Cadet to Composite squadron

[Walkman]

Just out of curiosity, what is the criteria to be a composite unit and is it possible for a cadet unit to become a composite?

[Patterson]

You just need appropriate Cadet and Senior Numbers.  The Regulation on CAP Organization should help you.  Its online now.  www.capmembers.com

[Walkman]

I looked though R20-1 and R20-3 and couldn't find anything other than:

minimum of 15 members of the unit, three of whom must be senior members

[ßτε]

There are no firm numbers used to distinguish Cadet vs Composite Squadrons.

What distinguishes the two is basically what the Senior members are doing.

If the seniors are primarily just running the Cadet program, you are essentially a Cadet squadron.

But if there is a significant program for seniors as well as for the cadets, then Composite squadron would be the appropriate designation.

[Walkman]

Makes sense, thanks.

[Eclipse]

bte - you've got it right, except for the reasoning.

The charter type indicates the mandate for operations, not a reflection of what they are doing by accident.

[Patterson]

From CAPR 20-1

19. Squadrons. The squadron is the community-level organization of CAP. Wing commanders may activate squadrons whenever there is a minimum of 15 members of the unit, three of whom must be senior members. Whenever the membership drops below these minimums, the wing commander will deactivate the squadron or redesignate it as a flight. The designation of each squadron will indicate whether it is a:

a. Senior Squadron. Comprised entirely of senior members.

b. Cadet Squadron. Comprised primarily of cadets with a minimum of three senior members to meet supervisory, administrative, and training requirements in the conduct of cadet programs.

c. Composite Squadron. Comprised of both senior and cadet members, conducting both senior and cadet programs.

You found the answer, what specifically do you want to know?? 

CAPR20-3 gives you the process to activate a Squadron and the fees associated.  As long as you have 15 members and three of them are Senior Members.....you are good to go.  Get a CAPF 27 your checkbook and proceed.  Check with your Wing Commander first to make sure he or she approves.  You are changing the Squadron Name by replacing "Cadet" with "Composite", nothing more.

Word of advice, make sure you can keep your minimum numbers as the first year of a new Squadron (even an existing Squadron that changed its status) will be the first unit listed on the "Annual Charter Review" each February.  National will automatically downgrade your Squadron to a flight should you drop below minimum numbers for two months straight during your first year as a composite Squadron!!     

[Patterson]

bte - you've got it right, except for the reasoning.

The charter type indicates the mandate for operations, not a reflection of what they are doing by accident.

Correct, many Composite Squadrons are really just "large Cadet Squadrons", and may only have a few Senior Members. 

[Camas]

Get a CAPF 27 your checkbook and proceed.  Check with your Wing Commander first to make sure he or she approves.

You can fill the CAPF27 out but it still goes to wing. You should probably go through your wing personnel officer for changes in squadron status - i.e., from cadet to composite and so on. The wing commander has to approve any changes of that nature. Reference CAPR20-3 Para 3a.

[Eclipse]

Does MIWG have Groups?  If so your Group CC may have an opinion as well.

Absent a strong plan and justification, I wouldn't let one of my units change their charter.