Struggles Joining CAP

[KWRFLL]

I recently decided to pursue joining the local CAP squadron near my home.  I have been looking for a way to give something back to my community and belong to something larger than myself.  As I read on line about CAP and being a USAF veteran, I thought this would be the perfect choice for me.

After contacting the Group commander I found the location of the local squadron and set off to attend the first meeting.  Upon arrival I greeted some gentlemen in the parking lot, none of which approached me.  I told them that I was interested in joining.  Unfortunately they said the meeting for seniors had been moved that night and that I could come back next week.

The next week I returned.  Once again I was not greeted by anyone.  No one questioned my presence in the building as cadets were forming for a promotion ceremony.  I walked right into the meeting and observed the entire ceremony without one person wondering who I was or why I was there.

I greeted the commander after the ceremony and told him that I a prospective member that had been in touch via email with him.  He simply told me to go to the senior meeting room and join the others.  I did just that where again, no one greeted me or questioned my presence.  I listened to an informative briefing about a temporary no fly zone, after which I learned who the personnel officer was for the squadron.  I approached the officer who was very cordial and informed.  He told me that he had no finger print cards with him that week, but asked the commander to bring some the following week.

Eager to learn and get started, I completed the Fundamentals course from the CAP website, and the FEMA IS-100,200,700 & 800 courses as well as 240.  This is as far as I could go without becoming a member.

I returned a third time to discover he that no one was at the meeting place.  A squadron member also showed up at the normal scheduled place.  Together we discovered through my cell phone internet connection that the meeting had been moved.  It was posted on the website just hours before the meeting.  I know this because I had checked the website the night before to be sure the meeting wasn't cancelled.  The CAP member led me across town to the airport FBO where the meeting was being held.

Once again as you might imagine, I walked into the meeting room, unquestioned, un-greeted, and generally unimpressed at this point.  I waited until the meeting was over to approach the personnel officer to inquire about the fingerprint card.  I stood for 30 minutes while he explained over and over again to a CAP LT why she had to follow the steps for promotion as outlined and could not complete requirements in the order of her choosing. 

Finally the squadron commander came and asked, "are we keeping you?"  I explained that I was waiting to see about getting a fingerprint card so I could complete my application packet.  He said that he didn't have time to bring any that night due to a personal errand.

Why did I tell you all this you ask?  Bottom line is that I want to join CAP for me.  I want to serve and give something back to the community, but the squadron does not seem very welcoming at all.  The next closest squadron is a long drive away and it would be hard to serve at that location.  What would you suggest to someone who has had this experience?  For an all volunteer organization, it would seem to me that they would be excited anytime a new person wanted to join.

Very discouraged.

[cap235629]

I would look at the other Squadron even if it is far away. If they are more welcoming, maybe try to make as many meetings as you can and be as active as you can taking into consideration your geographical limitations.

[niferous]

I would actually just email the commander this post.  Of course change it where needed to make it gramatically correct.  I understand not wanting to make a splash but he has to understand that a prospective member was not made to feel welcome and maybe he will take action to correct the problem. 

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

Squadrons can be as different as chalk and cheese.

I've seen some (senior squadrons) that were little more than Air Force-funded flying clubs and wanted nothing to do with the rest of CAP - cadets, AE, ground teams, etc. and if you weren't a pilot you were "excess baggage."

I've seen others with a handful of really dedicated members and a greater number of those who show up now and then if they've nothing better to do, and rarely promote beyond 1st Lt.

I've seen others who have a "clique" mentality that is straight out of high school - and those are the senior members!

And there are others who fit the bill of what a CAP squadron should be - active, willing to welcome new people, etc.

Keep looking!

[Thrashed]

I have had similair experiences. I tried to join CAP three different times in three different locations. I gave up until now. I found a squadron that I could contribute to. It's not perfect, but I keep trying to make it better.

[Spaceman3750]

CAP is a very local experience. Some squadrons are great, others aren't. You don't have to be a member of the squadron closest to you (I'm not), look around at other squadrons and see where you fit in.

[Kojack]

Wanna relocate to Nevada?  I'm POSITIVE I can find you a squadron!

[Major Lord]

I recruited a Medical Doctor, Prior Canoe-club officer,  for our Squadron, and when he came as a guest with me, he was well treated. When I stopped showing regularly at meetings, the SQ dropped the ball, and my new recruit probably also has a bad feeling about CAP. The people who could /should have answered his E-mail and Telephone calls  were just not available, through no fault of their own own. It was their fault that they did not set up an alternative P.O.C. at the SQ. We probably lose as many good members from indifference as we do from the normal dose of poultry excrement we sometimes drop on people. I hope the poster will accept my apology on behalf of CAP, and try again, or find a more amenable Squadron.

Major Lord

[RiverAux]

Unfortunately some units don't have a very good idea on best recruiting practices, hence the terrible experience you had.  I agree that it may be wise to check out some other squadrons if any are near enough to be worth considering. 

[Major Lord]

When I first attended CAP meetings ( to bring my son, now a former Spaatzen and USAF combat veteran) the Squadron was like a bunch of Hare Krishnas with their recruiting practices. After about my third meeting, I was hit in the back of the head with a sap, chloroformed, and woke up while being fingerprinted and fitted for BDU's! ( Well, that's the way I remember it!) It did teach me the sound principal of sincerely asking anyone who came as a parent if they would like to join, and making it happen if they showed any interest. ( It actually makes getting on and off a military base a little easier)

Major Lord

[peter rabbit]

KWRFLL - what state are you in?

[KWRFLL]

I am not looking to get anyone upset over my experience.  I can tell you I am from Texas, but I do not wish to divulge the group or squadron in a public setting.  I'm relieved and saddened at the same time to read through these posts and discover that this behavior is not unique to the squadron I approached.  I have not yet made up my mind as to my next course of action.  I do appreciate all the posts and advice.  I intend to post a follow up next week.

[Nolan Teel]

I command a unit in Dallas.   Give me 1 hour of your time and Ill have you in! Sorry to hear about your troubles.  Some units are better then others in the recruiting area. If theres anything I can do to help you out let me know.

[RADIOMAN015]

It's really too bad this happens    HOWEVER, back in 1993 basically the same thing happen to me; showed up at the unit was put in a room and no one really talked with me.  I think I tried one other week and than just felt that IF they didn't want to spend time with me perhaps the program wasn't worth joining.   So 14 years later  I decided to give it another try and found a completely different attitude that still exists in the unit today.  We welcome and talk with all prospective members BUT are also realistic with them on what they can expect.  Some do not return (e.g. pilots looking for free flying time) (Paramedics/EMTs thinking they will be saving lives on our ground teams -- told our liability insurance doesn't cover them for other than first aid type activity).     

I'm still of the opinion that wings or regions as part of the SUI type activity should send in "testers" (personnel acting like they are potential new members) to various units to see how they will be treated as prospective members.
RM   

[davidsinn]

I'm still of the opinion that wings or regions as part of the SUI type activity should send in "testers" (personnel acting like they are potential new members) to various units to see how they will be treated as prospective members.

That's a good idea but don't do it as an SUI, do it yearly. Make it mandatory that a higher command must do it.

[Camas]

I'm still of the opinion that wings or regions as part of the SUI type activity should send in "testers" (personnel acting like they are potential new members) to various units to see how they will be treated as prospective members.

That probably wouldn't work in a small wing as they probably know everyone on wing staff. Moreover I would think most units wouldn't appreciate spies from group or wing doing the "spy" thing on their units? Would any region members want to fool with doing something like this. Probably not. They'd have nothing in the regs to support them if a question came up.

[RiverAux]

Not a bad idea (though I would probably use relatively new members from other squadrons that haven't had any interactions with the squadron being tested).  However, I wouldn't even consider doing something like that without having first implemented a program to get all squadron commanders, recruiting, and personnel officers up to speed on recruiting best practices. 

However, it would probably require the guy going undercover to lie to the CAP members about various things and I'm not sure that is a good way to go. 

[researchdoc]

However, it would probably require the guy going undercover to lie to the CAP members about various things and I'm not sure that is a good way to go.

I agree...  I think it would be a better idea if the "plant" was done incognito without publishing results... i.e. let the Wing, Region, or National HQs gather info to make changes to make it better... a fact finding mission to help the higher HQs to pass down different changes for improvement without embarrassing the SU or individual members.  We are a volunteer organization and embarrassing folks would just force a lot of folks away.  In my squadron, I have noticed potential members coming in with other SMs.  We have an R&RO and they are active, but do not come to meetings that much due to work commitments.  So the R&RO not being there physically, as a part of our marketing group, I try to spend the entire time with the potential member while they are at the meeting.  Even if I miss something in the meeting.. I can find out about that later.  I also introduce them as much as possible to the staff and other passing members, SMs and Cadets alike.  Then before they leave (and often after we take time with them they leave well after the meeting is over) I OFFER them the literature and if receptive, a print card and app along with my name, email address and phone number.  I have yet to get a call or email from them, but so far, all of them have joined.  I am not taking credit for them joining, not at all, but the squadron gets it for their participation in making them feel welcome.  There have also been times we have had cold calls... with folks just showing up not knowing anyone... so if I see any new face.. I always speak and take time.  Then get the ball rolling form them if they need. 
I think the majority of the problem is not that the squadron members purposely don't pay attention to someone new, or avoid it.  I think it is a lack of knowing what to do.  I think that it is just as important for CAP to spend time and effort for Recruiting education to its members as it does to its ES program.  Without members we would have no ES. 
I would like to see each squadron actually have an R&RO with a "group" of individuals (SM and Cadet) that are on a "Welcoming Committee" so if the R&RO is not there, someone else picks up.. or if they are there but the inquirer is a pilot, is introduced to a "Committee" member that is a pilot, or the like....
If it is a small squadron or a flight, then everyone is on the committee..
Would also be great to incorporate the other ideas on this thread.

[FW]

I'm still of the opinion that wings or regions as part of the SUI type activity should send in "testers" (personnel acting like they are potential new members) to various units to see how they will be treated as prospective members.

That probably wouldn't work in a small wing as they probably know everyone on wing staff. Moreover I would think most units wouldn't appreciate spies from group or wing doing the "spy" thing on their units? Would any region members want to fool with doing something like this. Probably not. They'd have nothing in the regs to support them if a question came up.

I am reminded of something Gen Bowling used to do while he was the SER/CC and later, the CAP/CC.  He would come to various squadron meetings in TNWG dressed in casual attire.  He just wanted to observe a squadron, for no particular purpose.  Most members in the unit did not recognise the Gen. and some would come and introduce themselves asking if he were interested in joining.  At other squadrons, no one came up to him to say "hi".  If no one came up to him, he would introduce himself to the squadron commander and just thank him for letting him attend as a guest. 

The point is, we should be more friendly to those who come and sit with us during a meeting.  We probably will get and retain more members.

[Eclipse]

Sounds good on paper, and is a technique used commonly in business, especially for franchises and similar customer-focused enterprises.

Won't likely make much of a difference in a unit not interested in being open to outsiders.  Businesses have a mandate to keep customers happy and choices in their personnel.  In CAP, the odds are that a struggling unit also has little choice in finding someone better" - that is how they go there in the first place.

The need for a better commander does not materialize one from the air.  Some people will be open to change, many will not.

So then your choice is "change" or "close".  I make the argument that "close" might be the best choice, as attrition of empty shirts and members with incorrect attitudes is what we need to do to "fix" things, but program shrinkage is clearly not on NHQ's radar as part of the solution.

So then what?  Now you've just alienated someone who was a poor commander to start.

The core of the problem is expectations of performance that do not match the training provided, lack of regular oversight (most units operate in a vacuum) and / or higher HQ staff who know less about the program than their subordinates, lack of choice in commanders and staff, and lack of initiative in uncomfortable conversations.

You can't expect someone who took job as a last resort, receives no training as a commander, no oversight or constructive criticism, to somehow magically become Dick Winters by himself, especially when all he ever gets is a pile of administrative nonsense no one actually cares about, and nothing but complaints from higher HQ, with rarely a thank you, and more hassle on the rare occasion that he tries to put people in for a decoration or promotion.

I keep joking we need JJ Abrams to reboot CAP, but maybe we need Gordon Ramsey more - come in, clean out the freezers, fire the cook, decide if the place is really viable, and then simply make the necessary changes whether the organization likes it or not.  There will be tears, people will leave, and after the third commercial break we might be able to move forward.