CAP Talk

General Discussion => Membership => Topic started by: ThatBeardedGent on March 11, 2017, 01:17:12 AM

Title: Thinking of joining as an adult
Post by: ThatBeardedGent on March 11, 2017, 01:17:12 AM
Hello my name is Chris and I have been considering joining for a while now but currently I am 28 and feel I may be too old given I have no military experience. What would be the best avenue to join? I know that I would be at a disadvantage but I also am a techie with an IT background and also interested in comms and am a ham radio operator.
Title: Re: Thinking of joining as an adult
Post by: Eclipse on March 11, 2017, 01:23:12 AM
28 is by no means too old, and you would have no disadvantage in that regard.

Find a unit in your area and contact them to discuss their local activities.

http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/how_to_join/join-as-an-active-adult-member/
Title: Re: Thinking of joining as an adult
Post by: Angus on March 11, 2017, 01:32:47 AM
Eclipse is correct, you wouldn't be at a disadvantage.  If you look at the number of our Senior Members, I'd say a good number of us have no prior military experience.  I myself don't, the closet I have is my training form AFJROTC in high school which was good to the drill.  SOme of the aerospace classes helped too.  :D
Title: Re: Thinking of joining as an adult
Post by: PhoenixRisen on March 11, 2017, 02:39:58 AM
Quote from: ThatBeardedGent on March 11, 2017, 01:17:12 AM
Hello my name is Chris and I have been considering joining for a while now but currently I am 28 and feel I may be too old given I have no military experience. What would be the best avenue to join? I know that I would be at a disadvantage but I also am a techie with an IT background and also interested in comms and am a ham radio operator.

Welcome to CAPTalk!

Fellow techie / IT nerd here.  CAP definitely has some awesome stuff to get into if you've got an interest in comms!  I've been a member across both coasts and all of the comms folks I came across were knowledgeable, dedicated people!

Also -- as one of those members who's been in since they were a Cadet (currently 24 years old, going on 13 years of continuous membership), I certainly feel as if I'm in the minority.  The vast majority of senior members I've come across started out later in life.  You certainly wouldn't be at a disadvantage!

I can't speak much more for the comms side - besides the basics I've done as an aircrew guy - but on the tech side, I'm a CyberPatriot mentor for my squadron team and serve on my squadron IT staff maintaining our IT infrastructure, comms equipment, and website.  Feel free to PM me if you've got any questions!

Feel free to send me a PM if you've got any questions!
Title: Re: Thinking of joining as an adult
Post by: Майор Хаткевич on March 11, 2017, 08:04:18 AM
27 year old squadron commander. I'd say I'm typically the youngest guy in any CAP setting by 15-20 years on average.
Title: Re: Thinking of joining as an adult
Post by: Briank on March 11, 2017, 02:26:31 PM
I started at age 40 with no military background whatsoever.  I don't think you'll have any trouble, just read up on the regulations when you get a chance (not all at once, there's a ton!  Pick and choose as needed!).  Most every thing is detailed there.
Title: Re: Thinking of joining as an adult
Post by: etodd on March 11, 2017, 05:06:26 PM
Please visit your local squadron(s). They would love to have you visit and could use your skills. I just joined last year at age 60 with no military experience ... so you are never too old. LOL
Title: Re: Thinking of joining as an adult
Post by: Flying Pig on March 11, 2017, 10:16:23 PM
Are you reliable and trustworthy? Do you have the ability to simply do what you say you will do and not leave people hanging?   If yes, then join.  Techie and IT!!??   You better be careful when you mention that because you may end up with more responsibility than you intended :)

Some of my best and most reliable members were stay at home moms who joined to have an activity with their kid. (Cadet).
Title: Re: Thinking of joining as an adult
Post by: Chappie on March 12, 2017, 07:41:31 AM
I joined at age 45 with no previous military background..like I have told some who have inquired the last uniform I had worn was when I worked as a courier driver when I was in college. I was a pastor of a local church with 20 years of experience as a volunteer Law Enforcement/Fire Dept chaplain.  Had some great mentors who provided great advice...participated in all sorts of activities/events...availed myself of opportunities to train and serve.  It has been/is a great ride.  The networking with individuals in the wing, region, and national is also beneficial to you personally and professionally.