Cadet Grooming Standards

[AirAux]

Sounds like those dreadlocks might be a problem for our new "Diversity" program when it rolls out, eh??

[addo1]

This either sounds like or IS one of the cadets I had to deal with at an Airman Leadership School I commanded a few months ago... Was an interesting scenario indeed...

[Ned]

My official religion is the Church of Ned and it says that I don't have to obey any rules that I don't like.

Where do I sign up? 

I have you down as an Acolyte Second Class.  Tithing form is in the mail.  Please return promptly with your account numbers for EFT.

[DBlair]

My official religion is the Church of Ned and it says that I don't have to obey any rules that I don't like.

Where do I sign up? 

I have you down as an Acolyte Second Class.  Tithing form is in the mail.  Please return promptly with your account numbers for EFT.

The funny/sad thing is how many small churches have actually started like this 'Church of Ned' idea and then turn out to be successful- there are even websites that help you actually make it legal. I remember a college friend of mine researched it all out because he had aspirations to (in jest) start his own church and name himself Pope. lol

[cap235629]

let's get off this religious drift please

[DBlair]

Yea, back on topic... I'm not sure how long this Cadet's hair may be, but I wonder if there is a way to somehow get it within regs using hair products. Has anyone seen creative ways to get around getting a haircut?

[RobertAmphibian]

Honestly depends on how long the hair is. If for example, the hair is touching the ears slightly, it's going to be nearly impossible to correct that without cutting it.

But, a cadet at my squadron back in the day somehow got his hair to a)comply with bulk standards b)comply with length standards and c)look kind of silly. I saw him outside of CAP activities a couple times and didn't realize how much hair he honestly had. From what I could tell, this was achieved with liberal amounts of mousse.

[Hawk200]

Yea, back on topic... I'm not sure how long this Cadet's hair may be, but I wonder if there is a way to somehow get it within regs using hair products. Has anyone seen creative ways to get around getting a haircut?

Seen a few, and you can tell that it's just simply a way around getting a haircut.

If the kid's helping his family out financially, CAP is not gonna help. There's a lot you can get cheap or free, but there are still things that must be purchased. Some units even help disadvantage financially.

However, I can see it blowing up if this individual gets help, but doesn't comply with grooming standards. There are stereotypes concerning models getting whatever they want, this is just going to further it.

Some may call it whining, but the first parent that notes the difference, and brings atttention to it would be absolutely right. I'd believe that this could cost more in cadet bodies than it would gain.

[DBlair]

When thinking about this Cadet's situation, I keep wondering to myself if he is helping to support his family in that he is helping the family earn extra family spending money, or is it that he helping to keep the family financially above water and helping them survive?

If he is helping them survive, then that is a sign of serious financial difficulty and in my opinion, I don't think CAP should be their priority at this point. As we all know, CAP isn't cheap and it adds up fast. In they are trying to survive, then they need to focus on the reality of the situation and surviving through this difficult time.

That being said, I have a feeling this is for extra money as modeling isn't regular money and in the case of child/teen male modeling, it isn't nearly as much money as most people think.

[Al Sayre]

It may also be that the parents belive that CAP will provide the cadet with a little grounding in reality to go with his potential career.  Based on what we see in the news about the behavior of child stars, this could be a very good thing for him.  "C/Amn Adonis, I don't care if you are the next American Idol, it's your turn to clean the crapper"...

[DBlair]

LOL Good point.

[Cecil DP]

I'm sure that there are wigs, toupee's, etc that can be worn over his objectionable hair style.

[vmstan]

I've got a real quick fix to this problem.

[Майор Хаткевич]

I've got a real quick fix to this problem.

[Encampment Staff RST]

*This picture MIGHT be hazing, the cadet looks sad to see his hair go*

Bwahaha

[a2capt]

More like 'grazing' ..

OTOH, suppose this potential cadet fits well within the program, takes it to it's fullest and becomes even more viable to provide support backwards? Sure, it may be a few years. But what if they are the first ones to ever go that far?

Of course, the intent of the regulation is to provide a professional appearance, too- not just off the ears and what not.. That can be a challenge.

Or, as one says, the whole thing could be a rouse. But the original poster knows more than anyone else.

[vmstan]

I've got a real quick fix to this problem.

[Encampment Staff RST]

*This picture MIGHT be hazing, the cadet looks sad to see his hair go*

Bwahaha

It was just a random image I pulled off Google.

[Eclipse]

OTOH, suppose this potential cadet fits well within the program, takes it to it's fullest and becomes even more viable to provide support backwards? Sure, it may be a few years. But what if they are the first ones to ever go that far?

Any potential member, senior or cadet, walking in the door asking for a waiver of a basic thing like the appearance standards is likely unclear regarding what CAP is and how and why it works.

I see this all the time - the "transfer of angst" from a member to a commander - some 1% situation which can be fixed easily by the
member becomes this huge deal because we live in a world where everyone gets an exception.  It's unfair to the commander and should not be tolerated.  What commanders need to realize is one of the reasons we have regulations is to end these conversations quickly and directly.  That doesn't mean being insulting or unsympathetic, but its possible to be direct and professional, and perhaps even suggest they address it directly with NHQ themselves.  Bottom line is that it does not become the commander's problem or crusade.

This is a black and white situation which is fixed very simply - the young man either adjusts his appearance or finds some other outlet
for his free time and volunteer service.  It doesn't matter how he gets in reg, or why he isn't.

This has nothing to do with religion and making the comparison is insulting to all, same goes for the diversity comments.

[RADIOMAN015]

Well CAP growth on cadet membership will always be hampered due to the fixation on military uniforms and hair styles  -- that's the way it is and that isn't going to change. :angel:

Contrasting this to the Boy Scouts, with various Explorer type programs that don't have these type of restrictions, one sees signficiant participation and much more community support.  The programs can also more narrowly concentrate on what the youth want.

Frankly I would think that CAP should look at having some sort of Cadet Aerospace member status that would allow teenagers to just participate in the aerospace aspects of the program with a much simpler uniform (current senior AE type uniform, golf shirt) to include orientation flights in CAP aircraft, robotics, computers, radio comms etc.  as well as allow visits to aerospace museums etc.....

One doesn't mention in the post what the potential cadet's primary interest is in joining the program.   If it's military related, than quite frankly get a haircut and wear the AF military style uniform with pride.  HOWEVER, if it is primarily the aerospace side, why not have a non military option available for cadets/teenagers that we have available for adults

RM   

[RiverAux]

Super idea.  Now we'll have cadet fat and (peach) fuzzies...

[PA Guy]

The cadet program is not meant to be all things to all people.  It is a leadership program based on the military model that incorporates the three missions of CAP.  Having different cadet programs for those interested just in AE, ES or the current cadet program would be a disaster.  We have enough trouble running the cadet program we have now.