Newbie Interested in CAP Senior Squadron(s) and General Information

sdflyer · April 22, 2012, 04:59:42 AM

First of let me start by saying hello to everyone here and that I'm excited to have found this forum, and hope that I can hep to contribute back to all the information I've found on here in the future.

The reason I'm posting this thread is that I've been a living here in San Diego for the last 11 years after growing up in the Washington DC area, and I am interested in what opportunities there might be for a 30 year old, newly licensed pilot to volunteer his time and enthusiasm. As far as my background I have a BS in Management and Computer Science, and will be finishing off my PPL in the next 2 weeks after which I immediately plan on doing an IFR certification, followed by a complex, and high performance certification. In addition to my education and pilot status I've also done military DoD contracts, management of a couple service companies as well as complex software engineering. I doubt the background I have in the last sentence is too relevant, but figured I wold include it so that those reading this can have a better understanding of my background.

My goals in terms of joining would be to help out in the areas where I could be the most value/added benefit to a squadron while building on my skills an knowledge as a pilot at the same time. I guess what I'm wondering is are my goals responsible and do any squadrons have a need for someone like myself, and if so what would be a good way to go about getting involved? Thank you in advance to any and all of those that reply with their suggestions and advice.

Kyle

abdsp51 · April 22, 2012, 05:05:15 AM

What areas are you looking at contributing to? What are you looking at getting out of it? There are many aspects that you can contribute to. I noticed your title only had senior squadron listed in it. Maybe joining a composite squadron could be beneficial to you and the program.

sdflyer · April 22, 2012, 05:26:00 AM

I'm completely open to suggestions as well as a composite squadron. It is hard for me to say what I'm interested in helping out in as I don't really know what opportunities exist. I added a bit more about my background information in the previous post to include a bit more information about myself in the event that helps. As far as how I can contribute I'm completely open to suggestions/ideas. In terms of my personal goals I really go I really do want to give back to the CAP while also getting to fly, and continually gain additional training/knowledge in the field of aviation as possible (I have no desire to become a professional pilot but I do love to fly as much as I can) . I could see my background in management, budgeting, as well as software engineering possibly being of valuable, but seeing I'm ignorant on the CAP in general it is hard to say if this would be the best use of my me, and would hate to limit the areas I can contribute to to just those areas in the event there are more pressing needs for volunteer work.

All in all would like this to be something I do long-term that is as mutually beneficial as possible and as such am completely open minded to various possibilities as well as taking on different roles on during my tenure in the CAP.

Are there any pressing need that the various squadrons have or gaps that are in need of being filled ? Maybe someone could give me a feel or a high level overview of what opportunities might exist? I'm not trying to be lazy by asking, but when I tried to find more in-depth information online all the info I came across was pretty generic. In general I'd like helping out as much as I can where I can provide the biggest positive impact.

Extremepredjudice · April 22, 2012, 05:38:25 AM

If you have a BS in computer sciences, become the squadron ITO. Definitely a CAP weak spot.

here is the squadron locator.

abdsp51 · April 22, 2012, 05:41:43 AM

Your best bet is to visit nearby squadron/s and see what they have to offer and what you can offer them.

Go to http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/ and enter your zip code. This will give you the local squadrons to you and a POC number. I recommend going to each one and talking with the leadership there. In a way this is like finding a school to go to or buying a car, you have to find the right fit for you.

SarDragon · April 22, 2012, 05:50:24 AM

PM sent. He's in my AOR.

sdflyer · April 22, 2012, 06:00:39 AM

I will take your advice on giving them a call. Does anyone know if the SAN DIEGO SENIOR SQDN 57 is still up and running? When I tried clicking on their website it wouldn't come up. Either way I suppose picking up the phone and doing this the old fashion way is probably the best way to get the detailed information I'm looking for. I'd still love to hear input from others as well if anyone has more to add.

The ITO/CTO is an interesting suggestion I just figured there wasn't much need for IT/Software. Having been in charge of large corp IT environments I'm surprised there isn't a regional group that handles this instead of each individual squadron having to fund their own resources and infrastructure. Then again the whole SIPRNET was a pain back in the early days.

SarDragon · April 22, 2012, 06:28:40 AM

Quote from: sdflyer on April 22, 2012, 06:00:39 AM
I will take your advice on giving them a call. Does anyone know if the SAN DIEGO SENIOR SQDN 57 is still up and running? When I tried clicking on their website it wouldn't come up. Either way I suppose picking up the phone and doing this the old fashion way is probably the best way to get the detailed information I'm looking for. I'd still love to hear input from others as well if anyone has more to add.

The ITO/CTO is an interesting suggestion I just figured there wasn't much need for IT/Software. Having been in charge of large corp IT environments I'm surprised there isn't a regional group that handles this instead of each individual squadron having to fund their own resources and infrastructure. Then again the whole SIPRNET was a pain back in the early days.

I'm in Sq 57. Our web site is "in transition" right now.

The CyBorg is destroyed · April 22, 2012, 01:37:38 PM

Kyle, there are plenty of things you have to offer CAP.

Licenced pilot? Check.
Extensive IT background? Check. There's a speciality track for that.
The desire to help? Double check.

I would say that, as someone who has served in all three types of CAP squadrons - cadet, composite, senior - to shop around to as many squadrons as feasible. Each one has a different culture, or "vibe" if you like (maaan).

If 57 Sqn is the place for you, great. If not, you have other options.

Short Field · April 22, 2012, 01:43:15 PM

Quote from: sdflyer on April 22, 2012, 06:00:39 AM
The ITO/CTO is an interesting suggestion I just figured there wasn't much need for IT/Software.

The requirements at most local levels are very rudimentary at best. The biggest requirements are for Webmasters to maintain a simple squadron website and someone who can teach the other members how to use the CAP online services.

Don't get hung up on what you know now. Most squadrons need people willing to commit the man-hours required to just run the squadron. This includes mundane functions like admin, personnel, professional development, public affairs, and logistics.

Don't worry about your background as all the positions have on-the-job training guides. Please remember that being a squadron admin officer does not conflict with being a search and rescue mission pilot or incident commander.

The CyBorg is destroyed · April 22, 2012, 01:45:53 PM

I have served in five squadrons, as Admin Officer, Safety Officer and Deputy Commander at various times.

I have yet to find a squadron where people didn't "wear more than one hat."

Private Investigator · April 23, 2012, 02:39:33 AM

Quote from: abdsp51 on April 22, 2012, 05:41:43 AM
Your best bet is to visit nearby squadron/s and see what they have to offer and what you can offer them.

Go to http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/ and enter your zip code. This will give you the local squadrons to you and a POC number. I recommend going to each one and talking with the leadership there. In a way this is like finding a school to go to or buying a car, you have to find the right fit for you.

+1 Test drive at least three Squadrons. It is your decision because what I think is a great Squadron may be the worst choice for you. Also with three visits you can compare them. One might be very professional, the other typical good ole boys and the other somewhere in between.

Good luck and have fun ...