CAP Talk

Cadet Programs => Encampments & NCSAs => Topic started by: Capmonkey on November 28, 2018, 12:01:08 AM

Title: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: Capmonkey on November 28, 2018, 12:01:08 AM
Hey, guys!
    So as we all know, winter NCSA registrations open on 1 Dec, a few days from now. I'll be applying to NBB, and am hoping to be accepted, as this will be my first NCSA, even though I've been in for 5 years. I was wondering if anyone else on here is planning on applying, as well as any advice y'all may have! Thanks for all the feedback!

Sincerely,
C/Lt Col Capmonkey
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2018
Post by: Pace on November 28, 2018, 01:15:13 AM

1. Wear your beret with pride because no one will ever be as good as a CAP Blue Beret!
2. Demand that you be allowed to wear your Beret at all CAP functions and with any uniform because you've risen above non-Berets to earn it.
3. Make sure people respect your Beret authoritah!!! You are more qualified than them in every respect, whether they realize it or not. I mean two weeks owning that flightline and tracking down overdue aircraft is highly enviable!


Seriously, though:
1. Take what's on the packing list.
2. Don't take more than is on the packing list.
3. Seize every opportunity presented to you to explore the airshow. Don't be a bum who stays in the barracks all the time.
4. Stay professional and don't forget to have fun.


-Four time NBB attendee (3 as SM staff)
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2018
Post by: Capmonkey on November 28, 2018, 01:36:44 AM
Thank you so much for the advice, sir. I can get homesick quite easily, so I am definitely hoping the packed schedule will forbid me from doing that. Thanks again!
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: Eclipse on November 28, 2018, 01:37:04 AM
Pretty sure applications for 2018 are closed at this point.
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2018
Post by: Capmonkey on November 28, 2018, 01:45:03 AM
I meant to say 2019. Simple slip-up
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: jeders on November 28, 2018, 04:13:12 AM
Quote from: Capmonkey on November 28, 2018, 12:01:08 AM
as well as any advice y'all may have!

#1: Get your quals done ASAP. If you don't know what you need to get done, visit http://nbb.cap.gov/step-3-quals.html. This goes whether you are slotted as a primary or an alternate; so many cadets have lost out on this excellent opportunity because they didn't get their quals or paperwork completed on time.

#2: Be humble. You may be a C/Lt Col, but your flight commander may be a C/2d Lt. If you can't accept that and work as part of a team under the direction of a lower ranking cadet, then you will fail. (Not saying that you are like that, but I've seen it happen).
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: Capmonkey on November 28, 2018, 04:17:51 AM
Quote from: jeders on November 28, 2018, 04:13:12 AM
Quote from: Capmonkey on November 28, 2018, 12:01:08 AM
as well as any advice y'all may have!

#1: Get your quals done ASAP. If you don't know what you need to get done, visit http://nbb.cap.gov/step-3-quals.html. This goes whether you are slotted as a primary or an alternate; so many cadets have lost out on this excellent opportunity because they didn't get their quals or paperwork completed on time.

#2: Be humble. You may be a C/Lt Col, but your flight commander may be a C/2d Lt. If you can't accept that and work as part of a team under the direction of a lower ranking cadet, then you will fail. (Not saying that you are like that, but I've seen it happen).

Thank you so much for the advice, sir. As for the quals, looking at the website, I have all of them, and will make sure to stay on top of the paperwork. As for the second point, I always teach my cadets that what you wear on your collar doesn't make you, it's the person inside. I love to learn from everyone, regardless of grade, and would be so thankful for the opportunity to go to NBB. Thank you!
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2018
Post by: TheSkyHornet on November 28, 2018, 03:21:49 PM
Quote from: Capmonkey on November 28, 2018, 01:36:44 AM
I can get homesick quite easily, so I am definitely hoping the packed schedule will forbid me from doing that.

Cowboy up.

Don't go to an NCSA worrying about what's back home. Go in with the mindset of what you're there to accomplish; look forward to the experience and opportunities; and be the person who can hold the group together and motivate for success. That's what officers do.

Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: Capmonkey on November 28, 2018, 04:59:23 PM
Thanks, sir. I appreciate the advice.
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: vesryn on November 28, 2018, 06:52:57 PM
You're going to have a great time. It's a ton of extremely hard work, but honestly they're two of the best weeks I've ever had in my cadet career so far.

As has been mentioned before: You don't need anything that's not on the list, with one exception: Bring a couple extra pairs of socks. You never know when it's going to rain, if your laundry bag might disappear in to the void (that hurt) or anything else.

Good luck!
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: Capmonkey on November 28, 2018, 07:46:32 PM
Quote from: Trenzalorian on November 28, 2018, 06:52:57 PM
You're going to have a great time. It's a ton of extremely hard work, but honestly they're two of the best weeks I've ever had in my cadet career so far.

As has been mentioned before: You don't need anything that's not on the list, with one exception: Bring a couple extra pairs of socks. You never know when it's going to rain, if your laundry bag might disappear in to the void (that hurt) or anything else.

Good luck!

Thanks!
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: FNelson on November 29, 2018, 01:25:16 AM
I am hoping on attending NBB this summer aswell.
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: bd5av8r on December 04, 2018, 03:27:22 AM
My advice (NBB 2010) is this

"Semper Gumby" that is "always flexible" and never be afraid to do tasks that you'd never do as a "leadership cadet."

NBB is a team sport. A team is only as strong as its weakest link. Do that which is asked of you and you'll be rewarded with the finest NCSA you can think of.

Listen to everyone (regardless of grade) you'll be a much better NBB cadet for it. Take all in you can, NBB is like drinking from a fire hose. :D

As for homesickness, you'll be to busy to worry about that. :)

Finally, on your time, study "St. Alban." know who that is and what they stood for.

Remember the Beret is just cloth. Its the person who makes the Beret what it is. :)

Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: Capmonkey on December 04, 2018, 03:33:24 AM
Thanks!
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: Mitchell 1969 on December 05, 2018, 04:59:56 AM
Quote from: bd5av8r on December 04, 2018, 03:27:22 AM
My advice (NBB 2010) is this

"Semper Gumby" that is "always flexible" and never be afraid to do tasks that you'd never do as a "leadership cadet."

NBB is a team sport. A team is only as strong as its weakest link. Do that which is asked of you and you'll be rewarded with the finest NCSA you can think of.

Listen to everyone (regardless of grade) you'll be a much better NBB cadet for it. Take all in you can, NBB is like drinking from a fire hose. :D

As for homesickness, you'll be to busy to worry about that. :)

Finally, on your time, study "St. Alban." know who that is and what they stood for.

Remember the Beret is just cloth. Its the person who makes the Beret what it is. :)

An entire sub-culture for a fly-in? Sorry, but it still sounds cult-like to me.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: bd5av8r on December 05, 2018, 05:43:37 AM
No more "Cult-like" than Hawk Mountain. :) lol
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: Mitchell 1969 on December 05, 2018, 04:12:15 PM
Quote from: bd5av8r on December 05, 2018, 05:43:37 AM
No more "Cult-like" than Hawk Mountain. :) lol

No argument from me about that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: Jester on December 05, 2018, 05:42:56 PM
I know a guy with a NBB tattoo. I have yet to see a HMRS one.
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: Eclipse on December 05, 2018, 06:36:12 PM
That one activity is "less cult-like" then another isn't exactly a ringing endorsement.
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: PHall on December 05, 2018, 06:36:41 PM
Quote from: Jester on December 05, 2018, 05:42:56 PM
I know a guy with a NBB tattoo. I have yet to see a HMRS one.


TMI, way too much TMI. :o
Title: Re: National Blue Beret 2019
Post by: NIN on December 08, 2018, 08:51:56 PM
Quote from: Jester on December 05, 2018, 05:42:56 PM
I know a guy with a NBB tattoo. I have yet to see a HMRS one.
They exist.  I can assure you.