are we now the civil patrol?

[starshippe]

   anyone have any info on the very recent limitations on cap flying?

thanks,

bill

[lordmonar]

Nothing here out west?  Why what did you hear and who from?

Last Tuesday we are were fully funded for O-rides, we have SAREX comming up, we are flying our aircraft to/from wing conference.  I am on the news feeds from wing ops about anything having to do with flight operations....and I have gotten nothing about any limitations.

[starshippe]

please note... this is copied from an email that i received. i assume that it is legit.



All,

Due to limited funding available, the NEC has suspended all training, maintenance, and  orientation flights (including "A", "B", and "C" missions) until further notice.  This also includes Corporate missions for state and local agencies.  Further information will be coming tomorrow.

Sorry for the short notice,

TERRY M. RAYMOND
CAP National Operations Center

[Spaceman3750]

Why would they restrict self-funded training/o-flights and unfunded/customer-funded missions? That doesn't even make any sense...

[Thrashed]

Please take note

Effective immediately



ALL PAWG USAF PAID  FORM  5/91 FLIGHTS ARE CANCELLED

ALL PAWG USAF PAID TRAINING IS CANCELLED

ALL PAWG USAF PAID O-FLIGHTS ARE CANCELLED


Date: Wednesday, October 26, 2011, 9:49 PM

ALCON,

An emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee was held this evening to decide the best way to deal with the Continuing Resolution which expires 18-Nov-11 and has changed from a quarterly 80% tranche release of appropriated funds for CAP from CAP-USAF, to a month to month release. CAP-USAF has informed us  that CAP will not receive additional funding requested for November. As a result four members of NHQ staff have been laid off  and effective immediately all training and cadet orientation flights will cease, all major aircraft and vehicle maintenance (such as engine replacements) will be deferred, all corporate travel will cease (not region travel) and all new cadet uniforms will be put on hold.  Only actual SAR missions and IAF mission such as EADS and MIPR funded missions will be flown. This moratorium will continue through the present CR period which expires 18-Nov-11 and further until a new CR is approved or until congress approves the president's defense budget.



V/R



Col (Chris) Hayden CAP

Commander

Northeast Region, Civil Air Patrol

[FW]

Why would they restrict self-funded training/o-flights and unfunded/customer-funded missions? That doesn't even make any sense...

Aircraft are considered AF assets and, maintanence is AF funded...

[a2capt]

Hey, that board meeting, the one in the other thread, that looks like a waste of travel funds .. lets see if that falls under the no NHQ travel bit.  I bet they still have their fun at the Marriott anyway.

...and with Orientation Flights- great, if they had not railroaded off Member Owned aircraft. Sure, we can get fuel another way. Heck, I don't even care if I buy a tank myself, the cadets wouldn't have to pay, but you can't even get a Form 5 in a member owned C172 without a bunch of crap. Ah well..

Nothing yet out west, as far as canceling approved missions so far. It's still early in the day..

[a2capt]

Well.. the same news spread further west. Came from PCR..

Not that I'm otherwise denying it, just was more curious if any Wings would hold out pending their own funding reserves.

[lordmonar]

Well I guess I should have checked my e-mail....I just got that E-mail too.

[lordmonar]

Please note....that we can still fly self funded C missions.

[bosshawk]

Hmmmmm: break out the long johns and stoke the fire in the living room, it is going to be a long winter.

[Spaceman3750]

Why would they restrict self-funded training/o-flights and unfunded/customer-funded missions? That doesn't even make any sense...

Aircraft are considered AF assets and, maintanence is AF funded...

Ah. I thought the hourly rate included contributions to consolidated maintenance or something like that.

[lordmonar]

They do...but B missions also obligates other federal funds as well not directly related to flying and maintenance.

That is why we can continue to do C missions.

[Eclipse]

Happens every year in some form or another.

[starshippe]

   we have been told, in fairly certain terms, that only af missions, including eads and mipr, which i am not familiar with, are to be flown.
   we have a county funded sundown patrol, that we have flown for the past 30 years, that will not be flown.
   i, as an fro, have been specifically told not to release any c flights.

bill

[NCRblues]

Wow...

Didn't it take congress until April to pass the last budget? So, grounded from Oct-Apl?

[lordmonar]

   we have been told, in fairly certain terms, that only af missions, including eads and mipr, which i am not familiar with, are to be flown.
   we have a county funded sundown patrol, that we have flown for the past 30 years, that will not be flown.
   i, as an fro, have been specifically told not to release any c flights.

bill

I guess the county has not funded the flights this year.

NHQ has not suspended C missions....so it must just be a local thing.

[Woodsy]

Florida Wing's SAREVAL scheduled for next weekend in Marco Island has been canceled.  This was a major operation with around a hundred personnel from all over the state.  Literally thousands of man hours have been involved in planning and preparing, including an extensive practice exercise.  In other words, this is one big cluster%$#&. 

At this point I'm just hoping members don't get stuck with hotel cancellation fees for rooms that were supposed to be reimbursed. 

[lordmonar]

FLWG reinburses lodgeing?

Cool.  Wish we had that kind of money.

[FW]

This just in:

Sent on behalf of Mr. Don Rowland



Members of the National Board,

 

During a telephone meeting on 26 October, the NEC set priorities for use of limited Federal funds during the current continuing budget resolution.  Their prioritization decision will allow CAP to continue to support critical Air Force assigned search and rescue, disaster relief and air defense intercept missions.  These actions were taken as a result of the reduced funding authorization CAP, the Air Force and other Department of Defense (DoD) agencies are currently experiencing while operating under limited budget authority.  This will more than likely continue until Congress and the President approve the final FY12 DoD Appropriations Bill.  CAP leaders are unsure if Congress will pass the DoD budget by the 18 November Continuing Resolution (CR) deadline or if they will extend the CR like they did several times last year.  The major difference this year is that DoD (because of the Federal government budget uncertainty) is funding CAP on a monthly basis instead of quarterly and that has significantly reduced CAP's budget authority.  In order to ensure limited Federal funding is available for "real world" Air Force directed missions, the following events/items will be paused until DoD is able to significantly increase CAP's FY12 budget authority.

 

Events/Items Paused



·       All Air Force training and evaluation missions both air and ground

·       All cadet orientation flights

·       All Counterdrug missions

·       All aircraft maintenance movement "A9" flights

·       All aircraft major maintenance.  In most cases the aircraft will be grounded if major maintenance is required.  Minor maintenance will continue.  Any minor maintenance that exceeds $500 must be approved in advance by NHQ/LG.

·       All "B" and "C" missions except 1st AF directed "real world" "B" missions (Note: Federal funds are used to offset major maintenance expenses on Corporate missions so "C" missions have to be curtailed as well.)

·       Sending uniforms to new cadets

·       Sending materials to new members

·       All Federally funded travel (example: IG team travel)

·       No overtime or funded travel for CAP employees including Wing Administrators

·       All vehicle maintenance will be postponed, with the exception of emergency repairs, until funds are restored.  Any emergency maintenance that exceeds $250 must be approved in advance by NHQ/LG.

 

We understand the inconvenience and concern this will cause some of our members, but it is prudent that CAP take these actions in order to ensure that we are able to support all "real world" Air Force directed missions.  Thank you for your understanding and support.  If you have any questions, please contact John Salvador at (334) 953-7748 ext. 235, cell (334) 538-2697, or email jsalvador@capnhq.gov.

 

Very Respectfully,

 

Don Rowland

 

[davidsinn]

Wow...

Didn’t it take congress until April to pass the last budget? So, grounded from Oct-Apl?

The congress has not passed a budget in three years. They have failed at one of their few mandated duties.

[lordmonar]

So....we are grounded for everything but "real world", GF and Falcon Virgo missions.

[NCRblues]

So....we are grounded for everything but "real world", GF and Falcon Virgo missions.

Hope everyone has a good book, its going to be a long winter.

[Spaceman3750]

Since ground ops without a CAP vehicle don't incur maintenance and therefore don't obligate federal money, can you still run ground training on a C number?

[a2capt]

But their Board Meeting will go on, with half a hotel full of $100+/night rooms, and platters of food. Just great.
As for hotel bookings, you say it's a week away? Every hotel i've ever stayed at was either the day before, or with most being as late as the afternoon that the reservation starts, to cancel with a phone call. So..  start callin'.

[Spaceman3750]

But their Board Meeting will go on, with half a hotel full of $100+/night rooms, and platters of food. Just great.
As for hotel bookings, you say it's a week away? Every hotel i've ever stayed at was either the day before, or with most being as late as the afternoon that the reservation starts, to cancel with a phone call. So..  start callin'.

I thought that the NEC meeting was at Maxwell... Shouldn't they be staying in VOQ?

[a2capt]

..and if they hadn't have gotten so picky with Member Owned aircraft, some of us are more than willing to fund gas to fly, and eat our own maintenance time. After all, the airplane is there, fly it or not, it's still gonna cost you..  might as well do some good with it, and fly cadets. Instead.. we can't.

For an organization that was founded on contributions and participation, it sure is amazing how they've turned their backs to it in the name of a paint scheme.

[Eclipse]

For the record, and who knows how tings will shake out, the message posted by FW only covers about 3 weeks, a period of time generally slow
because of funds being on hold in the new fiscal year, and past that we are into Thanksgiving and end of year holidays - a time many units
don't even meet.

That doesn't make this any more "fun", and it sure looks dark on paper, but the effect for most units and activities will be negligible into early next year. (Though people with stuff scheduled for the next few weeks, obviously, will be greatly impacted, we have missions this weekend that are
up in the air at least as of right now).

[a2capt]

I thought that the NEC meeting was at Maxwell... Shouldn't they be staying in VOQ?

D'oh! So it's about half.  I've got NB meetings on my mind instead, having discussed the Baltimore one recently.

[Spaceman3750]

In my unit we're most concerned about FCU and new member packets - if it only goes to November 18 it's not a big deal but if history repeats itself it could be way longer than that.

[Eclipse]

In my unit we're most concerned about FCU and new member packets - if it only goes to November 18 it's not a big deal but if history repeats itself it could be way longer than that.

Our wing is also counting on training funds to ramp up for the next eval in February.  Not looking forward to trying to drum up
interest with no money over Christmas, so "fingers crossed".

[Mark_Wheeler]

The same letter is now posted as the first thing you see when you open up WMIRS.

Mark

[Spaceman3750]

In my unit we're most concerned about FCU and new member packets - if it only goes to November 18 it's not a big deal but if history repeats itself it could be way longer than that.

Our wing is also counting on training funds to ramp up for the next eval in February.  Not looking forward to trying to drum up
interest with no money over Christmas, so "fingers crossed".

Hence why I asked about unfunded C training on the ground side... I've actually got a strong run at a ground team going and I don't want to lose that because Congress can't stop squabbling.

[Eclipse]

In my unit we're most concerned about FCU and new member packets - if it only goes to November 18 it's not a big deal but if history repeats itself it could be way longer than that.

Our wing is also counting on training funds to ramp up for the next eval in February.  Not looking forward to trying to drum up
interest with no money over Christmas, so "fingers crossed".

Hence why I asked about unfunded C training on the ground side... I've actually got a strong run at a ground team going and I don't want to lose that because Congress can't stop squabbling.

At least as of today, the all-stop says everybody.  That doesn't stop a unit from going to play in the woods, but they can't get mission credit, at least for now.

[Woodsy]

Does anyone know if the halt on new member kits includes the membership card, or just the binder and pamphlets?  I'm wondering if I should tell a couple potential members that are about ready to join to hold off on sending their checks until this is resolved since they're not going to get much benefit out of CAP for the next little while...  Might as well have their year start when they can do something...  Thoughts? 


After speaking with commander today, we are planning to use this time to conduct classroom training...  Our SAREX that was supposed to be on the 19th (we're assuming at this point we will not have funding for a while, if we get it we'll reevaluate then) is now going to be a classroom A/BCUT class.  We're going to do scanner/observer, MSA and MRO courses.  We're not looking at this as dead time, rather as a chance to get people trained up and ready to go when the funding for sorties comes back. 

[Al Sayre]

I may hold up the plastic membership cards, but the new members can (and should) print a temporary ID card from e-Services as soon as they pop up on the roster.

[Spaceman3750]

I love public affairs spin...

CAP continuing Air Force-assigned missions despite federal budget uncertainty

[lordmonar]

I love public affairs spin...

CAP continuing Air Force-assigned missions despite federal budget uncertainty

Spin?

It let's the customer know that we are still flying SAR and DR missions even though we have stopped other operations.

[RiverAux]

Happens every year in some form or another.

Oh, it isn't that unusual for some form of slow down to happen in September, which is the end of the federal fiscal year, as agencies try to figure out exactly how much they have left so that they don't overspend.  But this seems a bit more extreme than a normal occurrence.  Cutting out sending materials to new members?  What are we talking about here, maybe a few thousand dollars if that?  Worrying about maintenance costs associated with C missions?

[NCRblues]

Happens every year in some form or another.

Oh, it isn't that unusual for some form of slow down to happen in September, which is the end of the federal fiscal year, as agencies try to figure out exactly how much they have left so that they don't overspend.  But this seems a bit more extreme than a normal occurrence.  Cutting out sending materials to new members?  What are we talking about here, maybe a few thousand dollars if that?  Worrying about maintenance costs associated with C missions?

The reason for the "gutting" is because of a lack of prior planning on the corporations leadership fault.

A corporation this size should have a good chunk of change put away for instances just like this.

[husker]

In my unit we're most concerned about FCU and new member packets - if it only goes to November 18 it's not a big deal but if history repeats itself it could be way longer than that.

Our wing is also counting on training funds to ramp up for the next eval in February.  Not looking forward to trying to drum up
interest with no money over Christmas, so "fingers crossed".

Hence why I asked about unfunded C training on the ground side... I've actually got a strong run at a ground team going and I don't want to lose that because Congress can't stop squabbling.

At least as of today, the all-stop says everybody.  That doesn't stop a unit from going to play in the woods, but they can't get mission credit, at least for now.

I believe a clarification/update on ground only B/C missions is coming soon.

[Ed Bos]

I believe a clarification/update on ground only B/C missions is coming soon.

That's weird, it's almost like GSAR is an after-thought... again...

Was this halt going to interfere with WESS?

[lordmonar]

Happens every year in some form or another.

Oh, it isn't that unusual for some form of slow down to happen in September, which is the end of the federal fiscal year, as agencies try to figure out exactly how much they have left so that they don't overspend.  But this seems a bit more extreme than a normal occurrence.  Cutting out sending materials to new members?  What are we talking about here, maybe a few thousand dollars if that?  Worrying about maintenance costs associated with C missions?

The difference is in the past.....during a CR....the USAF went ahead and funded us on a quartlery basis.  This year they can't....so here we are at the end of October and they still have not released December's money.....know one know if there is going to be any.

The difference this year is how the DoD is responding to the lack of a DAA.  There is a whole slew of things the CoS of the AF said he would have to cut if we don't get a DAA soon.

We are just one of the many pawns in the big DoD politics game.  None of this has to do with poor planning on CAP or even CAP-USAF's part.

[RiverAux]

A corporation this size should have a good chunk of change put away for instances just like this.

Well, as someone that has worked for an agency partially dependent on federal grants I can tell you that you don't go spending money on the assumption that you're going to get it in the future, except perhaps on a VERY limited basis. And just where is CAP going to get this money for a rainy day fund that would need to have millions of dollars in it?  Not from the federal grants -- that is going to have to be spent.  So, we're talking about either members dues or grants from other organizations.  There just isn't a lot of room to play in those areas. 

[Persona non grata]

We are now just the CIVIL......I guess if a person goes missing in our area we will just go rent a plane (pay for it) and fly the local mission as good citizens.

[JeffDG]

Happens every year in some form or another.

Oh, it isn't that unusual for some form of slow down to happen in September, which is the end of the federal fiscal year, as agencies try to figure out exactly how much they have left so that they don't overspend.  But this seems a bit more extreme than a normal occurrence.  Cutting out sending materials to new members?  What are we talking about here, maybe a few thousand dollars if that?  Worrying about maintenance costs associated with C missions?

The reason for the "gutting" is because of a lack of prior planning on the corporations leadership fault.

A corporation this size should have a good chunk of change put away for instances just like this.

And how exactly do we do that, when appropriated funds that are not spent at the end of the FY (4 weeks ago) had to be returned to the US Treasury...kinda makes it difficult to build such a reserve.

[lordmonar]

We are now just the CIVIL......I guess if a person goes missing in our area we will just go rent a plane (pay for it) and fly the local mission as good citizens.

Not reading the message are you?

Only training and non essential missions are canceled.

Get a call from the local police...they can still call the NOC and the USAF can still issue a AFAM for it.

Don't blow this out of porpotion.

[jimmydeanno]

I always enjoy cross thread discussions:

Biggest challenge facing CAP right now, and it has nothing to do with governance (or maybe it does):

Diversifying funding streams, so that we don't have to rely on appropriated funds so drastically.  We've had an unqualified audit for three years now, and it was sold under the premise that it would bring more cash into the organization.  Three years have passed and we're still chasing the government teat.  We're laying off employees, suspending flying, postponing programs, etc because we've done nothing to increase external funding sources.

Where are the grant writers?  Where are the outside investors?  Where are the fundraising programs?  From the outside it appears that CAP's leadership is more than comfortable operating under the status quo of begging Congress for it's money each year.  Right now our primary income streams are federally appropriated funds and membership dues. 

I belong to another organization that charges me $10/year to be a member.  For their expenses, they raise money externally.  A luncheon, for example, gets sponsors to the tune of about $20k every other month (table advertisements).  At the annual banquet they give away hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarship monies.  It's just a local chapter.  I can raise money locally for my unit, and do.  But the fact that we're relying on our membership dues for our "corporate expenses" is just plain irresponsible.

[FW]

^Don't get me started....  It's bothers me too :angel:

I'm still getting complaints about almost doubling the amount in our "piggy bank".  No one cares about finding the (still) millions of dollars available to create a sizable endowment for CAP.

Hopefully, in three weeks, everything will be OK.  Maybe, though, the BoG will understand the need to find alternative funding streams and, for the CAP Foundation to ramp up its campaign to build its contributor base.

This, IMO, is a leadership (and governance) issue.

[FlyerJosh]

Here's the scoop I have received from a National Board Member who happened to be the best man at my wedding...

All flying except for AF Assigned A1 and B1 missions is immediately and indefinitely suspended. This includes self-funded flying since that flying is highly subsidized.

When aircraft reach 100 hour inspections, the aircraft will be grounded pending funding. 100 hr/annual inspections are considered major maintenance and are funded through a different pot of money that comes through AF appropriated funds.

Currently, corporate missions for ground training on any B or C mission number is not authorized, per the letter from the Executive Director (See Below). I was told that a way around this is for local wings to issue local mission numbers (ex: 11-VA-1104). It is unlikely that you will receive funding, however you can continue to conduct ground training towards SQTRs.

Here's the letter:



Subject: NEC Sets Priorities for Use of Federal Funds Under Currently Limited Federal Budget
Importance: High

Sent on behalf of Mr. Don Rowland



Members of the National Board,

During a telephone meeting on 26 October, the NEC set priorities for use of limited Federal funds during the current continuing budget resolution.  Their prioritization decision will allow CAP to continue to support critical Air Force assigned search and rescue, disaster relief and air defense intercept missions.  These actions were taken as a result of the reduced funding authorization CAP, the Air Force and other Department of Defense (DoD) agencies are currently experiencing while operating under limited budget authority.  This will more than likely continue until Congress and the President approve the final FY12 DoD Appropriations Bill.  CAP leaders are unsure if Congress will pass the DoD budget by the 18 November Continuing Resolution (CR) deadline or if they will extend the CR like they did several times last year.  The major difference this year is that DoD (because of the Federal government budget uncertainty) is funding CAP on a monthly basis instead of quarterly and that has significantly reduced CAP's budget authority.  In order to ensure limited Federal funding is available for "real world" Air Force directed missions, the following events/items will be paused until DoD is able to significantly increase CAP's FY12 budget authority.

Events/Items Paused
·         All Air Force training and evaluation missions both air and ground

·         All cadet orientation flights

·         All Counterdrug missions

·         All aircraft maintenance movement "A9" flights

·         All aircraft major maintenance.  In most cases the aircraft will be grounded if major maintenance is required.  Minor maintenance will continue.  Any minor maintenance that exceeds $500 must be approved in advance by NHQ/LG.

·         All "B" and "C" missions except 1st AF directed "real world" "B" missions (Note: Federal funds are used to offset major maintenance expenses on Corporate missions so "C" missions have to be curtailed as well.)

·         Sending uniforms to new cadets

·         Sending materials to new members

·         All Federally funded travel (example: IG team travel)

·         No overtime or funded travel for CAP employees including Wing Administrators

·         All vehicle maintenance will be postponed, with the exception of emergency repairs, until funds are restored.  Any emergency maintenance that exceeds $250 must be approved in advance by NHQ/LG.


We understand the inconvenience and concern this will cause some of our members, but it is prudent that CAP take these actions in order to ensure that we are able to support all "real world" Air Force directed missions.  Thank you for your understanding and support.  If you have any questions, please contact John Salvador at (334) 953-7748 ext. 235, cell (334) 538-2697, or email jsalvador@capnhq.gov.

Very Respectfully,

Don Rowland

[Spaceman3750]

It's bugging me a bit that ILWG has yet to send out any information on this through official channels to the general membership. I know I'm just a lowly squadron staffer but it would be nice to hear things from my chain of command and not CAPTalk.

[PWK-GT]

It's bugging me a bit that ILWG has yet to send out any information on this through official channels to the general membership. I know I'm just a lowly squadron staffer but it would be nice to hear things from my chain of command and not CAPTalk.

My Group CC told me that there were a number of calls today to the Group echelons, and that this was supposed to work in the 'trickle-down' manner. Having been made aware, I was then cleared to notify my people.

But, I too was first tipped off about this here...and apparently a number of others in ILWG were already making noise upstairs when I contacted the Group CC.

[FlyerJosh]

It's bugging me a bit that ILWG has yet to send out any information on this through official channels to the general membership. I know I'm just a lowly squadron staffer but it would be nice to hear things from my chain of command and not CAPTalk.

Agreed. I heard the news through three other wings.

I have yet to hear anything about this from any member of ILWG or any sort of email. Seems important enough to do a wing wide email, IMHO.

[Eclipse]

It's bugging me a bit that ILWG has yet to send out any information on this through official channels to the general membership. I know I'm just a lowly squadron staffer but it would be nice to hear things from my chain of command and not CAPTalk.

Agreed. I heard the news through three other wings.

I have yet to hear anything about this from any member of ILWG or any sort of email. Seems important enough to do a wing wide email, IMHO.

You'll should see something tomorrow.  Commanders were notified through their chains this afternoon, but the ramifications of this are still being worked out, and there's not much to say right now beyond what is posted in WMIRS.

[CAP4117]

Thanks Eclipse, that's good to know. Has something like this ever happened before? 

[NCRblues]

Thanks Eclipse, that's good to know. Has something like this ever happened before?

Im not eclipse, but ill answer anyway.

No, not to this scale.

[Eclipse]

Thanks Eclipse, that's good to know. Has something like this ever happened before?

(For the record I was only referring to my wing regarding what should be coming out today.)

We have similar funding issues every year around this time, and it's been worse the last 3-4, but they are generally administrative in nature,
and wings were allowed to spend money "in anticipation of funds" as long as they had money in their respective banks, so the only people
who were really aware of it were the ones at Wing and Region who had to turn over piggy banks to keep things going. 

The difference this time is the "all-stop" on C-symbol stuff that would be not be USAF or corporate funded.

[CAP4117]

How much AF funding goes into the cadet program? Will things like winter encampments and NCSAs be affected? 

[Eclipse]

How much AF funding goes into the cadet program? Will things like winter encampments and NCSAs be affected?

Very little beyond the FCU, the activities themselves are not likely to be impacted, however if reservists and SD's aren't available,
you may not be able to run encampments, and most encampments have flight components as major parts of the activity, so there
would be issues there.

[RiverAux]

Since NHQ has posted a news release on this issue on the web site: http://www.capvolunteernow.com/todays_features.cfm/cap_continuing_air_forceassigned_missions_despite_federal_budget_uncertainty?show=news&newsID=11957 this situation is something that they wish publicized, perhaps to generate some public support to push Congress to do something. 

Have any PAOs at the wing or squadron level been putting out press releases on this issue based on the NHQ release? 

[RADIOMAN015]

Since NHQ has posted a news release on this issue on the web site: http://www.capvolunteernow.com/todays_features.cfm/cap_continuing_air_forceassigned_missions_despite_federal_budget_uncertainty?show=news&newsID=11957 this situation is something that they wish publicized, perhaps to generate some public support to push Congress to do something. 

Have any PAOs at the wing or squadron level been putting out press releases on this issue based on the NHQ release?

PAO's got an internal press release talk a bit more about the situation.   At the local squadron level, at this time, it really doesn't impact our programs, so I have no intention of doing a "negative" press release.

Realistically, I think CAP can expect to see some cuts in funding, just like everyone else.  What I find interesting though, that's at least locally the the Air/Army Guard & Air Force Reserve flying units seem to be doing the same level of flying proficiency training.  IF they are doing the same level of training then I would think that from an AF perspective they would 'fence' the monthly financial support to ensure that CAP continues to performing appropriate ES training and ANY direct mission support, including reimbursable missions.   

Another alternative, although painful, could have seen much of the national headquarters paid staff and wing administrator put on a "short work week".  Remember that most of the National Staff and wing administrators are just pushing mumbo jumbo paper work around.  Shouldn't the priority be to keep the volunteer membership current in ES response skills (via planned funded training exercises), since that's why the AF buys us planes, vehicles, & radio communications equipment          
RM

[AirDX]

A three week stand down isn't going to affect anything.  If it goes on longer than that, you start looking at other options.  Remember, we can still train... just can't train with airplanes.

[RADIOMAN015]

A three week stand down isn't going to affect anything.  If it goes on longer than that, you start looking at other options.  Remember, we can still train... just can't train with airplanes.

Hmm I guess we would than be the CGP, Civil Ground Patrol :angel:
RM

[blackrain]

I would have liked to put in some self funded proficiency flying next week but even that has been stopped.

[mocap84]

Its the exact same thing here in MOWG.

[peter rabbit]

I believe a clarification/update on ground only B/C missions is coming soon.

That's weird, it's almost like GSAR is an after-thought... again...

Was this halt going to interfere with WESS?

If you are referring to the Wing Emergency Services School (WESS) held in Alabama, this is an email sent out 27 October. I do not know if anything has changed since then.

As we monitor the funding conditions you've been reading about regarding our Congressional appropriation, the WESS staff has been working with CAPNHQ and the NOC regarding the November WESS event.  NHQ is allowing our training to continue as planned.

As this mission will be unfunded, we suggest that corporate vehicles collect a few dollars per rider to cover the cost of fuel to and from the event.  If this will effect any unit's participation, please let me know soon. If a budget is approved before the event, we will be able to change the mission back to a funded status.

We look forward to seeing everyone in November.

Michael Long, Lt Col CAP
Commandant NGSAR/NESA
www.nesa.cap.gov

[NCRblues]

Do we know for a fact if this is affecting membership cards or not for those people who renew during this time?

[a2capt]

..and as for sending out the books, is it a funding issue with postage, or do they not have the books printed? I know it's ludicrious on top of it, but if they gave me the choice of paying $6 extra and having it sent vs. having to wait .. some of the cadets have waited as long as their first stripe and well into the second before they got the package from NHQ, in the past. Getting them interested and involved from the get go is important. If this mess creates the mother of all backlogs, then it's perpetual to get out of it. Just because the funding is turned back on, doesn't mean the books will show up four days later.

Just frustrating. Thats all.

[NCRblues]

..and as for sending out the books, is it a funding issue with postage, or do they not have the books printed? I know it's ludicrious on top of it, but if they gave me the choice of paying $6 extra and having it sent vs. having to wait .. some of the cadets have waited as long as their first stripe and well into the second before they got the package from NHQ, in the past. Getting them interested and involved from the get go is important. If this mess creates the mother of all backlogs, then it's perpetual to get out of it. Just because the funding is turned back on, doesn't mean the books will show up four days later.

Just frustrating. Thats all.

The backlog on books and uniforms and ID cards are going to be amazing...

[SAR-EMT1]

In my unit we're most concerned about FCU and new member packets - if it only goes to November 18 it's not a big deal but if history repeats itself it could be way longer than that.

So can't we just put the requests " on hold " , and submit them when funds are freed up ?

My unit usually has a few cases  of
BDU's to hand out to new kids but Blues are another issue.

[a2capt]

For us, OTOH, we've had a fair amount of blues available for a while, and BDUs have dwindled. We've gotten Blues from a local HS JROTC program. 

[NCRblues]

Does ANYONE know if this is affecting membership cards as well, or just books?

[SAR-EMT1]

Does ANYONE know if this is affecting membership cards as well, or just books?

You know... I never thought of that.
Will shoot an email up the line and report back.

[Ed Bos]

Does ANYONE know if this is affecting membership cards as well, or just books?

http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=14063.msg254175#msg254175

Doesn't say anything about it in the letter that was copied to CAPTALK.

[jimmydeanno]

It does make you wonder what is happening to the $20 bucks that cadets are sending in.  What's it for, if not to pay for their binder and membership card?

Also, why are the books on hold?  They've already been purchased and are sitting on a storage shelf in the mail room.  Other than shipping (covered by the $20 check they send in), what additional expenses are being saved by holding these back?

[NCRblues]

Does ANYONE know if this is affecting membership cards as well, or just books?

http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=14063.msg254175#msg254175

Doesn't say anything about it in the letter that was copied to CAPTALK.

Well I know its not stated in the letter, but wing wide, we have almost 25 members now that are waiting on a membership card. Its been 4 weeks for some members (and not all of them new members, ones that have renewed and are waiting on an updated card)

I really have to question why the hold on books and ID cards (if they are being held).

[jimmydeanno]

^In the meantime, they can print the temporary ID card out of e-services.  I'm not being a smarty pants, but if they NEED to have some sort of current CAPID card, it may help.

[a2capt]

..and that ID card, from eServices used to be a replica of the exact thing you'd get in the mail, now it looks like someone stole a script from Geocities. Talk about embarrasing, I'd rather say "the government budget mess is holding up my ID card, here's a screen dump of my record from eServices."

[NCRblues]

^In the meantime, they can print the temporary ID card out of e-services.  I'm not being a smarty pants, but if they NEED to have some sort of current CAPID card, it may help.

Oh I know, I have already told them of that, but we all should know how well teenagers keep paper 

The thing im worried about is that the backlog is #1. Not being kept tract of or #2. will get so big names will be lost in the black hole of the CAP Admin world

[N Harmon]

It does make you wonder what is happening to the $20 bucks that cadets are sending in.  What's it for, if not to pay for their binder and membership card?

Cadet dues are the same now, whether joining or renewing. Senior members often pay different amounts. That money funds CAP NHQ and Wing employees, typically. Maybe a few other things too.

http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/membership_dues.cfm

Vanguard sells initial cadet packets for $45.00, which is not covered by any cadet's first year dues.

[blackrain]

My ID card arrived in the mail Tuesday. Nearly identical to the old one except it is considerably thinner plastic. Maybe they are saving money with the thinner card. I don't know.

[PHall]

My ID card arrived in the mail Tuesday. Nearly identical to the old one except it is considerably thinner plastic. Maybe they are saving money with the thinner card. I don't know.

The new company ID I just got at work is a lot thinner then the card it replaced. Maybe it's a trend in the industry?

[NCRblues]

Just got this in an email from my wing king

[/quote]
" Civil Air Patrol's National Executive Committee has authorized a limited number of additional types of missions after reviewing priorities for the use of reduced federal funds during the continuing federal budget uncertainty. The NEC was able to do this because CAP has received some additional federal funding, but the amount is insufficient to go back to normal operations at this time.

With the approval of Maj. Gen. Chuck Car, national commander, the following missions are now authorized:

Air Force Rescue Coordination Center-approved missions.
 
Air Force-approved disaster relief missions.
 
Some Air Force-funded training and check ride missions.
 
Maintenance "A9" sorties.
 
Air Force homeland security missions.
 
Other Air Force-approved missions.
 
Air Force-approved "B" missions funded by other agencies or by members.
 
Corporate "C" missions.
Reduced funding is also affecting the Air Force and other Department of Defense agencies.  The situation will likely continue until Congress and President Barack Obama approve the final Fiscal Year 2012 DoD Appropriations Bill" [/quote]

[RiverAux]

I wonder if our State Directors are going to be pared back as part of the AF's 9000 civilian job cuts.

[RADIOMAN015]

I wonder if our State Directors are going to be pared back as part of the AF's 9000 civilian job cuts.

Looking in my crystal ball
I would think at the Detachment Level (Regions) you could see some eliminated and than the remaining realigned.  Might even just see 3 remaining and renamed Eastern, Central, & Western.  Also you might see the State Directors number of wings responsible for get reorganized to reflect the total number of units, aircraft, & missions in wings versus the geographic square miles manning formula currently utilized.

Again anything in the AF that is  "administrative mumbo jumbo" versus direct operational is subject to being cut.   
RM   

[PHall]

I wonder if our State Directors are going to be pared back as part of the AF's 9000 civilian job cuts.

Looking in my crystal ball
I would think at the Detachment Level (Regions) you could see some eliminated and than the remaining realigned.  Might even just see 3 remaining and renamed Eastern, Central, & Western.  Also you might see the State Directors number of wings responsible for get reorganized to reflect the total number of units, aircraft, & missions in wings versus the geographic square miles manning formula currently utilized.

Again anything in the AF that is  "administrative mumbo jumbo" versus direct operational is subject to being cut.   
RM

We're already doing that. Take a look at the CAP-USAF Directory on the National web page.

[RADIOMAN015]

Just got this in an email from my wing king

" Civil Air Patrol's National Executive Committee has authorized a limited number of additional types of missions after reviewing priorities for the use of reduced federal funds during the continuing federal budget uncertainty. The NEC was able to do this because CAP has received some additional federal funding, but the amount is insufficient to go back to normal operations at this time.

[/quote]
Well my sources tell me it was because the AF was concerned that CAP would over shoot its' funding allocation and CAP was able to convinced the AF that its' CAP wings could properly monitor the funding allocation to avoid over commitment of funds. 
RM