How many missions does it take to keep you highly motivated?

[JeffDG]

He asked how many missions are necessary.

Yes, I did -- In the Emergency Services section of CAPTalk and with an introductory post that specifically discusses ES missions.

OK, how many have you IC'd in the last 48 hours?

The point I'm making is that ES is one mission.

[RiverAux]

None, and I'm not an IC and don't see why it matters to the conversation. 

My point is that your post is not responsive to the specific question being discussed in this thread.  If you don't like the way I asked the question, then leave it alone. 

[JeffDG]

None, and I'm not an IC and don't see why it matters to the conversation. 

My point is that your post is not responsive to the specific question being discussed in this thread.  If you don't like the way I asked the question, then leave it alone.

You seem to take some kind of ownership interest in this thread.  You have no such interest, and if people wish to point out that CAP has 3 missions, not just ES, then that is completely appropriate to do so.

Now, the fact that you wanted to make some implied comment that I'm not involved in the ES mission is not at all accurate.  I asked that question because your implication was "You're obviously a CP or AE guy, so bugger off and let the adults talk." when I am, in fact, very deeply involved in the ES program.

[RiverAux]

I actually complimented you on participation in CP and AE and said or implied nothing about your ES work as your post obviously implied that you participated in it. 

I don't know that I have ownership even though I started it, but threads do get closed when they get off topic. 

[SarDragon]

C'mon, kiddies. Grow up.

We have enough urinating competitions on here, without specifically starting them. The OP asked a Q about ES, in the ES forum. Coming in and intentionally derailing it isn't kool.

[umpirecali]

I am quasi-disappointed in the number of real missions, although our last wing commander worked hard to get CAP involved in more missions in our state.  The frustrating part was the amount of time it took for me to get trained.  Some of that was my fault as I came into CAP with a busy schedule.  But there were times went I was willing and ready to do MS or MO training, and there was no funding left, or no instructor available, or no class being held.  So, when a real mission came up, it was frustrating to not have the qualifications to go.  Again, some of that was my fault, but it is still frustrating.  I have been MO qualified for 9 months, and have not been able to go on a single flight as an observer since my 2nd qual flight.  In the last 9 months my schedule has been more flexible, I have been a squeaky wheel, and I have been able to get 2 flights in as AP. 

If a real mission were to happen tomorrow, I would be pretty rusty.  I will stay the course and hope that I will get to participate in my first real mission.   

[w7sar]

It's a valid question.  I know it's frustrating to hear from old-timers who (like me) recall week-long missions on a regular basis (sometimes every other week).  Back in the day, ground SAR wasn't a political deal.  I have a whole notebook of newspaper clippings where CAP SAR missions in Utah and Wyoming where CAP was the sole player and was often invited to the crash site to assist in the recovery with the sheriff.
I recall a sheriff, up for re-election, deciding CAP was getting too many headlines (I probably contributed to his woe as I worked for a newspaper) so he took all SAR in-house including ELT, missing aircraft, missing hunters, etc.  It was the beginning of the end.  Not to mention that CAP managed to offend some local law enforcement with stuff like red lights, sirens, "we're in charge" attitude, etc.
On the good side, in the past 10 or 15 years, those bad images are gone, but the missions are few as well.  Chalk it up to technology ... lots of our missions locally are day-long at the most.  With SARSAT, SPOT, cell tracking, radar analysis, etc., we get to the site pretty quickly, which is good.  It means that any SAR volunteer must be ready to go quick, which is problematic for many of us.  Until I retire next year, my job is somewhat needed as we've downsized ... no spare people if I take off.  My employer is kind, but not all the time.  I try to keep my gear ready to go and this too is a challenge if it's not used on a regular basis (even monthly) as I tend to move it in the house to make room for other stuff.
On the command side, it's a rough row to hoe.  I met with many public services agencies and the wing ES guys met with a lot more.  Good PR and good comments, no missions. 
I am sad when I read locally of a lake search or a vehicle search where a CAP plane or two could benefit ... but no call.  Still politics, some lack of understanding of the process, and we too have made the callout process somewhat protracted.  Years ago it was a quick call, now it takes a little longer. 
My worry today is that the missions will ramp up and we may not be ready to go and support it for a long-term event.  One friend at NHq said "be careful about what you wish for."  There may not be enough trained people ready immediately to respond ... and too many missions would have a negative impact on our people as well as their jobs and families.

So??? I agree.  More missions would be nice.  I've not been on a "long" mission (more than a day) for nearly two years.  Years ago I earned a number of finds/saves and clasps on my SAR ribbon ... but today members are hard-pressed to earn the basic award.  (I know awards are not our motivating desire, but they are a measure of activity.  Lots of us choose not to wear ribbons on a regular basis, but it is still nice to earn one.)

Now that I am in a squadron again, I find it very difficult to keep our pilots and ES staff motivated and skills sharp.  We've done a lot of table top missions, SAREX weekends, DF scrambles, etc. and the first dozen are great.  After that, it's another weekend away from home.  And usually it's the IC and comm guy that is left to clean up the ICP and put all the gear away.  I have members now in their second year asking "why" should they be at the meetings each week or even pursue professional development or other SAR skills (such as staff slots).

For some it's the social interaction for others it's learning SAR skills.  But, I agree.  We've run DF events and seldom get called as most county SAR teams have their own DF gear as do many airports.  Yes, we could fly and do a good job and respond on the ground as well.  But, DF is done by the agency and CAP is called when they cannot find it, which is rare.  I am afraid the batteries in my DF gear will expire before I get called ... or if I get called, the batteries will be dead.  It's not for lack of caring, it's just time and I neglect to check the batteries monthly.

Answers?  None.  Our wing team tried many, many approaches and found very little success in getting called.  The effort continues ...

Great discussion here!  I have always said we save more lives in the cadet program than in ES.  I believe that to be true.  Don't neglect the youth.  They are the future of CAP.

[Brit_in_CAP]

Disregard, please.  Pressed the wrong button.

[Brit_in_CAP]

Great discussion here!  I have always said we save more lives in the cadet program than in ES.  I believe that to be true.  Don't neglect the youth.  They are the future of CAP.

What I meant to do!

+1 on the last comment.

[Afbrat52]

How can one create a poll in a post? Very interesting.

[SarDragon]

How can one create a poll in a post? Very interesting.

I think you need a minimum number of posts before that feature is available. There have been problems with new people abusing it.

[JC004]

Correct.

[skydogjack]

After a 12 year absence, I've just returned to CAP. Things have changed, but having been a SAR mountain pilot, and now simply scanner-observer, CAP is about preparation and teamwork, practice and proficiency when the need for CAP missions does arise, and it will.  While I'm still an active pilot, I'm happy to sit in either the right front or rear. Whether it be a natural disaster , or God help us, another terror attack, I want to be part of an organization that is ready to be put into service.

Army combat veteran and retired law enforcement.