CAPRAP

[shyronnie102]

I'm currently a CAP Senior Member (with 18 years in the program), former Spaatz cadet, and unit commander in MS wing.  I am an active duty Navy F-18 pilot who is looking at a few options post my active duty commitment.  From my cadet experience, I remember a few AF reservists that were part of the CAPRAP program (some of whom were excellent mentors) and was looking for more info.  I would appreciate any insight from current or former CAPRAP members with regards to a few questions.

First,  I know the program is designed for AF Reservists or ANG members, but have you guys ever dealt with an officer transitioning from another branch?  I'm specifically interested in the steps required to make the transition.  I fully understand its a points only position.

Second, are there any flying opportunities for individuals in this position?  I hold ATP MEL, SEL, CFI, CFII, and MEI certificates and have been a CAP check pilot, mission pilot, and check pilot examiner since 2005. 

Thanks in advance for the help!

V/R,

Shy Ronnie
Spaatz #1495

[kwe1009]

Here is a link to their information page and contact information.  You just earn points for Reserve retirement, no pay.

[Fubar]

I don't see a link above, but he might have meant this one:

http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/CAPUSAF/recruiting.asp

[SarDragon]

I just PMd someone who used to be a CAPRAP. Let's see if he posts anything.

[sarmed1]

http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/CAPUSAF/documents/CAPRAPInfoFlyerforNewInterest.pdf

The POC on that flyer would have the best idea if and how to make that happen.

We discussed this at one point to a certain extent.  Specifically could you recruit people directly into CAPRAP vs them already being in the system as a USAF component.  No one at the time could think of why not, but there was never a follow up. 

Abstractly you would still need to join the AF reserve.
Questions that may affect that:
Are you retiring or just separating?  If Separating why?  (your choice or the Navy's?)
What rank are you leaving as? (you cant have been passed over for twice for promotion are ineligible......the only alternative there would be to get out entirely and enlist in a reserve component as an E-X)
Do you have an mandatory reserve component commitment from the Navy?... It is always easiest to not have a break in service:  that may mean going to the USNR, then doing a conditional release to the USAFR.

I will tell you that even USAF recruiters dont know what CAP-RAP is, you will find it difficult to explain to them what you want to do (let alone try and get the Navy to understand)

The process is not speedy.  So you may have to come up with an alternate plan for your Navy departure prior to coming on board as CAP-RAP.
An important question that you need to ask yourself and more than likely will be asked of you.  Why do you want to go to CAP-RAP?  You appear to be an asset with a high level of participation to the CAP program, yet you have "0" AF experience;  Are your talents better suited to being a CAP member vs an USAF member?  What would you do in the USAF if/when you dont want to be a CAP-RAP member.

MK

[Spam]

My DO (a former cadet) went on to be a Naval Aviator as well, and served in GAWG in this role for years for points.

If you'd like, PM me if you want me to put you in touch - his info might be out of date, but he could share service-specific experiences.

Thanks for your service.

V/R,
Spam

[FW]

I served as a CAPRAP officer for 3 years (87-90) before the AF made the decision to limit membership to Air Force reservists and ANG members. (I was an Army reservist).  I'm almost positive this program is still just for USAFR and ANG members. 

[Spam]

Sir,

check your email. I'm trying to hook you up to get some gouge.

My humble advice is, waivers are always available for outstanding candidates who make a great case. Make it hard for them to say no.

V/R,
Spam

[shyronnie102]

Spam,

Thanks so much for the help!

V/R,

Shy Ronnie

[GroundHawg]

They might not let him transition to the ANG or AFRES and go directly into a CAPRAP slot. Even though I had 15 years in CAP and ten years in the Army when I switched to the USAF, they wouldn't give me a CAPRAP spot because I didn't have enough experience with the USAF.
I was told to "come back and apply in a few years" by the Col in charge at the time. I would have but was medically retired before I had the chance.

[PHall]

Been my experience that the CAPRAP program is used mostly to enable some Air Force Reservists (never have seen an ANG CAPRAP) to make it to 20 "Good" years for Retirement.
Most of the people I've seen were people who were put out of their old Reserve job due to a unit mission/aircraft change or unit relocation.

[sarmed1]

My understanding is that Primary assignment CAPRAP duty you must an USAF Reserve member.  The unit of assignment is a USAF Reserve Unit (technically an IRR unit)  Since NG personnel are assigned to the state there are no AF inactive guard positions (Apparently the Army yes, AF no)  The only way a NG member can do CAPRAP is an additional duty position, and only with the consent of their home unit.  The home unit still retains administrative control and they must participate at what ever level the unit requires (in addition to CAPRAP)   In a conflict (not the war kind) the home unit is always priority 1.

I would also agree that it would be unlikely to go from USN to USAF CAPRAP for a couple of reasons.  The foremost is based on lack of USAF knowledge.  CAP knowledge is great, but being able to know how the USAF works is equally as important (since they take plenty of people with "0" CAP knowledge) Secondly,  I have seen prior service come into traditional USAF units and remain lost and confused for years because of the differences between branches and the inherent difference between AD and RES component life, and thats with unit and mentor/supervisor help.  The CAPRAP system is very self navigating, as a 10 year USAF reservist I still have difficulty making the system work.

Ultimately its up to the potential detachment commander to agree to bring some one into CAPRAP under them.  Some may be more willing to work with a prior service, non USAF person than others.  Until you feel it out you ultimately wont know.

MK