Encampment Staff Equipment

[Sgt. Papa]

Does an Encampment Staff Member bring the same exact things that the basics bring to encampment?

[Eclipse]

Depends on the encampment, and their position, but generally, yes.

[Shotgun]

What Eclipse said!

Most likely Staff will bring additional items based on their positions.

For example, a flight sergeant would probably bring a clipboard, yard stick, backpack, ISR, camera.
PA would bring digital camera, laptop, camcorder, music collection, etc.

I've heard that some encampments may allow a cadet staff member to keep their mp3 player or phone, but that is pretty rare.

In any case you will definitely want to bring what is on the packing list. The question is can you bring additional items and have them be considered contraband.

[MajorM]

But check with your chain of command before bringing extra stuff, especially if it seems borderline (of course borderline is open to interpretation I guess).  Bringing in contraband as an encampment staff member is a good way to start the week on the wrong foot.

And I'll just put this out there.... leave the energy drinks at home.  They're not good for you, not recommended for youth, and expose you and the encampment to potential issues that none of you need.

[Sgt. Papa]

Well i'm going as a Flight Sergeant, and i figured i wouldn't need a clipboard, that's more of a Flight Commander thing. i figured i'd just bring what's on the packing list, and as extra, have my ALICE field pack, and inside it have a  first aid kit, camera, rain gear, drill guide, and i don't really know what else to put in it.

[Extremepredjudice]

Why do you need a camera?

[Cool Mace]

Why do you need a camera?

I'm going to guess for pictures... Sorry, I had to.

A lot of cadets bring cameras to encampment so they can take pictures of what they want, and not have to rely on someone else maybe getting the shot.

[Extremepredjudice]

Why do you need a camera?

I'm going to guess for pictures... Sorry, I had to.

A lot of cadets bring cameras to encampment so they can take pictures of what they want, and not have to rely on someone else maybe getting the shot.

I figured as much, but I didn't think it would be allowed... The camera can contain lots of contraband.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Why do you need a camera?

I'm going to guess for pictures... Sorry, I had to.

A lot of cadets bring cameras to encampment so they can take pictures of what they want, and not have to rely on someone else maybe getting the shot.

I figured as much, but I didn't think it would be allowed... The camera can contain lots of contraband.

So can the phone hidden in a rolled sleeve...


The point stands...some encampments allow them. For the one I went to...we couldn't use pictures until proper approval, so you might as well leave it at home.

[Eclipse]

A lot of cadets bring cameras to encampment so they can take pictures of what they want, and not have to rely on someone else maybe getting the shot.

We had a Chief this year who watched as a cadet erased every picture on the camera.

If it's not on the list, don't bring it.

Period.

[SarDragon]

Another aspect of having a camera is that it is a distraction. You should be participating in the activities, not taking pictures of them.

[CAPC/officer125]

Well i'm going as a Flight Sergeant, and i figured i wouldn't need a clipboard, that's more of a Flight Commander thing. i figured i'd just bring what's on the packing list, and as extra, have my ALICE field pack, and inside it have a  first aid kit, camera, rain gear, drill guide, and i don't really know what else to put in it.

As someone who has staffed 6 encampments in various positions, I would highly recommend taking a clipboard. Just because you are a Flight Sergeant doesn't mean you won't need something to carry quick reference materials. A clipboard can carry your schedule for the day, the drill you may need to teach that day, a quick reference drill guide, and paper to write notes about classes, cadets and everything else on. One that has a storage compartment is even better. It can hold your pen(s) and a 6 inch sewing ruler (to check collar insignia). I think it looks unprofessional to constantly be getting into your pockets to get those things and its a great way to keep organized.
An ALICE pack may be a little much. If you have a camelbak with a backpack attachment, that would be a little better. Its smaller and can hold the things you will need. I would also put a flashlight in there, and possibly your shoe shine kit (at least a shine rag) so you have something to keep you looking your best in front of the cadets. The flight sergeant is the first point of reference for all things encampment for most cadets and always looking professional and knowing your stuff will help you earn their respect and trust.

C/LtCol Temaat
2012 JDCLE C/CC

[AngelWings]

I might end up in your flight. I suggest you bring the things you think you may not exactly need but could end up being useful. It never hurts to bring extra stuff you don't need (as long as it doesn't weigh a ton and you are wearing it on your back ). As a squadron Flight Sgt., I've found clipboard are very useful when it comes towards holding schedules, drill movements, and any needed knowledge. I'd ask some of your fellow staffers for what they think you should bring. Lastly, I wouldn't flip out on the packing list until it is a little closer personally. You have plenty of time until July, and you'll probably get an oppurtunity to talk about what you should and shouldn't bring. It's good to prepare early, don't get me wrong, but I've noticed that people pick through their stuff if it is packed even a week or two early. I know I do (duct tape is a wonderful thing!).

[Sgt. Papa]

you might end up in my flight? you're profile says "Salty and Seasoned Contributor". doesn't that mean you've been here for quite some time?

[Eclipse]

Clipboards: Yes, they can be handy to write on.  If the encampment CC or Commandant wants the line staff to have them, they will likely provide them.
Many activities prohibit them, or at least them off the packing lists, because cadets tend to hide behind them and / or they just became a left-around PITA.

Duct Tape: Never a good idea, unless specified.

[Extremepredjudice]

I had over 500 posts before I went to encampment. Post count doesn't mean anything.

[AngelWings]

you might end up in my flight? you're profile says "Salty and Seasoned Contributor". doesn't that mean you've been here for quite some time?

The battle of the bulge. I used to be 60 pounds heavier and would have been a burden at encampment because I wouldn't have been able to do PT well and I wasn't exactly highspeed, either. Things have changed, and now I am ready for whatever comes my way.

Duct Tape: Never a good idea, unless specified.

I wasn't saying bring duct tape, I was using it as an example. I'm sure there is many things on the packing list that might end up very well getting taken out for a use or two if packed early enough. Like brown/black t-shirts, socks, shampoo, batteries, pens, so on and so forth. I know that every time I have a pack ready to go weeks in advance I usually end up going through it to find some thing I need in my ES kit, like duct tape or sun screen. And from what I've heard and observed it is a very common problem among a lot of people.

[Pylon]

This is an older thread, and somewhat specific to TAC officers, but much of it could apply more broadly to encampment staff:  http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=252

[titanII]

As a fellow (future) 2012 MAWG Encampment Staff member, here are the "extra" items I suggest:
       clipboard
       first aid kit is a good idea, don't know how much use you'll get out of it though
       as staff, we are allowed to pack food/drinks to store in the fridge in our room. You decide....
   
As far as things to carry around in your backpack, I'm going to be carrying: water (duh), poncho, clipboard, papers and stuff (schedules, rosters, maybe some manuals, etc.), a notebook, pens, sunscreen, bug spray, and a flashlight. (In addition, of course, to the other things those that outrank me say I need to carry  )

[Perez]

At MAWG you're generally allowed to bring anything you think you will need. Cough drops(crucial if you're a flight sergeant)clipboards, duct tape(extremely useful), and other things of the like. Just be sure to use common sense. You may be able to bring an mp3 player, but I guarantee that you won't get the time to use it. Basically, if it helps you do your job, and it's not dangerous, then you can bring it. Just be sure to check with your chain of command.

[Extremepredjudice]

At MAWG you're generally allowed to bring anything you think you will need. Cough drops(crucial if you're a flight sergeant)clipboards, duct tape(extremely useful), and other things of the like. Just be sure to use common sense. You may be able to bring an mp3 player, but I guarantee that you won't get the time to use it. Basically, if it helps you do your job, and it's not dangerous, then you can bring it. Just be sure to check with your chain of command.

Why do you need cough drops? I did encampment without them, and without losing my voice.... I was the loudest in our flight, too.

You need to use your diaphragm more

[PHall]

At MAWG you're generally allowed to bring anything you think you will need. Cough drops(crucial if you're a flight sergeant)clipboards, duct tape(extremely useful), and other things of the like. Just be sure to use common sense. You may be able to bring an mp3 player, but I guarantee that you won't get the time to use it. Basically, if it helps you do your job, and it's not dangerous, then you can bring it. Just be sure to check with your chain of command.

Why do you need cough drops? I did encampment without them, and without losing my voice.... I was the loudest in our flight, too.

You need to use your diaphragm more

You are one of the few who knows how to use their diaphragm then, because it seems that the majority of your contemperies have no clue.

[Extremepredjudice]

At MAWG you're generally allowed to bring anything you think you will need. Cough drops(crucial if you're a flight sergeant)clipboards, duct tape(extremely useful), and other things of the like. Just be sure to use common sense. You may be able to bring an mp3 player, but I guarantee that you won't get the time to use it. Basically, if it helps you do your job, and it's not dangerous, then you can bring it. Just be sure to check with your chain of command.

Why do you need cough drops? I did encampment without them, and without losing my voice.... I was the loudest in our flight, too.

You need to use your diaphragm more

You are one of the few who knows how to use their diaphragm then, because it seems that the majority of your contemperies have no clue.

I can also scream (like as in screamo music...).

[Perez]

Live & learn. I was taught how to use my command voice improperly, so it took me a while to break old habits. It's better to bring them and not need them than to find out halfway through the week that your voice isn't going to make it. As a flight sergeant it's very important that you can speak clearly and with volume. Besides, I like to have my fellow staff members' backs in case they need them.

[Struts]

Just to add. I would recommend having a copy of CAPR 39-1 around and the actual drill manual. (Don't know the number off the top of my head) I just  ordered them from Vanguard but who knows when they will get here. Just keep them lying around your backpack in case you need them.

P.S Anybody know when Vanguard expedited orders will arrive?

[Cool Mace]

Just to add. I would recommend having a copy of CAPR 39-1 around and the actual drill manual. (Don't know the number off the top of my head) I just  ordered them from Vanguard but who knows when they will get here. Just keep them lying around your backpack in case you need them.

P.S Anybody know when Vanguard expedited orders will arrive?

AF D&C manual is 36-2203.

You can also google it and print it off at an office depot, or xerox, or whatever is close to you.

[krnlpanick]

No need to order that stuff from Vanguard at all - you can print the drill guide from right here

USAF AFM 36-2203
AFJROTC D&C Guide
CAP Drill Guide

http://www.capmembers.com/cadet_programs/library/drill-and-ceremonies/

[Eclipse]

You can also google it and print it off at an office depot, or xerox, or whatever is close to you.

You could just about buy a printer these days for what it would cost you to print at a print center.

Save a tree and read it online.

[Cool Mace]

You can also google it and print it off at an office depot, or xerox, or whatever is close to you.

You could just about buy a printer these days for what it would cost you to print at a print center.

Save a tree and read it online.

This is a sad truth. Although most parents don't want their kids using all their ink.

[Eclipse]

This is a sad truth. Although most parents don't want their kids using all their ink.

Cost is cost, Dad's ink or FedExpress Depot Max.  "Pay me now or pay me later..."

If mom's buying OEM cartridges from CDW,  she'll get what she pays for.  I literally just bought 2 full color sets of 3rd party
carts online (from a place I've used for years), for same the cost of a single OEM cart.

There's also duplexing, multiple pages per page, etc.  Laser is still the way to go for regular text docs, and a lot cheaper, especially
these days with the hardware being essentially "free".

[Spaceman3750]

Brother makes a decent home laser printer for not much money. I received one as a gift when I started college 3 years ago and I just put in the replacement cartridge (the original was only 1/2 full or so). The new cartridge is an extended capacity that I expect to outlive the printer. I love that I can print a whole bunch of whatever I want, I just wish it duplexed.

[Cool Mace]

Case and point, Eclipse.

I bow to thee. 

[krnlpanick]

I am also sure that you could use your squadrons resources to print CAP materials as another thought if you don't have access to a printer of your own. If your squadron doesn't have a decent printer it would probably be well worth their time to invest in one. Decent laser printers are incredibly affordable these days.

I have the fortunate luck of having been in the printer maintenance business for several years and acquired several printers during my tenure including an HP color laser printer - so I do all my own printing as well as printing for my wife's promotion company.

[Struts]

Thank you gentlemen for your suggestions. But since I already ordered it...When do you think that it will arrive?

[Cool Mace]

It could be 3 days, or it could be 3 months.

It is coming from Vanguard after all. 

[Struts]

I was afraid of that answer...

[Cool Mace]

It seams like they have been getting better on their delivery dates as of lately. I don't see why those should take more than a week to get to you.

[Eclipse]

Thank you gentlemen for your suggestions. But since I already ordered it...When do you think that it will arrive?

What kind of shipping did you opt for?

They will send you a shipping email with a tracker if you opted for a type that has them.
You can also follow up with them to check.

[Struts]

Thank you gentlemen for your suggestions. But since I already ordered it...When do you think that it will arrive?

What kind of shipping did you opt for?

They will send you a shipping email with a tracker if you opted for a type that has them.
You can also follow up with them to check.

The faster shipping option. Thanks for the tracking idea.