New Member and Questions

[DrewBirds]

Ok. I served in the Army. I do receive some VA compensation but I still want to serve.
I can join my state guard the OH Military Reserve. It is more Army like which would be a plus. But, I like the AF and CAP aerospace and flight aspects. Wanted to join AD AF back in the day wouldn't take me due to a GED. Army said,"Sign here". Three Jobs pick one:Cook, Laundry Specialist or 11B.... I chose sand hill. Served two years. I'm wanting to do emergency services and ground team detail. Now, as I understand it one must wear the BDU. Do I have to wear the BDU to meetings? In the field ok. Indoors around folks wearing polo shirts it looks air soft . I was so glad to have worn ACUs for this reason while in the Army. Never liked starch nor ironing. Black combat boots are cheaper. But, I do own current DoD compliant boots. Can you wear the desert boots with the CAP BDU? I don't care about wearing my ribbons or decorations from Army service. I'm going to a meeting this Tuesday to see what kind of squadron I'll be joining. My father was a chinook pilot in Nam he flew for CAP in the 70s and 80s. Anyway, thanks all you Chair Force guys and gals.... I'm joking. Thanks though.

[Mitchell 1969]

Welcome to CAP-TALK and perhaps to CAP.

You'll get a lot of answers and advice here. I'll start with this:

CAP has lots of jobs, specialties and assignments. But, the core membership is at the local unit level. It's important to learn that not every CAP unit does every CAP thing. Kind of like a guy joining the Army as an 11B shouldn't expect to be taught how to drive an Abrams or learn how to pull engines out of helicopters.

With that in mind, you should take the time to look at the jobs, missions and training at your local units. If you have more than one unit within reasonable driving time, your options multiply. But don't go to an active flying unit of "Senior Members" (adults) and expect to launch model rockets. Likewise, don't go to a unit full of 12 year old cadets and expect to turn them into a mountain search and rescue team.

In addition to mission responsibilities, there are also a lot of support functions. I've seen people come into CAP "for the flying" who have found fulfilling opportunities in logistics. Never entered their head until someone asked them to pitch in. I've seen people really get in to the Aerospace Education aspects without prior background. And one guy I know turned into a really good professional development officer when he got frustrated with his own development.

Meet with the unit commanders. See what they need to have done. See if you can get a look at their activity schedule. Try to find a fit.

[Fubar]

Mitchell 1969 gave a great response and he's right on all points. Find a local unit and sit through at least three meetings. After the third meeting, you'll have a good idea if that unit is a right fit for you. If you have another unit nearby, don't be afraid to check them out too. Squadrons often have their own personalities and it wouldn't be surprising to learn one is a better fit for you than the other. Whichever unit you select, they will likely hold a membership board (interview) to ensure you're a good fit for them too.

CAP has it's own culture that's somewhat military, somewhat civilian, and somewhat unique to just CAP. It's a bit of a fire hose of information, so take your time, work through the acronyms, the procedures, and do your best to adjust from "Army" to "Air Force Auxiliary" when it comes to culture.

Thank you for your service and thank you for checking out CAP.

[Brad]

Judging by your post I wager you'd be coming on board as a Senior Member. The other posters offered good advice and I'll touch a bit on the uniform concern you mentioned. Most importantly, I'm wondering where you heard you MUST wear the BDU? As Senior Members, we have the interesting option, provided we meet height & weight & grooming standards, of choosing to wear the AF-style uniforms (blues, BDUs, green zoom bags) or wearing the corporate uniforms (white aviator shirt/gray pants, Blue BDUs, polo & pants, blue zoom bags).

I for one meet the requirements to wear the AF-style uniforms, which I do a fair amount...in fact I got into CAP after getting a medical DQ from the Navy...but if they're not clean then I just as easily put on the polo or whatever the corporate equivalent is for the listed uniform of the day. You could likely do the same and nobody would think less of you, at least I would hope not. Cadets are the only members that must wear the AF-style uniforms if they are within the requirements to wear it.

Uniforms at meetings as a whole, yes. The specific uniform though, again, depends on the uniform of the day for the meeting, which is usually determined by the activities planned. Most Squadrons have one week for awards (blues/corporate shirts), the next for ES (BDUs/BBDUs/polos), the next for Aerospace Ed and Character Development (same), and the next for PT (PT gear). Order may vary but you get the idea. Again though, don't get pigeon-holed into one uniform based off what you heard when the regulations permit otherwise. Seniors have versatility when it comes to uniforms, use it!

[DrewBirds]

Thanks for the replies. Yes I would most certainly never expect to go on land nav in CAP and not have some folks cracking branches. I can't help it. Muscle memory or whatever. But, I think for me at least it's just still having a need to be part of a team. Not the other stuff. Like Brad I was told I couldn't serve with the branch I wanted because of a GED ( I know you said medical DQ) but you get the point. But, I was told by someone I cant remember who... That the BDU was standard for search and rescue. I have two sets of BDUs that a friend gave me. One is a Army set. Has all of the insignia my Dress Greens had at separation I wear them on Veterans Day etc.  I have my step brother who has passed.. His BDUs from Civil Air Patrol. My friend wore BDU when he was Army in the late 90s. So, if I'm violating AR 670-1 by not wearing acus on Veterans Day well... I hope CID doesn't recall me for a court martial lol. I do prefer ACUs but expensive to replace new anyway. I went to vanguard. Mil and looked at the polo and other cap uniforms they look good. But, either way since I'm also joining the OH military reserve I'll have to wear BDU at some point. Why did the AF get rid of the woodland pattern? Tiger stripe looks pretty good. But I'm sure AD and Air Guard probably feel like we did.... We got real tired of having to replace torn trousers! LOL.

[DrewBirds]

Judging by your post I wager you'd be coming on board as a Senior Member. The other posters offered good advice and I'll touch a bit on the uniform concern you mentioned. Most importantly, I'm wondering where you heard you MUST wear the BDU? As Senior Members, we have the interesting option, provided we meet height & weight & grooming standards, of choosing to wear the AF-style uniforms (blues, BDUs, green zoom bags) or wearing the corporate uniforms (white aviator shirt/gray pants, Blue BDUs, polo & pants, blue zoom bags).

I for one meet the requirements to wear the AF-style uniforms, which I do a fair amount...in fact I got into CAP after getting a medical DQ from the Navy...but if they're not clean then I just as easily put on the polo or whatever the corporate equivalent is for the listed uniform of the day. You could likely do the same and nobody would think less of you, at least I would hope not. Cadets are the only members that must wear the AF-style uniforms if they are within the requirements to wear it.

Uniforms at meetings as a whole, yes. The specific uniform though, again, depends on the uniform of the day for the meeting, which is usually determined by the activities planned. Most Squadrons have one week for awards (blues/corporate shirts), the next for ES (BDUs/BBDUs/polos), the next for Aerospace Ed and Character Development (same), and the next for PT (PT gear). Order may vary but you get the idea. Again though, don't get pigeon-holed into one uniform based off what you heard when the regulations permit otherwise. Seniors have versatility when it comes to uniforms, use it!

For some reason IRC the Coast Guard wears those blue BDUs. I know a few coasties. Quite the guys. Very professional and very smart those guys. Anyway, yeah I will be taking advantage of the versatility afforded Senior Members.

[THRAWN]

All good advice above. I sampled  couple of units until I found a good fit. Take some time to learn about the organization, what it has to offer, and more importantly, what you have to offer. Forget about what you're going to wear. For the record, ACUs are junk. You'll find BDUs much easier to wear and maintain. I've been a member of the NJ and MD SDF. These types of organizations have come a long way in the past 15 years. Your dedication to serve is commendable. Just don't get too wrapped up in unimportant details.

[DrewBirds]

Thanks. I talked with SDF recruiter today. Since I'm a professional cook he wants me to have 31B military police as you know every SDF member is a 31B. But, in OH you can have other MOS. I'll have to attend training and a correspondence course for 92G. I like that. The Army culture is the best in the military. Rank structure, core values and the brotherhood. Idk if I'll honestly join CAP. The SDF recruiter here says you PT every drill and get paid for state duty commensurate with your rank. Same exact pay national guardsman get paid on active duty. As an E-4 I'll be eligible to attend the OHMR NCO course mirrored on the Army's NCO school. APFT scores were always good, I meet army height and weight standards and still my grooming habits meet regs. I got my FBI check back and my OH state flag patch from vanguard. Waiting on the GO or NO GO from the HQ in Columbus. Then I have to go to Annual Training to swear in and get orders for schools. I wish I could go back on active duty. But, SDF will be ok too.

[PHall]

Thanks. I talked with SDF recruiter today. Since I'm a professional cook he wants me to have 31B military police as you know every SDF member is a 31B. But, in OH you can have other MOS. I'll have to attend training and a correspondence course for 92G. I like that. The Army culture is the best in the military. Rank structure, core values and the brotherhood. Idk if I'll honestly join CAP. The SDF recruiter here says you PT every drill and get paid for state duty commensurate with your rank. Same exact pay national guardsman get paid on active duty. As an E-4 I'll be eligible to attend the OHMR NCO course mirrored on the Army's NCO school. APFT scores were always good, I meet army height and weight standards and still my grooming habits meet regs. I got my FBI check back and my OH state flag patch from vanguard. Waiting on the GO or NO GO from the HQ in Columbus. Then I have to go to Annual Training to swear in and get orders for schools. I wish I could go back on active duty. But, SDF will be ok too.

If you're 100% disabled (you said this in another thread), how are you allowed to join the SDF and PT?

[catrulz]

Drewbird,

I've kept quiet up til now.  I was a senior NCO in the OHMR S1 shop until Jun 2012.  The OHMR S1 is in our CAP unit and we are good friends.  Bottom line is, OHMR are not paid for drill or AT.  Most SDF's are no linger MP units but have transitioned to Civil Support units.  OHMR is a Civil Support Brigade in the Ohio Military Department.  There are many skills needed to operate the brigade including cooks.

The training in the OHMR is professional and top notch (better than CAP in my opinion), but you'll get fewer opportunities to put said training to use.  You'll be subject to OCMJ, and if you don't perform, they'll simply discharge you. 

There are many former 11B's and other Army types in CAP.  But this is the Civil Air Patrol, not the Civil Army Patrol.  Most here don't really care what color the Army Service Uniform is, or if you prefer the ACU over scorpion, and you can get info about what badges and ribbons you wear from the local unit.  Your skills as a SL-1 11B could be valuable to CAP, as well as any discipline and self-discipline you bring in (I'm hesitant to say leadership).  But as either a CAP or OHMR recruiter, I hear/read a lot of I's and me's.  If you want to serve it's about your unit and our customers! 

[DrewBirds]

Thanks. I talked with SDF recruiter today. Since I'm a professional cook he wants me to have 31B military police as you know every SDF member is a 31B. But, in OH you can have other MOS. I'll have to attend training and a correspondence course for 92G. I like that. The Army culture is the best in the military. Rank structure, core values and the brotherhood. Idk if I'll honestly join CAP. The SDF recruiter here says you PT every drill and get paid for state duty commensurate with your rank. Same exact pay national guardsman get paid on active duty. As an E-4 I'll be eligible to attend the OHMR NCO course mirrored on the Army's NCO school. APFT scores were always good, I meet army height and weight standards and still my grooming habits meet regs. I got my FBI check back and my OH state flag patch from vanguard. Waiting on the GO or NO GO from the HQ in Columbus. Then I have to go to Annual Training to swear in and get orders for schools. I wish I could go back on active duty. But, SDF will be ok too.

If you're 100% disabled (you said this in another thread), how are you allowed to join the SDF and PT?

Again. I don't know if you recieve VA benefits. But, if you must know... One you can get a waiver from the OHMR stating that you will continue treatment and keep your condition in check. Two I'm 100 percent for PTSD. I have IBS from eating local food during OIF as well. At any rate I go to the storefront Vet Center here in my city for counseling and I have been inpatient PTSD at the VAMC. The VA rated me 100 percent after I was involuntarily placed in inpatient. I avoided the VA because a lot of vets here will chase higher ratings and I didn't want to play that game . Buying into I'm sick and can't help myself crap these therapists spew. Pills for this pills for that. Like the Army Motrin for all your ills. Nonsense. I just think militar structure in my life would help me greatly. If I don't have that structure I don't sleep. Hell I don't sleep anyway.

[DrewBirds]

Drewbird,

I've kept quiet up til now.  I was a senior NCO in the OHMR S1 shop until Jun 2012.  The OHMR S1 is in our CAP unit and we are good friends.  Bottom line is, OHMR are not paid for drill or AT.  Most SDF's are no linger MP units but have transitioned to Civil Support units.  OHMR is a Civil Support Brigade in the Ohio Military Department.  There are many skills needed to operate the brigade including cooks.

The training in the OHMR is professional and top notch (better than CAP in my opinion), but you'll get fewer opportunities to put said training to use.  You'll be subject to OCMJ, and if you don't perform, they'll simply discharge you. 

There are many former 11B's and other Army types in CAP.  But this is the Civil Air Patrol, not the Civil Army Patrol.  Most here don't really care what color the Army Service Uniform is, or if you prefer the ACU over scorpion, and you can get info about what badges and ribbons you wear from the local unit.  Your skills as a SL-1 11B could be valuable to CAP, as well as any discipline and self-discipline you bring in (I'm hesitant to say leadership).  But as either a CAP or OHMR recruiter, I hear/read a lot of I's and me's.  If you want to serve it's about your unit and our customers!

You knew I was a 11B at skill level 1. Maybe due to the fact I stated my rank at sep was E4 or you served as well. Probably both. In that case thanks for your service brother. We are all brothers and sisters in the Army and the Armed Forces. But, it may be abrasive to some because they didn't experience the service. I also do care about the uniform more than others because my little brother and second cousin are still in. So naturally they call to sound off about random matters. Plus they ask for advice. Even though one is Artillery and the other is in Intel. He speaks Pashtu, Arabic and Farsi. The other is at Ft. Sill. My entire family is Marines and Army. Dad was a Vietnam veteran of Khe Sahn. Oldest/older brother panama and desert storm. Me and my sister OIF and she deployed to Afganistan with her NG unit. Grandpa fought in WW2 in the pacific he was a marine. It's a culture in my family you join at 17 or 18. Especially the males. My sister wanted Army. Because her brothers were soldiers. We tried to get her to go Coast Guard because of her intelligence and great grades in school. No. Recruiter said yeah I can get her to cape may. She went Army instead. And I think by simply having the personality I do; I lead naturally. I try to bring out the best in people around me. I pay attention to what works. I pay attention to what personality traits the person possesses. Which in turn allows me to gauge what I can do to redirect them and refocus them without breaking their confidence. By that point I know what makes them tick. Psychology is an awesome field. Simply by observing mannerisms, behavior and outlook you can master linguistics which obviously is a huge key to success in life.