1. Civil Air Patrol Pueblo Eagles Composite Squadron Parent Orientation

2. What We Are  The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is designed to develop future civic and aerospace leaders using the four Core Values of Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect.  We are NOT a military recruiting organization, although as an official military auxiliary, our cadets are privileged to wear the Air Force uniform and demonstrate military customs and courtesies while participating in uniform.  We are NOT a way to get free flight training, although with some effort and money, a cadet may be able to obtain ground school training and solo using CAP aircraft, and may be able to build flight hours towards a certificate using the discounted member aircraft rate.

3. What We Are  We are a nonprofit, Congressionally-chartered organization that (when activated) serves as the official United States Air Force Auxiliary.  Our mandated mission is to develop cadets, educate Americans on the importance of aviation and space, and to perform life-saving, humanitarian missions.  We are a composite squadron, with both cadet and adult members. Our adult members are fully fingerprinted and screened by the FBI and trained to safely guide and mentor cadets.

4. What is the Cadet Program?  Cadets participate in five elements designed to give them increasing honors and leadership responsibilities along the way.  Cadets learn leadership from an Air Force perspective through study, mentoring, and hands- on learning… first as a follower, then as a leader of small teams, and ultimately a flight or squadron.  Cadets learn to love aviation and space by studying the fundamentals of aerospace science and experiencing flight first-hand in CAP aircraft, all free of charge!

5. What is the Cadet Program?  Cadets are encouraged to develop a lifelong habit of regular exercise through the cadet Physical Fitness program.  Cadets build character by living the core values and discussing ethical issues through moral leadership discussions led by the squadron chaplain (discussions are nondenominational).  Cadets engage in exciting activities such as flight training, emergency services operations, summer training academies, and visits to military and aerospace installations.

6. Pueblo Eagles Composite Squadron  We are required to provide 2.5 hours per week of cadet contact – we currently meet from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday nights.  We elect to do Physical Training on the second or third Saturday of every month for about an hour, to free up time during Thursday meetings.  Emergency Services training is usually done for a few hours following PT, but is not required.  There will usually be an optional weekend activity, once per month. Cadets are expected to participate regularly, but not in every event.  Summer encampment and special activities may be for a week or more and may require out of state travel, and will require additional fees.  Cadets are required to notify their chain of command when they are unable to attend an event or meeting. –Family obligations and school always come first – your cadet will always be excused for missing a meeting as long as they notify their element leader or flight sergeant in advance.

7. Flying?  We understand parents can be a little leery of letting their cadet fly.  Cadets do not handle critical stages of the flight (i.e. takeoffs or landings)  All CAP pilots are very experienced, extensively trained, and retested annually – we train to far higher standards than required by the FAA.  CAP aircraft are maintained far better than industry standards.  CAP pilots are prohibited from engaging in risky flight behaviors.  Any cadet can cancel their flight at anytime if they feel unsafe – the mission pilot will immediately return to base!  CAP’s safety record is by far the best in the country. –Aircraft accidents in the last three years did not exceed 3.5 per 100,000 flying hours (most accidents occurred on the ground). –CAP vehicles were not involved in a traffic accident over the last three years.  CAP uses operational risk management and a stringent safety plan to be proactive in preventing accidents and injuries.  Orientation flights are ALWAYS FREE for cadets (to a maximum of five powered and five glider flights, and unlimited “backseat” rides).

8. Sounds Too Good to Be True. What’s the Real Cost?  National and Wing dues are $37 / year –Includes membership kit with textbooks and a free cadet uniform.  Squadron dues are $20 / year (to pay some of the cost for activities).  Uniform costs vary – get almost everything you need from us for $60.00 and save on shipping!  Because CAP is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, your uniform purchases, dues, and mileage to and from meetings may be tax-deductible!

9. What’s This About Uniforms?  Uniform Requirements: –The initial training uniform is a plain white crew-neck T-shirt, blue jeans, tennis shoes, and the orange squadron ball cap (called a ‘cover’). (purchase as part of new member kit or cost is $10.00 separately). –Next uniform your cadet can wear is the “Squadron Alternate”  Black or orange squadron T-shirt  Plain Blue Jeans  Tennis Shoes  Orange Squadron Ball Cap –BDUs (Battle Dress Uniforms) (woodland camoflage)  Squadron will issue (if available) 2 blouses and one set of pants. –Return to squadron when you leave the program.  Purchase patrol cap (cover) and boots separately. May need an additional “blue belt” if Air Force has not sent your free belt yet.  Name tapes, flag patch, wing patch, squadron patch are part of new member kit.  May purchase M-65 jacket on your own (not required but recommended).

10. There are More Uniforms?  Uniform Requirements: –Minimum basic service uniform  Air Force program (when funded) provides a free flight cap, shirt or blouse, trousers or skirt, and belt.  Return to squadron if membership is not renewed or if cadet outgrows.  May wish to purchase an additional set – squadron may also issue if we have any in supply.  New member kit includes CAP cutouts (trade for grade insignia when promoted), flight cap device, Curry ribbon and ribbon bar (trade with squadron supply for larger bar when promoted), and a blue name plate.  Must provide your own dress shoes (plain black oxfords), socks, and T-shirts.  May purchase “Blues” coat from military clothing sales stores or on the internet – recommended but not required. –New Member Kit ($60) includes:  Orange squadron ballcap, black squadron T-shirt and orange SAR T-shirt.  Two Civil Air Patrol tapes and two “name” tapes for BDUs  Reverse American Flag, Colorado Wing patch, and Pueblo Eagles patch for BDUs.  CAP Cutouts, enlisted flight cap device, cadet airman insignia, Curry ribbon, mounting bar and blue three-line name plate for the minimum basic service uniform.  Saves shipping costs and hassle from trying to locate all these items!

11. Our Commitment to Safety  CAP does not tolerate abuse of any type (sexual, physical, mental, hazing, or use of exercise as punishment).  All activities are preceded by a safety briefing for cadets and adults.  Senior members supervise all cadet activities, and a male and female member will be present at any overnight activity by region regulation.  Report any concerns to the deputy commander for cadets, the squadron commander, or the group or wing commanders.

12. How do Cadets Advance?  Great Start program will help them advance to their first grade and achievement (Cadet Airman and the Curry Achievement).  Cadets progress by self-study and testing, and must actively participate in meetings and activities, pass required leadership, aerospace, and drill tests, and demonstrate sufficient maturity to handle increased responsibilities in the cadet flight (Charlie Flight).  The squadron commander may hold a cadet in grade (with a review no later than sixty days) instead of promoting – promotions are a privilege and not a right.  Cadets can promote once in a sixty day period (or every thirty days if they are an JROTC cadet also).  Cadets earning the Mitchell Award and becoming a cadet officer become eligible for scholarships, grade advancement in the U.S. military, and other benefits.

13. What Can I Do To Help?  A successful cadet flight relies on parents.  We commit to keeping you as informed as we can, as early as we can – we know kids don’t always tell you what’s going on!  If you get the kids here on time, we’ll get done on time! Thank you!  Organize a carpool!  Serve on the parents’ committee and help with fundraising.  Join us as a cadet sponsor member – allows you to chaperone, drive CAP vehicles, does not require you to wear a uniform.  Join as an adult (senior) member!  Make sure to join us every fourth Thursday when we promote cadets – help us pin on your son or daughter’s new grade and share in their pride of accomplishment!  Parents website: http://parents.puebloeagles.us http://parents.puebloeagles.us  Squadron calendar: www.puebloeagles.us www.puebloeagles.us

14.  The Pueblo Eagles are named after the F-15 Strike Eagle, the workhorse of the U.S. Air Force until recently.  Our squadron charter number (RMR-CO- 179) refers to Rocky Mountain Region, Colorado Wing, Squadron 179).  Our squadron motto is “Leadership – Service with Honor” Fun Squadron Facts

15. Any Questions?