CAP appropriate or not?

sab163 · May 17, 2011, 01:49:23 AM

I was wondering if putting a car with CAP, and Squadron logos and info on it into a Demolition Derby at the local fair would be appropriate? It could be good advertising and recruiting method.
The Cadets would help paint the car and help with some of the work, while Senior members would do the more hazardous work like glass removal and so on, and a SM would of course drive the car in the derby. I figured I would ask here and get some input on the matter before bringing it up to my Squadron Commander.

Eclipse · May 17, 2011, 01:57:50 AM

What's the point?

Recruiting? Fund raising? Other?

I can almost guarantee your Wing JA will birth a calf out his ear in regards to the liability issues alone.

If one of my units asked me, the answer would be "no".

sab163 · May 17, 2011, 02:02:14 AM

Could get some new people in both Senior and Cadet, and normally the first 3 place winners do have a cash prize that would go to the squadron should they win. Plus it is a fun activity I have done it many times my self.

coudano · May 17, 2011, 02:05:19 AM

you know what would be a great way to advertise CAP?
sponsor a nascar!!!

FW · May 17, 2011, 02:39:08 AM

Yeah.... NASCAR.... Let's do it right..... Busch Series.... Yeah.....

lordmonar · May 17, 2011, 06:22:51 AM

I don't know....sounds like a good idea. Check with wing and see what happens. As far as liablity goes....I don't see how someone putting our logo onto their car would make us liable for anything.....but I'm not a lawyer...so check with wing JA.

jks19714 · May 17, 2011, 12:12:56 PM

Make the event a demolition derby with trains and you could tie together several threads on CAP-Talk at once...

Al Sayre · May 17, 2011, 02:01:57 PM

The question is would the driver wear a blue or green Nomex flight suit and what patches would be allowed? (Had to get a uniform issue in here somehow.

)

sab163 · May 17, 2011, 02:59:57 PM

Well that is kinda a good question in a way, would this if approved be a uniform event? BDU's or BBDU's?

Major Carrales · May 17, 2011, 03:08:37 PM

It seems to me that the only purpose for this is to advertise a squadron. Its might be an activity unit members can attend in soldiarity, but as for the driver being on a CAP "mission" or "activity" I would say no. The fellow in the car would not be nor ever approved to so such an dangerous activity. I would be "Citizen Carrales" not "Major Carrales" who would be driving if it were me.

One question, is the unit sponsoring the car? Provided cash for the entry, or is it just a paint job to get the name out?

sab163 · May 17, 2011, 03:12:36 PM

Quote from: Major Carrales on May 17, 2011, 03:08:37 PM
It seems to me that the only purpose for this is to advertise a squadron. Its might be an activity unit members can attend in soldiarity, but as for the driver being on a CAP "mission" or "activity" I would say no. The fellow in the car would not be nor ever approved to so such an dangerous activity. I would be "Citizen Carrales" not "Major Carrales" who would be driving if it were me.

One question, is the unit sponsoring the car? Provided cash for the entry, or is it just a paint job to get the name out?

point taken on the uniform, it could go both ways for the car if approved the squad could by a car and do the work, or we could get a car from the local bone yard that is already made to the derby specs. That would mean their name would be on the car as well and would be towed to the demo by one of their wreckers.

Major Carrales · May 17, 2011, 03:25:11 PM

If it's just a name on a car, I see little difference between that and a CAP billboard or asking some business to put a sign about CAP on the outside fascade of the building for public display. That is, however, only my opinion...

ZigZag911 · May 17, 2011, 03:44:16 PM

Not just 'NO', but HECK NO!!!!

sab163 · May 17, 2011, 03:52:43 PM

Ok thanks, think I have gotten enough input on the matter, will go through the proper "red tape" and see where it goes.

jimmydeanno · May 17, 2011, 04:56:15 PM

I see absolutely no problem with it at all. Putting an advertisement on something doesn't expose you to legal obligations other than any contractual arrangements you made for getting the advertisement put up (i.e. you agreed to pay X amount for the advert, or replace the car if it's totaled).

The only thing I'd be concerned about would be perception issues. Perception in the same sense as having an adult nightclub as a sponsor for your local cadet unit. Do the 60-minutes test, get a nod from your next commander and it should be fine.

lordmonar · May 17, 2011, 05:20:44 PM

I don't see that much as a problem.

We have night clubs and casinos advertise in our wing magazine......and at one time a bordello.

jimmydeanno · May 17, 2011, 05:25:46 PM

Quote from: lordmonar on May 17, 2011, 05:20:44 PM
I don't see that much as a problem.

We have night clubs and casinos advertise in our wing magazine......and at one time a bordello.

It's a bit more culturally acceptable in your area than in mine

The CyBorg is destroyed · May 17, 2011, 06:48:34 PM

Polo shirt, grey/white or CSU? Sorry, had to get that in there as well.

I'm no lawyer, and I'm hoping that our legal eagle colleague Ned will weigh in on this, but unless you're hauling cadets around in the demolition derby car, I don't really see the liability issues.

However, I do strongly agree with Major Carrales: if the squadron members go as a group just as spectators - civilian clothes only, and no implication that CAP and/or the AF supports the activity.

Brings me to a slightly related matter...I've been seeing these on Evilbay for some time and thought about getting one just as a bumper sticker. Some guy in Greece makes them.

http://tinyurl.com/cappropbars

Would someone at National and/or Vanguard give birth to a cinder block if I did?

Grumpy · May 17, 2011, 08:35:00 PM

Quote from: coudano on May 17, 2011, 02:05:19 AM
you know what would be a great way to advertise CAP?
sponsor a nascar!!!

Yee Gad, here we go again!

JC004 · May 17, 2011, 09:15:54 PM

If the Triangle Thingy were on this, I would highly support watching its destruction and likely pay large amounts of money for the same.