Currently the only alert levels pertain to CAP Radio Communications actions. (see the CAP NTC site for the specific information)
Should we in CAP actually have an improved alert level which would impact the entire ground team, air, and ES support operations personnel?
RM
No.
Unless there is a requirement and expectation (with ramifications) of response and performance, there is no point to
having people "on alert".
The only way I can see this needed is at the Squadron level when there is a possible ELT mission I will call my members and let them know whats going on and that there may be possible action.
In California Wing sometimes the Wing will be put on standby for a possible missing aircraft
My squadron has been working on a standardized alerting, rallying, and dispatching procedure to include situations where telephone lines are out. It's still in the early phases but would love to hear about what other units are doing.
The closest thing we've ever done [wrt actual "alert levels", not "hey we're going now, meet you at the squadron"] is being put on standby for flood assistance.
All it meant was: "hey guys, just as a heads up, you might want to tell your bosses that you'll be asking for time off in the near future.. maybe.."
The idea of having Alert levels sounds like just making some stupid formal process for something we already do. And no doubt if there was a formal process it would be vague and hard to understand with multiple interpretations of the regs. The idea of "standby" will suffice for our purposes. Sorry if it doesn't sound as cool as "Threat Alert Condition Red Delta"
I literally just hung up from a message putting our squadron on alert for a ground team missing child search in the morning. Our wing alert officer called our squadron commander who activated our emergency response system. We use OneCall now and they give us the military rate. Very good tool and it rated us an Outstanding on our last SUI.
The DoD already uses AtHoc (http://www.athoc.com/), they should budget us into it. :)
My Coast Guard Auxiliary District just implemented Everbridge Aware (http://www.everbridge.com/aware). Not sure if it is Auxiliary wide, or will be at some point.
We should have something, even if it's at an informal level. Murphy seems to like to have calls happen about halfway through Happy Hour.... This would take care of easy things like being available, having your CamelBack filled with water, making sure a full set of gear is in your trunk and ready to go, etc.
Speaking of which - and I am certain it's been brought up elsewhere - does CAP or any particular units issue letters to employers explaining our role if we are called?
I know we are not subject to any of the laws of the military (USERRA, etc.), but is there anything in the way of a formal notification/standing memo to employers?
Quote from: WheelsUp on May 12, 2010, 06:33:14 PM
Speaking of which - and I am certain it's been brought up elsewhere - does CAP or any particular units issue letters to employers explaining our role if we are called?
I know we are not subject to any of the laws of the military (USERRA, etc.), but is there anything in the way of a formal notification/standing memo to employers?
It sounds like you don't have the luxury of a work leave law in your state. We recently passed one in WI last year getting us unpaid leave for missions. Here's a copy of the memo I gave to my employer, you're welcome to borrow from it if you like.
SARKID: Thanks for sending that along. I'll have to research the local laws (DC). Also, I work for Federal Gov't, so will have to check those laws and regs as well.
Quote from: WheelsUp on May 12, 2010, 07:47:44 PM
SARKID: Thanks for sending that along. I'll have to research the local laws (DC). Also, I work for Federal Gov't, so will have to check those laws and regs as well.
I'll save you the time. My group CC is DHS/TSA. There are zero work leave laws for feds.
David: I'm a DoD CIV, but it sounds like the regs are universal.
Quote from: WheelsUp on May 12, 2010, 07:57:59 PM
David: I'm a DoD CIV, but it sounds like the regs are universal.
They are. You might be able to make an arrangement with your boss but make sure he checks with his boss too.
Quote from: davidsinn on May 12, 2010, 08:03:58 PM
Quote from: WheelsUp on May 12, 2010, 07:57:59 PM
David: I'm a DoD CIV, but it sounds like the regs are universal.
They are. You might be able to make an arrangement with your boss but make sure he checks with his boss too.
Definitely check with your boss. I am a DoD civilian and have had no problem using annual leave for missions.