Disabled Vet Looking To Become A Senior Member

[Death4Golf]

Good morning all!

I am a disabled veteran that served active duty in the Army. I was part of the cadet program at my home composite squadron here in Amarillo.

now, it's been a few years since I had anything to do with the CAP, but but after leaving active duty a void started to form within me. So I figured why not continue to serve in the CAP?

Now I do have a  few questions to ask, the CAP website doesn't really go into depth enough.  So forgive me if these seem sort of stupid.

1: I'm a disabled veteran,  does service with the CAP interfere at all with my rating?

2: I'm 22 years old and since I am prior service what does that equate too in terms of rank? I know that senior members are usually officers or FO's. But is there a process to obtain that rank? (I was enlisted)

3: Is there a uniform regulation at all? (AR-670-1)

4: would I be able to wear my awards on the CAP uniform? (AAM, Iraq Campaign Medal)

I guess those are all the questions I have right now. I just couldn't find any solid source of info on promotions, uniform wear and such.

thank you guys!


-Robb

[Alaric]

Good morning all!

I am a disabled veteran that served active duty in the Army. I was part of the cadet program at my home composite squadron here in Amarillo.

now, it's been a few years since I had anything to do with the CAP, but but after leaving active duty a void started to form within me. So I figured why not continue to serve in the CAP?

Now I do have a  few questions to ask, the CAP website doesn't really go into depth enough.  So forgive me if these seem sort of stupid.

1: I'm a disabled veteran,  does service with the CAP interfere at all with my rating?

2: I'm 22 years old and since I am prior service what does that equate too in terms of rank? I know that senior members are usually officers or FO's. But is there a process to obtain that rank? (I was enlisted)

3: Is there a uniform regulation at all? (AR-670-1)

4: would I be able to wear my awards on the CAP uniform? (AAM, Iraq Campaign Medal)

I guess those are all the questions I have right now. I just couldn't find any solid source of info on promotions, uniform wear and such.

thank you guys!


-Robb

To answer your questions as best as I'm able

1)  Have no idea, you'd probably need to talk to a benefits person, are you allowed to work?

2) Depends on what rank you left the service at details can be found in CAP Regulation 35-5

3) The CAP uniform manual is in CAP Manual 39-1; award of decorations is CAPR 39-3

4) If you meet the height weight and grooming requirements to wear the Air Force style uniform then yes, if not no, details can be found in CAPM 39-1 and CAPR 39-3

Thank you for your service, and hope you are able to join us

[RiverAux]

I don't see any way that CAP service would interfere with any benefits any more than being part of the Lions Club would. 

[AlphaSigOU]

Here's a few answers to your questions:

Service in CAP does not affect your disability rating.

You now have a choice to pursue either an officer (no restriction) or NCO (only if you are E-5 or higher) track. If you achieved the Mitchell or higher milestone award, you may be eligible for advanced officer grade after completion of Level I of the senior member professional development program.

CAP Regulation 39-1 governs the wear of the AF-style and corporate uniforms.

You may continue to wear your prior-service awards on the AF-style uniform, but only CAP awards may be worn on the corporate uniform.

[Death4Golf]

Thank you for the prompt response!

I want to pursue the officer grades, but still not sure how all of that works. I'm still within army height and weight standards so not worried about that at all. Corporate uniform?

And yeah, I read somewhere that recipients of the Spaatz award can go in as a captain. I have no such awards from the CAP at all, but I kind of figured that my deployment awards and other decorations trump that. I guess not.

[Al Sayre]

There are lots of us members who are Disabled Vets and continue to serve the country though CAP.  It doesn't affect your rating.  As a former member, you should be aware that CAP is not quite the same as the military, even if we are an Auxiliary.  Join, bone up on the CAP regs and you'll do fine.

Here's a link to grade appointments and promotions regulation:  http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/R035_005_489E25C089E93.pdf

[LATORRECA]

   I guess no deployment or experience can't trump a Spaatz recipient but with you dedication and new ideas may help any squadron to be successful. Just joint and see what is like then take a deision if you are going to stayed or not. As far your disability Al Sayre hit it right. We have a lot of prior disable service Members from all Branches.
    If you want to flight as a pilot well be sure to see a MD to give you the thumbs up to flight or not. It doesn't take much to qual for a class III medical. The observer and scanner ratings doesn't required to have a medical exam but check with your doctor.
    We need new blood in the CAP and you may bring a new set of ideas and experience that's needed. You may not influence how the CAP conduct business at the wing level, but you can help at the your local squadron. Whatever you decide to do in the CAP just do it righ and be active. Unfortunately the CAP doesn't attract a lot of young blood to the senior's ranks. We have a lot of people or members that have been in this blue machine for a long time and are stuck on their old ways.
    If you want to pick up rank quick and on time. You need to read the Profesional development manual. It lays out on what to do in order to be eligible for the next rank. Also, it talks about the rank officer structure and enlisted side. Alpha mentioned earlier.

Here's a few answers to your questions:

Service in CAP does not affect your disability rating.

You now have a choice to pursue either an officer (no restriction) or NCO (only if you are E-5 or higher) track. If you achieved the Mitchell or higher milestone award, you may be eligible for advanced officer grade after completion of Level I of the senior member professional development program.

CAP Regulation 39-1 governs the wear of the AF-style and corporate uniforms.

You may continue to wear your prior-service awards on the AF-style uniform, but only CAP awards may be worn on the corporate uniform.

I hope you join and bring some your friend with you.  They are always welcome.

[Death4Golf]

   I guess no deployment or experience can't trump a Spaatz recipient but with you dedication and new ideas may help any squadron to be successful. Just joint and see what is like then take a deision if you are going to stayed or not. As far your disability Al Sayre hit it right. We have a lot of prior disable service Members from all Branches.
    If you want to flight as a pilot well be sure to see a MD to give you the thumbs up to flight or not. It doesn't take much to qual for a class III medical. The observer and scanner ratings doesn't required to have a medical exam but check with your doctor.
    We need new blood in the CAP and you may bring a new set of ideas and experience that's needed. You may not influence how the CAP conduct business at the wing level, but you can help at the your local squadron. Whatever you decide to do in the CAP just do it righ and be active. Unfortunately the CAP doesn't attract a lot of young blood to the senior's ranks. We have a lot of people or members that have been in this blue machine for a long time and are stuck on their old ways.
    If you want to pick up rank quick and on time. You need to read the Profesional development manual. It lays out on what to do in order to be eligible for the next rank. Also, it talks about the rank officer structure and enlisted side. Alpha mentioned earlier.

Here's a few answers to your questions:

Service in CAP does not affect your disability rating.

You now have a choice to pursue either an officer (no restriction) or NCO (only if you are E-5 or higher) track. If you achieved the Mitchell or higher milestone award, you may be eligible for advanced officer grade after completion of Level I of the senior member professional development program.

CAP Regulation 39-1 governs the wear of the AF-style and corporate uniforms.

You may continue to wear your prior-service awards on the AF-style uniform, but only CAP awards may be worn on the corporate uniform.

I hope you join and bring some your friend with you.  They are always welcome.

Thank you for the advice. I've been out for a year now and I believe this program would be a fantastic transition tool. Yeah, the squadron commander here has been here for 14 years, he's a great guy, a friend of my father. But I see where you are coming from with the young blood thing. When I was in the cadet program it was practically dead, lots of senior members though.  I realize that it's not the military, but I would still like to serve my community. As far as I'm tracking I will be the only one there that is a veteran with any combat experience.

Yeah, I guess nothing trumps those when it comes to getting advanced placement in the organization, but if all you're worried about is rank then you don't belong in any organization in my opinion.

Over all, I am looking at a long term of service with the CAP, who knows maybe I could be the Adm. Zuma equivalent for the CAP. But I have noticed a lot of senior members with facial hair whilst wearing the uniform. Disgusting.

[SarDragon]

Thank you for the advice. I've been out for a year now and I believe this program would be a fantastic transition tool. Yeah, the squadron commander here has been here for 14 years, he's a great guy, a friend of my father. But I see where you are coming from with the young blood thing. When I was in the cadet program it was practically dead, lots of senior members though.  I realize that it's not the military, but I would still like to serve my community. As far as I'm tracking I will be the only one there that is a veteran with any combat experience.

Yeah, I guess nothing trumps those when it comes to getting advanced placement in the organization, but if all you're worried about is rank then you don't belong in any organization in my opinion.

Over all, I am looking at a long term of service with the CAP, who knows maybe I could be the Adm. Zuma equivalent for the CAP. But I have noticed a lot of senior members with facial hair whilst wearing the uniform. Disgusting.

Why is that? I've had a beard for 15 years, wearing the corporate uniform, and t has had zero effect on my ability to perform my assigned jobs. I keep it trimmed to about the same length as I had in the Navy, and it looks fine.

[Death4Golf]

Thank you for the advice. I've been out for a year now and I believe this program would be a fantastic transition tool. Yeah, the squadron commander here has been here for 14 years, he's a great guy, a friend of my father. But I see where you are coming from with the young blood thing. When I was in the cadet program it was practically dead, lots of senior members though.  I realize that it's not the military, but I would still like to serve my community. As far as I'm tracking I will be the only one there that is a veteran with any combat experience.

Yeah, I guess nothing trumps those when it comes to getting advanced placement in the organization, but if all you're worried about is rank then you don't belong in any organization in my opinion.

Over all, I am looking at a long term of service with the CAP, who knows maybe I could be the Adm. Zuma equivalent for the CAP. But I have noticed a lot of senior members with facial hair whilst wearing the uniform. Disgusting.

Why is that? I've had a beard for 15 years, wearing the corporate uniform, and t has had zero effect on my ability to perform my assigned jobs. I keep it trimmed to about the same length as I had in the Navy, and it looks fine.

Because it's unprofessional, forgive me but the army, navy, marine corps do not authorize facial hair whatsoever. It may not impede your ability to do your job but it is unprofessional. When I was in Iraq I saw guys in SOF units with beards, but when it came time to go on R&R they shaved it all off. Personally it looks like garbage to me. But to each their own. Things will change given enough time. There's a reason Admiral Zumwalts policies did not stay in effect after he left the office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

[LATORRECA]

Thank you for the advice. I've been out for a year now and I believe this program would be a fantastic transition tool. Yeah, the squadron commander here has been here for 14 years, he's a great guy, a friend of my father. But I see where you are coming from with the young blood thing. When I was in the cadet program it was practically dead, lots of senior members though.  I realize that it's not the military, but I would still like to serve my community. As far as I'm tracking I will be the only one there that is a veteran with any combat experience.

Yeah, I guess nothing trumps those when it comes to getting advanced placement in the organization, but if all you're worried about is rank then you don't belong in any organization in my opinion.

Over all, I am looking at a long term of service with the CAP, who knows maybe I could be the Adm. Zuma equivalent for the CAP. But I have noticed a lot of senior members with facial hair whilst wearing the uniform. Disgusting.

Why is that? I've had a beard for 15 years, wearing the corporate uniform, and t has had zero effect on my ability to perform my assigned jobs. I keep it trimmed to about the same length as I had in the Navy, and it looks fine.

Because it's unprofessional, forgive me but the army, navy, marine corps do not authorize facial hair whatsoever. It may not impede your ability to do your job but it is unprofessional. When I was in Iraq I saw guys in SOF units with beards, but when it came time to go on R&R they shaved it all off. Personally it looks like garbage to me. But to each their own. Things will change given enough time. There's a reason Admiral Zumwalts policies did not stay in effect after he left the office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

  Well we have a lots of senior members that are not in regulation and prefer to have facial hair and it's all right. Most of them are excellent individual and leaders. We are not a military org we are volunteers.  Combat or not, we as service members have to respect that.
   I been on the Corps for 17 year, 4 combat tours and truly don't care how they look as long they can perform in the CAP.

[Alaric]

Thank you for the advice. I've been out for a year now and I believe this program would be a fantastic transition tool. Yeah, the squadron commander here has been here for 14 years, he's a great guy, a friend of my father. But I see where you are coming from with the young blood thing. When I was in the cadet program it was practically dead, lots of senior members though.  I realize that it's not the military, but I would still like to serve my community. As far as I'm tracking I will be the only one there that is a veteran with any combat experience.

Yeah, I guess nothing trumps those when it comes to getting advanced placement in the organization, but if all you're worried about is rank then you don't belong in any organization in my opinion.

Over all, I am looking at a long term of service with the CAP, who knows maybe I could be the Adm. Zuma equivalent for the CAP. But I have noticed a lot of senior members with facial hair whilst wearing the uniform. Disgusting.

Why is that? I've had a beard for 15 years, wearing the corporate uniform, and t has had zero effect on my ability to perform my assigned jobs. I keep it trimmed to about the same length as I had in the Navy, and it looks fine.

Because it's unprofessional, forgive me but the army, navy, marine corps do not authorize facial hair whatsoever. It may not impede your ability to do your job but it is unprofessional. When I was in Iraq I saw guys in SOF units with beards, but when it came time to go on R&R they shaved it all off. Personally it looks like garbage to me. But to each their own. Things will change given enough time. There's a reason Admiral Zumwalts policies did not stay in effect after he left the office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

And we are not Army, Navy or Marine Corps.  Perhaps read the uniform manual which specifies that those who choose to keep their beards (regardless of height/weight) cannot wear the Air Force uniforms, that is one of the reasons there are corporate uniforms.  If you're waiting for that to change, good luck.

[Death4Golf]

I get where you are all coming from, just voicing my opinion. And yes, I realize this isn't the military. If you Google image CAP uniforms, you will see pictures that will personally disgust you if you saw anyone in the military like that. The first step to defeat is acknowledging that change is impossible. Luck isn't needed, assertion, aggression and conviction is all you need to ensure change.

[Eclipse]

Because it's unprofessional, forgive me but the army, navy, marine corps do not authorize facial hair whatsoever.

Whatsoever?  All 7 uniformed services allow mustaches, and all military branches allow for religious accommodation in regards to facial hair.

Your best bet is to connect with a few CAP units in your area, see if you find a "fit" in regards to your interests and their needs, and leave any
pre-conceived notions regarding uniforms and related issues by the curb until you better understand the organization.

No one here will assert that CAP's multiform isn't a mess, and the proper wear by members is "inconsistent" at best, however walking in the room and pointing that
out, as if we hadn't noticed until now, isn't going to get you on anyone's Christmas card list.

[Alaric]

I get where you are all coming from, just voicing my opinion. And yes, I realize this isn't the military. If you Google image CAP uniforms, you will see pictures that will personally disgust you if you saw anyone in the military like that. The first step to defeat is acknowledging that change is impossible. Luck isn't needed, assertion, aggression and conviction is all you need to ensure change.

As has been hacked out on this server ad infinitum it does not change because to do so would cause us to lose half the membership:  You can read countless threads but it comes down to this:

1) Everyone must meet AF Height/Weight/Grooming requirements
   Lose approximately 50% of senior membership who do not

2) Do away with Air Force Uniform and come up with uniform everyone can wear

    Lose approximately 50% of the membership who will be annoyed we have broken the link with our parent service

If you join CAP you will quickly find that NHQ would rather come up with compromise decisions that make everyone unhappy (but still participating) than the hard decisions that might put us on a path forward but will cost us in the short term

[Death4Golf]

Because it's unprofessional, forgive me but the army, navy, marine corps do not authorize facial hair whatsoever.

Whatsoever?  All 7 uniformed services allow mustaches, and all military branches allow for religious accommodation in regards to facial hair.

Your best bet is to connect with a few CAP units in your area, see if you find a "fit" in regards to your interests and their needs, and leave any
pre-conceived notions regarding uniforms and related issues by the curb until you better understand the organization.

No one here will assert that CAP's multiform isn't a mess, and the proper wear by members is "inconsistent" at best, however walking in the room and pointing that
out, as if we hadn't noticed until now, isn't going to get you on anyone's Christmas card list.

Mustaches are allowed, shaving profiles are the only excuse to have facial hair in the Army. I'm not going into this blindly, there are inconsistencies across the board with everyone. But that doesn't mean that improvements should not be made or attempted. Keep the Christmas cards, I have no interest in them. I assume I'll probably be banned here soon for heresy and that's fine. The youth will eventually become the seniors, its inevitable. I still plan on joining and making a good use of my time for myself and the community. Well, I'll see you guys on the other side. Happy veterans day and have a fantastic week!

[GroundHawg]

I am a DV as well, if you are 70% or more or are receiving Unemployability, you should not partake in CAP. It shows that you can work and could cost you in the long run.

http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/3562/loss-of-va-benefits-is-it-true/

Also since we are posting personal opinions... I had a beard on many of my deployments as well as sport one now in CAP, and guess what? It has not hindered my performance in any way shape of form.
One of the most professional and educated members I have ever met in CAP sports a beard to cover a wicked scar. Has never kept him from his duties in CAP or as a Corrections Officer. 
One of my favorite photos of myself,  Im rocking a beard, baseball cap, shirtless but with a plate carrier, in Ranger Panties, go fasters and Im sending mass quantities of rounds down range. I bet Al Qaeda was miffed that the guy shooting at them wasnt clean cut....

[SarDragon]

Because it's unprofessional, forgive me but the army, navy, marine corps do not authorize facial hair whatsoever. It may not impede your ability to do your job but it is unprofessional. When I was in Iraq I saw guys in SOF units with beards, but when it came time to go on R&R they shaved it all off. Personally it looks like garbage to me. But to each their own. Things will change given enough time. There's a reason Admiral Zumwalts policies did not stay in effect after he left the office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

Oh, really. Were you in the Navy back then? Are you truly aware of the changes he made, and how many actually remain?

[Майор Хаткевич]

Death4Golf,

1 -Welcome to CAPTalk.
2 - Thank you for your service.
3 - Slow your roll and smell the roses

You will either find a unit to join, or not, either stick around CAPTalk, or not. You're a bit younger than me, so I get that strongly held opinions are sometimes hard to let go. As someone who can't even grow a proper beard, I prefer a clean cut look as well, but our regulations allow it, and I can't hold it against anyone who keeps it clean, and wears the right uniforms.

That said, just because I can't grow a man-forest on my face, doesn't mean I like shaving. I only shave once a week - for CAP meetings. Sometimes 2 times, if there's a weekend activity. Of course I also can't really shave until day 2-3 anyway, as it doesn't even grow so fast...

[EMT-83]

^ I can shave twice a day and still have a 5 o'clock shadow to rival Richard Nixon.   [/jealous]