Drill & Color Guard?

usafmgjdb · November 04, 2008, 06:35:28 PM

Newbie here just trying to figure a little more out about CAP before joining. I dont know if it is possible though. I will be joining the senior members, can I joing a drill team or color guard being a senior member or is that only open for cadets? And what rank do you start at being a senior member and whats the best way to make rank. Thanks for any help

JayT · November 04, 2008, 06:38:42 PM

Quote from: usafmgjdb on November 04, 2008, 06:35:28 PM
Newbie here just trying to figure a little more out about CAP before joining. I dont know if it is possible though. I will be joining the senior members, can I joing a drill team or color guard being a senior member or is that only open for cadets? And what rank do you start at being a senior member and whats the best way to make rank. Thanks for any help

A. Open to cadets.
B. "Senior Member without Grade"

davedove · November 04, 2008, 06:52:51 PM

And to answer the last part, the best way to make grade:

1. Pursue the Professional Development program.
2. Participate in the unit.
3. Do your best and be professional.

IceNine · November 04, 2008, 10:19:17 PM

In a little more detail...

Participation as a member of Color/Honor Guard as well as Drill teams and the like is only open to cadets. However, you are encouraged to pass along any knowledge and skills that you have in those areas as a mentor to our cadets. And as you progress in the program there is a very real possibility that you could be chosen as a chaperone (or coach) for the competing drill teams and honor guards.

As for coming in you will join as a senior member without grade, which means very plainly you are addressed as Senior Member, are not afforded salutes etc.

And for making "rank" we use the term "grade" to indicate what you wear on your shoulder's. If you are or were an NCO in any branch of the military you are eligible to wear the AF equivalent of that grade. If you are/were an officer you are eligible to wear commensurate grade. At no point should you assume that promotions are automatic or "owed" to you, but the possibility exists.

As mentioned above, your best bet is to come in with an open mind and focus on being a good Civil Air Patrol member. Do not focus on attaining grade, as in the grand scheme of things is plays very little part in your ability to progress.

Good luck, And welcome!

BillB · November 04, 2008, 10:24:40 PM

Where does it say color guards are only open to cadets?

For a cadet competition color guard requirements are, cadets that haven't earned the Mitchell. I see no regulation that prohibits a senior member color guard.

jeders · November 04, 2008, 10:38:52 PM

You can have a senior color gaurd or drill team if you are so inclined, they just can't compete. Remember boys and girls, there's more to having a color gaurd than just competing.

JayT · November 05, 2008, 12:43:53 AM

Quote from: BillB on November 04, 2008, 10:24:40 PM
Where does it say color guards are only open to cadets? For a cadet competition color guard requirements are, cadets that haven't earned the Mitchell. I see no regulation that prohibits a senior member color guard.

Well, by tradition Color Guards are made up of Airmen and NCOs......so......

MIKE · November 05, 2008, 12:49:28 AM

An SM without grade is not an ocifer.

Rob Sherlin · November 05, 2008, 11:55:39 AM

I was watching a parade we had here in Niagara Falls. The CAP was involved with a cadet Color Guard but that's it (I wish there was a little more presence, but it will do). I had to crindge because out of the whole route of the parade, it just so happened that there was a cadet out of step right when the cameras turned to them.....OUCH!......I was murmuring to myself....SKIP..SKIP...GET BACK IN STEP..GET BACK IN STEP!
That cadet was probably in step that whole parade except for that 20 seconds......it was just bad timing to have the camera hit them right at the point he was off.