Need help selecting specialty track...

[Short Field]

The priority for new senior members should be to complete Level One as soon as possible.  Don't dilute their focus by adding other things into the training program until they finish Level One.  There is plenty of time after Level One to complete other things.  Without Level One, you can not assign them duty positions, specialty tracks, or award them ES qualifications. 

Non-ES qualified members have no business being at a mission base.  Get them qualified first.   

Every mission does not need a mission base.  I have ran several searches, some multi-state, from the comfort of my man cave. 

[smithwr2]

Here's a checklist, in approx order of priority, on how to decide (then I will apply the checklist to the Comm Specialty):

1.  (as stated before) what are you interested in learning and what does your squadron need?
2.  (now for the meat) Does the specialty require written testing?  How much?
3.  Does the specialty require attending various conferences?
4.  Does the specialty require attending other activities beyond usual sqd meetings?
5.  How out of date is the Pamphlet for the specialty?  (Has anyone bothered to update it since 199X?)
6.  Run some specific scenarios on the requirements - see if you can even find the tests, etc that are referenced in the requirements.

Now for the example (and this is not slag the Comm Specialty, I simply am familiar with this specialty):

1.  YMMV.  For myself, I chose Comm because I like radio work and my Sqd needed it at the time of joining.
2.  Comm Technician (ref CAPP 214E) requires CAP Form 119, Radio Operator's Test, and CAP Form 43, Technician Level Communicator's Test.  You also need to obtain CAP Form 76 (Radio Operators Permit)
3. Comm Technician requires attending at least one communications meeting (Wing level in my case); 
4.  Comm Technician requires participation in one mission in a communications capacity; also need to participate in checkins on the local nets for >25% of the time; also have to participate in one comm-exercise sanctioned by the Wing Director of Comm.
5.  The most current Comm Pamphlet CAPP 214E is from 1994, and this by itself means nothing in general.  In the case of the Comm Specialty pamphlet, being old also means being out of date.  For example there is no CAP Form 119, Radio Operator's Test, and no CAP Form 43, Technician Level Communicator's Test, and no CAP Form 76 (Radio Operators Permit).  Not being available does not give you a 'Pass Go and Collect $200', however.  You still gotta do stuff to meet the requirements.

6.  Run some scenarios - if these tests are no longer offered, what requirements have replaced the tests?  Is it documented or is this knowledge word of mouth?  In the Comm-specialty example, BCUT and ACUT tests have replaced some of the Comm-specialty requirements, but it's not well documented and a new CAP member will have to really dig to figure all that out.  This can be a problem for a given specialty, because generally speaking, it will be up to you to figure out how to otherwise meet the requirements for tests and permits that are no longer offered.  An up to date CAP Pamphlet will save you hours of frustration and research later, so in making your specialty selection, I recommend to look for a Specialty Pamphlet that is current, and lists requirements that actually correspond to what CAP offers at the present.

Again, before anyone sends me hate mail on how I am slagging my own specialty, I chose Comm because of reason #1 above, and would do it again for the same reason despite all my "learnings". 

I hope this is helpful.

[SarDragon]

5.  The most current Comm Pamphlet CAPP 214E is from 1994, and this by itself means nothing in general.  In the case of the Comm Specialty pamphlet, being old also means being out of date.  For example there is no CAP Form 119, Radio Operator's Test, and no CAP Form 43, Technician Level Communicator's Test, and no CAP Form 76 (Radio Operators Permit).  Not being available does not give you a 'Pass Go and Collect $200', however.  You still gotta do stuff to meet the requirements.

The 119 test still exists, but it is no longer assigned a number. It's the test you take for ACUT, as it always has been. I think the Tech Level test is online now, so it still exists, too. Form 76 is now tracked online (BCUT or ACUT , so that is still a valid requirement.

6.  Run some scenarios - if these tests are no longer offered, what requirements have replaced the tests?  Is it documented or is this knowledge word of mouth?  In the Comm-specialty example, BCUT and ACUT tests have replaced some of the Comm-specialty requirements, but it's not well documented and a new CAP member will have to really dig to figure all that out.  This can be a problem for a given specialty, because generally speaking, it will be up to you to figure out how to otherwise meet the requirements for tests and permits that are no longer offered.  An up to date CAP Pamphlet will save you hours of frustration and research later, so in making your specialty selection, I recommend to look for a Specialty Pamphlet that is current, and lists requirements that actually correspond to what CAP offers at the present.

There is no test for BCUT.

[smithwr2]

I suppose this is exactly my point.  Some Specialty Tracks require you to obtain 'local knowledge' for success.   Research before choosing, and good luck...

As an aside, I found the Historian Track to be straightforward in terms of meeting requirements.

5.  The most current Comm Pamphlet CAPP 214E is from 1994, and this by itself means nothing in general.  In the case of the Comm Specialty pamphlet, being old also means being out of date.  For example there is no CAP Form 119, Radio Operator's Test, and no CAP Form 43, Technician Level Communicator's Test, and no CAP Form 76 (Radio Operators Permit).  Not being available does not give you a 'Pass Go and Collect $200', however.  You still gotta do stuff to meet the requirements.

The 119 test still exists, but it is no longer assigned a number. It's the test you take for ACUT, as it always has been. I think the Tech Level test is online now, so it still exists, too. Form 76 is now tracked online (BCUT or ACUT , so that is still a valid requirement.

[SarDragon]

This is common info, that has, in my wing, trickled down to the units through the comm folks and the unit commanders.

[abdsp51]

I know I am looking at Cadet Programs myself and they have mentioned starting up an ES Program as well.  I could teach some things ES related.  Is it possible to carry two tracks and have one be the primary?

[davidsinn]

I know I am looking at Cadet Programs myself and they have mentioned starting up an ES Program as well.  I could teach some things ES related.  Is it possible to carry two tracks and have one be the primary?

Yes. I have three myself.

[abdsp51]

What did you go with?   

[davidsinn]

What did you go with?   

CP, AE, LG. I'm stuck at tech on the first two because I can't afford the hotel rooms it would take for the annual TLC class or the AE conferences. I'm master rated on LG for promotions.

[abdsp51]

Great info to know.  I always taught my airmen to be flexible and rounded and our unofficial motto at NCOA was "Semper Gumby".  I just do no want to get sidetracked into something that I wouldn't be happy with.

[CAP_truth]

You never stated what you do outside of CAP. You could select a specialty that would help you outside of CAP and well as help you inside of CAP. Safety is a good specialty as well as AE, finance, personnel, administration, etc. Look them all over before you select one. Also discuss with your unit commander how you can best help the unit and yourself.

[abdsp51]

What outside of ES there is not much that what I do outside of CAP can relate to CAP.  I spoke with the unit and let them know my wishes.  I have a track that I would prefer but flexibiliy is also a key.