I have put this off for a while now and may regret posting this. :o I have done as much research as possible and know all the regulations on forming a new squadron, but does anyone have any tips/suggestions/advice/words of wisdom/downloads/forms/etc... that would make a new flight/squadron startup as seamless and painless as possible?
Any costs that will be included that I may not be aware of that could tank the whole operation?
We have decided a Composite is in the best interest for all involved so any advice should be based off of this.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
The answer is "yes," but I'm not sure where the files are. I have a lot of drives right now, due to lack of funds for 1 or 2 big enough for all my files.
Quote from: GroundHawg on October 25, 2013, 10:51:46 PM
We have decided a Composite is in the best interest for all involved so any advice should be based off of this.
How did you decide? Large population of potential Cadets? And an equal amount of Senior Member types who want to do serious ES? Thoughts on corporate plane and/or vehicle? Good luck and best wishes 8)
The National Guard has built a beautiful new aviation maintenance facility in the area and I served with basically the entire command staff during 3 deployments. I asked about the possibility of setting up a new squadron in the building and was told they would support us in any way they could. The area has a massive population of potential cadets. At least 8 Seniors on board already, with half of them with 5+ years of real ES experience. Access to the local plane is not ideal, but it is reasonable and access to two other corporate vehicles is within a 20 min drive.
Good! And good luck...
You need the commitment of 15 people. This is traditionally regarded of at least 3 senior members and 12 cadets. Do not rest asking them until you actually see their applications or transfer requests already prepared, and checks in your hand. Money wise there is an application fee. Have you talked to the Group or Wing if there is no Group? I would suggest talking to their Admin Officer.
I will post a follow-up with the necessary forms and regulations.
Flyer
Are there any items that you're looking for, that you consider the highest priority items? Maybe I can find some of the files I have. It requires some digging.
After looking at CAPR 20-3, Charters and Other Organizational Actions, I remembered you can start a flight with a minimum of 8 members, at least 3 of which should be senior members. This would be attached to a local squadron until you get the 15 members, then you can ask to be redesignated a squadron.
See CAPR 20-3 here:
www.capmembers.com/media/cms/u_082203091831.pdf (http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/u_082203091831.pdf)
The same regulation states that the request is made on a CAPF 27 issued by the Wing Commander. Although this form is available on the NHQ website, you cannot submit it. However it does not hurt for you to look it up, and fill it out as the Wing CC will ask you those questions...
CAPF 27 here:
http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/F027_B506A46B9736B.pdf (http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/F027_B506A46B9736B.pdf)
I once belonged to a unit that met at a New York City Armory. I remember we had to submit a form that was an agreement between the State of New York Military Affairs and CAP to have meetings there. I do not know if that was a CAP form, a state form, or a Region form. Kentucky may be different. Currently this unit was in the process of renewing this form, but was delayed. They cannot meet in the armory for now...
Hope this helps...
Flyer
GroundHawg, please review CAPR 20-3, especially the section about starting new units.
Most of your answers are there.
Good luck!
Quote from: PHall on October 27, 2013, 04:27:38 AM
GroundHawg, please review CAPR 20-3, especially the section about starting new units.
Most of your answers are there.
Good luck!
I have the regs and know what needs to be done officially, its the sage advice of the experienced that I was hoping to get. The letter of agreement between the state department of military affairs to use the facilities is an example. I would not have thought of that, I'm sure the Guard would have caught it, but now I will be prepared if it does come up. Thanks!
Quote from: GroundHawg on October 27, 2013, 12:45:27 PM
Quote from: PHall on October 27, 2013, 04:27:38 AM
GroundHawg, please review CAPR 20-3, especially the section about starting new units.
Most of your answers are there.
Good luck!
I have the regs and know what needs to be done officially, its the sage advice of the experienced that I was hoping to get. The letter of agreement between the state department of military affairs to use the facilities is an example. I would not have thought of that, I'm sure the Guard would have caught it, but now I will be prepared if it does come up. Thanks!
It will come up, trust me. If the Guard didn't bring it up the JAG at Wing would have.
Quote from: GroundHawg on October 27, 2013, 02:29:57 AM
The National Guard has built a beautiful new aviation maintenance facility in the area and I served with basically the entire command staff during 3 deployments. I asked about the possibility of setting up a new squadron in the building and was told they would support us in any way they could. The area has a massive population of potential cadets. At least 8 Seniors on board already, with half of them with 5+ years of real ES experience. Access to the local plane is not ideal, but it is reasonable and access to two other corporate vehicles is within a 20 min drive.
Excellent location. The only downside to a military base is if goes in lock down like after 9/11. The upside is Cadets like military bases a lot, much better than a church basement.
Like the others said be sure to have your people lined up with cash and applications ready. The one thing I would add is the Squadron Commander and his future successors need to be onboard. Tom, Dick and Harry need to be on the same page. Tom gets ill and Dick and Harry ducks out, then you have a new Squadron in a beautiful new facility, with nobody in charge. So besides having the personnel numbers, have Commanders lined up.
I think you are on the right track, good luck.
I have some experience with several units (three now) that used space in military facilities. My best advice is secure, at minimum, some storage space of your own. You'll really need at minimum space for a locking file cabinet and some kind of other locking storage container for CAP assets. It's going to get super tiring packing everything up from the squadron laptop and printer to all your classroom materials, CPFT gear, first aid kits, radios, vests, and whatever else every single week. And if they go home with a particular senior member, what happens if he can't make it? Better to store all of your essential goods on site.
Some military facilities have provided my old units with an actual office or two dedicated to CAP's use. This is even more ideal and makes your life incredibly more easy.
Another thing to consider: On many of the installations, getting Internet access on base was difficult or impossible. It sounds like not a big deal, but with more and more of CAP's training, online cadet testing, record keeping, WMIRS, and other E-Services functions all needing Internet access it becomes increasingly difficult to run a unit without Internet access at the meeting.
Our unit has our own Hanger, located at an Airport, with agreement from the City and Country, but we don't have a Plane, go figure.
Quote from: Devil Doc on October 28, 2013, 12:28:44 AM
Our unit has our own Hanger, located at an Airport, with agreement from the City and Country, but we don't have a Plane, go figure.
At least you have a killer spot for drill ;)
Quote from: GroundHawg on October 28, 2013, 01:51:22 AMAt least you have a killer spot for drill ;)
Even when it's raining!
Quote from: Pylon on October 27, 2013, 08:04:15 PM
Another thing to consider: On many of the installations, getting Internet access on base was difficult or impossible. It sounds like not a big deal, but with more and more of CAP's training, online cadet testing, record keeping, WMIRS, and other E-Services functions all needing Internet access it becomes increasingly difficult to run a unit without Internet access at the meeting.
+1.
After haggling with the base administration (because it's not just a matter of calling up your local ISP and getting them to hook you up, you have to use the base's internet or none at all) we eventually just ended up using a generous SM's cell phone as a wifi hotspot (he has one of those "unlimited plans"). It's not very quick, and of course we end up not having internet when he can't make the meetings, but right now it's all we got.
Part of the above information is incorrect. With a minimum of 8 members you can obtain a unit charter, and thus not be part of another Squadron. After getting the charter, which requires Wing CC approval, and you grow in membership you can change from a Chartered Flight to a Chartered Squadron. Otherwise the information above is correct as to forms etc.