Squadron Patch Criteria

[JROB]

My squadron commander and I were discussing the possibility of setting a criteria for the awarding of the squadron patch. I was wondering of any other unit does this? During my time with another squadron cadets had to complete the curry achievement to be allowed to wear the unit patch.

[B.Kahuna]

I've never seen it done. IMHO, squadron patches can be extremely unifying...I don't really see anything wrong with making C/Amn a requirement, although I  wouldn't make it any stricter than that.

[arajca]

The unit I work with awards the sqdn patch to cadets when the complete the Curry and seniors when they complete Level I. It is done at the monthly awards and promotions ceremony.

[High Speed Low Drag]

When our cadets join, they pay a $16 "dquadron fee" for which they immediately get a SQ T-shirt (required as a cadet trainee uniform), a SQ patch, and "buy-in" for collar brass.
I apologize ffor any missspellings - I am in tghe middle of a party tright now.

[JayT]

When our cadets join, they pay a $16 "dquadron fee" for which they immediately get a SQ T-shirt (required as a cadet trainee uniform), a SQ patch, and "buy-in" for collar brass.
I apologize ffor any missspellings - I am in tghe middle of a party tright now.

And a good time you're having I see!

[MikeD]

When our cadets join, they pay a $16 "dquadron fee" for which they immediately get a SQ T-shirt (required as a cadet trainee uniform), a SQ patch, and "buy-in" for collar brass.
I apologize ffor any missspellings - I am in tghe middle of a party tright now.

Then what are you doing on CAPTalk?

[Rotorhead]

I object to withholding any uniform or standard part of a uniform until a criteria is met unless that is mandated by regulation.

[Shotgun]

Timely topic - I was just updating our SOI to reflect our tradition with the Squadron Patch.

Cadets are awarded the squadron patch after they graduate from encampment. It is actually a huge motivational tool for cadets - especially for cadets who are on the fence about attending. We actually had 4 cadets attend encampment in another state so they could wear get their patches.

After they are given their patch they are required to memorize the Heraldry and are considered out of uniform if they do not have it sewn on within a week.

Here's the webpage regarding our patch: http://tinyurl.com/yzfw2ra

Only 5 or 6 of my Senior Members actually wear BDU's. They are awarded the patch after the complete Level 1. It is freely given to cadets. Senior members pay $2.50

[Shotgun]

When our cadets join, they pay a $16 "dquadron fee" for which they immediately get a SQ T-shirt (required as a cadet trainee uniform), a SQ patch, and "buy-in" for collar brass.

We are thinking of doing something along these lines.
I like the idea of including a T-Shirt.

Our main reason for implementing the fee is that our cadets are quick to get BDU and Blues uniforms from what we we can provide and the local surpluse store. However, they seem to take much longer in ordering their patches and insignia. The initial fee would cover those items also.

[MIKE]

I object to withholding any uniform or standard part of a uniform until a criteria is met unless that is mandated by regulation.

I would rather have nobody wear squadron patches/hats/shirts/PTU etc, then force members to buy them.  Don't even feel like mandating them if they are provided for free.  IMO anything other than the basic uniform WRT insignia should be considered optional... If you want uniformity then it starts there.

Death to patches! 

[EMT-83]

I know of a squadron that issues uniform items to cadets one piece at a time. Meet some requirement, earn your blouse. Do do something else, earn your cover.

The new cadet who shows up at O-fight day without a uniform is an ongoing problem.

[davidsinn]

I know of a squadron that issues uniform items to cadets one piece at a time. Meet some requirement, earn your blouse. Do do something else, earn your cover.

The new cadet who shows up at O-fight day without a uniform is an ongoing problem.

That's not right at all. They should be smacked senseless by their next higher command.

[NIN]

When our cadets join, they pay a $16 "dquadron fee" for which they immediately get a SQ T-shirt (required as a cadet trainee uniform), a SQ patch, and "buy-in" for collar brass.
I apologize ffor any missspellings - I am in tghe middle of a party tright now.

Then what are you doing on CAPTalk?

No kidding, I thought precisely that.  Either he's way too addicted to CAP-Talk, or the party is way lame.

[NIN]

When our cadets join, they pay a $16 "dquadron fee" for which they immediately get a SQ T-shirt (required as a cadet trainee uniform), a SQ patch, and "buy-in" for collar brass.

We are thinking of doing something along these lines.
I like the idea of including a T-Shirt.

Our main reason for implementing the fee is that our cadets are quick to get BDU and Blues uniforms from what we we can provide and the local surpluse store. However, they seem to take much longer in ordering their patches and insignia. The initial fee would cover those items also.

$50 to the unit on joining.

Gets you: Flight cap device, 2 x wing patches, collar insignia (now 2x chevrons versus cutouts and chevrons), nametag, Curry ribbon w/ribbon holder, 2 x CAP Tapes, 2 x name tapes, 1 squadron patch, BDU belt, boot blousers and a BDU cap. 

We were pretty good about issuing/recovering BDUs, so probably 98% of the cadets get issued BDUs, and they're 100% ready to be equipped when their FCU gets mailed to them.  The only thing that cadets have to buy for their blues are a v-neck t-shirt, socks and shoes (and sometimes we have those to issue, but they're far more hit-or-miss) and black t-shirts, socks and boots for their BDUs (and sometimes we can issue boots, too, but those are pretty hit-or-miss as well..)

By the end of CBT, we had everybody in a correct uniform.

[Spike]

I object to withholding any uniform or standard part of a uniform until a criteria is met unless that is mandated by regulation.

I would rather have nobody wear squadron patches/hats/shirts/PTU etc, then force members to buy them.  Don't even feel like mandating them if they are provided for free.  IMO anything other than the basic uniform WRT insignia should be considered optional... If you want uniformity then it starts there.

Death to patches! 

Mike Wow.

The Squadron I Command has been around since 1950.  We have a very distinctive squadron patch that in no way matches heraldry guidelines today.  A few years ago, the Wing and Region tried to force the patch off of the uniform stating it "did not meet criteria or form".  Well, we researched and found out it had special approval by both the AF and the Army heraldry department, and dated back to 1944.

The patch is a reminder of our past, and we are proud to be one of a few CAP units that wear an "oddly" shaped patch.

The Squadron provides the patch when the Cadet or Senior Member shows up on E-Services, and the very next meeting night we have a ceremony to give the patch out (which also dates back to 1962). 

I feel my members take more pride in the Squadron if they understand the history and meaning of what they get or what they do. 

[flyboy53]

JROB..I think waiting until a cadet earns a Curry or a senior member completes Level i before presenting them with a squadron patch, is a great morale device. Just do it.

When I was a SP, you weren't allowed to wear your beret until graduation and it was part of the ceremony. Then my first tour overseas was to the 21st Composite Wing (now Space Wing), Alaskan Air Command, at Elmendorf AFB. We didn't get our wing patches right away. Mine were presened by my NCOIC after I had completed 5-level training. Whether it was intended or not, that beret and functional badge and the first command and wing patches each had an extra special meaning for me.

Marines have a ceremony during basic training where they are presented their globe and anchor devices after a rather difficult week in the field. I've seen Marines cry because it recognizes their acceptance.

[Rotorhead]

I know of a squadron that issues uniform items to cadets one piece at a time. Meet some requirement, earn your blouse. Do do something else, earn your cover.

The new cadet who shows up at O-fight day without a uniform is an ongoing problem.

That's not right at all. They should be smacked senseless by their next higher command.

Absolutely. If NHQ wanted it that way, they'd have mandated it and would send uniform items piecemeal.

[Rotorhead]

JROB..I think waiting until a cadet earns a Curry or a senior member completes Level i before presenting them with a squadron patch, is a great morale device. Just do it.

Just do what? Make up your own regs? There's a good example for cadets, eh?

[TACP]

JROB..I think waiting until a cadet earns a Curry or a senior member completes Level i before presenting them with a squadron patch, is a great morale device. Just do it.

Just do what? Make up your own regs? There's a good example for cadets, eh?

Pretty sure there's no reg on that... Squadron patch is an optional uniform item, so the squadron would not be violating the regs by awarding it for an achievement.

[Spike]

JROB..I think waiting until a cadet earns a Curry or a senior member completes Level i before presenting them with a squadron patch, is a great morale device. Just do it.

Just do what? Make up your own regs? There's a good example for cadets, eh?

Pretty sure there's no reg on that... Squadron patch is an optional uniform item, so the squadron would not be violating the regs by awarding it for an achievement.

In fact I can make my Squadron Members earn the patch any way I see fit.  Just don't cross that hazing line or NATHAN will show up and put you in your place!