ACUT

Daniel · June 11, 2009, 04:48:34 AM

I have a few questions about ACUT. First, do you need to have your BCUT first or not? I would rather just skip the 'middle man.' Second probably a dumb question, do you have to buy your own radio? Do you need a radio to get an ACUT ROA? thanks Daniel

JoeTomasone · June 11, 2009, 05:12:11 AM

The ACUT training includes the BCUT training, so most (all?) Wings offer them together. You do not need a radio to get your ACUT - in fact, an ACUT is required to be assigned a Corporate radio. Some Wings require an ACUT and a radio to issue a callsign.

You can buy your own radio or have one assigned to you; however any of the newer equipment purchased by USAF is issued according to a mandated table that slots equipment to Ground Teams, ICs, and UDF teams first, others later. So you may or may not be able to get one assigned to you depending on who you are and what equipment is available. It sucks, but it is what it is. If you decide to purchase a radio, check with your Wing/DC first to make sure that it meets the NTIA narrowband specs (since the NB transition is in process in most Wings).

Daniel · June 11, 2009, 05:14:09 AM

How long does it take to be assigned on? and can my SD administer the course?

SJFedor · June 11, 2009, 05:26:44 AM

Quote from: Daniel L on June 11, 2009, 05:14:09 AM
How long does it take to be assigned on? and can my SD administer the course?

ACUT is not something that state directors administer.

Speak with your commander or comms officer, see if they can get you hooked up.

Daniel · June 11, 2009, 05:38:03 AM

Well, I was trying to make referance my squadron commander, the question was can my squadron commander adminster the test? Is that normally carried in any testing officers binder?

SJFedor · June 11, 2009, 05:44:14 AM

Quote from: Daniel L on June 11, 2009, 05:38:03 AM
Well, I was trying to make referance my squadron commander, the question was can my squadron commander adminster the test? Is that normally carried in any testing officers binder?

That depends on how your state does BCUT and ACUT certification. When I was in PA, there were certain Wing level designated instructors that had to sign you off for it. Tennessee has it's own set of rules down here. You really need to start with your commander and go from there to find out what your state does.

But it's not JUST a written test, there's classroom stuff you need to go through as well. But if you wanna get a head start, start reading all the 100-series regs (comm regs)

Daniel · June 11, 2009, 05:48:25 AM

I know he has the test.. I've seen it, but that was at his house when I was getting my uniform. With the way things are, I am wayyyyyy further along then the other cadets, I was thinking that I could teach myself the course as I have with all the ES stuff (I took it online.)

JoeTomasone · June 11, 2009, 05:49:08 AM

Quote from: SJFedor on June 11, 2009, 05:44:14 AM
Quote from: Daniel L on June 11, 2009, 05:38:03 AM
Well, I was trying to make referance my squadron commander, the question was can my squadron commander adminster the test? Is that normally carried in any testing officers binder?

That depends on how your state does BCUT and ACUT certification. When I was in PA, there were certain Wing level designated instructors that had to sign you off for it.

The Wing designated instructors are per 100-1. Must be approved by the Wing/DC.

JoeTomasone · June 11, 2009, 05:51:13 AM

Quote from: Daniel L on June 11, 2009, 05:48:25 AM
I know he has the test.. I've seen it, but that was at his house when I was getting my uniform. With the way things are, I am wayyyyyy further along then the other cadets, I was thinking that I could teach myself the course as I have with all the ES stuff (I took it online.)

100-1 requires you to attend the course -- which doesn't mean that you can't read 100-1 and 100-3 beforehand....

Daniel · June 11, 2009, 05:54:04 AM

According to my research Mo wing has no 'course' but i did find a powerpoint with the course on the national site
powerpoint =/= course?

SJFedor · June 11, 2009, 05:54:38 AM

^---- See? I'm absolutely braindead when it comes to comms stuff.

Joe will take care of ya from here on out. I'm gonna just shut up and color....

Daniel · June 11, 2009, 06:08:17 AM

Ok so reading the section of 100-1, apparently. ACUT or BCUT is a no go for me :/

JoeTomasone · June 11, 2009, 06:13:15 AM

Quote from: Daniel L on June 11, 2009, 06:08:17 AM
Ok so reading the section of 100-1, apparently. ACUT or BCUT is a no go for me :/

How did you draw that conclusion?

Daniel · June 11, 2009, 06:17:20 AM

To be in Comms there has to be a course, for you to take a course there has to be one

. Or was that question sarcastic, and to think this is what I REALLY wanted to do in CAP.

JoeTomasone · June 11, 2009, 06:23:14 AM

Quote from: Daniel L on June 11, 2009, 06:17:20 AM
To be in Comms there has to be a course, for you to take a course there has to be one . Or was that question sarcastic, and to think this is what I REALLY wanted to do in CAP.

Before you conclude that it's futile, contact your unit Comms Officer and inquire about BCUT or ACUT training and ask when and where it's available. The question might have to go up the chain to the Wing/DC, but there has to be training somewhere. All but four ES qualifications require BCUT, so if no one is getting at least BCUT training, you've got a much larger problem in your Wing.

Daniel · June 11, 2009, 06:24:02 AM

We have no comms officer

JoeTomasone · June 11, 2009, 06:24:47 AM

Quote from: Daniel L on June 11, 2009, 06:24:02 AM
We have no comms officer

Then your Commander, who can inquire for you.

Daniel · June 11, 2009, 06:26:23 AM

Why would someone have a test they couldn't administer?

SJFedor · June 11, 2009, 06:40:05 AM

Quote from: Daniel L on June 11, 2009, 06:26:23 AM
Why would someone have a test they couldn't administer?

Daniel, it's not just a test. There's a lot of knowledge that goes into it, especially at the ACUT level. BCUT level is essentially knowing how to speak on a radio, turn them on/off, and change channels. ACUT is a lot more in depth, and gets into the equipment a lot more. It's not something you can just leap right into.

Things take time, especially in CAP. Patience is key.

DBlair · June 11, 2009, 05:51:21 PM

Daniel-

I realize you are eager, but don't give up on Comm just yet. You haven't been in the program very long and you'll notice over time that with some things (courses, etc) in CAP, they take time to be scheduled and held. Sometimes they might not be held for a few months, but they will indeed be held. It is just a matter of figuring out when/where and making sure to attend. It all comes with time. I too was very much into ES and Comm as a Cadet and so I realize that you are very eager to get involved, but try to relax and take things slowly. Your commander should be able to find out for you when there will be the next ACUT class- he'll probably just have to contact the Group Comm Officer or Wing Director of Communication. So, don't worry about it and I'm sure you'll get your ACUT soon enough.

Sidenote- congrats on being promoted to C/A1C!