I'm in college, currently enrolled in Army ROTC. I'm interested in exploring some of the auxiliary options out there as well, primarily SDFs, Police Cadets, USCGAUX, and of course CAP.
Can anyone give me some advice as to what the advantages/disadvantages each auxiliary has? Obviously, a SDF would be along the lines of what I'm doing in ROTC with the added benefit of having the privelege of working alongside and providing training cadre to CANG troops and working in a real military environment, but I'm also interested in taking a look into other branches of the services.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Mike
As someone who is enrolled in Army ROTC, I would expect that you're quite busy with school and ROTC. SDF, among other auxiliaries may not be in your best interest at this time. Why join an SDF when you're about to embark on the real thing? I have personally never known anyone on active duty or even in the guard/reserves who was also in an SDF.
CAP and USCG Auxiliary are a little different, but generally your SDFs are a back up to the Guard.
OTOH, I, like many others, have had simultaneous membership in both the military (active/reserve) and CAP.
I'm willing to bet it isn't ROTC, but rather JROTC.
Quote from: Extremepredjudice on December 25, 2012, 07:09:27 AM
I'm willing to bet it isn't ROTC, but rather JROTC.
Nope. Point Loma Nazarene University (http://www.pointloma.edu/) Army ROTC in San Diego, CA.
Quote from: Extremepredjudice on December 25, 2012, 07:09:27 AM
I'm willing to bet it isn't ROTC, but rather JROTC.
Op started with "enrolled in college"....
What MOS are you interested in?
Police cadets could be a good thing if you're planning on becoming an MP. I wouldn't recommend it if it takes up too much time personally.
CAP is great for aviation (you can become aircrew, be around planes, take the occasional Blackhawk flight if your squadron is around an Army AVN BN), emergency services (tanslated over to skills working with people during disasters) and high stress leadership positions and is the most well rounded organization out of the bunch.
USCG Auxillary I would not recommended only based on the fact that it may not be able to give you the boost you're looking for as an ROTC cadet due to it being very Coast Guard centered. Don't get me wrong, they're an awesome organization and are very rewarding, but they're very much so centered towards naval operations (like boat safety classes and assisting the Coast Guard in various ways).
If you are going to be active/reserve Military you can't be a member of an SDF. SDF's are considered Military and you can't be a member of both due to conflict of interest.
Thank you for your replies.
Stonewall is correct, I am in college ROTC in San Diego, CA (not sure how he figured this one out??)
I'd like to branch National Guard MP after I commission, work either as a LEO or in sports medicine full-time.
I have a few friends in the Aztec BTN that are doing something called the SMP program where they do a co/op with the CANG; this provides them with experience in a real military unit while being non-deployable. They go through BCT during the summer. From what I've heard, CSMR would provide a similar experience with a Guard unit up until the time I am ready to commission.
I'm finding that I have a lot more time on my hands than I thought I would; I'm pulling a solid gpa and still finding that most of the time I'm just sitting around with nothing to do. I'm a pretty active guy, and I'd like to use some of this free time to give back to my community.
Mike
Quote from: IrishGinger17 on December 25, 2012, 06:52:44 AM
I'm in college, currently enrolled in Army ROTC. I'm interested in exploring some of the auxiliary options out there as well, primarily SDFs, Police Cadets, USCGAUX, and of course CAP.
Can anyone give me some advice as to what the advantages/disadvantages each auxiliary has? Obviously, a SDF would be along the lines of what I'm doing in ROTC with the added benefit of having the privelege of working alongside and providing training cadre to CANG troops and working in a real military environment, but I'm also interested in taking a look into other branches of the services.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Mike
First and foremost, what is your area of interest? Identify the missions/specialties that you are interested in participating and then choose the organization/branch that provides you with those oppourtunities. The closest thing to a "real" military environment is the real military, ie. active duty or reserve duty in the five branches as well as service with the various national guards. No auxiliary can provide you with a 100% real military environment. Don't bite off more than you can chew either. I'd suggest that you fully apply yourself in your ROTC program, efforts to join the military, and geting your commission. Don't spread yourself too thin. Good luck!
Irish: I'm an MP officer in the California National Guard... Feel free to message me if you have any questions
Quote from: IrishGinger17 on December 25, 2012, 05:31:09 PM
Stonewall is correct, I am in college ROTC in San Diego, CA (not sure how he figured this one out??)
Your user profile has your .edu email address.
Quote from: IrishGinger17 on December 25, 2012, 05:31:09 PM
Thank you for your replies.
Stonewall is correct, I am in college ROTC in San Diego, CA (not sure how he figured this one out??)
I'd like to branch National Guard MP after I commission, work either as a LEO or in sports medicine full-time.
I have a few friends in the Aztec BTN that are doing something called the SMP program where they do a co/op with the CANG; this provides them with experience in a real military unit while being non-deployable. They go through BCT during the summer. From what I've heard, CSMR would provide a similar experience with a Guard unit up until the time I am ready to commission.
I'm finding that I have a lot more time on my hands than I thought I would; I'm pulling a solid gpa and still finding that most of the time I'm just sitting around with nothing to do. I'm a pretty active guy, and I'd like to use some of this free time to give back to my community.
Mike
My advice: Try CAP, give it a shot, see if it is what you'd like to do, and then try other programs. Why? CAP has so much to offer in terms of serving your community. You can become a part of the Emergency Services team and go out on Search And Rescue missions if we get called out on them, you can fly in planes as a Mission Scanner or Aerial Photographer, and a bunch of other things. A lot of squadrons actively do community service, and it could be what you're looking for.
If you want to the co/op with the CANG, than do it too. CAP is one of those things you can sign up for and participate as you have time. CAP is much more ergonomic than you may be thinking. Again, give it a shot. And try a few squadrons too. The first squadron I went to wasn't for me but the second one was right up my alley and I enjoyed it so much that it has become a part of my life, along with Army JROTC and flying lessons.
Along with that, I think JK657 is a MP and an Commisioned Officer, so I'd talk to him.
EDIT: JK657 said it himself and beat me to it!
Quote from: IrishGinger17 on December 25, 2012, 05:31:09 PM
Thank you for your replies.
Stonewall is correct, I am in college ROTC in San Diego, CA (not sure how he figured this one out??)
I'd like to branch National Guard MP after I commission, work either as a LEO or in sports medicine full-time.
I have a few friends in the Aztec BTN that are doing something called the SMP program where they do a co/op with the CANG; this provides them with experience in a real military unit while being non-deployable. They go through BCT during the summer. From what I've heard, CSMR would provide a similar experience with a Guard unit up until the time I am ready to commission.
I'm finding that I have a lot more time on my hands than I thought I would; I'm pulling a solid gpa and still finding that most of the time I'm just sitting around with nothing to do. I'm a pretty active guy, and I'd like to use some of this free time to give back to my community.
Mike
My unit meets on Wednesday nights at Montgomery Field. PM me for more info.
@JK657 & SARdragon
PMs sent
Welcome to CAPTalk, this isn't Twitter.
The San Diego area has several units to choose from, Fallbrook & San Diego proper have senior squadrons, with aircraft. Just north and south of San Diego, as well as Escondido are cadet units and Oceanside has a composite unit.
http://hosted.where2getit.com/civilairpatrol/ (http://hosted.where2getit.com/civilairpatrol/)
Quote from: Eclipse on December 25, 2012, 07:23:01 PM
Welcome to CAPTalk, this isn't Twitter.
Lighten up,
Francis Bob. (http://forums.cadetstuff.org/images/smilies/icon_drillsergeant.gif)
Quote from: JK657 on December 25, 2012, 05:56:14 PM
Irish: I'm an MP officer in the California National Guard... Feel free to message me if you have any questions
From my active duty experience as USMC MP. Is not MP officer a bad choice especially if you plan on a career. All our officers who were Lieutenants were not career guys. The Captains were usually LDOs or people who were timing out. But the Provost Marshal spot, Lt Col was always filled with a infantry or artillery officer for two years before he moved onto another staff job.
Quote from: IrishGinger17 on December 25, 2012, 05:31:09 PM
I'd like to branch National Guard MP after I commission, work either as a LEO or in sports medicine full-time.
I did a few years enlisted in the CA Army Guard. I was already working as a policeman when they offerred me a commission, I requested aviation or combat arms and all they had was Logistics.
Another thing ROTC does not guarantee a commission. If you read "Blackhawk Down" that is the story re: Grimes and that was the reason he knew how to type.
Good luck.
PM sent.
CAP can be found in most places your career is likely to take you. County SAR teams, ARES/RACES, law enforcement reserves or auxiliaries, and CERT all interested me. Since my job includes the possibility of relocation (already moved a couple of times), CAP seemed like a great way to stay involved in volunteering without starting over from scratch if I have to move again. Food for thought if you don't know where you will land after college.
Good luck!
Quote from: Private Investigator on December 26, 2012, 08:34:44 AM
Quote from: IrishGinger17 on December 25, 2012, 05:31:09 PM
I'd like to branch National Guard MP after I commission, work either as a LEO or in sports medicine full-time.
I did a few years enlisted in the CA Army Guard. I was already working as a policeman when they offered me a commission, I requested aviation or combat arms and all they had was Logistics.
Another thing ROTC does not guarantee a commission. If you read "Blackhawk Down" that is the story re: Grimes and that was the reason he knew how to type.
Good luck.
While it is correct in most cases that ROTC at most universities does not guarantee a commission, that is not always the case. A person who is trying to seek a commission in these days of military cutbacks might want to become familiar with the following bit of the United States Code (especially sections (d), (e) and (f)):
10 USC § 2111a - Support for senior military colleges
(d) Termination or Reduction of Program Prohibited.— The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments may not take or authorize any action to terminate or reduce a unit of the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps at a senior military college unless the termination or reduction is specifically requested by the college.
(e) Assignment to Active Duty.—
(1) The Secretary of the Army shall ensure that a graduate of a senior military college who desires to serve as a commissioned officer on active duty upon graduation from the college, who is medically and physically qualified for active duty, and who is recommended for such duty by the professor of military science at the college, shall be assigned to active duty.
(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Secretary of the Army from requiring a member of the program who graduates from a senior military college to serve on active duty.
(f) Senior Military Colleges.— The senior military colleges are the following:
(1) Texas A&M University.
(2) Norwich University.
(3) The Virginia Military Institute.
(4) The Citadel.
(5) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
(6) North Georgia College and State University.
If one were seeking a more "traditional" university experience, I would recommend either Norwich or North Georgia. I chose North Georgia for a variety of reasons. They have an excellent academic program, a large Corps of Cadets, a Georgia Military Scholarship program that covers virtually all costs for persons seeking GA National Guard commissions; and is a place where the concepts of honour and tradition that I was introduced to as a CAP cadet are not just empty words, but are a way of life. (Also, the fact that the campus also had (at least back when I was a student), a nearly 2:1 (mostly civilian)female-to-(mostly military)male ratio didn't hurt situations at the time either). And, it is a fairly conservative school, where self-discipline and duty were just the "way things were done", in a Red state where military service is not derided, but actually looked upon as a standard to strive for. And, for those persons interested in entering the Medical field, just keep in mind that 100% of those students who complete their rigourous pre-med program gain acceptance to the Medical University of Georgia, and North Georgia has excellent Physical Therapy and Nursing programs. Not to mention the also outstanding Dual-Degree Engineering program with Georgia Tech, or Education program, or School of Business Administration. Also, for whatever it is worth, for persons considering military service as a lifelong career, remember that North Georgia has more flag officers on active duty than any other institute of higher learning, including the service academies.
Just to throw my 2 cents in, as an Army Aviation officer who got his commission through ROTC-
CAP is great, I'm enjoying it very much, but I would recommend keeping your focus on ROTC. If you're just starting in ROTC, the requirements aren't too bad. But by the time you're a 3rd or 4th year, you'll be running the show over in ROTC, and CAP will likely take a back seat. Not to mention the difficuties of learning two sets of regulations, courtesies, etc. I'd definitely join CAP, but after earning your commission.
You said you wanted the "real" military experience- CAP is not that. Take a look at CAP's primary missions and the duty positions for Senior Members, and see how they balance with what you want to get out of it.
In my opinion, I would recommend the Simultaneous Membership Program with the CANG. I did the SMP myself, and it was worthwhile without providing any extra stress on my studies and ROTC requirements. Not to mention, each year you are in the SMP counts for pay time when you commission. Not towards retirement mind you, but you will be paid as a 2LT with 2 years rather than a 2LT with <1 year when you commission.
Good advice from someone who has been there, done that and likely has the T-shirt. I spent 30 years in the Army, then 18 in CAP and there are very few points of convergence. CAP plays at military most of the time and rarely gets there.