]

Yeah, I was the youngest at my RSC, I was 25 at the time.  I'm just waiting for my confirmation for NSC and I'm 27.  Not sure about CAPSGT, but he's one of the younger guys, I think...

[Camas]

D'Oh...the average age for the school just went WAY up... 

I guess I wont be going now!   

I'll help keep the age average down as I won't be going either. Had to buy some tires for my beater of a car plus a trip to Illinois to see family earlier this summer.

[Strick]

Thank GOD, I will not be the youngest if I go  :clap: , I am 29.   

[keystone102]

When I went to NSC in 1976 I was a 19 year old Warrant Officer. Any 18 year olds NSC graduates out there? Obviously the requirements for attending have changed since then.

[Fifinella]

I am planning to go if my promotion is approved in time.  And I will have my POV.  As far as my age...a lady never tells. 

[jimmydeanno]

Alright, just got my acceptance e-mail today.  Look out Alabama! Here I Come!

ROLL TIDE!

[CAPSGT]

Yeah, I was the youngest at my RSC, I was 25 at the time.  I'm just waiting for my confirmation for NSC and I'm 27.  Not sure about CAPSGT, but he's one of the younger guys, I think...

Yeah, I've got you beat for potentially being the youngest student there.  I'm 26.  I was a few days shy of 25 when I went to RSC and was the youngest student there.

[Strick]

Ok folks, here I come.......  just purchased the plane ticket.  I figure that the cost increase in the lodging isn't going to get any cheaper in the coming years so I guess I will go now.  looks like my birth day present to myself this year is the NSC .

[jimmydeanno]

I purchased my ticket.  However, I am NOT flying into MGM.  I got a round trip ticket from BOS to ATL for $87.00.  I can rent a car for the entire week and fly to and from for less than a ticket into MGM.  I don't mind the 2.5 hour drive, plus...I'll have a car for the week :-P

When I was on staff at E-Tech a few years back, I made the ATL to MGM trip 3 times on arrival day.  What a pain that was...

[Strick]

Just for FYI : Got notification via email that lodging will be free!!!!!!!!!  The Air Force is allowing us to stay in the OTS dorm.  Room mates will be assigned if you dont pick one by 0CT 1.   

[RickFranz]

I guess I'll be seeing some of you there...  Look me up.

[CAPSGT]

*BUMP*

1 day until the start of NSC 2009!  Can't wait.

[Fifinella]

See you there.

[jimmydeanno]

Suppose I should pack...see y'all tomorrow!

[Strick]

I got to pack...........see yall there

[AlphaSigOU]

You guys have fun at 'Super Maggot School' in 'Mun-gummery'!

[jimmydeanno]

So far I've met everyone in this thread abd quite a few lurkers.  Nothing but professionals, all of them.

[MSG Mac]

I saw the National Press release about the NSC somebody had better tell them that COL Jake Jacobs USAF is really COL Jake Jacobs US Army.

[jimmydeanno]

NSC is complete.  I have now finished Level V!  WOOT!

[brasda91]

NSC is complete.  I have now finished Level V!  WOOT!

How much did lodging cost after all was said and done?

[Fifinella]

^^ $10 for sheets and towels.

[brasda91]

^^ $10 for sheets and towels.

That's it?  That is cheaper than my RSC this year.  So the talk about the rooms being $28 -$39 was blown out of portion?

[jimmydeanno]

Initially, the lodging was going to be in the base hotel and was not going to be "free."  The expected rate was ~35-40/night.

however, last minute they found some accommodations at the Squadron Officer School dorms - for free.  We only had to put a $50.00 deposit on our room key (in case it was lost) and pay $10.00 for sheets and towels.

So it could have been more, we were expecting to pay more until about a week prior to the event.

[brasda91]

Initially, the lodging was going to be in the base hotel and was not going to be "free."  The expected rate was ~35-40/night.

however, last minute they found some accommodations at the Squadron Officer School dorms - for free.  We only had to put a $50.00 deposit on our room key (in case it was lost) and pay $10.00 for sheets and towels.

So it could have been more, we were expecting to pay more until about a week prior to the event.

Sweet!  Myself, my Chaplain and a fellow Sqd Cmndr are planning on attending next year.  The estimated cost for lodging was really disheartening.  I hope they can work the same accomidations next year.

[brenaud]

Initially, the lodging was going to be in the base hotel and was not going to be "free."  The expected rate was ~35-40/night.

however, last minute they found some accommodations at the Squadron Officer School dorms - for free.  We only had to put a $50.00 deposit on our room key (in case it was lost) and pay $10.00 for sheets and towels.

So it could have been more, we were expecting to pay more until about a week prior to the event.

Sweet!  Myself, my Chaplain and a fellow Sqd Cmndr are planning on attending next year.  The estimated cost for lodging was really disheartening.  I hope they can work the same accomidations next year.

I highly recommend it.  Especially if they are able to arrange the same lodging for next year.  We didn't have wireless access in the dorm, but you can't really complain considering the price!

And now I'm like you jd...need to scan a couple of participation letters & send in the CAPF24.

[Cecil DP]

Time for me to go again for the third time  (86, 95). Once a decade should do it.

[Fifinella]

however, last minute they found some accommodations at the Squadron Officer School dorms - for free.

Minor correction - OTS dorms.  Can't complain for the price.  Very convenient location.  How long since *you* slept in bunk beds?

[CAPSGT]

well, for me it's been less than 24 hours since I slept in a bunk bed    Sure will be nice to sleep in my full sized bed tonight.

It was an absolute blast meeting and working with everyone this week.  Now we just need to get some pictures up.

[CAPSGT]

Oh and for those of us putting in for Wilson awards now, make sure you are using the new form 24....dated July 2009.  The cutoff for using previous editions of the form was 31 August. </admin officer schpiel>

[jimmydeanno]

When's the "NSC CAPTalk Edition" photo making it up here?

[RickFranz]

It was really nice to put a face to a name.  I did enjoy meeting more of the CAPTalk family.  What a bunch of good folks :clap:

[flyboy53]

When's the "NSC CAPTalk Edition" photo making it up here?

I thought you were going to post something on Facebook or the Wave? By the way, CAPSGT, good talking with you over a beer at Atlanta. I didn't realize how many of you guys I would meet there. You are all truly excellent individuals and thank you for the opportunity to meet and learn together.

[Strick]

Glad to see everyone made it home safe :angel:   

[Robert Hartigan]

I posted a photo from the graduation reception in the gallery.

[jimmydeanno]

I don't see it... 

[Spike]

Does National have a page for NSC, with pictures and stuff??  If not....WHY??

[CAPSGT]

I don't see it... 

You should see it now.  I just went in and approved it.

[jimmydeanno]

In case some of you were wondering what they actually teach at NSC, here is a list of the seminars we had this year.

1) Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI)
2) Ethics and Leadership
3) Leading Volunteers
4) The Media: CAP in the Public Eye
5) CAP-USAF Commander's Perspective
6) Emerging Leadership Trends and Self Development
7) Financial Management and Fiduciary Responsibility
8) NHQ Personnel meet and greet
9) Federal and State Agency Relationships
10) Executive Director's Briefing
11) National Commander's Perspective
12) Strategic Leadership - Leading the Leaders
13) Non-profit Board Governance
14) Federal and State Legislative Affairs
15) CAP Culture and its unique Challenges
16) Leadership Lessons from Combat
17) Local to Global: A broadened view of CAP

*) Throughout the week we had a group practicum to work on.
**) In addition, there were numerous readings assigned to compliment the seminars for the following day.

[notaNCO forever]

In case some of you were wondering what they actually teach at NSC, here is a list of the seminars we had this year.

1) Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator (MBTI)

Did you do the entire MBTI test? At COS we did a miniature version of it. I just took the entire one a few weeks ago through my college; I was surprised by how accurate it is.

[jimmydeanno]

Did you do the entire MBTI test? At COS we did a miniature version of it. I just took the entire one a few weeks ago through my college; I was surprised by how accurate it is.

The survey was mailed to us a few weeks in advance.  We filled them out and mailed them back so they could score and translate the answers.

It wasn't the first time I had done it.  But, I'm an ISTJ.

[CAPSGT]

I see my Level 5 has now posted....GRW# 2691.  Anyone else have theirs posted yet?

[Cecil DP]

Mine posted 24 Years, 9 months, and 16 days ago.

Congrats

[Strick]

I submittedit on wensday so I will proably see it posted on this day in 2020 .

Congrats Mike!    :clap:

[Fifinella]

I see my Level 5 has now posted....GRW# 2691.  Anyone else have theirs posted yet?

Grrrrrr!  Still waiting...  "I want an oompa loompa NOW, Daddy!"   

[Cecil DP]

NSC only ended 1 week ago!

[brenaud]

I see my Level 5 has now posted....GRW# 2691.  Anyone else have theirs posted yet?

Mine hasn't posted yet.  Maybe I'll end up with the nice round #2700.

[PHall]

Does National have a page for NSC, with pictures and stuff??  If not....WHY??

Because they're waiting for somebody like YOU to do it.

Stuff like that is pretty far down the priorities list.

[jimmydeanno]

Who says there isn't? 

[jimmydeanno]

I see my Level 5 has now posted....GRW# 2691.  Anyone else have theirs posted yet?

Mine hasn't posted yet.  Maybe I'll end up with the nice round #2700.

Gaaah...

I think my wing does things weird.


I submitted electronically.

My squadron commander forwarded electronically.

I have a feeling when it gets to wing, they print it.  Put it in the "to sign" box.  Get it signed.  Put it in an envelope.  Put that envelope in the "outgoing box" at the end of the week it gets mailed to region....and on...and on...

Technology is awesome...when you use it...

[brenaud]

I see my Level 5 has now posted....GRW# 2691.  Anyone else have theirs posted yet?

Mine hasn't posted yet.  Maybe I'll end up with the nice round #2700.

Well, I was close.  #2699.

[Fifinella]

Still waiting.... [sigh]

[Strick]

Same here.........

[AlphaSigOU]

Start rattling their chain... in this day of electronic submissions there's no excuse for delays in processing. But be sure you go at it nicely... 

When my paperwork for Level IV 'got lost' up the chain I resubmitted it again; it also helped that I was PCSing to Kwajalein and wanted the award presented before I left.

[jimmydeanno]

Gill Robb Wilson #2701

YAY!

[Strick]

Just got mine on Friday............. #2747

Only took five months :clap:

[BillB]

Chuck writes:

CAP's only known active member in Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands!

Wow Chuck, you're a Wing Commander

[James Shaw]

Just got mine on Friday............. #2747

Only took five months :clap:

Congrats and may the force be with you.

[Fifinella]

I find it quite appropriate that my GRW has finally posted after 5+ months working through the system - on April Fool's Day. 

GWR #2753

[ßτε]

I find it quite appropriate that my GRW has finally posted after 5+ months working through the system - on April Fool's Day. 

GWR #2753

Congratulations.


Do you have any idea why it took so long?

[SarDragon]

 :clap: Congratulations!!!!  :clap:

[flyboy53]

I find it quite appropriate that my GRW has finally posted after 5+ months working through the system - on April Fool's Day. 

GWR #2753

Go Semiar 5....congrats

[jimmydeanno]

I find it quite appropriate that my GRW has finally posted after 5+ months working through the system - on April Fool's Day. 

GWR #2753

Go Semiar 5....congrats

+1 for Seminar 5!

Congratulations Judy!

[Fifinella]

Congratulations.


Do you have any idea why it took so long?

Yes, but I prefer not to point fingers too directly.

And thanks, y'all.