Where to Start for GT

[Wheeler.M1]

Hello Everyone!

I am Cadet Wheeler and I'm trying to get into GT. In our squadron there is a lack of information on GT and I'm told to 'google it'. I am 15 years old (at time this was written) Where do I start for GT, everything from start to finish on how to get started! I found GT in Eservices, but the page is not helping.....Any thing on how to get started is appreciated!

Thank you,
Cadet Wheeler

[Fubar]

Hello!

I'm sorry you're not finding the information you're looking for at your squadron. I would suggest reaching out to a couple of senior members who should be able to point you in the right direction.

In a nutshell, there are specific training tasks you need to demonstrate to someone who's been designated a ground team trainer. You can find those tasks by looking at a SQTR or "Specialty Qualification Training Record" which you can find in eServices (find them in Operations->Operations Qualifications->Print Worksheets->Select GT3)

Usually demonstrating training tasks is done during training missions. Again you'll need to reach out to a senior member to get more information on that. Also, being in Texas means you're closer than most to the "Lone Star Emergency Services Academy" which is also a place where you can get ground team training. More information is here: https://www.txwgcap.org/cp/lesa/

Good luck!

[wacapgh]

There are several things you can do on your own to get started:

Complete GES. This is step 1!

Complete CAPT 117, part 1
Get your First Aid certification, enter it into your Operations Qualifications records at https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.OPSQuals.Web/EmergencyServices/SQTR.aspx
Complete IS 100 and 700 from https://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.aspx, enter your certificates into your Operations Qualifications records at https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.OPSQuals.Web/EmergencyServices/SQTR.aspx

Ask your Communications Officer about condicting an ICUT course, or if one is available at another unit.

[Eclipse]

^ all these are a great start, and will get you an idea how CAP ES works. 

I would also suggest getting FAM/Prepped for UDF as that is only a few tasks and then you are mission-ready.

The reality though, is that if your unit is so devoid of information that you have to ask here about GT, then
you aren't likely going to to be able to get it done locally by yourself, in which case NESA is a good option.

They might still be accepting GSAR students, in which case you can knock it out in about a week.
http://nesa.cap.gov/

The local problem is that even with guidance there are things that need to be approved by your CC and
he has to know how in order to do that.

You could also seek out participation with other units more active in ES.

[Spaceman3750]

^ all these are a great start, and will get you an idea how CAP ES works. 

I would also suggest getting FAM/Prepped for UDF as that is only a few tasks and then you are mission-ready.

The reality though, is that if your unit is so devoid of information that you have to ask here about GT, then
you aren't likely going to to be able to get it done locally by yourself, in which case NESA is a good option.

They might still be accepting GSAR students, in which case yo can knock it out in about a week.
http://nesa.cap.gov/

The local problem is that even with guidance there are things that need to be approved by your CC and
he has to know how in order to do that.

You could also seek out participation with other units more active in ES.

We are definitely still accepting applications for NESA GSAR, although apps should be in pretty soon.

[Holding Pattern]

The Ideal start for a cadet is UDF. This is for several reasons:

1. The cost of equipment is lower than GTM
2. The number of tasks to be qualified is lower
3. The pre-requisites to becoming fully qualified are lower
4. Getting fully qualified as UDF will give you an idea of how the entire qualification process works with far less annoyance compared to starting with GTM

Here is the UDF Trainee equipment checklist:

☐ Complete Uniform
☐ Notepad
☐ Pencil with eraser; sharpener required if not mechanical pencil
☐ CAP ID Card
☐ CAP Specialty Qualification Card (101 Card)
☐ CAP Member Health History Form (CAP Form 160) **2 COPIES**
☐ Emergency Information (CAP Form 161) **2 COPIES**
☐ Watch
☐ Vest, Reflective, Orange
☐ Comb or Brush (Optional, Carry if Needed)
☐ Ground and UDF Team Task Guide
☐ Change for phone calls, calling card, or cellular phone to call mission base
☐ One Meal or personal funds to purchase a meal while prosecuting the mission if appropriate.

If you already have your uniform, you can construct the trainee kit for under $50.