Press release out today discussing a recent meeting of the Air Reserve Forces Policy Committee: http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123328120 (http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123328120)
The interesting part was this:
QuoteAdditionally, the committee has six permanent advisory members to include the deputy assistant secretary for reserve affairs, the commander of Civil Air Patrol - U.S. Air Force, the CAP national commander, the chief master sergeant of the air force, and the command chiefs of both the AFR and the ANG.
So, this is a relatively high profile place to find the CAP-USAF commander and CAP National Commander, especially considering it sort of bypasses a lot of higher level offices in CAP-USAF's chain of command.
The question is whether this is a proper venue for CAP and CAP-USAF to push CAP-related issues? I'm guessing that since CAP is included, that for some purposes CAP is considered part of the "reserve" community along with the AF Reserve and Air NG.
I also found this interesting:
QuoteIf you have an issue the ARFPC should consider -- keeping in mind the goal is to identify strategic level policy changes -- contact the ARFPC executive director and the support staff at: saf.mrrp@pentagon.af.mil.
It appears that this might be an opportunity to make strategic level suggestions regarding AF use of CAP and that they're willing to take them from just about anyone.
What might we want to say to SECAF (who this committee is advising) about CAP utilization?
Revisit the apparently forgotten program to use CAP members to augment AF units?
CAP member access issues on AFBs?
Really interesting. I'll have to think on this.
Let it play out and see where the cards fall. And CAP access to a installation is at the discretion of the Wg King.
ABU's?
>:D C'mon, you knew someone was going to go there anyways...
In all seriousness though, this is very interesting - to me it sounds like yes, CAP is being considered an extension of the "Reserve" force at least from a management perspective. Is this another "Ask the Commander" type thing that is going to end up just ticking off the higher ups though?
Quote from: abdsp51 on December 01, 2012, 05:05:48 AM
Let it play out and see where the cards fall. And CAP access to a installation is at the discretion of the Wg King.
Actually I pretty sure that base access is at the discretion of the base commander.
Quote from: krnlpanick on December 01, 2012, 05:12:53 AM
Quote from: abdsp51 on December 01, 2012, 05:05:48 AM
Let it play out and see where the cards fall. And CAP access to a installation is at the discretion of the Wg King.
Actually I pretty sure that base access is at the discretion of the base commander.
Wing Commander and installation are generally the same person and ultimately it is the Wing CC if they are split who has final say over who may or may not have access.
From a certain perspective, it makes quite a bit of sense. I've often heard of CAP being described as a "force multiplier for the AF in the US". Meaning our volunteer work allows the AF to do more with their active duty personnel because we're around to take over certain duties. It's very similar in that aspect to the Reserves and the Guard. Both Reserve and Guard airmen don't serve on full-time active duty, but are called to be ready for anytime a need requires more people & resources than the AD AF can reasonable fill.
(Yes, there's the whole Federal/State issue with the Guard along with other things that are different. I'm just painting with a broad brush for a specific line of thinking.)
Personally, I'm in support of anything that increases our missions, capabilities and brings us closer to our parent service.
Quote from: Walkman on December 01, 2012, 02:50:51 PM
Personally, I'm in support of anything that increases our missions, capabilities and brings us closer to our parent service.
Here, here!
This shouldn't be any surprise, though of course it is. :P
After all, years ago we were under Continental Air Command, along with the AFRES and ANG.
http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=15355 (http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=15355)
I am all out for anything bringing us closer to the USAF, and healing the breaches that still exist between us.
CAP has been represented on this commitee for a number of years now.
Hasn't really made that much of a difference so far.
It makes a difference now, as the Reserve is being asked to cut resources, money and some services begining immediately!!
It only makes perfect sense for the Air Force to revisit what CAP can do for them in terms of direct support!
Quote from: PHall on December 01, 2012, 07:42:58 PM
CAP has been represented on this commitee for a number of years now.
Hasn't really made that much of a difference so far.
A committee is 12 people doing the work of one.
-John F. Kennedy
(no good source for the attribution...)
Committee - a life form with six or more legs and no brain. [R.A. Heinlein]
Quote from: SarDragon on December 02, 2012, 09:03:11 PM
Committee - a life form with six or more legs and no brain. [R.A. Heinlein]
"I AM NOT A COMMITTEE!" Princess Leia, Empire Strikes Back
"You worshipfulness!" - Han Solo