Eval interupted by real mission

[Eclipse]

I also don't understand why the CAP radio and DF unit aren't part of the checklist every time a CAP aircraft is flown.

For starters there are a lot members assigned as Mission Observer who believe they are the co-pilot, so they are spending their spin-up time "assisting the pilot" instead of checking the equipment they actually need for their assigned duties.

[arajca]

I also don't understand why the CAP radio and DF unit aren't part of the checklist every time a CAP aircraft is flown.

For starters there are a lot members assigned as Mission Observer who believe they are the co-pilot, so they are spending their spin-up time "assisting the pilot" instead of checking the equipment they actually need for their assigned duties.

That belief extends to alot of pilots as well.

[Smithsonia]

I've had a SAREX turn into a real REDCAP mission twice. Both times I was on the IC staff. Both times I wound up being the only qualified AirCrewman (along with 2 other Staff members who weren't at the end of their duty day and therefore the only available crew ready to take the REDCAP mission.)

So as a PIO/MIO/LO/MSA. I routinely account for all PIOs, who may be serving on another assignment, but are available to switch into PIO/MIO aircrew/GT duties. This is good for 2 reasons.
1. In case I have to go fly. In case I have to lead or join a Ground Team on any assignment that pops up. I have replacements.
2. In case there is an incident (like a CAP aircraft goes down or CAP ground teams gets lost or hurt) I will have a ready made information staff that I can call into the ICP - to handle press inquiries should the PIO duty load go nuclear. This will happen in the event of a real mission no matter what else is going on including a SAREX. The object here is to keep the ICs head in the Search and Rescue mode and out of answering press questions. Keep the public informed. Perform at the highest mission tempo possible and cover all the bases.

The Air Force likes this accounting at Guided SAREXS AND SAREVALs. The flexibility in the mission staff, the variability in mission requirements, and the quick response have all been praised.

I advise that the sign in crew keep track of SAREX participants mission quals that are tough to fill when in a hurry. I want to know how many GTLs, PIOs, LOs, ABDOs, MROs, Ops, Pilots, MOs, APs, are available at any one time. Even when these members have signed in for another job at a particular SAREX. Additionally, I keep all of my various mission kits handy - MO, GTL, PIO, LO, UDF, kits in my car at all SAREXs. I can transition to another job in about 10 minutes.

Being ready to respond. Being able to reconfigure. The ability to react are part of the duty. Might I suggest applying some of these ideas to your next SAREX. Even play this idea as a table top... what would happen if the IC had a heart attack. What would happen if the Air Branch Director had to move up to cover the IC. What if the SAREX went bad and a plane went down. Practice how you fight. As I said, 2 SAREXs have turned into legitimate missions and more than once I've changed my duties on the fly during my time in CAP.

[JC004]

I had a cadet activity weekend turn into an actual once.  They said I was crazy for making mission support part of the plan for the activity.  They were wrong.  When you've got a lot of people and equipment hogged in one place, you should plan.