Last I knew, the free version of Adobe Acrobat allows you to place a signature file on a document.

Vanguard is is selling just a plain old dark blue ballcap.  I went to a local cap store, matched the color with a nametape, and sewed on name and rank.

Didn't have to pay FedEx shipping 

QuoteThis is the usual argument against the cohort approach, however I've seen the success of cohorts convert a lot of non-believers. At least for cadets, I don't know about senior member recruiting.

Channelizing new members into clearly defined recruiting windows isn't specifically "turning people away."  If your recruiting engine is properly tuned, you'll have a flyer for your next open house, you'll get their contact info, and you'll stay engaged with them until the next window.

As I have said before "When you make CAP 'easy come' it becomes very easy to make it 'easy go' as well."

My deputy commander for cadets, who was very against the cohort concept, said the same thing "What if they don't come back?"

My response "Then how interested in CAP were they in the first place?"  Some of the most "sticky" cadets I've seen over the years were those that did come back.

If you build your pipeline & advertising program correctly, the vast majority of prospective members will show up to your Open House and join "in the window."  After we started doing it for awhile, we'd join 12-16-18 cadets at a crack (22 once) and infrequently had someone show up in between cohorts.  And if we did, we gave them the nickel tour, got thier contact info, and stayed engaged with them until the next event.  Some joined, some did not.

The important thing to remember is that units doing cohort recruiting do this to benefit both the member and the unit.  The member gets properly inculcated into the "ways of CAP" with a dedicated training cycle with other members and the undivided attention of their training cadre and mentors,  while the unit gets the benefit of not having people slide thru the cracks and have to chase members individually who are on various "weeks" of training.

Quote from: Hippidy on June 16, 2025, 12:17:16 AMokay finally got our three new Navy Blue Tactical Caps set up!

Are those on Vanguard or aftermarket?

Looks good.

I figured if I was going to have to cut the velcro off the front to trim it, why not just sew the grade directly to the hat?  Did the same with the name tape on the back.  It's not like I'm going to be getting promoted or changing my name any time soon.

okay finally got our three new Navy Blue Tactical Caps set up!

Quote from: Jaybird180 on June 13, 2025, 09:12:52 PMSimple Question: Is a CSM responsible for completing Level 1?

I have not found the policy answer for this. We have a CSM in my unit and he showed me that eServices has L1 as an enrollment option for him and he started it that so he could complete CPPT.

CAPR 39-2, Para 3.5.1.4. They must complete Level 1 and Cadet Protection Program training prior to associating an any way with CAP cadets.

Easy one - anyone can take FEMA online courses.

Not sure about the rest.

Simple Question: Is a CSM responsible for completing Level 1?

I have not found the policy answer for this. We have a CSM in my unit and he showed me that eServices has L1 as an enrollment option for him and he started it that so he could complete CPPT.

Second Question: Can CSMs take courses intended for our normal Adult Leaders (ie TLC or FEMA courses online)?

Quote from: Shuman 14 on June 06, 2025, 07:57:27 PMI get being behind the power curve and, out of training cycle, etc. but turning them away, or delaying their entry just seems counter-productive to me.

This is the usual argument against the cohort approach, however I've seen the success of cohorts convert a lot of non-believers. At least for cadets, I don't know about senior member recruiting.