CAP Talk

Many of us here believe that there are some great things about CAP and some not-so-great things about CAP and we spend a lot of time discussing these small-scale aspects of the program. 

So, put aside your gripes about the latest uniform controversy and vote on whether you think that on a broad scale CAP is heading in the right direction or wrong direction. 

(Yes, this is modeled on the sort of polls used by the media all the time to describe where people think the country is heading). 

You need to be careful with this broad of a question.  Experiences can vary so greatly from region to region, wing to wing, group to group, and squadron to squadron.  If you asked me that question by echelon, I would have differing answers for each.  Many people who haven't done anything outside the squadron may have a very skewed view of the organization based purely on their local squadron.

Very true, it is simplistic but we've got all sorts of threads here that let people talk about the specific issues, either local or national.

I'm really looking for that overall view.  If you think your squadron is going entirely the wrong direction but think the organization as a whole is doing great, its up to you to decide how to balance those opinions.  Same thing goes for those that think the golf shirt is leading us on the road to [darn]ation, but that the rest of the program is super. 

I think most people's opinions of CAP are going to be much more strongly weighted by what they see with their own eyes than what they think may be going on at higher levels.  And thats fine. 

This poll is disingenuous.  There are few here at this forum that posses a view beyond the local level...what's more, those that post here are not even a percentage of the Greater Active CAP and this any such data would reflect an average of feelings CAP officers have in their own microcosm.

All CAP is basically local.  Those flying, "Cadet'ing," "COMM'ing and ground pounding in CAP normally have built up their program with minimal input for higher ups.  They, like us in our unit, have had to be "creative" or "go without."

There are good squadrons out there, but more and more I see struggling squadrons with fewer than 15 active cadets.  Even in one of the largest cities in the country, at one of the original CAP squadrons, with the most active ES participation by seniors...the cadet program struggles.  IMHO, if the cadet program struggles, CAP struggles.

I went back and looked at two websites for squadrons I used to be active in in Middle East Region.  I commanded one and was deputy commander for cadets at the other.  Both squadrons earned Squadron of Merit, Squadron of the Year and could speak of many other accolades.  Having 20 cadet show up to ES activities or fielding two ground teams at 0200 for a mission.  Sending 12 cadets to encampments or 10 to NCSAs...  Those squadrons are a 1/3 of what they used to be.

Everyone pipes up with a great success story here and there and that's great.  But by and large I'm seeing squadrons become smaller and less active.  Scares me to think my son may not have the opportunity to join CAP in 10 years.  I truly hope I'm wrong.

I guess, I have an interesting perspective on CAP.  Even though I'm "up there", I still work at the squadron level as an O'Flight pilot and, still help out on wing sarex's when I can.  I think we're "OK" for the most part.

Life "at the top" is not the real CAP.  I have enjoyed the meetings and conferences mostly for the friends I've made (and I've made quite a few).  It's good to know I've made a difference in CAP and, It's good to know I will continue to make a difference in this great organization for some time to come; no matter where I serve.  That, IMHO, is the real greatness of CAP. 

I'm sure we are on the right track.  I'm not sure however, at times, where we're going though...... ;D

QuoteThere are few here at this forum that posses a view beyond the local level...what's more, those that post here are not even a percentage of the Greater Active CAP and this any such data would reflect an average of feelings CAP officers have in their own microcosm.

Also true, but the same can be said about most threads on this board.  Never claimed it was a scientific poll. 

Although the number of responses has been fairly light, the number of "wrong track" votes is higher than I expected.  But, given that these sorts of boards tend to attract some folks who want to vent about the organization being discussed, its not too surprising. 

Ask again after all the voting is done at summer boards...

It would be interesting to see how the experience demographics break out for right track vs wrong track.

We hardly get enough people to vote to make a single question worth asking.  Start breaking out demographics and you're comparing even smaller groups and its value decreases even further. 

Just musing out loud, not a serious recommendation.

Well, this surprises me. Having been a cadet and now a senior member I have seen cap go through some tuff times (especially the hwmnbn years) and I generally feel cap is doing good, and getting better. I would really like to hear from those that think cap is going downhill and their reasoning behind it. I'm not saying you're wrong just wanted to hear the other side of the isle.