Former Cadet returning as Senior?

[FormerCadet]

Hello, all!

I'm new to the forum but have read it on and off for some time now. I little background about myself: I joined CAP as a cadet in 1998 and left in 2001. I loved the airplanes! In 2004 I enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and received my honorable discharge earlier this year. I spent a year in Iraq between 2008/2009. I also spent almost 3 years as a DoD police officer. Now that I've properly introduced myself, I can get to the point.

Since my first orientation flight when I was 13 years old, I knew that I wanted to fly a plane. It was the best experience I had ever had. Needless to say, life and lack of money got in the way of me pursuing that passion. Now at 27 years old, I've almost completed my B.A. from American Military University (online) and find myself longing for a pilot seat. I've looked into UPT with the USAF components and it seems that I'm quickly approaching the cut-off age of 28 1/2 for selection into that program, so I'm pretty sure that's out of the question.

Anyway, I've come to a point in my life where I have saved up a good chunk of money and would like to take lessons to get my private pilot certificate and, should I be successful in that, am thinking of returning to CAP for the flying opportunities. I've also become aware that CAP personnel can also take advantage of Command and General Staff College and Air War College. Are these the same programs that USAF officers get? Are these degree programs open to CAP members? That also seems like an attractive benefit for the aspiring CAP-returnee, and as a former military member, I know the significance of these programs being offered to a volunteer organization given that they are usually reserved for higher up military and federal employees.

Well, that's enough for the time being. CAP seems to have changed for the better since I was around. Would anyone care to comment or provide some words of wisdom for a prospective returning member? Perhaps comment on opportunities for professional education or opportunity for ratings (i.e.: Air University / Instrument)? I appreciate everyone's time and look forward to the responses!

[Critical AOA]

I was a cadet as a youth and returned later in life as a SM.  My absence was quite a bit longer than yours as I was a cadet from 1973-1976 and did not return as a SM until 2009.   I also always wanted to fly but as with you, life got in the way plus I procrastinated quite a bit as well.  I took my first flying lessons back in 1979-1981 but never got my license.  I finally started flying again in mid-2008 and got my license in early 2009.  That was when I decided to rejoin CAP.

When I was a cadet back in the 70s versus now, things do seem to be quite a bit different but back then I was in a cadet only squadron and we never had exposure to aircraft for O-flights.  We mostly studied aerospace education and leadership topics.  We also did a bit of D&C.  Now I am a member of composite squadron though the seniors for the most part do little with the cadets with the exception of those who choose to work with the cadet program.  We have very little joint activities. I am mostly in CAP now for two reasons.  One is I enjoy flying and there are some cheap flying opportunities.  The second reason is that I will be able to assist in SAR and other emergency services type of operations.  I feel the need to give back a little so to speak.

Bottom line is that I would encourage you to join but at the same time I will caution you that it can be rather frustrating at times.  Your experience will of course vary depending upon the unit you join but do not be surprised if no one wants to assist you with anything.  Do not be surprised by the clickish nature of it all.  Do not be surprised if your unit is a bit of a good ol' boys club or flying club.  Do not be surprised by a lot of bureaucratic nonsense and overhead.  Also do not be surprised that you eventually find it fulfilling in spite of all of the above.

Welcome back.

[BillB]

Command and Staff College and Air War College are open to CAP members. The only difference between the corrospondence and resident course is the former does not include classified material. I was looking at an Air University Page and noted that several command positions were filled with officers who completed ACSC or AWR through corrospondence. So USAF look at the completions as equal to residence. Keep in ming there are prerequests to taking both courses including having a Bachelors degree.

[FormerCadet]

Does the completion of distance education Air Command and Staff College or Air War College confer a graduate degree?

[arajca]

Not at this time.

[FormerCadet]

I'm going a little off topic here, but say I was to enlist (prior service) or seek a commission in an AF component, could CAP-earned PME count towards my military service?

[abdsp51]

Don't expect your records to be at your last unit.  And hopefully you have copies of any and all decs, awards and such.  I recently rejoined back in Feb and thankfully I had alot of my documentation for my awards saved.

[FormerCadet]

If you're referring to awards that I earned in CAP while a cadet, no I'm afraid that that's all a vague memory. I remember encampments, other courses, and being on Ground Team with some "finds". But, no, I'm afraid should I rejoin I'll be starting from scratch!

[arajca]

See if National has any records of your cadet achievements. If you reached Mitchell  or higher, they should have that on record and that would help get a jump start on grade.

[spacecommand]

If you're referring to awards that I earned in CAP while a cadet, no I'm afraid that that's all a vague memory. I remember encampments, other courses, and being on Ground Team with some "finds". But, no, I'm afraid should I rejoin I'll be starting from scratch!

http://www.capmembers.com/cap_university/au_a46_students__usaf_dl.cfm  : quoted:

To enroll in Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, or Air War College courses, use the following procedures: (NOTE: ACTIVE-DUTY, GUARD, OR RESERVE SERVICE MEMBERS MAY NOT RECEIVE CREDIT BY THEIR SERVICE FOR PME IF THEY DO NOT MEET THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OF THEIR SERVICE, i.e. an AF SSgt who is also a CAP Captain may not receive credit for Squadron Officer School in their Air Force record. They will, of course, be given credit for the CAP professional development program.)

[GroundHawg]

Does the completion of distance education Air Command and Staff College or Air War College confer a graduate degree?

It will count towards a Master level degree at most colleges or universities. If nothing else, you wont have to do any electives

[Private Investigator]

In 2004 I enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and received my honorable discharge earlier this year. I spent a year in Iraq between 2008/2009.

Since my first orientation flight when I was 13 years old, I knew that I wanted to fly a plane. It was the best experience I had ever had. Needless to say, life and lack of money got in the way of me pursuing that passion. Now at 27 years old, I've almost completed my B.A. from American Military University (online) and find myself longing for a pilot seat. I've looked into UPT with the USAF components and it seems that I'm quickly approaching the cut-off age of 28 1/2 for selection into that program, so I'm pretty sure that's out of the question.

Did you consider flying helicopters for the Army? Do you put in for any officer programs? My daughter is active duty Navy and the Army  offered her flight school and a commission if she turns down a similar offer from the Navy.

Good luck and welcome back