Questions about joining

Good afternoon everyone. I am relatively new to CAPTalk so cut me some slack on my first post. Posting from my iPod also so there might be some grammatical errors. Although, to be honest, I have read soooo many topics on here it is not even funny. Going through all 11 or 12 pages of some when I should have been doing homework or something more productive   Anyway to my questions.

I'm a 14 yr old girl. I have done a lot of homework about CAP so I know what CAP provides with their programs. I know I would absolutely love to join. My nearest squadron is nine minutes away I believe. I plan on, after graduating, going to college and then joining the Marine Corps. It would be such an amazing privilege and honor to serve my country and I believe that CAP would be a great step in my life toward that. I was wondering if, not that from anyone has it been portrayed to me like this but has anyone seen any discrimination against female cadets or senior female members? It's not really an important question I guess but it's been on my mind.

I am going to be tested for ADD sooner or later too, and I was thinking about how much concentration it may take to be tested and other things. I'm homeschooled. All my life. But I've been tested at schools for various things. How hard are the tests? How long are they? Do you think cadets are smarter than your average teenager? And being homeschooled I can fall behind in school and to me school comes first. If I couldn't make it to a meeting or two do you think I would be looked down upon or miss out on something just because I missed one or two meetings?

Also, I know it's brought up everywhere about CAP being a joke. Does it ever feel like a wannabe thing within the squadron? I'm sure people joke about it but do some people take it too seriously and some not take it serious enough?

One last thing, in the Marines I want to be a 2141 which is an AAV Technician/Repairer, so getting my pilots license wouldn't be essential but I would really like to. Would it be smarter to get my private pilots license through CAP or do it somewhere else? Can I even obtain a pilots license in the CAP? I've heard mixed things about it not a straight forward answer.

Thank you. God bless.

Good afternoon everyone. I am relatively new to CAPTalk so cut me some slack on my first post. Posting from my iPod also so there might be some grammatical errors. Although, to be honest, I have read soooo many topics on here it is not even funny. Going through all 11 or 12 pages of some when I should have been doing homework or something more productive   Anyway to my questions.

I'm a 14 yr old girl. I have done a lot of homework about CAP so I know what CAP provides with their programs. I know I would absolutely love to join. My nearest squadron is nine minutes away I believe. I plan on, after graduating, going to college and then joining the Marine Corps. It would be such an amazing privilege and honor to serve my country and I believe that CAP would be a great step in my life toward that. I was wondering if, not that from anyone has it been portrayed to me like this but has anyone seen any discrimination against female cadets or senior female members? It's not really an important question I guess but it's been on my mind.

I am going to be tested for ADD sooner or later too, and I was thinking about how much concentration it may take to be tested and other things. I'm homeschooled. All my life. But I've been tested at schools for various things. How hard are the tests? How long are they? Do you think cadets are smarter than your average teenager? And being homeschooled I can fall behind in school and to me school comes first. If I couldn't make it to a meeting or two do you think I would be looked down upon or miss out on something just because I missed one or two meetings?

Also, I know it's brought up everywhere about CAP being a joke. Does it ever feel like a wannabe thing within the squadron? I'm sure people joke about it but do some people take it too seriously and some not take it serious enough?

One last thing, in the Marines I want to be a 2141 which is an AAV Technician/Repairer, so getting my pilots license wouldn't be essential but I would really like to. Would it be smarter to get my private pilots license through CAP or do it somewhere else? Can I even obtain a pilots license in the CAP? I've heard mixed things about it not a straight forward answer.

Thank you. God bless.

Hey welcome to CAPTalk and to CAP potentially.

No females are not discriminated against in CAP. Our deputy cadet commander is female and we have several field grade officers who are female.
 
I never feel like a wanna bee in my squadron. The politics you see here on CAPTalk almost never come into play in your real life encounters with  CAP. As a cadet you will almost never see any of this.

CAP cadets have the same ranges of intelligence that you would find in a normal teenage group setting. The tests aren't too difficult and they are open book when you take them online. As long as you read the chapters you will be fine.

If you miss a few meetings and you have a reason it is no big deal. School comes before CAP when it comes to grades and such.

I'll wait for a pilot to talk about the whole liscense thing so I don't mess you up  . CAP is one of the greatest things that will happen to you. It will change you forever and you will make new friends from all over the country.

Welcome!

I'm a 14 yr old girl. I have done a lot of homework about CAP so I know what CAP provides with their programs. I know I would absolutely love to join. My nearest squadron is nine minutes away I believe. I plan on, after graduating, going to college and then joining the Marine Corps. It would be such an amazing privilege and honor to serve my country and I believe that CAP would be a great step in my life toward that. I was wondering if, not that from anyone has it been portrayed to me like this but has anyone seen any discrimination against female cadets or senior female members? It's not really an important question I guess but it's been on my mind.

I can specifically address your question about discrimination. While I am sure this varies slightly from Squadron to Squadron, my personal experience is that this is certainly not the case. Our Squadron Commander is female, we have other female senior officers and our Cadet Flight Sgt. is also female. I have seen the other female cadets excelling as well as (and in some situations, faster and better) than their male counterparts.

I am going to be tested for ADD sooner or later too, and I was thinking about how much concentration it may take to be tested and other things. I'm homeschooled. All my life. But I've been tested at schools for various things. How hard are the tests? How long are they? Do you think cadets are smarter than your average teenager? And being homeschooled I can fall behind in school and to me school comes first. If I couldn't make it to a meeting or two do you think I would be looked down upon or miss out on something just because I missed one or two meetings?

Missing a meeting here and there is expected in most squadrons I think. While attendance is extremely important I would argue that participation is just as important if not more so. Being engaged, making it to as many meetings and activities as you can, and contributing back into your squadron is much more desirable than 100% attendance. Of course I would also argue that every effort should be made to be at every meeting if possible.

Also, I know it's brought up everywhere about CAP being a joke. Does it ever feel like a wannabe thing within the squadron? I'm sure people joke about it but do some people take it too seriously and some not take it serious enough?

My experience is that there are very few people involved in the program who actually feel that way.

The above responses are correct. The tests are based on knowledge gained and the milestones tests are cumulative on prior learning. The best thing to do right now is to visit the local squadron and maybe the next closest squadron to see what you're getting into. They will be able to answer your questions about local practices, whether they are heavily involved in Emergency Services, and other items that may occur to you at a later date.

In addition to what everyone else said, there is a huge fraction of cadets who are homeschooled, so you're not alone!

Females are very welcome! My squadron had a nickname for the longest time that shall never be said online, or atleast in public, due to our lack of females.

Forgot to mention, my cadet commander is homeschooled and is very awesome.

I was homeschooled.


You see how well I turned out...

Hello! First of all, welcome to CapTalk, and if you choose to join, Civil Air Patrol!

I myself am female, and 14 years old. In the 7 months I have been in my squadron and joined CAP, I have never experienced any discrimination towards gender. My squadron has 118 cadets and 32 senior members. About 15 of those cadets are girls, and 10 of those cadets are active. I am proud to say more cadets are taking interest, and just two months ago we only had half as many females as we do now. While most of them are in one of our basic training flights, they are in the same flight with a lot of male basics. I myself am the only girl in my flight, with about 12 other guys. There is absolutely no difference between us when doing drill, PT, etc. and that's how it is in my squadron, and should be in every other squadron.

 Tests shouldn't be hard. If they are, you didn't study the material. Leadership tests will be at a minimum two months apart, 25 questions, open-book. Aerospace tests are the same, except different questions obviously. Both should be very easy if you read the material and go over it. If you don't do that now, things like milestone tests may be slightly harder. Drill tests are in my opinion, the most enjoyable. If you practice at meetings and practice at home, you should do fine. PT tests are very easy as well; if you're curious to see what you need to do to pass, type Cadet Super Chart into Google.

CAP has a large majority of cadets. Some excel in academics, some don't. I like to think that the Civil Air Patrol tests give the cadets who are more challenged academically a chance to excel, because to pass these tests you need a different type of knowledge. While there are a lot of intelligent cadets, you will also find a large range of the cadets who struggle more in school, and that's okay too.

 School always comes first. Squadron commanders, command staff, flight staff, everyone expresses this. If you have to miss a meeting and have a legitimate excuse, then do it. The only thing that I can think of hurting you is missing more then 5 meetings a two month period, not allowing you to promote. Or not notifying the correct people when you will be absent. I myself will soon have to miss a meeting for school reasons, and if it doesn't become a "let's show up to one meeting every month/two months without a good reason or taking a LOA and still expect to promote" then you should be absolutely fine.

 From what I see, the majority of people in CAP take it seriously. It's okay to joke around when appropriate, but the people who show up generally are doing it on their own time. I myself may take it more seriously then a few in my squadron, just because I usually get very into things once I start, and try to put a lot of time and effort in. There will be at least one cadet who puts more hours then me, though, and that will be the case in any organization, whether it's CAP, sports, Girl/Boy Scouts, JROTC, theatre, etc.

I have to say, I don't know much about getting a pilot's license through CAP..sorry. But if you have any other questions, feel free to PM me or comment here. I will help out best I can. Sorry for the long post, but it's nice to meet another female (prospective) cadet! I really hope you enjoy CAP, as it is an amazing experience, and something that can help you so much in the future, whether you wish to serve or not.

Edit: My apologies, sent prematurely from my iPod.

V/R,

^well said.

The availability of flight training varies widely. It really comes down to what’s happening in your area. I know of several cadets who have soloed, and a couple that have earned their ticket.

In any event, cadet orientation flights and attending powered flight academies will certainly get you started.

Hello! First of all, welcome to CapTalk, and if you choose to join, Civil Air Patrol!

I myself am female, and 14 years old. In the 7 months I have been in my squadron and joined CAP, I have never experienced any discrimination towards gender. My squadron has 118 cadets and 32 senior members. About 15 of those cadets are girls, and 10 of those cadets are active. I am proud to say more cadets are taking interest, and just two months ago we only had half as many females as we do now. While most of them are in one of our basic training flights, they are in the same flight with a lot of male basics. I myself am the only girl in my flight, with about 12 other guys. There is absolutely no difference between us when doing drill, PT, etc. and that's how it is in my squadron, and should be in every other squadron.

 Tests shouldn't be hard. If they are, you didn't study the material. Leadership tests will be at a minimum two months apart, 25 questions, open-book. Aerospace tests are the same, except different questions obviously. Both should be very easy if you read the material and go over it. If you don't do that now, things like milestone tests may be slightly harder. Drill tests are in my opinion, the most enjoyable. If you practice at meetings and practice at home, you should do fine. PT tests are very easy as well; if you're curious to see what you need to do to pass, type Cadet Super Chart into Google.

CAP has a large majority of cadets. Some excel in academics, some don't. I like to think that the Civil Air Patrol tests give the cadets who are more challenged academically a chance to excel, because to pass these tests you need a different type of knowledge. While there are a lot of intelligent cadets, you will also find a large range of the cadets who struggle more in school, and that's okay too.

 School always comes first. Squadron commanders, command staff, flight staff, everyone expresses this. If you have to miss a meeting and have a legitimate excuse, then do it. The only thing that I can think of hurting you is missing more then 5 meetings a two month period, not allowing you to promote. Or not notifying the correct people when you will be absent. I myself will soon have to miss a meeting for school reasons, and if it doesn't become a "let's show up to one meeting every month/two months without a good reason or taking a LOA and still expect to promote" then you should be absolutely fine.

 From what I see, the majority of people in CAP take it seriously. It's okay to joke around when appropriate, but the people who show up generally are doing it on their own time. I myself may take it more seriously then a few in my squadron, just because I usually get very into things once I start, and try to put a lot of time and effort in. There will be at least one cadet who puts more hours then me, though, and that will be the case in any organization, whether it's CAP, sports, Girl/Boy Scouts, JROTC, theatre, etc.

I have to say, I don't know much about getting a pilot's license through CAP..sorry. But if you have any other questions, feel free to PM me or comment here. I will help out best I can. Sorry for the long post, but it's nice to meet another female (prospective) cadet! I really hope you enjoy CAP, as it is an amazing experience, and something that can help you so much in the future, whether you wish to serve or not.

Edit: My apologies, sent prematurely from my iPod.

V/R,

You certainly answered my questions! Thank you. I was very happy to see another girl reply to my post. I know about the PT tests, and I'm almost sure I'll do fine in passing. It all sounds exciting and like my type of thing, all I need is my mom to actually take me to the meeting now!

An thank you to everyone else who replied also. I knew this was the right place to come with my questions

You came with the right attitude in what you were asking, and the audience we are, asked it in a professional manner; so you got great responses that didn't end up with a dog pile by some of us grammar nazis. Great job. Keep it up.

One last thing, in the Marines I want to be a 2141 which is an AAV Technician/Repairer,
Thank you. God bless.

I was a Marine and Marine aviation is great. So I recommend aviation. My oldest daughter is an air traffic controller.

Semper Fi, thank you and God bless.

Hmmm, a 2141 huh?  Having been a Marine Infantry Sgt-0331 and someone who has had the pleasure of being sealed up in a track many more times than I can count in 100 degree heat and humidity and having my partner barf on me while we were fording to shore, and then being sealed up in the heat while everyone else started barfing on each other......I have a question.  At 14, what has made you decide you want to repair tracks?

But heh....what I can tell you is everyone hates tracks.  But when they break and your two miles from shore....people REALLY hate tracks.  So if you decide thats what you want, be good at it because there is a lot of hate sealed up in a track thats trying to get out!

On another note.  CAP will provide you an excellent opportunity to check out whats available, learn leadership, have awesome fun.  My kids were homeschooled while in CAP.  And my daughter has mild ADHD.  It wont be a problem.  In the squadron I was in command of, we had probably 10 cadets that were homeschooled.  One is on his way to the Naval Academy this year.  The youth you will find in CAP are no different than anywhere else.  You will have the ones who are solving calculus equations in 8th grade and you will have the ones who's parents have parties when they bring home a C- (that was me )  The testing and studying will be fine.  Its takes some effort but not "hard" by any means.

Why did you want to repair tracks again?   Kidding....everyone has different goals. 

One last thing, in the Marines I want to be a 2141 which is an AAV Technician/Repairer,
Thank you. God bless.

I was a Marine and Marine aviation is great. So I recommend aviation. My oldest daughter is an air traffic controller.

Semper Fi, thank you and God bless.

Sir, were you a pilot in the Corps? Thank You

Hmmm, a 2141 huh?  Having been a Marine Infantry Sgt-0331 and someone who has had the pleasure of being sealed up in a track many more times than I can count in 100 degree heat and humidity and having my partner barf on me while we were fording to shore, and then being sealed up in the heat while everyone else started barfing on each other......I have a question.  At 14, what has made you decide you want to repair tracks?

But heh....what I can tell you is everyone hates tracks.  But when they break and your two miles from shore....people REALLY hate tracks.  So if you decide thats what you want, be good at it because there is a lot of hate sealed up in a track thats trying to get out!

On another note.  CAP will provide you an excellent opportunity to check out whats available, learn leadership, have awesome fun.  My kids were homeschooled while in CAP.  And my daughter has mild ADHD.  It wont be a problem.  In the squadron I was in command of, we had probably 10 cadets that were homeschooled.  One is on his way to the Naval Academy this year.  The youth you will find in CAP are no different than anywhere else.  You will have the ones who are solving calculus equations in 8th grade and you will have the ones who's parents have parties when they bring home a C- (that was me )  The testing and studying will be fine.  Its takes some effort but not "hard" by any means.

Why did you want to repair tracks again?   Kidding....everyone has different goals.

Haha. Well, if you must know I have always loved repairing anything that needs fixing. Whenever my dad would work on our big 94 Ford van I wanted to help but no, I couldn't because my brother was already helping and APPARENTLY it wasn't a "girl's" job. So not only would I love to be a mechanic I would also br rebelling! But seriously, you make it sound absolutely disgusting and terrible... Makes me want to do it even more  If I cannot be a 2141 I my next choice would be an 1812, and if that doesn't work out I'd like to be a 6252. Somewhere in the 61 and 62 Occfld range.
And C-s huh? No wonder you're a Marine, jarhead!! Haha just kidding

One last thing, in the Marines I want to be a 2141 which is an AAV Technician/Repairer,
Thank you. God bless.

I was a Marine and Marine aviation is great. So I recommend aviation. My oldest daughter is an air traffic controller.

Semper Fi, thank you and God bless.

Thank you, sir. Your comment is much appreciated. If I can't be a 2141 I hope to be a 6252. What were you in the Marines?

If you want a good job in the Corps, fix airplanes. The duty stations are mostly better, and the work, IMHO, is more challenging.

One last thing, in the Marines I want to be a 2141 which is an AAV Technician/Repairer,
Thank you. God bless.

I was a Marine and Marine aviation is great. So I recommend aviation. My oldest daughter is an air traffic controller.

Semper Fi, thank you and God bless.

Sir, were you a pilot in the Corps? Thank You

No, meterologist, a weather guesser! 6821/6842

Hmmm, a 2141 huh?  Having been a Marine Infantry Sgt-0331 and someone who has had the pleasure of being sealed up in a track many more times than I can count in 100 degree heat and humidity and having my partner barf on me while we were fording to shore, and then being sealed up in the heat while everyone else started barfing on each other......I have a question.  At 14, what has made you decide you want to repair tracks?

But heh....what I can tell you is everyone hates tracks.  But when they break and your two miles from shore....people REALLY hate tracks.  So if you decide thats what you want, be good at it because there is a lot of hate sealed up in a track thats trying to get out!

On another note.  CAP will provide you an excellent opportunity to check out whats available, learn leadership, have awesome fun.  My kids were homeschooled while in CAP.  And my daughter has mild ADHD.  It wont be a problem.  In the squadron I was in command of, we had probably 10 cadets that were homeschooled.  One is on his way to the Naval Academy this year.  The youth you will find in CAP are no different than anywhere else.  You will have the ones who are solving calculus equations in 8th grade and you will have the ones who's parents have parties when they bring home a C- (that was me )  The testing and studying will be fine.  Its takes some effort but not "hard" by any means.

Why did you want to repair tracks again?   Kidding....everyone has different goals.

Haha. Well, if you must know I have always loved repairing anything that needs fixing. Whenever my dad would work on our big 94 Ford van I wanted to help but no, I couldn't because my brother was already helping and APPARENTLY it wasn't a "girl's" job. So not only would I love to be a mechanic I would also br rebelling! But seriously, you make it sound absolutely disgusting and terrible... Makes me want to do it even more  If I cannot be a 2141 I my next choice would be an 1812, and if that doesn't work out I'd like to be a 6252. Somewhere in the 61 and 62 Occfld range.
And C-s huh? No wonder you're a Marine, jarhead!! Haha just kidding

One last thing, in the Marines I want to be a 2141 which is an AAV Technician/Repairer,
Thank you. God bless.

I was a Marine and Marine aviation is great. So I recommend aviation. My oldest daughter is an air traffic controller.

Semper Fi, thank you and God bless.

Thank you, sir. Your comment is much appreciated. If I can't be a 2141 I hope to be a 6252. What were you in the Marines?

6821/6842 a weatherman back when the school was at NAS Lakehurst, NJ.

6821/6842 a weatherman back when the school was at NAS Lakehurst, NJ.

Wow. That was back in the '70s. I was there when the AG school moved to Chanute.