CAP and JROTC Relationship and costs

[BillB]

I'm in the process of setting up a Dining-Out for Sept 18th. It will involve AFROTC from the University of Florida, a local high school AFJROTC unit and the local CAP Squadron. The significance of Sept. 18th? The anniversary of the establishment of the USAF. BGen Teresa Djuric, USAF Commander of Holm Center, Maxwell AFB is the main speaker. AFROTC, AFJROTC and CAP-USAF now all fall under command of the Holm Center. (she has accepted the invitation to speak)
One of the goals is to foster cooperation among the three USAF supported organizations. Possibly including various training activities.

[Patterson]

One of the goals is to foster cooperation among the three USAF supported organizations. Possibly including various training activities.

I understand that.  What training does AFJROTC do that would be good for CAP??

I already have two weekends per academic semester dedicated to taking my Cadets to the University and having the ROTC Cadets instruct them in proper Drill, a few breakout sessions conducted by the Professor of Aerospace Studies and his staff that deal with Officership for my Cadet Officers and military skills that are taught in the Freshman ROTC classes.  In return I get them on a KC-135 flight each semester (good to be married to the Squadron Commander of an air Guard Unit!!) and setup events like you are describing. 

I really have never worked with JROTC before.....possibly because the closest unit is somewhat of a drive...   

[jimmydeanno]

I'm curious how they chose the cadets to attend. AFJROTC is really and truly a locally based thing. We had no relationship at all with local units when I was a JROTC cadet, with the exception of a conference or two per year. If you have ten CAP C/Lt. Col's,  you know what you're getting, at least to the minimal nationally published standards. Take ten AFJROTC C/Lt. Col's from five units, and you have no idea what you're getting.

They all came from Alabama AFJROTC units and were selected by their instructors.  They were all at least C/Capt in their units and all had at least three years in their programs (seemed to be a self imposed requirement).  None of them were slouches, by any means.  In fact, I would argue that some of our cadets were a bit further behind the power curve than they were.

Their instructors did a fine job ensuring that those slots wouldn't be wasted.  Also, throughout the week there was a AFJROTC staff member on hand.

I noted earlier that the C/Maj from one of the local AFJROTC units was a serious contender for top performer for my flight.  If he hadn't been wearing a slightly different uniform, you wouldn't have known that he was in a different organization.

In my honest opinion, I'm sure that just like a CAP unit you can find some really high-speed cadets in any JROTC unit and some slouches.  The SASIs and ASIs are smart enough not to send someone who is going to embarrass them to a joint function like this, especially on the first year.

[ZigZag911]

Because they AF does not give it to us for free at either Maxwell or Gunter.  They charge us the standard rates they charge everyone, including themselves.

I have long felt that there is an inequity here: many of the national cadet special activities and basic encampments as well are recruiting tools for the Air Force; in fact, information about USAF enlistment/commissioning programs is, I believe, still part of the required encampment curriculum.

You'd think that, to support this effort, the Air Force could spring for the use of the quarters for these events (not food, just the rooms).

Then again, I know that, at least here in NJ, when our folks support Mcguire AFB annual air show, those that remain overnight to work as volunteers all day get charged each night for 'lodging' (which at least in the case of the cadets has often been barracks at Ft Dix, 8-12 to a room).

I guess that's why we call it "Come And Pay"!

[C/Martin]

If I am not mistaken, CAP and AFJROTC have the same Cadet programs officer, something like that.

But to answer the original post, the USAF dosnt pay for many AFJROTC events, so 99% sure they didnt pay for those cadets to attend a CAP event. The only AFJROTC fully-paid event is the Honors camp, which is in its last year due to budget cuts.

And in JROTC there are slouches and some speedy guys. But, my SASI sent a kid to the last honors camp who can barley do 8 push-ups.

As far as what training AFJROTC has to offer to CAP, nothing really.

How some JROTC units give ranks, you really do not know what you are getting out of 5 C/Lt Cols. The way my unit does it, everyone applies for a staff position. staff positions come with rank.

[SarDragon]

If I am not mistaken, CAP and AFJROTC have the same Cadet programs officer, something like that.

Not even close.

From above:

Both organizations happen to be headquartered at Maxwell AFB at the Holm Center and talk with each other at the staff level.

Ned Lee
National Cadet Programs Guy

[jimmydeanno]

You'd think that, to support this effort, the Air Force could spring for the use of the quarters for these events (not food, just the rooms).

I can understand this sentiment.  However, in a day where the air force doesn't need much recruiting help (new recruits waiting a year to go to BMT) and downsizing their officer corps, while at the same time, being told they need to cut money out of their budget - I just don't foresee them taking a hit on their budget for something like this.

Additionally, certain locations are a bit easier to provide "free" lodging.  Somewhere like Ft. Pickett in Virginia, with their WWII era open-bay barracks, no air conditioning and 8 amp electrical service with the cadets essentially doing the building maintenance while they are there is easy to say, "sure, just use it and make sure it's clean when you leave."

On Maxwell, the ops-tempo is significantly higher.  Their lodging is hotel-like with televisions, separate rooms for each individual, maid service, towel service, free laundry facilities, etc.  When you have people employed to take care of the rooms through a contract and the additional overhead, they aren't going to change their procedures or lay 15 people off for a week, simply because we are using the building.

[ZigZag911]

However, in a day where the air force doesn't need much recruiting help (new recruits waiting a year to go to BMT) and downsizing their officer corps, while at the same time, being told they need to cut money out of their budget - I just don't foresee them taking a hit on their budget for something like this.

Nothing is forever; the economic picture will change, the wars may heat up, and the services will again be scrambling for recruits....why is everything the US government does so short term and short sighted?

[Майор Хаткевич]

However, in a day where the air force doesn't need much recruiting help (new recruits waiting a year to go to BMT) and downsizing their officer corps, while at the same time, being told they need to cut money out of their budget - I just don't foresee them taking a hit on their budget for something like this.

Yes, but even with all the tough times the Army head, the AF fared better during the 05-08 period. In fact, while the Army/Marines were building up their forces, the Air Force had multiple downsizing periods where they cut 50% of ROTC students at a time.
Nothing is forever; the economic picture will change, the wars may heat up, and the services will again be scrambling for recruits....why is everything the US government does so short term and short sighted?