CAP Exeditionary Forces

[arajca]

From the "Steve Fossett" search discussion:

CAP is not an expeditionary force - its entire model is based on local people performing missions within reasonable distance of their homes, for short periods of time.

Because of this, forward logistics is one of CAP's weakest operational links.  We saw this at Katrina as well - only the barest of essential mission personnel were allowed to deploy with no though given to logistical personnel or need.

One would like to think these situations are giving someone pause, but real change can't come without a model adjustment and more people.

Should CAP look at some form of exeditionary force planning for these kind of situations?

[RiverAux]

See the articles and policy on CAP's "C4" concept.  Plans in place already and at least a few of them are built and ready to run. 

[JayT]

I don't think it would be completely out of the question to have materials stockpiled in different areas. Batteries, MREs, water, and all of the other stuff we need.

Work gloves
Spair utility uniforms

All that good stuff.

[jb512]

If you fused this topic with the cargo plane topic: http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=3135.0 and then come up with a good way to make it work, there's no reason why we couldn't do it... well, other than the normal red tape and opposition and funding and....

It would make sense to have some stockpiles of those items in a few locations in each state.  Combine that with a few larger aircraft, trained pilots and aircrew, and there ya go.  Make your phone calls, get your crews headed to the warehouse, and then go make your deliveries.  Have the means for replenishment established for when you run out, and make another run.  Sounds easy enough.

[floridacyclist]

At the same time, we need to train our people on how to deploy while being fully self-sufficient. In ARES, we train and plan to be self-contained for up to a week even though we do not deploy without the blessing and support of the state EOC. I see no reason why CAP shouldn't try to meet the same standard. There are way too many things and unmet needs going on in a disaster zone to show up looking for the nearest motel and chow hall.

[SAR-EMT1]

If CAP was going to do this on any scale, I think it would also require getting a few cargo carriers back, be they panel vans or old duece and a halfs.


I know that years ago we had everything from full up MASH units to cargo carriers, to buses, to generators, tents, rooms chock full of c-rations etc.

[Eclipse]

We train today for 3-days, self sufficient.  Upping that to 5-7 is a reasonable expectation for a self-sufficient resource. From an equipment standpoint, the only thing you'd need to add is more skivvies, socks and maybe a third uniform.

A 5-7 day deployment, not including travel time is completely reasonable, more than that is not.

The idea should be to establish a rotation schedule on the 5-day week with team swaps on the weekends.

Get more people involved, and don't burn them out.

One of the weakest links in CAP is logistics and support.  Why?  Because its not "exciting".  Its hard enough to get people to stand up for the "fun" stuff.

No team should deploy without several extra members for supply, support, and crew rest, but during Katrina we were lucky to be able to go at all, with no thought given to support teams.

If nothing else, who's gonna watch your stuff when you are saving the world?

[jb512]

We train today for 3-days, self sufficient.  Upping that to 5-7 is a reasonable expectation for a self-sufficient resource. From an equipment standpoint, the only thing you'd need to add is more skivvies, socks and maybe a third uniform.

Exactly.

If nothing else, who's gonna watch your stuff when you are saving the world?

The FNG...