Cadets

New Cadet Guide

FIRST THREE WEEKS

Week one attend first meeting (Parents are highly encouraged to attend meetings)

Meet Deputy Commander for Cadets
Browse on-line CAP resources
Visit the Help for New Cadets Web Page: http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/cadet_programs/new_cadet_help/index.cfm and review the information provided. Write down any questions you might have and bring them with you to the next squadron meeting. Parents are encouraged to review this with their children.
Wear appropriate attire:
- Collared shirt, jeans on ES and AE meetings,
- Athletic attire on PT meeting,
- Business casual (collared shirt, slacks) on Blues meetings.

Week two attend second meeting

Get any questions answered
Read the New Cadet Guide and ask your fellow cadets for any tips
Study study study! In order to promote and get the most out of the program, start reading Learn to Lead booklet. They are very informative and will guide you in and out of CAP.

Week three attend third meeting

Apply online as a new cadet online.
Receive Squadron patch and Wing patch from DCC
Get a Uniform. Arcturus Composite Squadron has a supply of uniforms in which you may utilize once you have officially joined. After your first promotion, you will receive a $100 voucher from Vanguard which you can use to buy additional blues uniform components.

Next Steps

After your application is processed by CAP National Headquarters, you will be issued a CAP Membership Card with a CAPID #. Memorize your CAPID # and keep the card with you at all Civil Air Patrol meetings and functions. National HQ will also be mailing you a cadet educational packet.
With your CAPID #, you can now establish an “eServices” password account. eServices is THE primary source of CAP documents, tests, and support material.
- CAP eServices is located at https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.eServices.Web/Default.aspx
- After registering, you must complete the mandatory OPSEC (Operations Security) training at https://tests.cap.af.mil/opsec/main.cfm.
- Complete the REQUIRED Safety course Introduction to CAP Safety at https://www.capnhq.gov//CAP.SafetyBriefingApp.Web/SafetyBriefingOnline.aspx (after logging into e-Services, paste this address into your browser).
- Optional - Upload photo for CAP ID card, eServices login required https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.PhotoUpload.Web/PhotoUpload.aspx
- For detailed instructions on logging into E-Services and getting started with testing go to

http://capmembers.com/media/cms/Getting_Started_Cadet_Testing_1D7A06BA79620.pdf

PARENTS OF CADETS

It is our objective to make it easier to become familiar with the things a new cadet needs to get/do in order to become an active part of the squadron. If you have any questions regarding the cadet program, feel free to contact the Deputy Commander for Cadets.
Information for Parents from the CAP National Headquarters go to: http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/cap_home/parents/

CADET UNIFORMS

Cadets are required to be in full CAP uniform for weekly meetings, activities and missions. To start out, the cadet uniform cost is ranging from $125 to $150 per cadet.
Until you have a uniform, dress in a collar shirt, pants and shoes (no jeans, tee shirts or sneakers).
The squadron maintains a selection of cadet uniform and equipment items for issue. Please see our Supply Cadet for more details.
Uniform & Equipment Suppliers:
- Clothing Stores on JBER
- Army Surplus stores in Anchorage

•The Vanguard Industries – The Official CAP Uniform Provider

http://www.vanguardmil.com (Click on the Civil Air Patrol Section)

Review CAP Uniform Posters found in the New Cadet Guide https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/New_Cadet_Guide_2017_web_only_D57D3675E51E9.pdf

ABU (Airman Battle Uniform) – Duty uniform for cadets.

The squadron has an inventory of these available. Check with DCC to see if we have any. If we do not have pieces in the cadet’s size, then they can be purchased.
Things to be purchased:

ABU Patrol Cap (Vanguard Item # CAP0158)
Blue name tape (Vanguard Item # CAP6403)
Blue “CIVIL AIR PATROL” tape (Vanguard Item # CAP6402)
Khaki belt with black buckle (Vanguard Item # CAP2510700)
Khaki T-Shirts
Black (polished) Military Style Boots
Boot Sox
Boot Blousers

Service Dress/Blues Uniform – Air Force

After your first promotion, you will receive a $100 voucher from Vanguard which you can use to buy additional blues uniform components.
Required Items:

Flight Cap
Flight Cap Insignia
Name badge with white lettering
Black High Gloss Military Dress Shoes
White Undershirt “V neck”
Blue Pants
Blue Belt
Silver Belt Buckle

Physical Training (PT) Uniform

Things to be purchased:

Shorts (preferably black, gray, or dark blue)
T-Shirt (preferably black, no inappropriate logo’s)
Gym shoes

BASIC STANDARDS FOR THE PROPER WEAR OF THE BLUES UNIFORM

Haircut:

Males: Over the ears and off the collar; tapered appearance; no “trendy” styles; neat appearance
Females: Conservative style; plain-colored barrettes, etc; may touch but not fall below back collar

Shave, Cosmetics, Earrings:

Males: clean-shaven; mustaches are allowed if trimmed neatly; sideburns to bottom of ear
Females: may wear a small amount of cosmetics in good taste; may wear 1 simple ball earring

T-Shirts:

Wear a plain white V-neck tee-shirt for blues

Press:

Uniform should be well-pressed, crisp-looking, and wrinkle-free

Cords / Loose Threads:

Watch for cords around buttons, belt loops, edges of collar, etc.

Pockets & Buttons:

Keep all buttons buttoned. Watch for back pocket buttons
Keep nothing in shirt pockets; limit what you store in pants pockets

Socks / Hose:

Males: Black socks
Females: Black socks or hose

Brass:

Belt buckle and insignia should be clean, free of fingerprints, and as shiny as possible

Gig Line:

Males: Forms a continuous line from shirt fly, buckle, and trouser fly
Females: Same as males, except belt direction is reversed; some combinations do not have a belt

Shoe Shine:

Free of dirt, nicely polished

CONCLUSION

Keep your uniform mini-posters someplace where you will see them. Refer to them every time you get ready for CAP. Take pride in the great privilege you have in wearing the Air Force-style uniform!

BASIC RULES of MILITARY CUSTOMS & COURTESIES

The Salute

When in uniform, cadets salute military officers, CAP seniors, and cadet officers higher in rank than themselves.
Salutes are normally exchanged only outdoors, or when formally reporting.
The junior person initiates the salute upon recognizing the senior person.
Offer a greeting such as, “Good morning, ma’am,” when saluting.
When in formation, do not salute; the commander salutes for you.
When in doubt, salute.

Position of Honor

The senior person walks on the right, and the junior walks on the left.

Coming to Attention

Cadets stand at attention when being addressed by an officer.
If an officer who is higher ranking than anyone present enters a room, the first to notice commands, “Room, ATTENTION.”
In a classroom or work environment, these customs are usually relaxed.

Manners of Address

Cadets address officers as “sir” or “ma’am,” or by grade and last name, as in “Captain Jones.”
Cadets address one another by grade and last name, as in “Sergeant Jones.”

Reporting to an Officer

First, check your uniform. Look sharp when reporting.
Approach the officer’s door, knock twice, and wait for permission to enter.
Proceed toward the officer and halt 2 paces from them or their desk.
Salute and say, “Sir, Cadet (Last Name) reporting as ordered.”
Wait for the officer to return the salute.
Remain at attention, unless told otherwise, as you conduct your business with the officer.
When the meeting is over, the officer will say, “Dismissed.”
Come to attention (if not already), and take one step backward.
Salute and wait for the officer to return the salute.
Perform an about face, and exit.

To report to an officer outdoors, follow the steps above, except:

You will normally be wearing your cover (hat).
Instead of knocking, proceed toward the officer, halt 2 paces in front of them, salute, and report as explained above.

Requirements for Achieving Your First Rank

After your welcome packet arrives, you can sign into CAP eServices and begin work toward completing your first rank achievement. This will allow you to be promoted to Cadet Airman,

and earn the Curry Achievement Ribbon:

pass a 25-question, open-book test on Learn to Lead, with a score of 80% or higher
pass a drill and ceremonies performance test
participate in the Core Values foundations module
participate in the Introduction to Safety lesson and pass a written quiz
pass the mile or shuttle run, plus 2 of the 3 other events in the Cadet Physical Fitness Test, for your age and gender:

1 mile run or shuttle run
sit-ups (also called curl-ups)
push-ups
sit-and-reach

recite the Cadet Oath from memory
possess and properly wear a CAP uniform
demonstrate a good attitude, a commitment to the Core Values, listen well, and follow directions

TIPS

Who do I talk to if I have any questions?

See your fellow cadets or cadet staff first. If further guidance is needed, see one of the Cadet Programs Senior Members.

Any tips for success?

Be proactive and be prepared for the meeting.

Attend regularly and if unable, notify if at all possible that of your absence.

Be respectful of your leaders and of your uniform, and also have fun!

Any tips for parents?

Active involvement with your cadet is encouraged and will greatly increase their success.

WEB RESOURCES