I was reading through the CAPR 39-3 and was a little fuzzy on one point in relation to the Counterdrug Ribbon.
Quote21e. Counterdrug Ribbon. Awarded to senior
members for participation in 10 counterdrug sorties. A
bronze clasp is awarded for each additional 10 sorties.
I noticed that in paragraph c of the same section it states that the Air Search and Rescue sorties be in support of ACTUAL SAR missions.
However, this is not the wording of the CD ribbon.
So do training sorties in CD exercises count toward the 10 needed per section 21e?
Does not seem to be clear.
Thanks,
Without being an expert in this subject, I would say that if the sorties were A-3, they would count. If they were identified as a training sortie, no. I have been either the Deputy or CDO for CAWG for about five years and can't say that I have ever been asked this question. We have enough real CD sorties each year that we seldom really do training sorties (slightly over 2000 hours last FY). About every two years, we run a training weekend for pilots and scanners/observers to give them an opportunity to lay eyes on the "suspect agricultural activity". Otherwise, we match up new folks with experienced crew for their training.
We also don't have many people who put in for the Counter Drug ribbon: doesn't seem to be a priority.
I believe the reg was written at a time when no training sorties were done, just classroom & actual. We do run training exercises about once a quarter here I guess, and some other non-CD stuff gets tied in with CD too. So, it's a little complex.
I would stick with the safe side & say actual CD missions, not training. I believe that's the original intent of the reg.
I agree with DNALL and bosshawk on this one. I did 24 CD sorties this year, we had a very successful year too! But I can't imagine that a "practice" CD would count as a sortie. get your traiing on the ground, look at the images of what is and what is not. Learn patterns and tells. Then get up in the sky and keep flying.
The only true way to learn who to properly work a CD is to go out on actual missions and learn the 'tells'. it took me almost the entire season to get really good at it. One 1 or 2 Practice sorties? Can't imagine that would be much of a help unless you are just looking at what is NOT a find. ie skips, weather damage.
The only way to become proficient is to get up in the sky on the real deal and get up a LOT.
My goal for next year is 50+ sorties.
QuoteWe also don't have many people who put in for the Counter Drug ribbon: doesn't seem to be a priority.
It really shouldn't be the individual's responsibility to put in for things like this. Unfortunately, CAP's system is set up in a way that only the individual themself know what they've done and it puts them in the uncomfortable position of having to ask to get an award.
I feel that whenever possible the unit commander or responsible wing staffer should be taking the initiative to get awards to the people that deserve them. Hard to do for the SAR ribbon since every mission has a different IC and staff, but in the CD world command is much more concentrated and I think that they should be able to keep track of how many sorties everyone has done, at least on an annual basis, and put in for an award for everyone who deserves one.
Not critisizing you in particular -- it is a widespread issue.
This is one of a dozen things SIMS can track.