Nat'l Blue Beret

[fokkerfrenzy]

Has anyone been to this, and what had your experience been (good, bad, etc.)? 

Also, can senior members attend as non-staff?  I am a new senior member, but when I was a cadet many years ago I was very interested in going to this.  I decided to look into it again, as I have just recently rejoined the ranks.  I know NBB can be pretty selective.  What are the odds, do you think, of a SMWOG being accepted?

[a2capt]

Apply for kitchen staff. ;-)

[fokkerfrenzy]

Ah.  But I'm really needing the training and help getting my quals done.  Do non-field staff members still get any kind of training opportunity?  Otherwise, I feel like I would be paying a chunk o' money to have the privilege of washing their dishes..?

[Luis R. Ramos]

I suggest you do not worry about non-staff then. Apply as staff, and you will be trained.

Flyer

[fokkerfrenzy]

So am I understanding that drivers and mess staff still get all the same training as cadet attendees, then? 

Also, thank you guys for your help.

[Garibaldi]

I would think that support staff would get a sortie or two in per day, but having only ever worked the WIWG SARCAP associated with it I have to admit ignurnce.

[MSG Mac]

Apply for NESA, you will get have a wide range of training opportunities.

[Storm Chaser]

^ Agree. As a new senior member, NESA would probably provide better training opportunities for you. And you can choose from a wider range of specialties in ground, air and mission base.

[Eclipse]

^ Agree. As a new senior member, NESA would probably provide better training opportunities for you. And you can choose from a wider range of specialties in ground, air and mission base.

Plus, you'll be focused on training without the distraction of another activity wrapped around it.

The next year you can be a better asset at NBB if you're so inclined.

[fokkerfrenzy]

Although I will certainly consult the all-knowing interwebs, in you guy's words, can you summarize NESA or LESA?  Experience wise, not training or objective-wise.  What is the take away?

[fokkerfrenzy]

Mostly I'm just trying to get back into the swing of things with CAP, and I am looking for a good NCSA that will help get me going, in terms of getting my ES quals up and running. 

[Eeyore]

Senior Staff at NBB, regardless of position, can get sorties and qualification sign-offs. They are rotated in with the flights during the required ES training and sorties as their primary duty permits.

If you are wanting to attend an activity to primarily get ES qualifications, NBB probably isn't the best place to start, NESA would be better.

[Storm Chaser]

Mostly I'm just trying to get back into the swing of things with CAP, and I am looking for a good NCSA that will help get me going, in terms of getting my ES quals up and running.

If that's really what you're looking for, then again, I strongly recommend NESA. NBB is a great activity, but you'll be able to better focus on ES training and achieving your qualifications as a student in the largest ES training activity in CAP.

I've attended the Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) School, the Incident Command System School (ICSS) and helped out for a few day at the Mission Aircrew School (MAS), and had a great time at all of them. More importantly, I received great training from very experienced instructors.

This is not a NESA vs. NBB post. I'm sure they're both great activities with great staff. But if you want to focus on training, then I would attend NESA this year and perhaps NBB the following.

[fokkerfrenzy]

Yeah, I was leaning toward NESA/LESA, but someone mentioned NBB so I thought I'd ask a few questions. 

Thanks everyone for your input.

[Angus]

Figured I'll tag my question onto this board so I don't duplicate.   Already got some training and been qualified, been to NESA  3 times.  Looking for something different (and staying way the heck away from the mountain in PA).  Never been to NBB but always wanted to, what's the best way to sign up as a senior?  Basic or Senior Staff?

[Eeyore]

As a senior member, you will want to apply in the Registration and Payment System as "Senior Staff."

"Basic" is meant for cadets.

[Angus]

As a senior member, you will want to apply in the Registration and Payment System as "Senior Staff."

"Basic" is meant for cadets.

Cool thanks.

[sarmed1]

Yeah, I was leaning toward NESA/LESA, but someone mentioned NBB so I thought I'd ask a few questions. 

Thanks everyone for your input.

based on location (ease of travel) I'd say LESA is a good option, I helped set up the GSAR program years ago and have heard nothing but good things about the rest

mk

[dogden]

If you have any questions about LESA, I would be happy to answer them for you. I have been an instructor there since 2009 for the GSARSS course. Feel free to PM me.