Civil Air Patrol vs. other Auxiliaries

[IrishGinger17]

I'm in college, currently enrolled in Army ROTC. I'm interested in exploring some of the auxiliary options out there as well, primarily SDFs, Police Cadets, USCGAUX, and of course CAP.

Can anyone give me some advice as to what the advantages/disadvantages each auxiliary has? Obviously, a SDF would be along the lines of what I'm doing in ROTC with the added benefit of having the privelege of working alongside and providing training cadre to CANG troops and working in a real military environment, but I'm also interested in taking a look into other branches of the services.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Mike

[Stonewall]

As someone who is enrolled in Army ROTC, I would expect that you're quite busy with school and ROTC.  SDF, among other auxiliaries may not be in your best interest at this time.  Why join an SDF when you're about to embark on the real thing?  I have personally never known anyone on active duty or even in the guard/reserves who was also in an SDF.

CAP and USCG Auxiliary are a little different, but generally your SDFs are a back up to the Guard.

OTOH, I, like many others, have had simultaneous membership in both the military (active/reserve) and CAP.

[Extremepredjudice]

I'm willing to bet it isn't ROTC, but rather JROTC.

[Stonewall]

I'm willing to bet it isn't ROTC, but rather JROTC.

Nope.  Point Loma Nazarene University Army ROTC in San Diego, CA.

[Майор Хаткевич]

I'm willing to bet it isn't ROTC, but rather JROTC.

Op started with "enrolled in college"....

[AngelWings]

What MOS are you interested in?

Police cadets could be a good thing if you're planning on becoming an MP. I wouldn't recommend it if it takes up too much time personally.

CAP is great for aviation (you can become aircrew, be around planes, take the occasional Blackhawk flight if your squadron is around an Army AVN BN), emergency services (tanslated over to skills working with people during disasters) and high stress leadership positions and is the most well rounded organization out of the bunch.

USCG Auxillary I would not recommended only based on the fact that it may not be able to give you the boost you're looking for as an ROTC cadet due to it being very Coast Guard centered. Don't get me wrong, they're an awesome organization and are very rewarding, but they're very much so centered towards naval operations (like boat safety classes and assisting the Coast Guard in various ways).

[SARDOC]

If you are going to be active/reserve Military you can't be a member of an SDF.  SDF's are considered Military and you can't be a member of both due to conflict of interest.

[IrishGinger17]

Thank you for your replies.

Stonewall is correct, I am in college ROTC in San Diego, CA (not sure how he figured this one out??)

I'd like to branch National Guard MP after I commission, work either as a LEO or in sports medicine full-time.

I have a few friends in the Aztec BTN that are doing something called the SMP program where they do a co/op with the CANG; this provides them with experience in a real military unit while being non-deployable. They go through BCT during the summer. From what I've heard, CSMR would provide a similar experience with a Guard unit up until the time I am ready to commission.

I'm finding that I have a lot more time on my hands than I thought I would; I'm pulling a solid gpa and still finding that most of the time I'm just sitting around with nothing to do. I'm a pretty active guy, and I'd like to use some of this free time to give back to my community.

Mike

[Texas Raiders]

I'm in college, currently enrolled in Army ROTC. I'm interested in exploring some of the auxiliary options out there as well, primarily SDFs, Police Cadets, USCGAUX, and of course CAP.

Can anyone give me some advice as to what the advantages/disadvantages each auxiliary has? Obviously, a SDF would be along the lines of what I'm doing in ROTC with the added benefit of having the privelege of working alongside and providing training cadre to CANG troops and working in a real military environment, but I'm also interested in taking a look into other branches of the services.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Mike

First and foremost, what is your area of interest?  Identify the missions/specialties that you are interested in participating and then choose the organization/branch that provides you with those oppourtunities.  The closest thing to a "real" military environment is the real military, ie. active duty or reserve duty in the five branches as well as service with the various national guards.  No auxiliary can provide you with a 100% real military environment.  Don't bite off more than you can chew either.  I'd suggest that you fully apply yourself in your ROTC program, efforts to join the military, and geting your commission.  Don't spread yourself too thin.  Good luck!

[JK657]

Irish: I'm an MP officer in the California National Guard... Feel free to message me if you have any questions

[Eeyore]

Stonewall is correct, I am in college ROTC in San Diego, CA (not sure how he figured this one out??)

Your user profile has your .edu email address.

[AngelWings]

Thank you for your replies.

Stonewall is correct, I am in college ROTC in San Diego, CA (not sure how he figured this one out??)

I'd like to branch National Guard MP after I commission, work either as a LEO or in sports medicine full-time.

I have a few friends in the Aztec BTN that are doing something called the SMP program where they do a co/op with the CANG; this provides them with experience in a real military unit while being non-deployable. They go through BCT during the summer. From what I've heard, CSMR would provide a similar experience with a Guard unit up until the time I am ready to commission.

I'm finding that I have a lot more time on my hands than I thought I would; I'm pulling a solid gpa and still finding that most of the time I'm just sitting around with nothing to do. I'm a pretty active guy, and I'd like to use some of this free time to give back to my community.

Mike

My advice: Try CAP, give it a shot, see if it is what you'd like to do, and then try other programs. Why? CAP has so much to offer in terms of serving your community. You can become a part of the Emergency Services team and go out on Search And Rescue missions if we get called out on them, you can fly in planes as a Mission Scanner or Aerial Photographer, and a bunch of other things. A lot of squadrons actively do community service, and it could be what you're looking for.

If you want to the co/op with the CANG, than do it too. CAP is one of those things you can sign up for and participate as you have time. CAP is much more ergonomic than you may be thinking. Again, give it a shot. And try a few squadrons too. The first squadron I went to wasn't for me but the second one was right up my alley and I enjoyed it so much that it has become a part of my life, along with Army JROTC and flying lessons.

Along with that, I think JK657 is a MP and an Commisioned Officer, so I'd talk to him.

EDIT: JK657 said it himself and beat me to it!

[SarDragon]

Thank you for your replies.

Stonewall is correct, I am in college ROTC in San Diego, CA (not sure how he figured this one out??)

I'd like to branch National Guard MP after I commission, work either as a LEO or in sports medicine full-time.

I have a few friends in the Aztec BTN that are doing something called the SMP program where they do a co/op with the CANG; this provides them with experience in a real military unit while being non-deployable. They go through BCT during the summer. From what I've heard, CSMR would provide a similar experience with a Guard unit up until the time I am ready to commission.

I'm finding that I have a lot more time on my hands than I thought I would; I'm pulling a solid gpa and still finding that most of the time I'm just sitting around with nothing to do. I'm a pretty active guy, and I'd like to use some of this free time to give back to my community.

Mike

My unit meets on Wednesday nights at Montgomery Field. PM me for more info.

[IrishGinger17]

@JK657 & SARdragon

PMs sent

[Eclipse]

Welcome to CAPTalk, this isn't Twitter.

[a2capt]

The San Diego area has several units to choose from, Fallbrook & San Diego proper have senior squadrons, with aircraft. Just north and south of San Diego, as well as Escondido are cadet units and Oceanside has a composite unit.

http://hosted.where2getit.com/civilairpatrol/

[SarDragon]

Welcome to CAPTalk, this isn't Twitter.

Lighten up, Francis Bob.

[Private Investigator]

Irish: I'm an MP officer in the California National Guard... Feel free to message me if you have any questions

From my active duty experience as USMC MP. Is not MP officer a bad choice especially if you plan on a career. All our officers who were Lieutenants were not career guys. The Captains were usually LDOs or people who were timing out. But the Provost Marshal spot, Lt Col was always filled with a infantry or artillery officer for two years before he moved onto another staff job. 

[Private Investigator]

I'd like to branch National Guard MP after I commission, work either as a LEO or in sports medicine full-time.

I did a few years enlisted in the CA Army Guard. I was already working as a policeman when they offerred me a commission, I requested aviation or combat arms and all they had was Logistics.

Another thing ROTC does not guarantee a commission. If you read "Blackhawk Down" that is the story re: Grimes and that was the reason he knew how to type. 

Good luck.   

[SarDragon]

PM sent.