Simple question. If CAP did not exist, do you think you would be involved in Search and Rescue activities?
Probably not. Not sure there's anyone in my area who I could do SAR with in the capacity I do with CAP (volunteer basis with funky schedule).
If I didn't have my current job, probably not. Otherwise I would be paying for my own training, uniforms, equipment, travel......Oh wait.
Even in my young pre-cadet days I had a taste for ES, EMS and public safety. I remember being in 2nd grade and carrying a first aid kit on my bike. Seriously, it was something I grew up wanting to do.
I was fortunate to find CAP, but I also did things relevant to ES type work when I was a lifeguard at age 16 and by late 17 a "junior firefighter" and then, at 18, a volunteer firefighter and EMT.
As far as SAR goes, growing up in FL it would have been tough finding a group to do Ground SAR with. Living up in Northern Virginia, there were tons of groups to join, but I was already in CAP.
Probably not. Most towns and counties don't have any search and rescue groups in which to participate.
Definitely, I've been doing the firefighter/EMT thing for almost 30 years.
CAP is scanner/observer and ground team – more search than rescue.
Outside of CAP, I get to do stuff like rope rescue and vehicle extrication - more rescue than search.
Probably with RACES or local CERT; don't do either now, CAP takes all my "spare" time.
Idk with SAR, but for sure with ARES and that stuff, maybe CERT when I am old enough.
Probably not.
Quote from: PHall on June 14, 2009, 01:02:48 AM
Simple question. If CAP did not exist, do you think you would be involved in Search and Rescue activities?
Ha......many in CAP are not even involved with SAR/ ES.
^ Some still think they are though. >:D
I would find something, maybe the local sheriff's SAR team, Red Cross, or ARES. There is no CERT or CG Aux near me.
The volunteering bug bit me early thanks to the police Explorer program. The only time I didn't volunteer was when I was getting paid to do similar things.
I have been a pilot for the local Sheriff's SAR Team for the past 6 yrs and was the same for another Sheriff for four or five years before that, so yes!!!
Where I live, the local SAR teams are pretty busy: lots of folks who come into the mts and can't find their ways out.
From the radio communications mission support aspect; there would be no problem with joining a local CERT or Medical Reserve Corps. ARES is already a given & RACES participation wouldn't be that difficult to obtain. MARS program could also be attainable.
Generally, my attitude is not to join everything (because generally you can't do a GOOD job for every volunteer group if you are over committed). Volunteering in CAP keeps me busy enough along with work & family obligations.
RM
Quote from: PHall on June 14, 2009, 01:02:48 AM
Simple question. If CAP did not exist, do you think you would be involved in Search and Rescue activities?
Probably yes. I joined CAP for the SAR experience. Where I was living at the time, CAP and VFDs were the only 'SAR' organizations and VFD near my house wouldn't let me join until I was 18.
Honestly, I don't get involved in ES much anymore. I'm sort of burnt out. Due to some politics, it's not fun anymore and I can't hardly keep my qualifications current. I'm a ground-pounder, but I've been trying to get involved on the air-side of ES. Since I'm not a pilot, I'm low on the totem pole for mission scanner training flights around these parts.
I hoping to move away from here in the next year or so and rekindle my SAR interest at my next location. But until then, I'm backing out of CAP ES stuff and going to work on getting my amateur radio license. I may join ARES, RACES, or CERT later this year too.
Good luck with the ham licence.
Quote from: BTCS1* on June 15, 2009, 03:01:02 PM
Good luck with the ham licence.
Thanks. I figure it will give me another avenue to get involved in ES through other organizations.
nope im 14 and the local woodland search team takes only 16 yo or older firefighters
Judging by your username your a ham as well KC2USH? Are you involved with ares? 73, KC2ULR
Naw... I would not be doing SAR. If CAP did not exist, I'd probably join an outlaw biker gang.
If I had never heard of CAP, probably not. If CAP stopped existing today, I'd tack on to another team somewhere. Maybe see if they'd take me at People & Paws, our friendly neighborhood canine team.
Quote from: JohnKachenmeister on June 16, 2009, 03:49:23 AM
Naw... I would not be doing SAR. If CAP did not exist, I'd probably join an outlaw biker gang.
;D
I'd most likely be involved doing something, though "SAR" as a global concept, hard to say. Maybe CERT coordinator or working on the volunteer staff at the local PD, etc.
CAP offers a very unique set of circumstances and opportunities to serve.
Maybe run for congress?
Quote from: BTCS1* on June 16, 2009, 02:48:24 AM
Judging by your username your a ham as well KC2USH? Are you involved with ares? 73, KC2ULR
ive got the application for ARES and just gotta give it back and workin on trying to join races as well
I was on a Red Cross Disaster Response Team before I joined CAP. We could expect at least one fire/incident each week.