Non-CAP member, curious as to what it's like

[Casanova]

Well,first off let me say Hello, my name is Will and i'm 15 and i have a few friends in CAP and i have a ton of questions as to what it's like that i haven't been able to get a solid answer to. If i don't belong here my apologies it just seemed like the place to ask. Firstly, if i have no interest in aviation whatsoever is CAP the wrong organization for me? I wish to join the military when i'm 18 and i wish to become either airborne infantry or a combat engineer and i feel that CAP can help prepare me for that. My apologies to anyone it may offend but i do not find aviation of much interest. Also i'm curious as to uniforms. I don't understand if the Civil Air Patrol has a clothing issue, or if i must privately purchase all of my uniforms. Also i suppose it has been rumored that CAP may be switching to ABU's and if i join mid-switchover am i going to have to purchase two uniform sets? That seems awfully expensive considering the fact that i would have to buy completely new boots, undershirts, and uniforms and it's a uniform nobody seems to be satisfied with. Also on that topic would APECS gear, The sage green fleece and other non daily uniform items become authorized? My apologies if i'm jumping all over the place. Thanks in advance, Will

[Eclipse]

CAP will help you better understand the military mindset and provide you some basic skills to prepare for a career.  It can also open doors to
academies, scholarships, and advanced enlisted grade.

While CAP has an aviation-focus, you can be a very successful cadet and never set foot near an aircraft.  The majority of CAP time
is spent on followership, leadership, character, drill, emergency services, and other topics of more general knowledge.

CAP issues cadets the majority of the short-sleeved blues, but you will need to purchase insignia and other parts including shoes.
it does not issue field uniforms, officially, but some units have a supply.

There is no public plan for ABU's, APECS, or anything else other then the currently approved BDU combinations.

[RogueLeader]

In addition to what eclipse said, I was a heavy equipment operator in an combat airborne brigade on ft bragg. Those units work hard and pt harder. If you WANT to be airborne, you may want to know more about aviation than you know. CAP can prepare you for that lifestyle by teaching followership as well as leadership. It will also teach you how to do pt, so you can safely push yourself to new limits. BTW, we have an aerospace program that you do have to complete in order to promote. It's all good.

[LCG8928]

CAP does many things not directly related to aviation such as search and rescue and homeland security and cadets are not required to learn to fly and can choose do other things. As the official USAF Auxiliary the CAP Cadet Program is a great introduction to military tradition, customs, and drill. As to the ABU thing despite some members wish its unlikely due to cost issues that we will switch anytime soon. CAP is a great way to have fun and serve your country and I would highly recommend it.

[Huey Driver]

After you attend basic encampment, there's a few National Cadet Special Activities you may be interested in:

Civil Engineering Familiarization Course

Pararescue Jumper Orientation Course

Hawk Mountain Ranger School, our "Rangers"

Combat Control Orientation Course

Not an NCSA, but

National Emergency Services Academy

[Extremepredjudice]

NESA IS an ncsa.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Our "Rangers" have nothing to do with any military rangers, so feel free to disregard it from the list of otherwise very military listed NCSAs.

There are a few more, but you will certainly be introduced them in due time when you join.

[That Anonymous Guy]

Our "Rangers" have nothing to do with any military rangers, so feel free to disregard it from the list of otherwise very military listed NCSAs.

There are a few more, but you will certainly be introduced them in due time when you join.

I disagree. The training atmosphere is very military

[Eclipse]

Let's keep this on track - there's plenty of other threads on that subject.

[RogueLeader]

CCOC is not currently a ncsa. It is run by NC-007, Fayetteville Composite Squadron, Pipe AAF. Great training with all steps of jump school with out the jumps. Great people there.