Are charter numbers within a wing numbered in sequence from the start of CAP

So if there's a unit with a 075 designation, does that mean that besides wing with 001 there were 73 units in that wing over the course of time

Is there a master list kept somewhere that shows ALL units that were in each wing throughout CAP's existence

Historically I think that would be interesting to see all the different units and locations throughout the United States.

RM

I believe you're correct. We have units that start with 007, 016 and then 034. It goes up from there skipping numbers up to and including 114. I asked Ms Parker at NHQ the question on a master list of units and she advised me that none is kept. It is my understanding, though, that numbers may be used again so that if a unit goes inactive it can be reactivated with its old number.

It is generally true that units were numbered as they were formed, except that when they first started the charter numbers back in the 1950s all the existing units seemed to be given numbers based on alphabetical order.  And, at least in my Wing, the first units did not start at 1, but rather somewhat higher than that.  And yes, you can reactivate an old charter number upon request though generally they just add a new one on.  In my wing I know of some towns that have had squadrons form, die, and reform again with new numbers each time.  Have also seen a town that was missing a unit for several decades start again and reactivate the old charter number. 

When the "New" Boston Composite Squadron (MAWG) was established they were offered the original charter number 002, they declined and were given a number in the  mid-170's. A few years later they accepted the lower number.

units can actually request a specific charter number as long as it is not taken.  There are a few units in MD that have done this in the past 10 years.  Most times there is some sort of historical tie to the number.

Also some unit types are locked into special numbers.

Middle School Squadrons (what ever they are called these days) are all 8XX.

Quote from: lordmonar on July 05, 2011, 06:04:05 PM
Also some unit types are locked into special numbers.

Middle School Squadrons (what ever they are called these days) are all 8XX.

Not sure how it was when the program was created, but, now, it also encompasses high schools.  When I started the process to charter my current squadron, that's what we were initially under the impression we were going to be (cadets going to CAP classes during school hours, similar to JROTC).  Although we are a normal squadron, we still hold our original charter number within the school program series: CA-803.

Quote from: CAPSGT on July 05, 2011, 03:53:48 PM
units can actually request a specific charter number as long as it is not taken.  There are a few units in MD that have done this in the past 10 years.  Most times there is some sort of historical tie to the number.

We have a newer one that requested the Metro area code, made sense.

In the 1960's and at least up through mid-1970, charter numbers began with the wing 2-digit prefix, and the region was not part of the number.  So, for example. units in PAWG all began with "37" plus three additional numbers.  For example, one squadron with which I was affiliated for years had charter number 37125.

I don't know when the numbering system changed to include the region identifier, wing alpha code, and so on.

Quote from: Therapst on July 07, 2011, 08:11:28 PM
In the 1960's and at least up through mid-1970, charter numbers began with the wing 2-digit prefix, and the region was not part of the number.  So, for example. units in PAWG all began with "37" plus three additional numbers.  For example, one squadron with which I was affiliated for years had charter number 37125.

I don't know when the numbering system changed to include the region identifier, wing alpha code, and so on.

Early '90s. I'm not able to verify that at the moment, but I'll give you a couple of links to other Charter Number threads.

http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=2110.msg36178#msg36178

http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=12178.msg222745#msg222745

Quote from: CAPSGT on July 05, 2011, 03:53:48 PM
units can actually request a specific charter number as long as it is not taken.  There are a few units in MD that have done this in the past 10 years.  Most times there is some sort of historical tie to the number.

I remember a few years ago there was a squadron in TXWG that when they chartered they were able get the number TX-041, which happened to be the number of President George HW Bush, the namesake of their squadron.

Load this document from Mark Hess' TeamCAP.org Scribd site: http://www.scribd.com/doc/27901201/CAP-Charter-Numbers-History
It is 3 pages.
It explains the issue, provides the answers, and is written Col. Leonard Blascovich, CAP National Historian.

I think this will bring some facts to the speculations.

Quote from: Smithsonia on July 07, 2011, 10:04:14 PM
Load this document from Mark Hess' TeamCAP.org Scribd site: http://www.scribd.com/doc/27901201/CAP-Charter-Numbers-History
It is 3 pages.
It explains the issue, provides the answers, and is written Col. Leonard Blascovich, CAP National Historian.

I think this will bring some facts to the speculations.

I forgot about that document!

Quote from: Eclipse on July 06, 2011, 01:58:01 AM

Quote from: CAPSGT on July 05, 2011, 03:53:48 PM
units can actually request a specific charter number as long as it is not taken.  There are a few units in MD that have done this in the past 10 years.  Most times there is some sort of historical tie to the number.

We have a newer one that requested the Metro area code, made sense.

Except for the punks/gang that graffiti "The 312" or "312" all over the place.

Are all wing HQ's 001?

Quote from: JerseyCadet on July 10, 2011, 03:38:14 AM
Are all wing HQ's 001?

Yes

Quote from: CAPSGT on July 05, 2011, 03:53:48 PM
units can actually request a specific charter number as long as it is not taken.  There are a few units in MD that have done this in the past 10 years.  Most times there is some sort of historical tie to the number.

Yeah, there's a TN-393.  While I'm by no means an expert on TNWG history, I'm going to go out on a limb and say there have not been 392 other units.  Not sure of the significance of the number...doesn't appear to be an area code.

GAWG also allows specific number requests. Toccoa's squadron is 506, as in 506th PIR of the 101st.
The area has great programs, events, and ties to its time as the home of Easy Company, and many of the events now include CAP participants or volunteers.
3 miles up, 3 miles down!

Quote from: DakRadz on July 16, 2011, 02:07:40 AM
GAWG also allows specific number requests. Toccoa's squadron is 506, as in 506th PIR of the 101st.
The area has great programs, events, and ties to its time as the home of Easy Company, and many of the events now include CAP participants or volunteers.
3 miles up, 3 miles down!

That's awesome.  How could anyone not allow that charter number for that squadron?!?!

And someone stop me if I am wrong, but Charter Numbers that are 000 are the ghost squadrons.  Where all CAP members go for purgatory...