Hello and questions

[citizensoldier]

Many many years ago I was a Cadet Member of Mt. Hood Composite Squadron, Oregon wing.  I joined the Army Guard and got busy with life.  I now have a 11 year old stepson who is a Naval League Cadet Corp member looking at CAP.  We had him go to the Sea Cadets last year since the CAP starts cadets at age 12.  The NLCC group is alright but in Oklahoma the CAP seems to do alot more.  I am interested in signing back on as a senior member.  I am a soon to retire NCO.  How does all that transfer over?

Thanks,

Jon Eppler
SGT OKARNG

[RiverAux]

There isn't really any "transfer" involved.  You would just join CAP.  Go to a local meeting, get an application and a fingerprint card and you're good to go.  Some of your military training could count towards CAP's requirements in terms of the CAP professional development program, so when you're ready to join, they would want a copy of your service summary documenting that stuff.

[Eclipse]

Any training your son has already received on uniform wear, drill, courtesies, etc., will directly translate, otherwise the programs are fairly different, though my guess is that he's new enough that it won't be a big deal.

What grade are you?

CAP members who complete level one and are current or retired NCO's may qualify for advanced officer grade.

If you are E-5 or above, you may also choose to wear the USAF equivalent of your grade, however there is currently no
formal "enlisted/NCO" program in CAP (there's only about 50 active members of 55k(isH) who have chosen to do this), so
its only "ceremonial" - there is no separation of duty as yo would find in compensated services.

Otherwise, experience from compensated services is invaluable to CAP, especially in the cadet program, and you and your son could have a lot of fun together.

[RiverAux]

By the way, you can join CAP immediately ... you don't have to wait until you retire. 

[citizensoldier]

By the way, you can join CAP immediately ... you don't have to wait until you retire. 

I am an E-5.  I will probably wait to come back in when my son is old enough.  Between my Army drill, his Sea Cadet drill and the distances involved it will have to wait til we can both go at the same time.  I really do miss it alot and he seems to be enthused about it.  I would be doing more with his unit but we often have mutual drill conflict.

[Eclipse]

As an E-5 you could wear USAF Staff Sgt stripes, but my personal opinion would be just to track the officer program and
work CAP's plan.

[citizensoldier]

Any training your son has already received on uniform wear, drill, courtesies, etc., will directly translate, otherwise the programs are fairly different, though my guess is that he's new enough that it won't be a big deal.

What grade are you?

CAP members who complete level one and are current or retired NCO's may qualify for advanced officer grade.

If you are E-5 or above, you may also choose to wear the USAF equivalent of your grade, however there is currently no
formal "enlisted/NCO" program in CAP (there's only about 50 active members of 55k(isH) who have chosen to do this), so
its only "ceremonial" - there is no separation of duty as yo would find in compensated services.

Otherwise, experience from compensated services is invaluable to CAP, especially in the cadet program, and you and your son could have a lot of fun together.

I just like CAP culture better from what I have seen.  I am an E-5.  Didn't have alot of focus for a few years pre 9/11 or I would have done more with it early.  I am guessing I will wear NCO rank til I have something to show for my efforts in this venue.  I am looking forard to getting us both involved.  It should be a good family activity for us.

[Eclipse]

The way is that you either choose to wear your Army grade, or work the CAP track.

After 6 months and Level 1 you are eligible for 2lt, and then your time in grade and CAP professional development takes you from there.  If you choose not to work the officer track, the clock is stopped until you decide you do.

If you completed the NCO academy that can substitute for our Senior Officers Course (AFIDL 13) which is needed after about 4 years or so for captain. 

[Major Carrales]

I think you will find CAP to be rewarding, especially if you are working with yur own child. 

One must bring the best of one's skills sets to their unit.  We get out of CAP what we put into it, I suspect you will make an excellent contribution to the unit.  CAP can greatly benefit from a person of your experience.

Welcome!!!

[citizensoldier]

The way is that you either choose to wear your Army grade, or work the CAP track.

After 6 months and Level 1 you are eligible for 2lt, and then your time in grade and CAP professional development takes you from there.  If you choose not to work the officer track, the clock is stopped until you decide you do.

If you completed the NCO academy that can substitute for our Senior Officers Course (AFIDL 13) which is needed after about 4 years or so for captain. 

That makes sense.  I have completed PLDC or WLC or whatever its name is this week.  We may go visiting some Squadrons over the next few weeks.  We have at least three that are equal distance apart.

CS

[citizensoldier]

I think you will find CAP to be rewarding, especially if you are working with yur own child. 

One must bring the best of one's skills sets to their unit.  We get out of CAP what we put into it, I suspect you will make an excellent contribution to the unit.  CAP can greatly benefit from a person of your experience.

Welcome!!!

Thanks,  I enjoyed it as a teenager, so I am sure I will enjoy it as a Senior Member.  I am going to need something to do with my freed up time.

CS

[DC]

I'm sure you and your son will find CAP very rewarding. His experience as a Naval League Cadet will give him a head start on knowledge. Unfortunately whatever rank he has earned there will not transfer, but the skills he learned like taking care of a uniform, drill, etc will be a great help.

Good luck, and have fun!

[citizensoldier]

I'm sure you and your son will find CAP very rewarding. His experience as a Naval League Cadet will give him a head start on knowledge. Unfortunately whatever rank he has earned there will not transfer, but the skills he learned like taking care of a uniform, drill, etc will be a great help.

Good luck, and have fun!

Thanks,

I don't think he is too worried about it on the rank.  I think the uniform change alone will make him happy. 

[RogueLeader]

I read that you are currently in Oklahoma, if so you are in a great wing.  I'm just curious as to where you are.  All the people that I've met in my time here are great people to know and deal with.