NHQ makes prudent decision regarding C19

[Eclipse]

Out of an abundance of caution, NHQ is making prudent decisions
and helping squadrons to make informed choices regard operations and activities.

***************************************************************************

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL CAP UNIT COMMANDERS FROM: CAP/CC

SUBJECT: Interim Change Letter – CAPR 60-1, Cadet Program Management

ICL 20-02 13 March 2020

To allow local leaders maximum flexibility during the current health emergency, and to help protect our most important resource - our members - CAPR 60-1, paragraph 4.3 (Cadet Activities) is temporarily suspended.

That section establishes requirements for weekly cadet squadron meetings, monthly "Saturday" activities, and wing cadet activities once per quarter.

All requirements in section 4.3 are hereby temporarily suspended until further notice. We intend to reinstate section 4.3 when the Coronavirus risk subsides.

Commanders should explore the possibility of streaming cadet program curricula in lieu of meetings and encourage cadets to continue in their on-line testing.

Please monitor the CAP home page, GoCivilAirPatrol.com, for CAP's latest guidance related to the Coronavirus and follow the guidance of your local public health officials.

[Ned]

Nothing in the ICL says anything about "full stop".

What it says is that the requirement in the regulation that *requires* cadet units to meet weekly and have regular activities is temporarily suspended.

In response to the ICL, I would normally expect unit commanders to perform ORM in consultation with wing HSO and CP staff, and considering local conditions and restrictions.  If the commander deems it safe, units are free to conduct in person meetings.  If not, the unit need not meet in person.

I would expect units to explore streaming or other methods of delivering cadet curricula while encouraging cadets to continue their on-line testing.

And since the COO sent the ICL out yesterday, so I expect it to be posted Monday during normal business hours.
Ned Lee
Colonel, CAP
National Cadet Program Manager

[Eclipse]

Well, certainly no one could argue that.

[JohhnyD]

Got it.

The NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, every school in the country, St. Patrick's day, Broadway, libraries, and
basically any group setting of marginal scale are shut down, the majority of
businesses in the country are sending people home for weeks at a time, but random CAP unit CC's
are in a position to use ORM to decide if they should have a meeting or activity.

The math checks out.

Our unit CC called full stop this AM, our neighboring Wing just did as well. Subsidiarity means local control. Your CC needs to assess the situation on the ground in your area.

[JohhnyD]

BTW it is Covid-19

Coronavirus disease 2019, also known as 2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease, and novel coronavirus pneumonia, is a viral respiratory disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus. It was first detected during the 2019–20 Wuhan coronavirus

[NIN]

The average CAP squadron, if memory serves, is 25 or 28 members. Not all of whom are active.

Compared to exposing one's respiratory system to a stadium full of thousands of people or a 1000 student high school.

The math_does_ check out.


(One of our units is in Coos County, closer to our Canadian brethren than our Wing HQ. I joke "more moose than people up there." I'm suspecting that their small squadron [14 cadets], in a sparsely populated area that likely will not see high rates of infection, with good mitigation procedures, will be able to possibly continue to meet as needed. They've elected to cancel this week's meeting as a "wait and see what happens up here," which is good decision making that I wholeheartedly support. They literally "did the math.")

[etodd]

Our Wing fortunately hasn't gone full stop when it comes to airplanes. Sure, I get the stopping of large gatherings like a big O'Ride day. But as long as the student and CFI are careful, and using IMSAFE and lots of hand sanitizer in the plane, lets keep the training flights, proficiency flights and other small crew things going.  Selfishly, yes, I was happy to be able to get with a safety pilot today and get enough approaches in to stay IFR current for awhile. We have a Cadet who is close to PPL check ride time. These types of sorties/activites are still good to go as long as everyone makes wise decisions.

[Holding Pattern]

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/COVID19_CAP_CC_Memo_14_March_2020_54196E635F06C.pdf

[JohhnyD]

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/COVID19_CAP_CC_Memo_14_March_2020_54196E635F06C.pdf

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/CAP_Guideline_for_Gatherings__Coron_0BEBC02958CCA.pdf

[jeders]

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/COVID19_CAP_CC_Memo_14_March_2020_54196E635F06C.pdf

And with that, we are effectively at full stop for two months except for mission-critical gatherings.

[Eclipse]

Seems prudent...

[JohhnyD]

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/COVID19_CAP_CC_Memo_14_March_2020_54196E635F06C.pdf

And with that, we are effectively at full stop for two months except for mission-critical gatherings.

Nope. We are continuing with online training, with one on one flights for proficiency - we are not stopping anything except in person meetings.

[jeders]

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/COVID19_CAP_CC_Memo_14_March_2020_54196E635F06C.pdf

And with that, we are effectively at full stop for two months except for mission-critical gatherings.

Nope. We are continuing with online training, with one on one flights for proficiency - we are not stopping anything except in person meetings.

Which for the vast majority of the organization is 98% of activities. So the organization as a whole is effectively at a full stop.

[JohhnyD]

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/COVID19_CAP_CC_Memo_14_March_2020_54196E635F06C.pdf

And with that, we are effectively at full stop for two months except for mission-critical gatherings.

Nope. We are continuing with online training, with one on one flights for proficiency - we are not stopping anything except in person meetings.

Which for the vast majority of the organization is 98% of activities. So the organization as a whole is effectively at a full stop.

In the very short run. We are testing Google Meetup as a distance learning and presuming it works, we will have abbreviated weekly, online meetings. Proficiency flights continue.

[etodd]

Proficiency flying, flight evaluations, and other one-on-one flight instruction between a single student and instructor may continue in accordance with current CAP procedures if it is in compliance with any temporary restrictions on airport access and travel restrictions established by state or local agencies.

Whew!  Thanks!

... institute procedures to clean high-touch surfaces (including door handles, knobs, steering wheels, yokes and aircraft control surfaces, handrails, etc.) after each use to limit the potential for exposure.

Yep. I wiped down everything, including the seats yesterday after my sortie. Keep it clean!

[GaryVC]

I am concerned about the cadet program as nearly everything in phase I and II except the open book tests is based on face to face meetings. I hope that NHQ will come up with an alternative to the character development instruction which has been very interactive recently (normally a good thing). I am especially concerned about the drill tests which will not really be possible over the internet.

[PHall]

It's only two months. A delay in their drill test is not going to hurt them.

[NEBoom]

***************************************************************************

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL CAP UNIT COMMANDERS FROM: CAP/CC

SUBJECT: Interim Change Letter – CAPR 60-1, Cadet Program Management

ICL 20-02 13 March 2020

To allow local leaders maximum flexibility during the current health emergency, and to help protect our most important resource - our members - CAPR 60-1, paragraph 4.3 (Cadet Activities) is temporarily suspended.

That section establishes requirements for weekly cadet squadron meetings, monthly "Saturday" activities, and wing cadet activities once per quarter.

All requirements in section 4.3 are hereby temporarily suspended until further notice. We intend to reinstate section 4.3 when the Coronavirus risk subsides.

Commanders should explore the possibility of streaming cadet program curricula in lieu of meetings and encourage cadets to continue in their on-line testing.

Please monitor the CAP home page, GoCivilAirPatrol.com, for CAP's latest guidance related to the Coronavirus and follow the guidance of your local public health officials.

Has this ICL been published anywhere?  I checked the usual spots but did not find it.  Would appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction.

Keep washing those hands!

[PHall]

***************************************************************************

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL CAP UNIT COMMANDERS FROM: CAP/CC

SUBJECT: Interim Change Letter – CAPR 60-1, Cadet Program Management

ICL 20-02 13 March 2020

To allow local leaders maximum flexibility during the current health emergency, and to help protect our most important resource - our members - CAPR 60-1, paragraph 4.3 (Cadet Activities) is temporarily suspended.

That section establishes requirements for weekly cadet squadron meetings, monthly "Saturday" activities, and wing cadet activities once per quarter.

All requirements in section 4.3 are hereby temporarily suspended until further notice. We intend to reinstate section 4.3 when the Coronavirus risk subsides.

Commanders should explore the possibility of streaming cadet program curricula in lieu of meetings and encourage cadets to continue in their on-line testing.

Please monitor the CAP home page, GoCivilAirPatrol.com, for CAP's latest guidance related to the Coronavirus and follow the guidance of your local public health officials.

Has this ICL been published anywhere?  I checked the usual spots but did not find it.  Would appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction.

Keep washing those hands!

Top of the National Headquarters webpage (gocivilairpatrol.com) in about 30 point type.

[etodd]

Could be a good thing for everyone. Sit CAP aside awhile and enjoy the other parts of our lives a bit. A breather. As a volunteer, part time activity, that usually takes up too much time, a vacation might be beneficial to us all. Some Cadets might not believe it, but there truly is life outside of CAP. 😀

[NEBoom]

***************************************************************************

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL CAP UNIT COMMANDERS FROM: CAP/CC

SUBJECT: Interim Change Letter – CAPR 60-1, Cadet Program Management

ICL 20-02 13 March 2020

To allow local leaders maximum flexibility during the current health emergency, and to help protect our most important resource - our members - CAPR 60-1, paragraph 4.3 (Cadet Activities) is temporarily suspended.

That section establishes requirements for weekly cadet squadron meetings, monthly "Saturday" activities, and wing cadet activities once per quarter.

All requirements in section 4.3 are hereby temporarily suspended until further notice. We intend to reinstate section 4.3 when the Coronavirus risk subsides.

Commanders should explore the possibility of streaming cadet program curricula in lieu of meetings and encourage cadets to continue in their on-line testing.

Please monitor the CAP home page, GoCivilAirPatrol.com, for CAP's latest guidance related to the Coronavirus and follow the guidance of your local public health officials.

Has this ICL been published anywhere?  I checked the usual spots but did not find it.  Would appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction.

Keep washing those hands!

Top of the National Headquarters webpage (gocivilairpatrol.com) in about 30 point type.

Which links to this:

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/COVID19_CAP_CC_Memo_14_March_2020_54196E635F06C.pdf

Which is not what I'm trying to find.

[Eclipse]

Could be a good thing for everyone. Sit CAP aside awhile and enjoy the other parts of our lives a bit. A breather. As a volunteer, part time activity, that usually takes up too much time, a vacation might be beneficial to us all. Some Cadets might not believe it, but there truly is life outside of CAP. 😀

Do you have any idea how condescending this sounds considering the monumental task it is to restart an
enterprise the size of CAP, not to mention the major activities and opportunities that have already been
cancelled or will be missed by cadets who only have one shot at it because of timing?

This doesn't end in May, even if the C19 crisis does.  It will ripple well into next year as
venues are lost due to conflicts of re-scheduled events, cadets haven't met a mandate they need(ed)
for a later activity or promotion, and any number of members walk away out of frustration.

And that doesn't even account for the likely thousands, if not tens of thousands, of dollars
at risk with venue deposits, travel expenses, award items that may be unusable, etc.

This is many things, but its not a "good thing" for anyone.

[Fester]

I am concerned about the cadet program as nearly everything in phase I and II except the open book tests is based on face to face meetings. I hope that NHQ will come up with an alternative to the character development instruction which has been very interactive recently (normally a good thing). I am especially concerned about the drill tests which will not really be possible over the internet.

My squadron will be conducting Character Development forums via teleconferencing.  I've seen this concern several times and I don't understand it.  Our Wing is also offering CD Forums via teleconferencing for all units in the Wing.

My goal is to find a way to make a drill test work over the internet when the need arises.

[James Shaw]

I think the ROI of focusing on the Safety of their members is the best decision. I would hate to think I would have to explain how a member was impacted by another member of visitor. It would be better to explain that we stood-down as a precaution then take the chance of someone getting sick and having to explain that to the family and or the media. The short term financial and membership risk would pale in comparison to the long term impact on the individuals and the organizations reputation as a whole. Give people a chance to focus on their safety and that of their family and the organization will benefit from that as a whole. I think it is a good from the NHQ perspective to do the stand-down.

[THRAWN]

Seems like a good time to review personnel files individually and by telecon.

Work on individual skills (i.e. facing movements, land nav, ground school, uniform maintenance).

Work on CBT/PD. Lots of CAP, NFA, FEMA, military courses that have applicability to CAP roles and missions.

Finally subscribe to and read back issues of Emerging Infectious Diseases magazine like I've been telling you to...

[Capt Thompson]

My goal is to find a way to make a drill test work over the internet when the need arises.

A stationary drill test could be done over Skype easily, just have them stand in front of the camera and perform the movements. Marching drill requiring a formation would have to be postponed I would think.

[Brit_in_CAP]

I hope that NHQ will come up with an alternative to the character development instruction which has been very interactive recently (normally a good thing).

There is an online facility for Character that has been used in the past, and there is an effort underway to provide lessons more suited to that media.  CC / Chaplain / CDIs were notified earlier this month to not use the planned lesson online, with the intent of providing a Core Values review in its place.

[Fester]

I hope that NHQ will come up with an alternative to the character development instruction which has been very interactive recently (normally a good thing).

There is an online facility for Character that has been used in the past, and there is an effort underway to provide lessons more suited to that media.  CC / Chaplain / CDIs were notified earlier this month to not use the planned lesson online, with the intent of providing a Core Values review in its place.

I have not seen this guidance.

[PHall]

***************************************************************************

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL CAP UNIT COMMANDERS FROM: CAP/CC

SUBJECT: Interim Change Letter – CAPR 60-1, Cadet Program Management

ICL 20-02 13 March 2020

To allow local leaders maximum flexibility during the current health emergency, and to help protect our most important resource - our members - CAPR 60-1, paragraph 4.3 (Cadet Activities) is temporarily suspended.

That section establishes requirements for weekly cadet squadron meetings, monthly "Saturday" activities, and wing cadet activities once per quarter.

All requirements in section 4.3 are hereby temporarily suspended until further notice. We intend to reinstate section 4.3 when the Coronavirus risk subsides.

Commanders should explore the possibility of streaming cadet program curricula in lieu of meetings and encourage cadets to continue in their on-line testing.

Please monitor the CAP home page, GoCivilAirPatrol.com, for CAP's latest guidance related to the Coronavirus and follow the guidance of your local public health officials.

Has this ICL been published anywhere?  I checked the usual spots but did not find it.  Would appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction.

Keep washing those hands!

Top of the National Headquarters webpage (gocivilairpatrol.com) in about 30 point type.

Which links to this:

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/COVID19_CAP_CC_Memo_14_March_2020_54196E635F06C.pdf

Which is not what I'm trying to find.

The ICL to 60-1 is now posted to the ICL section of the National Headquarters webpage for your viewing pleasure.

[TheSkyHornet]

The ICL to 60-1 is now posted to the ICL section of the National Headquarters webpage for your viewing pleasure.

It's published on the copy of R60-1 on the Regulations page.

It does not easily pop up in a Google Search, but the 'current' copy of 60-1 is available which includes the ICL.

[NEBoom]

***************************************************************************

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL CAP UNIT COMMANDERS FROM: CAP/CC

SUBJECT: Interim Change Letter – CAPR 60-1, Cadet Program Management

ICL 20-02 13 March 2020

To allow local leaders maximum flexibility during the current health emergency, and to help protect our most important resource - our members - CAPR 60-1, paragraph 4.3 (Cadet Activities) is temporarily suspended.

That section establishes requirements for weekly cadet squadron meetings, monthly "Saturday" activities, and wing cadet activities once per quarter.

All requirements in section 4.3 are hereby temporarily suspended until further notice. We intend to reinstate section 4.3 when the Coronavirus risk subsides.

Commanders should explore the possibility of streaming cadet program curricula in lieu of meetings and encourage cadets to continue in their on-line testing.

Please monitor the CAP home page, GoCivilAirPatrol.com, for CAP's latest guidance related to the Coronavirus and follow the guidance of your local public health officials.

Has this ICL been published anywhere?  I checked the usual spots but did not find it.  Would appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction.

Keep washing those hands!

Top of the National Headquarters webpage (gocivilairpatrol.com) in about 30 point type.

Which links to this:

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/COVID19_CAP_CC_Memo_14_March_2020_54196E635F06C.pdf

Which is not what I'm trying to find.

The ICL to 60-1 is now posted to the ICL section of the National Headquarters webpage for your viewing pleasure.

Yup, I saw it.  Thank you!