"Away-from-squadron" recruitment

Started by AvroArrow, August 25, 2008, 04:31:33 PM

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AvroArrow

My squadron has come up with an idea of recruitment: having trustworthy Cadets going to their school in their BDU (as being in camo and boots would spark some interest, especially if the uniform follow the 39-1 very strictly; you know, perfect tapes, rolled sleeves, rank placement, etc.) and/or doing a presentation about CAP with at least one Senior Member (each of our Cadets, except for two twins and two friends, come from different schools and wearing the uniform may or may not be on the same day as the presentation [if there is one]. Also, the presentation may actually have more than one Cadet and/or Senior Member)

Assuming there is permission given from the Squadron Commander and schools' principals, is this style of recruitment even allowed/possible according to some sort of regulation that CAP has?

jeders

Yes, recruiting in the schools is allowed by CAP.

However, if you're going to wear a uniform to school, wear blues, not BDUs. Blues look more professional, and show off more attention/interest getting bling.

But of course, it all has to be approved by the principal and Squadron Commander.
If you are confident in you abilities and experience, whether someone else is impressed is irrelevant. - Eclipse

flyguy06

I have done that plenty of times in the past. Maybe because I am in the Southeast, but why would you need permission to wear a uniform? They are cloths like anything else. As long as it doesnt violate school dress code policy I dont know why you would need permission?

Eclipse

No reason you can't do this, I concur service dress is more appropriate, unless you're doing a presentation and want a couple of each to show the different variations.

"That Others May Zoom"

Eclipse

Quote from: flyguy06 on August 25, 2008, 04:37:37 PM
I have done that plenty of times in the past. Maybe because I am in the Southeast, but why would you need permission to wear a uniform? They are cloths like anything else. As long as it doesnt violate school dress code policy I dont know why you would need permission?

Wearing the uniform to school requires the unit CC's permission for CAP, and many schools are very reticent these days about allowing any military recruiters inside, and that reticence spills out onto us.

A number of schools in my area will not allow any CAP recruiting activities at all - (and others have JROTC programs, so go figure.)

And the above also assumes the school doesn't have a uniform or dress code, which increasingly, schools in this area are doing.

"That Others May Zoom"

MIKE

#5
I wouldn't have cadets wearing service dress uniform for recruiting during a school day.  Short-sleeve light blue shirt/blouse service uniform is more likely.

Quote from: CAPM 39-12-1. a. Service uniforms include the service dress uniform, long-sleeve light blue blouse/shirt, and shortsleeve
light blue blouse/shirt. These uniforms are authorized for year-round wear. ...

^ Learn.  [/nitpick]

Mike Johnston

AvroArrow

Really, the only problem with Service Uniforms is of two things,

In my squadron's local area of schools, people are more interested and more inclined (for some bizarro reason) with the camo and boots versus shiny dress shoes and ribbons. I have no clue why, but it seems to work out more that way.

Also, since I'm a SSgt, and haven't been in the program for TOO long, I don't have a lot of ribbons, and I'm confident a fellow cadet wouldn't be allowed to skip school to go to another school to recruitment for CAP. Otherwise, I'd be somehwat more inclined to wear even my Service Dress Uniform (assuming I wouldn't boil because of all the extra layers of clothing).

MIKE

Wearing the BDU has the flight characteristics of a brick in many schools if they'll let you in at all... It shouldn't take a rocket surgeon to figure out why.

Quote from: AvroArrow on August 25, 2008, 04:53:42 PM
Also, since I'm a SSgt, and haven't been in the program for TOO long, I don't have a lot of ribbons, ...

Ribbons are optional on the long and short sleeved shirt/blouse.  >:D
Mike Johnston

AvroArrow

#8
Quote from: MIKE on August 25, 2008, 05:00:40 PM
Wearing the BDU has the flight characteristics of a brick in many schools if they'll let you in at all... It shouldn't take a rocket surgeon to figure out why.
???

Quote from: MIKE on August 25, 2008, 05:00:40 PM
Quote from: AvroArrow on August 25, 2008, 04:53:42 PM
Also, since I'm a SSgt, and haven't been in the program for TOO long, I don't have a lot of ribbons, ...

Ribbons are optional on the long and short sleeved shirt/blouse.  >:D

Sorry, I forgot  ;D  Fix0red - MIKE

AvroArrow

Quote from: AvroArrow on August 25, 2008, 05:05:11 PM
Quote from: MIKE on August 25, 2008, 05:00:40 PM
Wearing the BDU has the flight characteristics of a brick in many schools if they'll let you in at all... It shouldn't take a rocket surgeon to figure out why
???

What did you mean, Mike

(sorry for the double-post)

Eclipse

Quote from: AvroArrow on August 25, 2008, 04:53:42 PMIn my squadron's local area of schools, people are more interested and more inclined (for some bizarro reason) with the camo and boots versus shiny dress shoes and ribbons. I have no clue why, but it seems to work out more that way.

Kids like to play "Army", and that's the impression you give them wearing the BDU's for recruiting.

I suppose if the unit has a highly-active ES program, or its an ES-related conference we're recruiting at, that's one thing, otherwise it gives the wrong message from the start.

"That Others May Zoom"

DC

I agree here, you will make a much better impression on the people you want to recruit by wearing a sharp looking service uniform, like SS with a tie, than in BDUs. If you can have several cadets there, it might not be a bad idea to have several uniforms though, to show some of the range. Maybe have your SM in Service Dress, yourself in ss blues, and another cadet in BDUs.

As for only having the ribbons of a C/SSgt, don't worry about it. Chances are the people you are talking to won't know what they are to begin with.. As a C/SSgt, you have at least four, more if you've been to Encampment and been really active. Even the basic four is respectable. Never be embarassed by not having a lot of ribbons, they're less important that you think.

MIKE

Quote from: AvroArrow on August 25, 2008, 05:25:29 PM
Quote from: AvroArrow on August 25, 2008, 05:05:11 PM
Quote from: MIKE on August 25, 2008, 05:00:40 PM
Wearing the BDU has the flight characteristics of a brick in many schools if they'll let you in at all... It shouldn't take a rocket surgeon to figure out why
???

What did you mean, Mike

(sorry for the double-post)

Another way to say the idea won't fly far... will meet resistance and fail.
Mike Johnston

AvroArrow

Well, like I said before, I don't think I could convince a squadron-mate's parents to let him skip school just in the name of CAP (thought that'd be nice..)
Now, if I could, then we could display the uniforms to show the variety, sure. That'd be an awesome idea.

I'll have to think about which uniform though, especially because I don't have a Service DRESS Uniform yet. I'll try to get the coat soon.

Eclipse: Are you saying because kids like to play "Army," the BDU might come off as a bit cocky ???

MIKE

Quote from: AvroArrow on August 25, 2008, 07:03:31 PM
Eclipse: Are you saying because kids like to play "Army," the BDU might come off as a bit cocky ???

Columbine
Mike Johnston

DC

Quote from: MIKE on August 25, 2008, 07:05:47 PM
Quote from: AvroArrow on August 25, 2008, 07:03:31 PM
Eclipse: Are you saying because kids like to play "Army," the BDU might come off as a bit cocky ???

Columbine
Or immature. If you make the effort to wear and take care of a dress uniform, people know you are serious. If they just see a buch of kids running around in camo some people will assume you are just out to play soldier...

As for Columbine, there are those that will always associate the military with mindless killing, there is nothing you can do about them.

Pylon

The new CAPP 52-9, Cadet Great Start pamphlet has handy tips for securing permission to recruit in schools (including a template letter to the school administrator) as well as steps and tips for doing the actual recruiting.
Michael F. Kieloch, Maj, CAP

stratoflyer

Well folks, I'd have to say that as a cadet I've worn my short sleeve blues to  schools numerous times and it just seems to work well and fit into the school atmosphere.

At my old high school, there's a NJROTC unit and a few of those cadets are also CAP cadets. The cadre at NJROTC view us in a positive light, and I've made it a point to stress the fact of cooperation between us, not competition. They've agreed. And the NJROTC cadets wear their uniforms in school twice a week. So in this situation, wearing a CAP uniform to school would be no factor.  And I've seen military recruiters walk in and out of that school many times. No biggie. Guess folks down here don't really fret too much about that sort of thing. Then again, it is Miami.  >:D
"To infinity, and beyond!"

Eduardo Rodriguez, 2LT, CAP

AvroArrow

alright...

So, let's say I were "to go solo" and go in Service Uniform. There's one problem (one I get passed the lack of a lot of ribbons that I have :P ); I have a tie, but no "tie device."

'Think that'll matter a whole lot?   :-\

MIKE

Don't wear a tie... Though they are mandatory with the long sleeve shirt combo.  Go short sleeve, no tie and no ribbons if you are insecure about 'em.
Mike Johnston