RECRUITING

[TEAM SURGE]

I am Cadet Ssgt Messman...I am in a very small squadron that has great potential to being big! i need some advice on how to get cadets in the squadron. one thing you should know is that I was brought into the program through false lies about the program. The recruiter that got me is gone noe but we just need more cadets!

Dont mind my spelling it's late and I just got home from the Rocketry weekend and am wore out

[DC]

Figure out your target audience, middle schoolers, high schoolers, both, etc. Then come up with a plan to recruit said target group. For instance, my squardon is planning a big recruiting push in late August or early September, set to be right after school starts up again. It is our intention to target the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades at several area schools. If all goes according to plan we will have a 30 second recruiting video play at the schools during their morning announcements, preferrably several times over a week or so, then we will have a booth set up during the day at the school handing out pamphlets, the free DDR stuff, and pitching the program to the students.

Then, a week or so after we visit the schools we will have an open house at the squadron with some displays, a performance by the Honor Guard, etc.

There are some excellent articles on CadetStuff about how to plan an open house and general recruiting tips, as well as some threads on here, the Cadet Stuff Forums, and other places.

Also never neglect what I have seen bring 15 new cadets to my squadron in the last six months, simple peer to peer recruiting, where a cadet convinces a few of their friends to go to a meeting, and one or more of them join. If you can get your people to do it, it works better than you might think.

[hatentx]

word of mouth is the best way.  encourage you cadets to bring a friend.  the best spokesman for most organization is going to be someone from with in.

[TEAM SURGE]

Figure out your target audience, middle schoolers, high schoolers, both, etc. Then come up with a plan to recruit said target group. For instance, my squardon is planning a big recruiting push in late August or early September, set to be right after school starts up again. It is our intention to target the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades at several area schools. If all goes according to plan we will have a 30 second recruiting video play at the schools during their morning announcements, preferrably several times over a week or so, then we will have a booth set up during the day at the school handing out pamphlets, the free DDR stuff, and pitching the program to the students.

Then, a week or so after we visit the schools we will have an open house at the squadron with some displays, a performance by the Honor Guard, etc.

There are some excellent articles on CadetStuff about how to plan an open house and general recruiting tips, as well as some threads on here, the Cadet Stuff Forums, and other places.

Also never neglect what I have seen bring 15 new cadets to my squadron in the last six months, simple peer to peer recruiting, where a cadet convinces a few of their friends to go to a meeting, and one or more of them join. If you can get your people to do it, it works better than you might think.

I will try and do that.....if the school can let the Army, Air Force, etc. Why can't they let C.A.P? I will talk to the high school and the Junior High.

[DC]

It's cheap and dirty, but if you have any JROTC units in your area you can steal cadets from them. Go for Freshmen though, the cadets that have been in for any amount of time are usually involved in other stuff that will limit their participation in CAP. The big instance this happened at my squadron was two years ago, we had a drill team formed up and ready to go to competition, and the JROTC kids found out there was a JRTOC drill meet the same weekend, and they decided to go to that instead, leaving us with half a drill team. Sucked, big time.

But, AFJROTC cadets are usually very interested in CAP if you can offer them something AFJROTC doesn't (ES, flying).

[TEAM SURGE]

It's cheap and dirty, but if you have any JROTC units in your area you can steal cadets from them. Go for Freshmen though, the cadets that have been in for any amount of time are usually involved in other stuff that will limit their participation in CAP. The big instance this happened at my squadron was two years ago, we had a drill team formed up and ready to go to competition, and the JROTC kids found out there was a JRTOC drill meet the same weekend, and they decided to go to that instead, leaving us with half a drill team. Sucked, big time.

But, AFJROTC cadets are usually very interested in CAP if you can offer them something AFJROTC doesn't (ES, flying).

Unfortunetly I live in a tiny town where CAP and POLICE cadets are the only two progrmas

[hatentx]

steal them from the cops then.  lol

[lordmonar]

Set up a good program first!

Then sell it.

If you sell a program that does not exist yet you will not keep your recruits.

[CadetProgramGuy]

I have a firm policy of no poaching  IOW, don't poach from the cops, get your own members

[TEAM SURGE]

steal them from the cops then.  lol

GOOD IDEA?

[TEAM SURGE]

I have a firm policy of no poaching  IOW, don't poach from the cops, get your own members

I think I like your IDEA more though!

[Pingree1492]

Good luck in your recruiting efforts.  Word of mouth works great, as well as a few well designed and well placed posters advertising an upcoming Open House.  Also try to get with your local paper and advertise in there 2-3 days before your open house.

Set up a good program first!

Then sell it.

If you sell a program that does not exist yet you will not keep your recruits.

^This is HUGE!  It will do you no good to spend all your time on recruiting and getting together a really high-speed open house and then have nothing for your new recruits to do the next meeting. 

I guess the point I'm trying to make here is that having a motivated, enthusiastic group of cadets and a well-run, active program is it's own recruiting and retention device.  The more active you are, the more members you'll draw, plain and simple.  You joined to actually DO stuff, right?  So go do cool stuff, then show people the cool stuff you do, and they will want to join. [If you build it, he will come]

[hatentx]

Dont forget about Rec Centers and such in your community.  Alot of times parents will be looking for something to get there children involved in and call a Rec center or a YMCA or something.  I know back home a Girl Scout troop did it and I am sure it helped their umbers with no real work for them to do other than drop off some fliers. 

Also have a larger view in the Community as well.  Color Guard, parking cars, marching in Local Parades.  Anything and everything you can do to get CAP seen in your area.  I know  bunch of Air Force guy that have no clue what CAP is so imagine if your are not near any military how much more difficult it would be. 

Possible try some sorta drives or campaigns.  Something were you are looking for community support for a local cause.  Maybe Mimic the Toys for Tots outline.  Then you are getting your name out as well as doing something for the community.  I kinda tosses the idea of what Cap is about at the beginning.

Or try Organizing a  March of Dimes walk or something along those lines.  How easy would that be. Secure a track, set up a booth.  Plus while you are advertising for it have it state on the Radio (who will usually donate air time for charity type events) that the "Airhead Civil Air Patrol Squadron is sponsoring a March of Dimes walk at Someplace High School on such in such date.  For more info call them at ###-#### or check them out on the Web at www.airheadsquadrencap.com"  (not a real site.... I know someone is going to look)If that is the case it would be to easy to get your name out there let people know what is going on and that you organization is out there.  I heard some where that CAP is the best kept secret in the Air Force.  I think it is true but lets change it.  People Join the Boy Scouts because they know about them already.

I am just spit balling here and hope some of it could be of use. 

[Frenchie]

I see the local airport has an Air Museum.  You might see if you can hang a poster there.

If the airport ever sponsors any community events like an airshow, open house, or anything along those lines that gets the local population out to the airport, you can talk to your wing about having a CAP plane fly in as a recruiting tool.

If the local town ever has any festivals or any events that gets people out, talk to the event organizers and set up a CAP table where you can hand out recruiting information.

If the local high school has a bulletin board, posting a notice there should be pretty effective.  You should also look into local community groups like Lion's Club, Kiwanis, Toastmasters, etc. to get the word out.

[TEAM SURGE]

Good luck in your recruiting efforts.  Word of mouth works great, as well as a few well designed and well placed posters advertising an upcoming Open House.  Also try to get with your local paper and advertise in there 2-3 days before your open house.

Set up a good program first!

Then sell it.

If you sell a program that does not exist yet you will not keep your recruits.

^This is HUGE!  It will do you no good to spend all your time on recruiting and getting together a really high-speed open house and then have nothing for your new recruits to do the next meeting. 

I guess the point I'm trying to make here is that having a motivated, enthusiastic group of cadets and a well-run, active program is it's own recruiting and retention device.  The more active you are, the more members you'll draw, plain and simple.  You joined to actually DO stuff, right?  So go do cool stuff, then show people the cool stuff you do, and they will want to join. [If you build it, he will come]

^Thanks for the advice. I will bring all these ideas up at the next meeting.

[TEAM SURGE]

I see the local airport has an Air Museum.  You might see if you can hang a poster there.

If the airport ever sponsors any community events like an airshow, open house, or anything along those lines that gets the local population out to the airport, you can talk to your wing about having a CAP plane fly in as a recruiting tool.

If the local town ever has any festivals or any events that gets people out, talk to the event organizers and set up a CAP table where you can hand out recruiting information.

If the local high school has a bulletin board, posting a notice there should be pretty effective.  You should also look into local community groups like Lion's Club, Kiwanis, Toastmasters, etc. to get the word out.

We do a lot for the Air Museum type stuff. We help with the drive ins and fly ins. I am going to talk to my commander about making one of those big stand up posters to put at the Air Museum. More community helping would be much help to get cadets in. I will bring up a lot of different ideas on Tuesday.

Thank you so much for your help!

[TEAM SURGE]

Dont forget about Rec Centers and such in your community.  Alot of times parents will be looking for something to get there children involved in and call a Rec center or a YMCA or something.  I know back home a Girl Scout troop did it and I am sure it helped their umbers with no real work for them to do other than drop off some fliers. 

Also have a larger view in the Community as well.  Color Guard, parking cars, marching in Local Parades.  Anything and everything you can do to get CAP seen in your area.  I know  bunch of Air Force guy that have no clue what CAP is so imagine if your are not near any military how much more difficult it would be. 

Possible try some sorta drives or campaigns.  Something were you are looking for community support for a local cause.  Maybe Mimic the Toys for Tots outline.  Then you are getting your name out as well as doing something for the community.  I kinda tosses the idea of what Cap is about at the beginning.

Or try Organizing a  March of Dimes walk or something along those lines.  How easy would that be. Secure a track, set up a booth.  Plus while you are advertising for it have it state on the Radio (who will usually donate air time for charity type events) that the "Airhead Civil Air Patrol Squadron is sponsoring a March of Dimes walk at Someplace High School on such in such date.  For more info call them at ###-#### or check them out on the Web at www.airheadsquadrencap.com"  (not a real site.... I know someone is going to look)If that is the case it would be to easy to get your name out there let people know what is going on and that you organization is out there.  I heard some where that CAP is the best kept secret in the Air Force.  I think it is true but lets change it.  People Join the Boy Scouts because they know about them already.

I am just spit balling here and hope some of it could be of use. 

This was probably one of the biggest helps yet soo far! Thanks! i am copying all this down right now, to bring to the meetings!

[hatentx]

hey give us some feed back as well with what worked, what didn't and how we can all tweek our programs as well

[RickFranz]

I have seen a lot of folks try and get Cadets from the High Schools, you might get some good Cadets.  The problem is you really will not have them very long and most are all ready involved in a lot of other activities.

I have been pushing to bring in the middle school and younger home school kids.  They are not in to as many extra activities, and you can build a squadron of Cadets that will be around awhile.

[DC]

75% of my squadron is homeschooled, the trouble is reaching them... Most of our homeschoolers were recruited by friends that were in the squadron, or by seeing us at airshows.

Middle school students are easier to recruit, and having younger cadets is good, but my squadron has found itself in a situation where we have a ton of younger cadets, and very few older more mature cadets. You need a good balance, too many younger cadets and you have maturity and discipline problems, too many older cadets and pretty soon you don't have a program...

[RiverAux]

In some cities there are annual homeschool "conventions" of one type or another.  Mostly for the parents, but setting up a booth at one of them might work.  Its been something I've meant to do, but haven't had a chance to try yet. 

[flyguy06]

steal them from the cops then.  lol

GOOD IDEA?

Dont look at it as stealing. Thats not what it is at all. These explorr scouts may not have heard anything about CAP and you are just introducing them to it. When I was a cadet I was also in JROTC and a Boy Scout. i did all three at the same time and it was no problem.

YOu arent a recruitre like a military recruiter. stop thinking in terms like that. Just sell CAP to young people no matter what other organization they are in. WHo knows? You may peak their interest in something they never knew about. Give Them the chance to make the decision to join CAP and leave the cops. Dont you make the decision for them

[DC]

In some cities there are annual homeschool "conventions" of one type or another.  Mostly for the parents, but setting up a booth at one of them might work.  Its been something I've meant to do, but haven't had a chance to try yet. 

There isn't in my area, but I know CAP does recruit at the convention held in a nearby large city... Too far for us to effectively get anyone from there though.

[RickFranz]

In some cities there are annual homeschool "conventions" of one type or another.  Mostly for the parents, but setting up a booth at one of them might work.  Its been something I've meant to do, but haven't had a chance to try yet. 

There isn't in my area, but I know CAP does recruit at the convention held in a nearby large city... Too far for us to effectively get anyone from there though.

You might be surprised.  We got one cadet from a home school convention that was held 95 miles south of us, that one cadet ended up equaling out to be 9 new members.

[flyguy06]

There are a lot of homeshcool kids in CAP I am finding lately I dont persoanlly believe in homeschooling but its a good recource to recruit cadets

[SJFedor]

In some cities there are annual homeschool "conventions" of one type or another.  Mostly for the parents, but setting up a booth at one of them might work.  Its been something I've meant to do, but haven't had a chance to try yet. 

they do one in nashville....twice a year i think. Always draws some cadets for most of the units in Middle TN, since there's people from all over the place there.

[TEAM SURGE]

hey give us some feed back as well with what worked, what didn't and how we can all tweek our programs as well

I will do that. I will also fill you in on what they say on Tuesday(next meeting)

[TEAM SURGE]

There are a lot of homeshcool kids in CAP I am finding lately I dont persoanlly believe in homeschooling but its a good recource to recruit cadets

Personnally I do not agree with it easier. It makes the program really easy for those cadets.(Home schooled) to progress through the program. I mean they can mix their CAP study with the rest of their studying.

[CadetProgramGuy]

Alot of homeschooling parents use CAP for school credit.  Think about it.  PT is Gym, AE is science....ect.

[mikeylikey]

^ I have many Cadets that are currently in a homeschooling program, and use CAP for "social activity" or outside the home activities for their required coursework.  In fact, most came into my unit through the same local Home School group that meets once a week.

 

[DC]

There are a lot of homeshcool kids in CAP I am finding lately I dont persoanlly believe in homeschooling but its a good recource to recruit cadets

Personnally I do not agree with it easier. It makes the program really easy for those cadets.(Home schooled) to progress through the program. I mean they can mix their CAP study with the rest of their studying.

The program is no easier for them, the flexibility homeschooling affords may make it more convienient for them to participate, but not any easier.

I am a homeschooled student, and I still find it hard sometimes to find the time to keep up with school, my CAP commitments and my family. I take just as many courses as any other highschool student, work just as hard, and face similar time management challenges, I just have more flexibility in how I can schedule things, so I can work CAP into my day.

Please do not speak when you do not have the experience to back it up.

[mikeylikey]

^ what I have noticed, is that the home schooled student seriously lacks in areas that the parent is not very strong in.  Like, the parent (instructor) is awesome at math and the student can ace trig tests in 6th grade, but because the parent (instructor) has not mastered basic reading and English skills, the kid sucks and reads at a 5th grade level when they are 20 years old. 

That is a very serious concern, and more school districts are not so quick to award credit for homeschooling work. 

[DC]

I can see that being an issue. There are different programs out there though. The program I am involved in is basically internet based distance learning, I am provided with all course material and set assignments, and I have to complete those assignments at a given pace. If I have a question I can call my instructor, who is a real life teacher. They grade all of my work and issue a grade based on my performance. So I do not have to fall back on a parent (my mother has a Master's Degree, but she is not a math whiz....) or just sit and flounder if I do not understand something.

But, different programs, different laws in each state, I understand the lack of credibility some see in homeschooling...

[jimmydeanno]

^ what I have noticed, is that the home schooled student seriously lacks in areas that the parent is not very strong in.  Like, the parent (instructor) is awesome at math and the student can ace trig tests in 6th grade, but because the parent (instructor) has not mastered basic reading and English skills, the kid sucks and reads at a 5th grade level when they are 20 years old. 

That is a very serious concern, and more school districts are not so quick to award credit for homeschooling work. 

That's better than the public school kid sucking in both English AND Math...

[TEAM SURGE]

There are a lot of homeshcool kids in CAP I am finding lately I dont persoanlly believe in homeschooling but its a good recource to recruit cadets

Personnally I do not agree with it easier. It makes the program really easy for those cadets.(Home schooled) to progress through the program. I mean they can mix their CAP study with the rest of their studying.

The program is no easier for them, the flexibility homeschooling affords may make it more convienient for them to participate, but not any easier.

I am a homeschooled student, and I still find it hard sometimes to find the time to keep up with school, my CAP commitments and my family. I take just as many courses as any other highschool student, work just as hard, and face similar time management challenges, I just have more flexibility in how I can schedule things, so I can work CAP into my day.

Please do not speak when you do not have the experience to back it up.

CALM DOWN!

Not a big deal, my opinion!

[TEAM SURGE]

^ what I have noticed, is that the home schooled student seriously lacks in areas that the parent is not very strong in.  Like, the parent (instructor) is awesome at math and the student can ace trig tests in 6th grade, but because the parent (instructor) has not mastered basic reading and English skills, the kid sucks and reads at a 5th grade level when they are 20 years old. 

That is a very serious concern, and more school districts are not so quick to award credit for homeschooling work. 

This has to do with recruiting how?

[TEAM SURGE]

^ what I have noticed, is that the home schooled student seriously lacks in areas that the parent is not very strong in.  Like, the parent (instructor) is awesome at math and the student can ace trig tests in 6th grade, but because the parent (instructor) has not mastered basic reading and English skills, the kid sucks and reads at a 5th grade level when they are 20 years old. 

That is a very serious concern, and more school districts are not so quick to award credit for homeschooling work. 

That's better than the public school kid sucking in both English AND Math...

This has to do with recruiting how?

[TEAM SURGE]

I can see that being an issue. There are different programs out there though. The program I am involved in is basically internet based distance learning, I am provided with all course material and set assignments, and I have to complete those assignments at a given pace. If I have a question I can call my instructor, who is a real life teacher. They grade all of my work and issue a grade based on my performance. So I do not have to fall back on a parent (my mother has a Master's Degree, but she is not a math whiz....) or just sit and flounder if I do not understand something.

But, different programs, different laws in each state, I understand the lack of credibility some see in homeschooling...

Almost every kid that is home schooled that I know, has serious social skills. I mean they either talk to much, and act really awkward around older people, or they are really quite and do not talk unless being addressed, and even then they reply with a word or a sentence. We have to kids on our football team, not home schooled anymore. They are twins. When they came to our school they were shy and never talked at all nor did they really react to anything. Now they are normal. They reply and act in ways that are decent. Those two changed a lot.

[mikeylikey]

I can see that being an issue. There are different programs out there though. The program I am involved in is basically internet based distance learning, I am provided with all course material and set assignments, and I have to complete those assignments at a given pace. If I have a question I can call my instructor, who is a real life teacher. They grade all of my work and issue a grade based on my performance. So I do not have to fall back on a parent (my mother has a Master's Degree, but she is not a math whiz....) or just sit and flounder if I do not understand something.

But, different programs, different laws in each state, I understand the lack of credibility some see in homeschooling...

Almost every kid that is home schooled that I know, has serious social skills. I mean they either talk to much, and act really awkward around older people, or they are really quite and do not talk unless being addressed, and even then they reply with a word or a sentence. We have to kids on our football team, not home schooled anymore. They are twins. When they came to our school they were shy and never talked at all nor did they really react to anything. Now they are normal. They reply and act in ways that are decent. Those two changed a lot.

This has to do with recruiting.....how??   

[flyguy06]

I dont mean to steal the topic, but my reasons for notliking homeschoool programs are not academic but social, but this isnt a homeschool message board so I wont go there. PM me if you want to know why

[DC]

There are a lot of homeshcool kids in CAP I am finding lately I dont persoanlly believe in homeschooling but its a good recource to recruit cadets

Personnally I do not agree with it easier. It makes the program really easy for those cadets.(Home schooled) to progress through the program. I mean they can mix their CAP study with the rest of their studying.

The program is no easier for them, the flexibility homeschooling affords may make it more convienient for them to participate, but not any easier.

I am a homeschooled student, and I still find it hard sometimes to find the time to keep up with school, my CAP commitments and my family. I take just as many courses as any other highschool student, work just as hard, and face similar time management challenges, I just have more flexibility in how I can schedule things, so I can work CAP into my day.

Please do not speak when you do not have the experience to back it up.

CALM DOWN!

Not a big deal, my opinion!

I am not uncalm, I was merely stating that when you are going to make a statement you might want to have some experience.

The social issues are a serious concern, and if someone is homeschooled their whole life then there might be a problem, however I think that is more the fault of the parent than anything, there are plenty of ways other than school for kids and teens especially to socialize.

With that, this topic is about recruiting, not to debate the benefits of home education.

[TEAM SURGE]

I can see that being an issue. There are different programs out there though. The program I am involved in is basically internet based distance learning, I am provided with all course material and set assignments, and I have to complete those assignments at a given pace. If I have a question I can call my instructor, who is a real life teacher. They grade all of my work and issue a grade based on my performance. So I do not have to fall back on a parent (my mother has a Master's Degree, but she is not a math whiz....) or just sit and flounder if I do not understand something.

But, different programs, different laws in each state, I understand the lack of credibility some see in homeschooling...

Almost every kid that is home schooled that I know, has serious social skills. I mean they either talk to much, and act really awkward around older people, or they are really quite and do not talk unless being addressed, and even then they reply with a word or a sentence. We have to kids on our football team, not home schooled anymore. They are twins. When they came to our school they were shy and never talked at all nor did they really react to anything. Now they are normal. They reply and act in ways that are decent. Those two changed a lot.

This has to do with recruiting.....how??   

I know! haha

[TEAM SURGE]

Thanks to everybodys responses! I have discussed this all with the cadets, and senior members. We are holding a big raffle. We are also having a big open house in September. Where we will be demonstrating drill rocketry, and even giving out hair cuts. Also we will be hanging up posters in various places.

C/Tsgt. Messman

[stkgc]

i like to join i am 33 and with no drivers licence not yet like to know if there is any weight or disabilities . like to join and meet new Friends and i am in goose creek SC

[DC]

i like to join i am 33 and with no drivers licence not yet like to know if there is any weight or disabilities . like to join and meet new Friends and i am in goose creek SC

I would encourage you to check out this website - http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com

There is a unit locator that will help you locate and contact your local squadron. The members there should be able to answer any questions you have.

[helper]

i like to join i am 33 and with no drivers licence not yet like to know if there is any weight or disabilities . like to join and meet new Friends and i am in goose creek SC

There is an active squadron near you, it meets at: Charleston AFB Aero Club (near FAA Tower)
Web site: http://www.scwg.cap.gov/charleston

Good luck

[major pain]

Everyone that has responded has touched on some great subjects! QUESTION OF RECUTING is NOT I repeat NOT a question of recruiting, it one of retention.. As a former commander and senior wing staff director I can tell you that if you have a strong program and everyone has a place and a job in the unit then bringing new people in will be a breeze. A strong core program when you have a visitor / potential member if they see cohesion and a structured and want to be a part of it.

You want to make sure that there is always something for your new member to do, training schedules, achievements and most of all O flights for cadets. Small little piece f statistics, if you can get a new cadet in an O ride in the first 2 months of membership you will retain them on the average of 2.5 years, get them their first stripe in that first and an o flight you will keep them no shorter than an average of 4 years.  I have proven this theory in more than one successful squadron.

In short, Make the programs work.... Retain your members you will grow!

[addo1]

^ what I have noticed, is that the home schooled student seriously lacks in areas that the parent is not very strong in.  Like, the parent (instructor) is awesome at math and the student can ace trig tests in 6th grade, but because the parent (instructor) has not mastered basic reading and English skills, the kid sucks and reads at a 5th grade level when they are 20 years old. 

That is a very serious concern, and more school districts are not so quick to award credit for homeschooling work. 

  I can say truthfully that in MOST cases, this is not true. If a homeschooling parent knows that he/she lacks the knowledge, they will become part of a Co-op of the likes where there are many parents from many backgrounds. I am speaking from 13 years of homeschooling experience. Many times, parents buy videos that teach the subject in depth if they feel that they can not teach it themself, while they help them along as they can. I am a recruiter who is closing in on 30 recruits around my wing. Almost all of these are homeschoolers.  I have seen and dealt with both homeschoolers and students in the public school system. The difference is unbelievable. When doing activities, you can tell the difference. Homeschoolers tend to be more respectful, more courteous, and willing to work harder than most public schoolers. When I see cadets take tests, almost always the higher scores come from homeschoolers. I am not saying this because I am a former homeschooler, but from watching and working with both.  I would pick a homeschooler to recruit any day, not discriminate against them. Just my $0.02.

[Gunner C]

^ what I have noticed, is that the home schooled student seriously lacks in areas that the parent is not very strong in.  Like, the parent (instructor) is awesome at math and the student can ace trig tests in 6th grade, but because the parent (instructor) has not mastered basic reading and English skills, the kid sucks and reads at a 5th grade level when they are 20 years old. 

That is a very serious concern, and more school districts are not so quick to award credit for homeschooling work. 

  I can say truthfully that in MOST cases, this is not true. If a homeschooling parent knows that he/she lacks the knowledge, they will become part of a Co-op of the likes where there are many parents from many backgrounds. I am speaking from 13 years of homeschooling experience. Many times, parents buy videos that teach the subject in depth if they feel that they can not teach it themself, while they help them along as they can. I am a recruiter who is closing in on 30 recruits around my wing. Almost all of these are homeschoolers.  I have seen and dealt with both homeschoolers and students in the public school system. The difference is unbelievable. When doing activities, you can tell the difference. Homeschoolers tend to be more respectful, more courteous, and willing to work harder than most public schoolers. When I see cadets take tests, almost always the higher scores come from homeschoolers. I am not saying this because I am a former homeschooler, but from watching and working with both.  I would pick a homeschooler to recruit any day, not discriminate against them. Just my $0.02.

I'd have to agree with Addo.  The home schoolers I come in contact with are

• More mature
• More serious
• More courteous
• Better educated

I used to agree with Mikey a few years ago, but after my experience with about 10 families and the crappy education that my son got in public school, I'm sold on home schoolers - Not to say that there's not some schlunks out there.

Gunner

[stkgc]

thanks for the web site it will help thanks again

[miss.aviator.girl]

 


   [/quote]I'd have to agree with Addo.  The home schoolers I come in contact with are

• More mature
• More serious
• More courteous
• Better educated

So true. So true.

[Майор Хаткевич]

And as with everything else, I've had the opposite experience.

[Eclipse]

And as with everything else, I've had the opposite experience.

+1 - I've seen a lot of socialization issues, and trouble understanding the world does not revolve around, nor particularly care about "me".
When you are the sole focus of attention and then are exposed to group dynamics of the real world, that can be a system shock at a minimum.

Likely people who are vocal advocates are also doing it "right", or at least trying.  Just as we can point to anecdotal success, we can also point to anecdotal
failure, such as kids I've seen with behavior issues (exacerbated by the parents), who are kept home and just watch TV all day.  Obviously these kids are not likely
to be interested in, not successful in CAP.

Not true for all, obviously, but like anything else, the problems tend to bubble to the top and get a lot of visibility.

There's also a tendency for those involved in home schooling to try and paint a trend.  If it works for you, great, but not even by a long shot is it a trend
or increasing tendency in the US, certainly not in urban areas.

[miss.aviator.girl]

I'm homeschooled and  I wasn't really recruited by a person. I saw an article in, believe it or not, American Girl magazine about a girl who joined CAP. (For the record, I do not regularly read that magazine.) Then I did some research, visited a local squadron, and joined. I got my dad to join as a senior member, too. There is, like, one other homeschooler in our squadron.

[TJT__98]

As far as social problems go, I say it's not homeschool versus public school but the fact that no two people are alike.

[Майор Хаткевич]

As far as social problems go, I say it's not homeschool versus public school but the fact that no two people are alike.

That just made about as much sense as it didn't...

[TJT__98]

As far as social problems go, I say it's not homeschool versus public school but the fact that no two people are alike.

That just made about as much sense as it didn't...

Now that I read it again... It made more sense in my head. I am no good with words, I was sort of responding to Eclipse as I may have misunderstood what he was saying

And as with everything else, I've had the opposite experience.

+1 - I've seen a lot of socialization issues, and trouble understanding the world does not revolve around, nor particularly care about "me".
When you are the sole focus of attention and then are exposed to group dynamics of the real world, that can be a system shock at a minimum.

Looking at this again I am not sure if this was intended to mean that Eclipse has met a lot of people in general with this problem or if he meant he had met a lot of homeschoolers with this problem. I was just trying to point out that while homeschoolers have this problem in some cases, so do some public schoolers.
On a different note, it's always embarrassing to say what you think and then realize it doesn't make any sense 

[Spartan]

I'd have to agree with Addo.  The home schoolers I come in contact with are

• More mature
• More serious
• More courteous
• Better educated

My experience with home schooled children has been on both ends of the extreme.  My best and worst cadets have come from home school programs.  I have had mature, professional, intelligent and capible cadets and I have had cadets who were very poorly socialized, emotionally immature, and significantly behind their peers educational level come out of home school environments.  I have run into these extremes from public school children as well, but the extreme ends of the spectrum seems to appear more with home schooled children.

As for recruiting in general, I am curious how many recruiting teams conduct AAR's after a recruiting event?