Armed Alaskan GTMs?

[AlaskaRocks]

I've heared a lot about Alaskan GTMs over the age of 18 (Cadets and Senior Members) being required to carry sidearms WHILE ON GROUND TEAM MISSIONS.  I understand that Alaskan CAP aircraft carry firearms because it's required by law, but I was wondering if it's true that adult GTMs carry firearms as well.

As you guys can probably tell by my username, I really like Alaska and I hope to live there some day, I was just wondering if the Armed GTMs rumor is true.

[N Harmon]

Ground teams do not carry firearms. Not even in Alaska.

[bflynn]

CAPR 60-3 states that there will never be firearms used in emergency services operations.  Alaska is not an exception.

CAPR 900-3 permits two exceptions
1) when required by law to do so.  The wing commander must certify the requirement.
2) as emergency survival gear in a CAP aircraft.  They will never be removed from the survival kit except in an actual emergency.

[AlaskaRocks]

Thank you both for clearing that one up

[Flying Pig]

Take a family member with you who isnt in CAP, but just happens to be "hiking" along the same trail with their 300 Win Mag!

[lordmonar]

I once knew someone who went to AKWG for encampment......IIRC they had "bear kits" that had weapons in them in case of an emergency.  Never heard of anyone carrying side arms routely.

[Ed Bos]

CAPR 60-3 states that there will never be firearms used in emergency services operations.  Alaska is not an exception.

CAPR 900-3 permits two exceptions
1) when required by law to do so.  The wing commander must certify the requirement.
2) as emergency survival gear in a CAP aircraft.  They will never be removed from the survival kit except in an actual emergency.

The confusion comes from a few years ago when AKWG members were required to carry firearms in their aircraft survival kits (stowed away, not carried on their person) when flying anywhere in the state. This was where the "required by law" exception applied previously.

There is no such law now.

CAP Ground Teams in the state have never been permitted to carry firearms in accordance with CAP regulation.

Source: I was the previous AKWG/CV and live in Anchorage.

[♠SARKID♠]

I know a few years back they had bear spray (mace) training, but that's the extent of them ever being "armed".

[Ed Bos]

Oh yeah, I still keep bear spray with my gear.

[Eclipse]

Oh yeah, I still keep bear spray with my gear.

Attractant or repellent?

[Private Investigator]

As you guys can probably tell by my username, I really like Alaska and I hope to live there some day, I was just wondering if the Armed GTMs rumor is true.

Wait till you experience Hawaii. 

[Ed Bos]

Oh yeah, I still keep bear spray with my gear.

Attractant or repellent?

Depends on how exciting I want my day to be.

[Major Lord]

You don't need a gun, just a box cutter. That way, you can slice the Achilles tendon of the most disposable ground team member and make your get away! I support the right to keep and arm bears!

Major Lord
Currently armed with Glock 23

[Critical AOA]

You don't need a gun, just a box cutter. That way, you can slice the Achilles tendon of the most disposable ground team member and make your get away! I support the right to keep and arm bears!

Major Lord
Currently armed with Glock 23

Ah... the sacrificial lamb school of thought.  Nice!

Previously, I had always subscribed to the "Don't be the slowest one" school of thought when it comes to being with others in bear country.  But now I have an option as I get older and slower.  Thanks!

[ol'fido]

Simply have one cadet carry all the food. Preferably, a slow one.

"Sir, why do you keep referring to me as 'the Virgin Sacrifice'?"

[billford1]

If guns are completely illegal in CAP I can envision GTMs in Alaska finding a concealed solution like a 44 magnum. I suppose there could be an instance when the GTM has an unexpected encounter with a four legged beast that looks like a car with furr.

[Garibaldi]

Simply have one cadet carry all the food. Preferably, a slow one.

"Sir, why do you keep referring to me as 'the Virgin Sacrifice'?"

Just remember...you don't have to be fast, just faster than the guy behind you.

[Major Lord]

As a practical matter, actually killing a real life, "I am going to eat you" type Griz with a handgun is largely a matter of luck. If you can stalk one and pick your shot, its doable, but taking down a charging bear with a handgun while keeping your bowels under control is likely to be a non-starter. I have heard anecdotes of people firing warning shots at approaching bears being charged ( by the bears, not the police) and in other cases running away like kids lighting poop on fire and ringing your doorbell. In certain California Recreation areas, they sprinkle those "toe-popper" firecrackers, that pop when you step on them, in the entry ways to camp rest rooms. This seems to do a pretty fair job of warding off our (mostly)  timid California Brown Bears. Although I have not personally tried it, I suspect that firing one of my marine pen flares would scare the bejeepers out of them. Maybe I will try it on a few cadets to gauge the reaction first.

Major Lord

[Private Investigator]

In certain California Recreation areas, they sprinkle those "toe-popper" firecrackers, that pop when you step on them, in the entry ways to camp rest rooms. This seems to do a pretty fair job of warding off our (mostly)  timid California Brown Bears.

Actually it is California black bear. In CA the biggest I have seen was comparable to a large German shepherd. Now in the PNW you get some big ones.

[lordmonar]

Simply have one cadet carry all the food. Preferably, a slow one.

"Sir, why do you keep referring to me as 'the Virgin Sacrifice' Cadet Red Shirt?"

FTFY.....1) Bear's don't like virgins....2) it is a CCP violation to ask a cadet his "virgin status".