Newbie Seeking Info

[Stokes]

Hello. I am not part of CAP but I want to be. My parents are all up for it but they want to know if I need any special gear.The wing that I will be in is the Kentucky Wing.Any help will be helpful.

Topic title edited - MIKE

[SDF_Specialist]

Generally, units will do their best to help you get set up. You may have to purchase your own 24 hour pack, but that's only if the unit you go to does not have any to distribute. NHQ will send you a free cadet class "B" blues. Your unit may set you up with BDUs, but you'll have to order everything to go with that such as the name tape and the CIVIL AIR PATROL tape.

[Stokes]

My dad is in the Army so I have a bunch of BDU's. What do you mean my 24 hour pack ?

[♠SARKID♠]

Hello. I am not part of CAP but I want to be. My parents are all up for it but they want to know if I need any special gear.The wing that I will be in is the Kentucky Wing.Any help will be helpful.

Topic title edited - MIKE

Uniforms are the only thing you'll need right off the bat.  As far as field gear goes, give it a month or two.  Thats something to worry about after you've gotten your feet wet and gotten settled into your squadron.  When it comes to that point, the majority of the gear can be found at your local camping/outdoors shop and an army surplus store, all for fairly cheap.

[MIKE]

My dad is in the Army so I have a bunch of BDU's. What do you mean my 24 hour pack ?

Search and Rescue Equipment worn to sustain yourself for a 24 hour period during an Emergency Services mission/exercise.  Don't usually need to worry about it as you are just starting out.

[♠SARKID♠]

Okay, missed your second post Stokes.  Why don't you give us your definition of "gear" so we're all on the same page?

[Stokes]

Thanks for the info. I have been to one of the meetings and I am pretty sure I want to join.So does my friend. He will be in the same wing as me so I won't fill alone.

So what kind of Search and Rescue missions do you do? My other frined said they get you out of school. Do they?

Sarkid by gear I mean any items that I will need alot or I will need to have on me alot.Like how the army gear is their gun,rucksack, and their kevlar

[MIKE]

• Your cadet binder
• Your membership card
• Your Minimum Basic Service Uniform
• Pen / pencil

[Stokes]

Is there a certain binder or can I just use a regular one.

[MIKE]

Is there a certain binder or can I just use a regular one.

You'll get one sent to you once your application is processed.  It's a whole package.

[♠SARKID♠]

So what kind of Search and Rescue missions do you do?

Distress beacon searches, missing aircraft, missing persons, disaster relief (hurricane, tornado, earthquake, etc), and more.

My other freind said they get you out of school. Do they?

That entirely depends on your state legislation.  CAP is a civilian force, so there is no authority from within CAP to pull you from school.  Your state may have a law in place to do that but its unlikely.  Those laws are usually limited to getting members out of their employment commitments.

Sarkid by gear I mean any items that I will need alot or I will need to have on me alot.Like how the army gear is their gun,rucksack, and their kevlar

Okay, thats what I thought.  Refer to my first post, your answer is there.

Welcome to the program!

[Stokes]

Is there a certain binder or can I just use a regular one.

You'll get one sent to you once your application is processed.  It's a whole package.

What comes with the package.So I will know what to buy and what not to buy.

[MIKE]

Wait for your stuff to show up...

[Stokes]

Ok.How much do I pay to start.

[MIKE]

MEMBERSHIP DUES

[Stokes]

So I would be a cadet right.

[MIKE]

I'm assuming... You didn't say how old you are?  Under 18?

[Stokes]

Yes,sir. I am 14

[MIKE]

Definitely Cadet then. 

[Stokes]

Ok.So how do you liek the CAP progam

[MIKE]

I enjoyed being a cadet myself... And then leading cadets.

[Stokes]

How long does it typicaly take a person to gain rank. Would boyscout service help any.

[MIKE]

Around 2-4 months per achievent... It really depends on a number of factors.  BSA won't get you promoted any faster though.

[Stokes]

Ok.So if I join tomorrow cause that is when meetings are when will I get shipped the package.

[MIKE]

I'd really recommend you give it a few meetings before you ask for the forms.  Your squadron may make you wait before they'll give 'em to you to.

Membership card usually comes within a month, binder can take a bit longer... If you are lucky enough to get a free uniform through FCU/CUP... it can take a LONG time, and they don't send everything you'll need.

[Stokes]

I have been to a meeting and I am sure I want to join.If they want me to wait a while longer than I will.It don't bother me.

[DC]

How long it takes them to send you your stuff depends on when your paperwork gets processed by National Headquarters. So, after you complete it and turn it in to your squadron it gets mailed to NHQ, then they process it. Once that is completed you will be regestered on your squadron's roster, at which point you will be mailed your membership card and binder package. You should get your card within a week, two at most. Your books could take anywhere from a week to a month or two...

Back when I joined the new cadet package included your leadership textbook, your Aerospace Education textbook, a CD with some cool info on opportunities and CAP publications, a pen, the binder, and a few other tidbits.

If you recieve a uniform under the Free Cadet Uniform then you will be sent a short sleeved shirt, pants, our flight cap, and IIRC a belt, but I'm not totally sure on that. I got mine about a month after I joined, but I have seen cadets get it six months after they joined, and some that were sent a uniform according to NHQ, but never recieved it. Basically you'll get it when you get it. Your squadron, or a nearby squadron will probably be able to give you a used uniform until yours comes in.