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new to CAP

Started by dholden, July 11, 2017, 01:16:38 PM

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dholden

I'm new to CAP.  A buddy convinced me to pal along after tinkering with this for several years.  Looking forward to being of service.  I'm guessing this is friendly place to get answers for all matters CAP not specific to your squadron.

Eclipse

Yes with the caveats that CAP is not consistently executed, nor applied, so your mileage may Vary (YMMV)
on all sorts of things from how to schedule a plane to which uniforms are worn (or not) when.  Home field advantage
on that sort of thing as long as it's not a safety issue.

Also, CT is populated by a number of old dudes who have BTDT, but would just as soon you just stayed off the lawn,
and fight over where the lot line is even though it's 250ft from the house, so there you go...

"That Others May Zoom"

darkmatter

You a new cadet or senior member? And welcome

dholden

I will be a new senior member.  I'm uncertain if I should hold off a bit as I understand the enrollments start in October.

Eclipse

Unless the squadron has a pipeline for Senior members, which would be fairly unusual, there's no reason to hold off.
There is no "membership year", per se, for any members, seniors or cadets, though some units do pipeline of cadets
to make efficient use of training time.

Considering that you need to pass a background check before you can really do much, you might as well get the ball rolling.

The BGC can be done in a couple weeks, or take months for reasons largely outside CAP's control, and with the end of the fiscal year
rapidly approaching, things in gov'mint tend to slow done in general.

"That Others May Zoom"

KASSRCrashResearch

Quote from: Eclipse on July 11, 2017, 03:13:10 PM
Unless the squadron has a pipeline for Senior members, which would be fairly unusual, there's no reason to hold off.
There is no "membership year", per se, for any members, seniors or cadets, though some units do pipeline of cadets
to make efficient use of training time.

Considering that you need to pass a background check before you can really do much, you might as well get the ball rolling.

The BGC can be done in a couple weeks, or take months for reasons largely outside CAP's control, and with the end of the fiscal year
rapidly approaching, things in gov'mint tend to slow done in general.

I'm new as well technically (finally heard back from NHQ) and I was literally told "Go for it" about knocking out as much of the online training etc as possible.  It's not really all that difficult.  In two nights I knocked out Level I (I have to do the "in-person" bit still obviously but it should be taken care of on Friday), ICUT, CAPT 116 quiz, Yeager award (which was literally the most ridiculously easy test I have ever taken), AE officer technician level exam, aircraft ground handling, glider wing walker course, Basic Instructor Course and Training Cadet Leaders (I think there is an "in-person" bit for this too). 

I have complete faith in the continued absurdity of what ever is going on.

darkmatter

 I have found that the senior member level 1-3 stuff isint hard but more of time consuming. Unless I'm wrong but I don't think PD is suppose to be hard like some people make it out to be. Just do what you want in cap and the other stuff as you see fit

etodd

Quote from: darkmatter on July 12, 2017, 12:42:04 AM


Just do what you want in cap and the other stuff as you see fit

Here it comes ... wait for it ....
"Don't try to explain it, just bow your head
Breathe in, breathe out, move on ..."

Eclipse

Quote from: KASSRCrashResearch on July 11, 2017, 11:04:29 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 11, 2017, 03:13:10 PM
Unless the squadron has a pipeline for Senior members, which would be fairly unusual, there's no reason to hold off.
There is no "membership year", per se, for any members, seniors or cadets, though some units do pipeline of cadets
to make efficient use of training time.

Considering that you need to pass a background check before you can really do much, you might as well get the ball rolling.

The BGC can be done in a couple weeks, or take months for reasons largely outside CAP's control, and with the end of the fiscal year
rapidly approaching, things in gov'mint tend to slow done in general.

I'm new as well technically (finally heard back from NHQ) and I was literally told "Go for it" about knocking out as much of the online training etc as possible.  It's not really all that difficult.  In two nights I knocked out Level I (I have to do the "in-person" bit still obviously but it should be taken care of on Friday), ICUT, CAPT 116 quiz, Yeager award (which was literally the most ridiculously easy test I have ever taken), AE officer technician level exam, aircraft ground handling, glider wing walker course, Basic Instructor Course and Training Cadet Leaders (I think there is an "in-person" bit for this too).

If you mean TLC - https://www.capmembers.com/cadet_programs/library/tlc_course/, you probably too the pre-test
which won't mean much if you don't go to the 8-hour in-face class.

Otherwise you're in good shape to get things moving.  Don't forget you have to do a practical for the iCut,
and if you're in a test taking mode, might as well knock out the FEMA IS tests as well.

"That Others May Zoom"

JacobAnn

Quote from: dholden on July 11, 2017, 01:16:38 PM
I'm new to CAP.  A buddy convinced me to pal along after tinkering with this for several years.  Looking forward to being of service.  I'm guessing this is friendly place to get answers for all matters CAP not specific to your squadron.

Welcome.  We'll be happy to have you join us.

KASSRCrashResearch

Quote from: Eclipse on July 12, 2017, 03:43:14 AM
Quote from: KASSRCrashResearch on July 11, 2017, 11:04:29 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 11, 2017, 03:13:10 PM
Unless the squadron has a pipeline for Senior members, which would be fairly unusual, there's no reason to hold off.
There is no "membership year", per se, for any members, seniors or cadets, though some units do pipeline of cadets
to make efficient use of training time.

Considering that you need to pass a background check before you can really do much, you might as well get the ball rolling.

The BGC can be done in a couple weeks, or take months for reasons largely outside CAP's control, and with the end of the fiscal year
rapidly approaching, things in gov'mint tend to slow done in general.

I'm new as well technically (finally heard back from NHQ) and I was literally told "Go for it" about knocking out as much of the online training etc as possible.  It's not really all that difficult.  In two nights I knocked out Level I (I have to do the "in-person" bit still obviously but it should be taken care of on Friday), ICUT, CAPT 116 quiz, Yeager award (which was literally the most ridiculously easy test I have ever taken), AE officer technician level exam, aircraft ground handling, glider wing walker course, Basic Instructor Course and Training Cadet Leaders (I think there is an "in-person" bit for this too).

If you mean TLC - https://www.capmembers.com/cadet_programs/library/tlc_course/, you probably too the pre-test
which won't mean much if you don't go to the 8-hour in-face class.

Otherwise you're in good shape to get things moving.  Don't forget you have to do a practical for the iCut,
and if you're in a test taking mode, might as well knock out the FEMA IS tests as well.

I have to do the eight hour class still.  But *twirls finger in air*, it's not like it's anything complicated but rather is just a way to waste a few hours.  The practical testing at the squadron level is a pretty quick sign off from what I was told. It's not like I really have any interest in the comm side of stuff so I am going to do everything I can to not deal with the radios directly. (Says the guy studying for his RTO license simply because of the associated promotion LOL)

As for the FEMA stuff....I already have those thanks to work (and then some).
I have complete faith in the continued absurdity of what ever is going on.

Eclipse

#11
Quote from: KASSRCrashResearch on July 12, 2017, 03:07:24 PM
I have to do the eight hour class still.  But *twirls finger in air*, it's not like it's anything complicated but rather is just a way to waste a few hours.

Since TLC is intended to be a discussion of best practices among peers, the ROI is exactly in proportion to what you put into it,
if you walk in twirling your finger believing it's a waste of time, don't bother.

"That Others May Zoom"

G+10

Just a heads up - when asking questions on the board you'll often get the response "search is your friend..." (meaning the search function found right under the banner) along with the corollary "What do the regs say?"

It's actually sound advice in most cases!

arajca

To tag on - you'll get better/more informative responses if you tell us what you've already done. It'll show you're trying to find out through appropriate channels and the folks here appreciate it.

For example, just asking "how do I do..." will result in a number of "ask your unit" or "read the manual/regulation" responses, whereas asking "I'm trying to do XYZ, and my unit doesn't know and I can't find it in CAPR ##-#. Where can I find the information?" will most likely result in a more helpful response. Although in some cases, "ask your unit" is still the correct answer.

SarDragon

I usually send this, or something similar, out by PM, but since everyone else is sharing, here goes:

You will have better credibility and get more answers to your questions if you use good grammar, punctuation, and/or spelling in your posts. Using the shift key on the keyboard when needed is also a plus. While this is an informal forum, making posts look good improves the overall quality of the forum. "Text-speak" is discouraged. Readers will treat posts more seriously if they see that you think they are important enough to use correct English.

Your posts are a look at you and your attitude. If you don't care how your posts look, a lot of folks aren't going to care enough to help you out. There are also all kinds of people reading what you write on here who could help decide your future in CAP.
Dave Bowles
Maj, CAP
AT1, USN Retired
50 Year Member
Mitchell Award (unnumbered)
C/WO, CAP, Ret

KASSRCrashResearch

Quote from: Eclipse on July 12, 2017, 03:18:00 PM
Quote from: KASSRCrashResearch on July 12, 2017, 03:07:24 PM
I have to do the eight hour class still.  But *twirls finger in air*, it's not like it's anything complicated but rather is just a way to waste a few hours.

Since TLC is intended to be a discussion of best practices among peers, the ROI is exactly in proportion to what you put into it,
if you walk in twirling your finger believing it's a waste of time, don't bother.

My point was that I've been an instructor in two different fields (medicine and forensics) for probably as long as most of the people in my squadron have been involved in CAP. Well, except for one guy who I am pretty sure hunted for U-boats during the early stages of his career.  It's not really anything new or difficult given my background.  It would like my asking you for best practices regarding how to be a lovable but seemingly burnt out forum curmudgeon.  There's probably not much truly new material there for two experienced folks like you and I.  Put in the time, answer the questions, walk away and move on to something else.  It's not being dismissive but rather simply going "Okay....I got this.  Let's get it over with".

On a related note, you and I both know that "intended" and "this is how it is really done in actual practice" are two very distinct animals.  Look at ACLS.  Look at every FEMA or military CBT course ever written.
I have complete faith in the continued absurdity of what ever is going on.

Eclipse

Quote from: KASSRCrashResearch on July 14, 2017, 08:03:19 PM
My point was that I've been an instructor in two different fields (medicine and forensics) for probably as long as most of the people in my squadron have been involved in CAP. Well, except for one guy who I am pretty sure hunted for U-boats during the early stages of his career.  It's not really anything new or difficult given my background.  It would like my asking you for best practices regarding how to be a lovable but seemingly burnt out forum curmudgeon.  There's probably not much truly new material there for two experienced folks like you and I.  Put in the time, answer the questions, walk away and move on to something else.  It's not being dismissive but rather simply going "Okay....I got this.  Let's get it over with".

You're making my argument - being a professional in medicine literally has no necessary correlation to dealing with adolescents, parents, and other adults in
a volunteer environment, And if you've BTDT, then the other will be looking to you for advice as to best practices and waht works vs. what is written.

Quote from: KASSRCrashResearch on July 14, 2017, 08:03:19 PM
On a related note, you and I both know that "intended" and "this is how it is really done in actual practice" are two very distinct animals.  Look at ACLS.  Look at every FEMA or military CBT course ever written.

None of those are related.

TLC, again, is a sharing conversational session among peers to try and get through and past the BS and talk about struggles and challenges
in being successful with cadets.  It's literally supposed to be the antithesis of what you indicate above, however many people
walk in with the "let's just get through this" mentality, which defeats the purpose.

"That Others May Zoom"

KASSRCrashResearch

QuoteYou're making my argument - being a professional in medicine literally has no necessary correlation to dealing with adolescents, parents, and other adults in
a volunteer environment,

Okay...pardon me for being a bit of a jerk but you're literally arguing what is referred to in court as "facts not in evidence".  I mean....I kind of wanted to see how you would react- exactly as I expected by the way- but there's no "making your argument" since it's fallacious at best. 

I actually was in charge of a EMS explorers/junior firefighters "unit" about 18 or 19 years ago. I had to train them in first aid, CPR, etc so...you're wrong.  There's a reason why I am doing my level best to avoid cadets as much as I can.  I may be good at instructing teenagers but it sure as **** does not mean I like or enjoy it.  If it weren't for the fact that my board of directors requires it, I would not take part in any of the forensic science demonstrations for high school students that I am sometimes railroaded into being part of.

Next point....you do know that a large part of medical education involves teaching things to patients and their families?  Like my experience providing training and education to parents and patients ranging from school aged kids to crotchety goth teenagers with cystic fibrosis.

Another example: Ever looked at a civilian CPR class? Outside of the "BLS for Healthcare Professionals" course, better than half of those course involve all of the demographic groups you just mentions. 

But hey...what the heck do I know about teaching the people who make up the cadet side of this show?  They only way to get that is to deal with CAP cadets apparently.

QuoteNone of those are related.

Not strictly, but the analogy still holds true that what is supposed to be done in a training scenario isn't always what happens because of the desire to streamline the process for reasons of operational efficiency.  You know...the "we've got more important **** to be doing" concept.

QuoteIt's literally supposed to be the antithesis of what you indicate above, however many people
walk in with the "let's just get through this" mentality, which defeats the purpose.

Once again, look at the word you chose that the whole idea hinges upon:
Quote"sup·posed
səˈpōzd,səˈpōzəd/Submit
adjective
generally assumed or believed to be the case, but not necessarily so."

I'm part of a senior squadron and will have minimal involvement with cadets in a training environment. There's a reason why I selected the squadron I did (refer to one of my commenst above).  Granted, they assigned me AE as one of my tracks so in a nominative sense. I should be dealing with cadets.  I was assigned it simply because I am more familiar with configuring the flight sim software than anyone else.  I actually don't have much intention of doing anything significant with it beyond that which is required so far as face-to-face interactions are concerned.  My interests lay elsewhere. But this TLC course was one I was pointed in the direction of.

So...the "purpose" as you see it doesn't really apply to me.  It would be like me teaching you how to put in a chest tube.  It's not that hard but you're just not likely to ever have a reason to use it.
I have complete faith in the continued absurdity of what ever is going on.

Eclipse

No idea what you're going on about, but teaching CPR or counseling families with medical issues has little to do but in the most general sense with
herding cadet cats in a CAP paradigm.

If you don't want to work cadets, so be it, then why did you take the TLC test to start with?

No one said you needed to go near cadets, but don't dismiss things you have no idea about or insinuate
you've got some magic experience where you don't.

Quote from: KASSRCrashResearch on July 14, 2017, 09:19:06 PM
But hey...what the heck do I know about teaching the people who make up the cadet side of this show?  They only way to get that is to deal with CAP cadets apparently.

Agreed.

"That Others May Zoom"

waukwiz

Quote from: dholden on July 11, 2017, 01:16:38 PM
I'm guessing this is friendly place to get answers for all matters CAP not specific to your squadron.
I suppose you've found your answer to this question.

Quote from: zippity on June 12, 2017, 03:25:18 PM
Is someone keeping a spreadsheet on how many prospective members CT has run off over the years?



Cadet Cullen Mayes
Waukesha Composite Squadron
"Ok, how about instead of doing that, let's not do that. Ok?"
GTM1 • MO • MRO • MSA • ♦UDF