CAP Talk

Cadet Programs => Encampments & NCSAs => Topic started by: RiChArD7032 on March 05, 2018, 01:14:47 AM

Title: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: RiChArD7032 on March 05, 2018, 01:14:47 AM
I'm a new SM and kicking around the idea of applying this year, or waiting till next year. Of those who have been, what's your experience attending as a SM? What's it like as a TAC officer or any of the others you've done.

Thank you for your time,
Richard

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Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: Ned on March 05, 2018, 01:31:42 AM
Flight Training Officer (Formerly known as TAC).  Hands down the best and most rewarding job at encampment.  I've done it a couple of dozen times and loved it every time.  Yes, the hours are long, sleep can be a bit elusive, and you will put more steps on your FitBit than you would if you stayed home.

But the rewards are considerable.  Working directly with and mentoring the cadet flight staff and the student cadets is amazing.  Watching their progress over the week is magic.

Yes, all of the other jobs can be fun, too.  I've worked in the kitchen, and done some administrative stuff as well. 

Don't hesitate to apply and go.  I promise (PROMISE!) you will have a great time.

Ned Lee
CAWG Encampment Guy

Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: Jester on March 05, 2018, 02:31:30 AM
Agreed on flight TO.
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: Alaric on March 05, 2018, 02:35:02 PM
I've always enjoyed the Finance Officer role, though TAC was fun too
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: rbi90vmi on March 05, 2018, 02:38:29 PM
As an EMT, I've enjoyed being an HSO. I get to experience all the different aspects and activities of Encampment without being assigned to any squadron or group of cadets.

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Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: Shaffner on March 05, 2018, 11:43:35 PM
Start with Tac Officer.  Then PAO or Logistics


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Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: futura on March 06, 2018, 03:18:29 AM
Another vote for Flight Training Officer !
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: RiChArD7032 on March 06, 2018, 03:44:48 AM
Thanks for the advice. I applied for the TAC officer. I'm late in applying, but we'll see if they still need the position.

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Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: Toad1168 on March 06, 2018, 03:43:29 PM
Quote from: RiChArD7032 on March 06, 2018, 03:44:48 AM
Thanks for the advice. I applied for the TAC officer. I'm late in applying, but we'll see if they still need the position.

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We are definitely looking for help in Missouri!
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: RiChArD7032 on March 06, 2018, 04:15:04 PM
Quote from: Toad1168 on March 06, 2018, 03:43:29 PM
Quote from: RiChArD7032 on March 06, 2018, 03:44:48 AM
Thanks for the advice. I applied for the TAC officer. I'm late in applying, but we'll see if they still need the position.

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We are definitely looking for help in Missouri!
Would if I could. I'm looking to help at the Tri-Wing encampment in Maryland

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Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: Toad1168 on March 06, 2018, 05:07:21 PM
Quote from: RiChArD7032 on March 06, 2018, 04:15:04 PM
Quote from: Toad1168 on March 06, 2018, 03:43:29 PM
Quote from: RiChArD7032 on March 06, 2018, 03:44:48 AM
Thanks for the advice. I applied for the TAC officer. I'm late in applying, but we'll see if they still need the position.

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We are definitely looking for help in Missouri!
Would if I could. I'm looking to help at the Tri-Wing encampment in Maryland

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Definitely go for training officer.  It is the full immersion in the encampment experience.  Definitely the hardest working job, but the most rewarding.
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: foo on March 06, 2018, 09:10:44 PM
Quote from: Toad1168 on March 06, 2018, 05:07:21 PM
Definitely go for training officer.  It is the full immersion in the encampment experience.  Definitely the hardest working job, but the most rewarding.

... said the guy who I presume has never worked Dining Services.
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: J2H on March 08, 2018, 11:03:11 PM
I applied for the Tri Wing encampment as a Training Officer.  I only just joined my Sqdn so I don't have much of a CAP resume and I still need the letter of intent and letters of recommendation
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: GZCP31 on March 08, 2018, 11:30:27 PM
I'm set to be COMMS/IT for my daughter's first encampment.
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: RiChArD7032 on March 08, 2018, 11:38:35 PM
Quote from: J2H on March 08, 2018, 11:03:11 PM
I applied for the Tri Wing encampment as a Training Officer.  I only just joined my Sqdn so I don't have much of a CAP resume and I still need the letter of intent and letters of recommendation
We need to write letters of intent? And recommendation letters?

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Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: GaryVC on March 09, 2018, 01:10:36 AM
That must depend on where you are. We just have an application here in Nevada.
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: Fester on March 09, 2018, 03:07:39 AM
Quote from: RiChArD7032 on March 08, 2018, 11:38:35 PM
Quote from: J2H on March 08, 2018, 11:03:11 PM
I applied for the Tri Wing encampment as a Training Officer.  I only just joined my Sqdn so I don't have much of a CAP resume and I still need the letter of intent and letters of recommendation
We need to write letters of intent? And recommendation letters?

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Boy, as hard as SM positions are to staff at Encampments (from what I've seen) that seems quite excessive.
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: J2H on March 09, 2018, 05:30:09 AM
For the MD/DC/DE Tri-Wing Encampment I need the online app, the 4 required forms, a letter of intent, a CAP resume, and 2 letters of recommendation (and I believe something from the Commander saying I am a good fit).
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: Fester on March 09, 2018, 05:33:27 AM
Quote from: J2H on March 09, 2018, 05:30:09 AM
For the MD/DC/DE Tri-Wing Encampment I need the online app, the 4 required forms, a letter of intent, a CAP resume, and 2 letters of recommendation (and I believe something from the Commander saying I am a good fit).

To me, that seems pretty ridiculous.  Are Senior Staff Encampment positions REALLY that competitive for that encampment?
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: Fester on March 09, 2018, 05:35:28 AM
That's more paperwork than I needed as a Cadet 20 years ago to apply for (and be granted a full scholarship to) my Solo Encampment (predecessor to the PFA's today.)

I needed the written app, a copy of my Student Pilot Cert, a copy of my Medical Cert, a short letter from me about my family's financial status and a letter of recommendation from my Squadron CC.
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: RiChArD7032 on March 11, 2018, 12:35:30 AM
Speaking of resumes, does someone have an example they'd be willing to share? I've never wrote one that covers my CAP "career." thanks in advance.

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Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: J2H on March 11, 2018, 07:57:41 PM
I know all the Senior Command Staff positions are filled but they are doing rolling apps for Training Officers... I did my resume and letter of intent, plus filling out the forms (needing CC sig on one or two).  All I need now is a letter of recommendation or 2 references.
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: RiChArD7032 on May 02, 2018, 08:43:36 PM
I attended our encampment training weekend and was designated as a Senior TO.  I'm excited to attend.  Biggest challenge for us is the fact our squadron billeting is separated from the rest of the cadet squadrons.  Lot's of logistics to work out.  In the main area, the cadets are seconds away from their rooms and we are a 4 min van ride one way.  Looking forward to the fun times.  :)
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: J2H on May 02, 2018, 10:49:11 PM
RiChArD.... you are my Senior T/O for the event :-)

2nd Sqdn, I have D Flight.
Title: Re: Most rewarding encampment Senior Staff position
Post by: RiChArD7032 on May 03, 2018, 09:31:03 PM
Quote from: J2H on May 02, 2018, 10:49:11 PM
RiChArD.... you are my Senior T/O for the event :-)

2nd Sqdn, I have D Flight.
Hey!!!! Looks like there will be two Squadrons displaced. Twice the fun [emoji6]

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