Posted on
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Civil Air Patrol Cadets Trained At Winter Encampment
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a series of journal entries written by Civil Air Patrol cadets, ages 12 to 15, during their time at Winter Encampment at Camp Swift. Instruction is conducted by older cadets and supervised by adult mentors. The camp was from Dec. 26 through Dec. 31. Cadets came from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, North Carolina and Vermont.
Texas Wing Winter Encampment, Day One
By 2nd Lt. BrandiiRe'Ann Davis, cadet public affairs
CAMP SWIFT, Texas - Encampment started as the cadet staff arrived between 8a.m. and 12 p.m. at Camp Swift. We were briefed and assigned duties. Directing traffic, taking pictures, posting signs on doors, and helping other cadets with material items are only a small list of all the things we had to do. In short, we had to prepare the place for the cadet basics to arrive from Texas, including Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, North Carolina and Vermont.
They came later that day beginning at 1 p.m., creating a long line of uniformed young persons, each flanked by a bundle of belongings. They had brought everything they would need for the week. After saying their goodbyes to their families, they piled all their luggage to stand in line as they waited to sign in. When it was their turn at the in-processing desk, they presented their paperwork, and then went on to their assigned flight station. As they returned to the sunny day outside and retrieved their baggage, they started looking for their barracks building, which at times was difficult in the confusion of the moment. Soon, to their great relief, they would find the right place which would be "home" for the following five days, and find the bunks they would sleep in.
Cadets got right to it, unpacking and trying to make their bunks using the white twin-size sheets they had brought along (no fitted sheet allowed). But making the bed properly would demand "squaring of the comers" for a lasting, neat appearance, and they would learn that later in the day. Not long afterward, the flight sergeants rounded up their cadets in formation and took them to "encampment introduction." There they were introduced to the staff members and were told what was expected of them. To quote Col. Frank Eldridge, encampment commander, "You do your best and we will help with the rest."
When everything was said and done, members of the Standards Evaluation Team (SET) showed the cadets the proper way to wear the uniform, followed by the prescribed way to make their bunk. This was very important because they would be graded.
Afterward, the flight sergeants and commanders collected their cadets and marched them onto the grassy field for group formation. After an eternity of being in formation (about half an hour), cadets fell in for PT. Push-ups, sit-ups, stretches and runs were the drill. They will do this every day, since they'll need it pass their next physical fitness achievement test.
After a long day of settling in, the cadets enjoyed their lasagna, broccoli, French bread, salad and minuscule piece of cake. Even though they were not allowed to talk to each other, the meal tasted just fine.
The cadets would still have firearms training, followed by an aerospace education class. As with every course of instruction, safety was a major concern and every precaution was taken to prevent accidental injury. The cadets finally got personal time. For those who wanted it, Chaplain (Maj.) Ron Whitt conducted a 15-minute devotional in the Mess Hall.
Mercifully, staff called lights out for all personnel, bringing the first day of encampment to an end. A good night's sleep would do wonders for their ability to perform during day two.
Day 2
By the cadet public affairs team
Day two has come too early. The drowsy cadets awoke early but, nonetheless, many were still rushing to get all their PT gear together before their flight sergeants would come back for them. When the cadet commanders and sergeants returned, they ordered the flight to fall in outside. Then we marched off to the field for morning formation and PT.
It didn't last long, but the freezing cold and wind made it seem like an eternity. The encampment, including staff, did exercises and stretches. We jogged in place, did push-ups, cherry pickers, arm and leg stretches, and many more conditioning and limbering routines.
Personal hygiene came next, in what promised to be a long day. Like PT, it was brief, giving us just enough time to brush our teeth and hair, and to quickly change into our Battle Dress Uniforms (BDU's). It also gave everyone a chance to warm up in the heated barracks.
It was finally breakfast time, Hoo-Ah! There is nothing like a good meal to start off the day. We were treated to eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast, bananas, oranges, apples, cereal, yogurt, muffins, orange juice, white milk and chocolate milk. As you walked into the the mess hall, the wonderful smell of breakfast food hit your nose with fantastic sensations, which in turn made us all the hungrier. It felt so good to finally eat and calm our stomachs after the cold and emptiness since last dinner. However, getting through the line wasn't so easy. The cadet basics waited patiently in line at parade rest, arms horizontal to the ground holding the Standing Operating Instructions (SOI's), which they read attentively.
Immediately after, the cadets marched to their barracks to prepare for the Standards and Evaluations Team (SET) inspection. A belt buckle out of place, or the tiniest string hanging off a cadet's uniform can lower the flight's score. The cadets stood at attention as the SET slowly critiqued their uniforms and offered advice for improvement. The inspection lasted quite a while, but as soon as the cadets were inspected, they headed back outside to practice for Pass-In-Review; also known as the graduation parade - just four days away. Next was one of the best events of the day: lunch.
After shooting, as soon as the cadets returned to their barracks, the flights were given what is called "flight time." At this time, the flights work on different issues that arose in the flight during the day.
The flights were ordered in the chow line according to the points they had earned during the day's activities: the flight with the most points eats first. Points are earned for categories such as customs and courtesies, uniform preparation, and barracks orderliness and cleanliness.
The day is ending after a quick class on civilian careers in aviation and a squadron leadership project. The cadets have looked forward to this moment all day: bedtime.
Day 3
By Cadet 2nd Lt. Raphael Erie and Cadet 2nd Lt. Stephen Miller
Luckily, the morning was warm enough to keep the ground from freezing, allowing for additional exercises that involve more contact with the ground (yesterday it had been too cold so the ground was hard). Push-ups, sit-ups, flutter kicks and various other workouts were common exercises seen throughout the squadrons.
Directly after PT, the cadets had time allotted for personal hygiene and to change into their Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs). With empty stomachs, everyone went to the chow hall for breakfast, in hopes that the pancakes and sausage would fuel them to start the long day ahead.
Following breakfast, the basic cadets attended an air powered mechanics class taught by U.S. Air Force representatives, while the Standards Evaluation Team (SET) inspected their barracks and the Advanced Training School (ATS) students stood by for inspection. This last one was a hands-on exercise that would teach the ATS cadets the SET duties and responsibilities - since the next step in their own progression will be teaching cadet basics at future encampments.
Later the ATS students had a block of instruction on the Civil Air Patrol's cadet programs.
Once the classes were over, the basics practiced their Pass-In-Review skills, as the ATS cadets were finishing their Leader Lab class.
After a short ride, the 47th Squadron cadets (about half of all basic cadets at encampment) found themselves at Camp Swift's rifle range. There, caliber .22 rifles awaited each cadet. Before the cadets got to shoot the rifles, they got a safety briefing from Maj. Mike Cobb, a qualified instructor who manages the National Rifle Association weapons course. As soon as the safety briefing was concluded, the cadets got their rifles, took their place at the firing line, and locked and loaded as instructed. When given the command, they excitedly opened fire, each aiming at the small figures on the target in front.
Immediately following the history lesson, the entire cadet encampment rushed outside and quickly formed for mass inspection. The inspection concluded, the cadets were subjected to even more classes about the U.S. Air Force. Shortly after that, the encampment attended closing formation and learned which would be the honor flight of the day, the uniform of the day for the following day, and a brief recap covering the day's activities.
Dinner gave way to an activity called Spirit Time. This is when all the basic cadets meet in the mess hall to become motivated about the rest of encampment. Today is day three, and the cadets are just about at the halfway point, eagerly looking forward to Spirit Time, which is a noisy round of friendly venting. (Some of them will have lost their voice by tomorrow, day four, but should have it back by graduation on day six.)
The day has been so full of activity that the schedule wound up advancing at a different pace for most of the flights. The optional evening devotional, therefore, turned into a relay of fellowship and blessings, with small groups arriving as time permitted, to leave after a 15-minute pause of peace and relaxation. Those who chose to attend felt better as they found their way back to their noisy billets.
At last, it is lights out at Camp Swift, and the cadets are in bed. Some of them have managed to fall asleep already, exhausted from the day. On the following day, the fourth day of non-stop action, they will wake up before the crack of dawn for yet another day of classes, activities, and - yes, believe it or not - fun.
Texas Wing Winter Encampment, Day One
By 2nd Lt. BrandiiRe'Ann Davis, cadet public affairs
CAMP SWIFT, Texas - Encampment started as the cadet staff arrived between 8a.m. and 12 p.m. at Camp Swift. We were briefed and assigned duties. Directing traffic, taking pictures, posting signs on doors, and helping other cadets with material items are only a small list of all the things we had to do. In short, we had to prepare the place for the cadet basics to arrive from Texas, including Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, North Carolina and Vermont.
They came later that day beginning at 1 p.m., creating a long line of uniformed young persons, each flanked by a bundle of belongings. They had brought everything they would need for the week. After saying their goodbyes to their families, they piled all their luggage to stand in line as they waited to sign in. When it was their turn at the in-processing desk, they presented their paperwork, and then went on to their assigned flight station. As they returned to the sunny day outside and retrieved their baggage, they started looking for their barracks building, which at times was difficult in the confusion of the moment. Soon, to their great relief, they would find the right place which would be "home" for the following five days, and find the bunks they would sleep in.
Cadets got right to it, unpacking and trying to make their bunks using the white twin-size sheets they had brought along (no fitted sheet allowed). But making the bed properly would demand "squaring of the comers" for a lasting, neat appearance, and they would learn that later in the day. Not long afterward, the flight sergeants rounded up their cadets in formation and took them to "encampment introduction." There they were introduced to the staff members and were told what was expected of them. To quote Col. Frank Eldridge, encampment commander, "You do your best and we will help with the rest."
When everything was said and done, members of the Standards Evaluation Team (SET) showed the cadets the proper way to wear the uniform, followed by the prescribed way to make their bunk. This was very important because they would be graded.
Afterward, the flight sergeants and commanders collected their cadets and marched them onto the grassy field for group formation. After an eternity of being in formation (about half an hour), cadets fell in for PT. Push-ups, sit-ups, stretches and runs were the drill. They will do this every day, since they'll need it pass their next physical fitness achievement test.
After a long day of settling in, the cadets enjoyed their lasagna, broccoli, French bread, salad and minuscule piece of cake. Even though they were not allowed to talk to each other, the meal tasted just fine.
The cadets would still have firearms training, followed by an aerospace education class. As with every course of instruction, safety was a major concern and every precaution was taken to prevent accidental injury. The cadets finally got personal time. For those who wanted it, Chaplain (Maj.) Ron Whitt conducted a 15-minute devotional in the Mess Hall.
Mercifully, staff called lights out for all personnel, bringing the first day of encampment to an end. A good night's sleep would do wonders for their ability to perform during day two.
Day 2
By the cadet public affairs team
Day two has come too early. The drowsy cadets awoke early but, nonetheless, many were still rushing to get all their PT gear together before their flight sergeants would come back for them. When the cadet commanders and sergeants returned, they ordered the flight to fall in outside. Then we marched off to the field for morning formation and PT.
It didn't last long, but the freezing cold and wind made it seem like an eternity. The encampment, including staff, did exercises and stretches. We jogged in place, did push-ups, cherry pickers, arm and leg stretches, and many more conditioning and limbering routines.
Personal hygiene came next, in what promised to be a long day. Like PT, it was brief, giving us just enough time to brush our teeth and hair, and to quickly change into our Battle Dress Uniforms (BDU's). It also gave everyone a chance to warm up in the heated barracks.
It was finally breakfast time, Hoo-Ah! There is nothing like a good meal to start off the day. We were treated to eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast, bananas, oranges, apples, cereal, yogurt, muffins, orange juice, white milk and chocolate milk. As you walked into the the mess hall, the wonderful smell of breakfast food hit your nose with fantastic sensations, which in turn made us all the hungrier. It felt so good to finally eat and calm our stomachs after the cold and emptiness since last dinner. However, getting through the line wasn't so easy. The cadet basics waited patiently in line at parade rest, arms horizontal to the ground holding the Standing Operating Instructions (SOI's), which they read attentively.
Immediately after, the cadets marched to their barracks to prepare for the Standards and Evaluations Team (SET) inspection. A belt buckle out of place, or the tiniest string hanging off a cadet's uniform can lower the flight's score. The cadets stood at attention as the SET slowly critiqued their uniforms and offered advice for improvement. The inspection lasted quite a while, but as soon as the cadets were inspected, they headed back outside to practice for Pass-In-Review; also known as the graduation parade - just four days away. Next was one of the best events of the day: lunch.
After shooting, as soon as the cadets returned to their barracks, the flights were given what is called "flight time." At this time, the flights work on different issues that arose in the flight during the day.
The flights were ordered in the chow line according to the points they had earned during the day's activities: the flight with the most points eats first. Points are earned for categories such as customs and courtesies, uniform preparation, and barracks orderliness and cleanliness.
The day is ending after a quick class on civilian careers in aviation and a squadron leadership project. The cadets have looked forward to this moment all day: bedtime.
Day 3
By Cadet 2nd Lt. Raphael Erie and Cadet 2nd Lt. Stephen Miller
Luckily, the morning was warm enough to keep the ground from freezing, allowing for additional exercises that involve more contact with the ground (yesterday it had been too cold so the ground was hard). Push-ups, sit-ups, flutter kicks and various other workouts were common exercises seen throughout the squadrons.
Directly after PT, the cadets had time allotted for personal hygiene and to change into their Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs). With empty stomachs, everyone went to the chow hall for breakfast, in hopes that the pancakes and sausage would fuel them to start the long day ahead.
Following breakfast, the basic cadets attended an air powered mechanics class taught by U.S. Air Force representatives, while the Standards Evaluation Team (SET) inspected their barracks and the Advanced Training School (ATS) students stood by for inspection. This last one was a hands-on exercise that would teach the ATS cadets the SET duties and responsibilities - since the next step in their own progression will be teaching cadet basics at future encampments.
Later the ATS students had a block of instruction on the Civil Air Patrol's cadet programs.
Once the classes were over, the basics practiced their Pass-In-Review skills, as the ATS cadets were finishing their Leader Lab class.
After a short ride, the 47th Squadron cadets (about half of all basic cadets at encampment) found themselves at Camp Swift's rifle range. There, caliber .22 rifles awaited each cadet. Before the cadets got to shoot the rifles, they got a safety briefing from Maj. Mike Cobb, a qualified instructor who manages the National Rifle Association weapons course. As soon as the safety briefing was concluded, the cadets got their rifles, took their place at the firing line, and locked and loaded as instructed. When given the command, they excitedly opened fire, each aiming at the small figures on the target in front.
Immediately following the history lesson, the entire cadet encampment rushed outside and quickly formed for mass inspection. The inspection concluded, the cadets were subjected to even more classes about the U.S. Air Force. Shortly after that, the encampment attended closing formation and learned which would be the honor flight of the day, the uniform of the day for the following day, and a brief recap covering the day's activities.
Dinner gave way to an activity called Spirit Time. This is when all the basic cadets meet in the mess hall to become motivated about the rest of encampment. Today is day three, and the cadets are just about at the halfway point, eagerly looking forward to Spirit Time, which is a noisy round of friendly venting. (Some of them will have lost their voice by tomorrow, day four, but should have it back by graduation on day six.)
The day has been so full of activity that the schedule wound up advancing at a different pace for most of the flights. The optional evening devotional, therefore, turned into a relay of fellowship and blessings, with small groups arriving as time permitted, to leave after a 15-minute pause of peace and relaxation. Those who chose to attend felt better as they found their way back to their noisy billets.
At last, it is lights out at Camp Swift, and the cadets are in bed. Some of them have managed to fall asleep already, exhausted from the day. On the following day, the fourth day of non-stop action, they will wake up before the crack of dawn for yet another day of classes, activities, and - yes, believe it or not - fun.
Cadets gather in mess hall.
Day 4
By Cadet 2nd Lt. Steve Miller
The cadets groggily got out of bed and marched to the parade field for yet another day of opening formation in the cold.
Every cadet was still "pumped up" from the previous night's Spirit Time. For safety purposes, with the 33-degree temperature, cadets were not supposed to do exercises that required contact with the ground.
Every cadet got some time for personal hygiene and to dress in the uniform of the day - BDUs.
Next, the basics had two other classes about the U.S. Air Force, learning about Air Power.
The long week is taking its toll on the cadets, and staying awake during classes is getting harder and harder.
Meanwhile, the Advanced Training Squadron (ATS) had a stand-by inspection.
Afterwards, cadets participated in a class on goals and objectives. Their next task may have been the highlight of the day for ATS. First they went over what the Standards Evaluation Teams (SET) was going to be doing during the day. The cadets were then split into teams that would follow a SET member in order to observe how the job was done.
Following their classes, the SET members conducted the basic cadets' flight inspections, and immediately after the basic cadets participated in an activity called "fun in the sun." This was designed to make up for the PT they had lost because of the earlier cold weather. The cadet staff worried that that some cadets might be offended if they did not get a chance to do some pushups, so the entire basic encampment participated in the afternoon PT. Needless to say, when "fun in the sun" was over, the cadets were highly motivated.
The 48th squadron was the last one to go to the firing range for a chance to earn the National Rifle Association (NRA) marksmanship award. All cadets shot as best they could, and will learn their results at the end of encampment. Hopefully, the cadets will receive one of four awards; pro-marksman, marksman, marksman first-class or sharpshooter.
Several more classes were held in the remaining hours, until Evening Formation. A class that explained everything about CAP's emergency service opportunities had held the cadets' attention for quite a while, since it was very interesting. Another class was held on airport fire and safety. This one was a little less interesting but necessary, so the cadets held on!
Evening formation was held at the Parade Field across the road, with the cadets weary and exhausted from the day. The Flight that earned the most points for the day gets to eat first, and today it will be Foxtrot. Tired as the cadets were, they were happy enough to march to the Mess Hall for a dinner of salisbury steak and fried potatoes.
Immediately following dinner, a class was given about National Cadet Special Activities such as the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE).
Day Five
By Cadet 2d Lt. Raphael Erie and Cadet 2d Lt. BrandiiRe'Ann Davis, cadet public affairs
The last full day of encampment has arrived and everyone has mixed feelings about it. Some cadets are excited that encampment is nearly over, since a little home sickness is not uncommon, while others feel a bit sad that they are leaving their CAP family behind.
The staff wanted to give all cadets a chance to get their "blues" uniform in perfect shape for the upcoming inspection and for the dining in at the end of the day. Within the two hours they were given, the cadets worked hard on their blues, making sure that their uniform was neat and looked just right.
With their uniforms ready for the day, the cadets headed to the chow hall to get some breakfast.
First came the Knowledge Bowl, where they were tested on Air Force and Civil Air Patrol knowledge. Three tables were set up with two bells sitting on each one. Two SET members sat at the far end of the tables, with four basic cadets sitting at the side. One SET member asked the cadets a series of questions, while the other marked down points. The team that won the most points won the round. Seems simple enough, but for every question a cadet got wrong, it counted against that team's score. The teams battled against each other fiercely, ending with India flight taking home first place, Charlie flight earned second and last but not least Delta flight brought up the rear. Everyone has improved greatly over the past week, and they can rightly be proud of it.
Next was the drill competition. Each flight, starting with Alpha and ending with India, entered a squared-off area marked by small orange cones and performed in front of Maj. Vaughan and Capt. Joel Buchman. The flight sergeants led the flights and marched them around the area. They were given a list of the drill movements they needed to perform, and the flight was graded on how well they executed each maneuver.
Following the drill competition, the cadets had pass in review practice. They have really improved over the week, and their parents will definitely be proud of them when they see the final parade as they Pass in Review in front of Wing Commander Col. Joe R. Smith.
The last competition of the day was PT, and all cadets - basic and staff - performed marvelously. Picking the best flight was extremely hard.
All cadets got taken in vans some three miles away, and got a chance to chat some until they could enter the mess hall. The meal was delicious, and the dining In was fun. The Grog Table was where you took your punishment if you had said or done something wrong, or if someone just wanted to be mean to you. The punished were mostly cadet staff.
The encampment commander Col. Frank Eldridge told the cadets how well they had done. Then the wing commander Col. Joe R. Smith asked them three questions, "Did you learn something? Did you like the food? Did you have fun?" All cadets replied "Yes Sir!" loudly to each one. Then Col Smith added, "I hope you'll go back to your squadrons and share those thoughts with everyone there. Tell them what you liked, and show them how much you learned. Then we'll get more of you for our next encampment."
This year, the slide show at the end of the meal had great songs for the sound track, and the slides had some video clips mixed in with them. They showed all the things that the cadets had done until that very afternoon, and it was wonderful to see. The five cadet PAOs had taken all the photos, and they decided which to use, and picked the music too. All cadets gave the PAO team a long and loud round of applause.
Now, all that is left is cleaning up the billets, packing, and passing in review. That will be tomorrow, the sixth day. It hardly seems possible.
Final Day
By the cadet public affairs team
Last night we packed our bags and finally got to believe that encampment would be over on New Year's Eve. We were told that all buildings had to be clean, so we spent a lot of time dusting, sweeping and mopping. Then we got the best news. We would have no PT in the morning.
We had forgotten how good it was to get up when the sun is starting to rise, and it seemed like the day would be mild. It wasn't as cold as it had been, and we were sure that it would warm up by the time we had to pass in review, dressed in our short sleeve uniforms.
This was the big-ticket item on the agenda for the basic cadets, the Advanced Training Squadron (ATS), and most of the cadet support staff.
The public affairs (PA) team didn't have to march because we had to take the photos and write the story.
Everybody knew we would have no lunch, so we made the best of the breakfast burritos, fruit and milk offered to us. Soon we would be home and would be able to eat a wonderful dinner, and sleep as late as we wanted on New Year's Day. There would be no classes today. Instead, the encampment would pass in review.
After cleanup and dressing in short-sleeve blues, the parade was formed.
There were nine flights of basic cadets, one flight of cadet support personnel, and one small Advanced Training Squadron. For passing in review, the basic cadets formed in three squadrons, three flights to the squadron. A fourth squadron was composed of the cadet support flight and the ATS.
The morning was very bright, without a cloud in the sky. But it was quite windy, too. We would have two hours to practice until we passed in review.
For the last time, we practiced forming and re-forming, saluting, and reporting to the cadet commander. The guidons waved in the wind as they were raised and then swung over until they were parallel to the ground. That is how guidon bearers salute when they are in a formation. From the reviewing stand, the dark green trees behind the cadets set off the light blue of their short sleeve shirts. Everyone looked sharp.
We were getting excited about passing in review, but we were also looking forward to going home. And we were starting to be sorry that we would have to leave our new friends behind.
Many tall pine trees protected us from the sun that now was getting hot. We also had some cool water, and that tasted awfully good. Then it was time to re-form and march back to the parade field.
We knew the wing commander was watching, so we wanted to look smart.
We got into position, formed in a long line facing the wing commander across the field. We felt confident that we would do it right. We just had to do what we had practiced earlier, only this time we would actually march and pass by the wing commander. As we did, the command of, "Eyes, right!" would be given.
The cadet vice commander stepped forward and gave the first command.
It was like a slinky going down the stairs, one step at a time. One thing led to the next, and the complicated moves got ordered and executed. The squadron commanders with their guidons formed together and marched up towards the cadet commander and his staff. They halted and reported to the cadet vice-commander, who exchanged salutes and ordered them to return to the formation. When they were back in place, the cadet vice commander gave the long and loud command we had eagerly expected, "Pa-a-a-a-a-a-ss in review-w-w-w-w!"
Now it was out turn. Everyone knew that this was not a practice run but the real thing. So everyone marched keeping step and obeying the commands. And, yes, it went off just right. Hoo-ah!
When the parade was over, the basic cadets were out-processed and released. They were free to go home! Some were picked up by their parents.
Others went back in CAP vans, the same as they had arrived.
Those from far away got a ride to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport so they could take a flight home.
But the support staff couldn't leave yet. First the National Guard had to check that the buildings were clean and neat. This took some time, but it was finally over we were free to go ourselves. The encampment commander and the wing commander thanked us for our work, and that made us feel good.
By Cadet 2nd Lt. Steve Miller
The cadets groggily got out of bed and marched to the parade field for yet another day of opening formation in the cold.
Every cadet was still "pumped up" from the previous night's Spirit Time. For safety purposes, with the 33-degree temperature, cadets were not supposed to do exercises that required contact with the ground.
Every cadet got some time for personal hygiene and to dress in the uniform of the day - BDUs.
Next, the basics had two other classes about the U.S. Air Force, learning about Air Power.
The long week is taking its toll on the cadets, and staying awake during classes is getting harder and harder.
Meanwhile, the Advanced Training Squadron (ATS) had a stand-by inspection.
Afterwards, cadets participated in a class on goals and objectives. Their next task may have been the highlight of the day for ATS. First they went over what the Standards Evaluation Teams (SET) was going to be doing during the day. The cadets were then split into teams that would follow a SET member in order to observe how the job was done.
Following their classes, the SET members conducted the basic cadets' flight inspections, and immediately after the basic cadets participated in an activity called "fun in the sun." This was designed to make up for the PT they had lost because of the earlier cold weather. The cadet staff worried that that some cadets might be offended if they did not get a chance to do some pushups, so the entire basic encampment participated in the afternoon PT. Needless to say, when "fun in the sun" was over, the cadets were highly motivated.
The 48th squadron was the last one to go to the firing range for a chance to earn the National Rifle Association (NRA) marksmanship award. All cadets shot as best they could, and will learn their results at the end of encampment. Hopefully, the cadets will receive one of four awards; pro-marksman, marksman, marksman first-class or sharpshooter.
Several more classes were held in the remaining hours, until Evening Formation. A class that explained everything about CAP's emergency service opportunities had held the cadets' attention for quite a while, since it was very interesting. Another class was held on airport fire and safety. This one was a little less interesting but necessary, so the cadets held on!
Evening formation was held at the Parade Field across the road, with the cadets weary and exhausted from the day. The Flight that earned the most points for the day gets to eat first, and today it will be Foxtrot. Tired as the cadets were, they were happy enough to march to the Mess Hall for a dinner of salisbury steak and fried potatoes.
Immediately following dinner, a class was given about National Cadet Special Activities such as the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE).
Day Five
By Cadet 2d Lt. Raphael Erie and Cadet 2d Lt. BrandiiRe'Ann Davis, cadet public affairs
The last full day of encampment has arrived and everyone has mixed feelings about it. Some cadets are excited that encampment is nearly over, since a little home sickness is not uncommon, while others feel a bit sad that they are leaving their CAP family behind.
The staff wanted to give all cadets a chance to get their "blues" uniform in perfect shape for the upcoming inspection and for the dining in at the end of the day. Within the two hours they were given, the cadets worked hard on their blues, making sure that their uniform was neat and looked just right.
With their uniforms ready for the day, the cadets headed to the chow hall to get some breakfast.
First came the Knowledge Bowl, where they were tested on Air Force and Civil Air Patrol knowledge. Three tables were set up with two bells sitting on each one. Two SET members sat at the far end of the tables, with four basic cadets sitting at the side. One SET member asked the cadets a series of questions, while the other marked down points. The team that won the most points won the round. Seems simple enough, but for every question a cadet got wrong, it counted against that team's score. The teams battled against each other fiercely, ending with India flight taking home first place, Charlie flight earned second and last but not least Delta flight brought up the rear. Everyone has improved greatly over the past week, and they can rightly be proud of it.
Next was the drill competition. Each flight, starting with Alpha and ending with India, entered a squared-off area marked by small orange cones and performed in front of Maj. Vaughan and Capt. Joel Buchman. The flight sergeants led the flights and marched them around the area. They were given a list of the drill movements they needed to perform, and the flight was graded on how well they executed each maneuver.
Following the drill competition, the cadets had pass in review practice. They have really improved over the week, and their parents will definitely be proud of them when they see the final parade as they Pass in Review in front of Wing Commander Col. Joe R. Smith.
The last competition of the day was PT, and all cadets - basic and staff - performed marvelously. Picking the best flight was extremely hard.
All cadets got taken in vans some three miles away, and got a chance to chat some until they could enter the mess hall. The meal was delicious, and the dining In was fun. The Grog Table was where you took your punishment if you had said or done something wrong, or if someone just wanted to be mean to you. The punished were mostly cadet staff.
The encampment commander Col. Frank Eldridge told the cadets how well they had done. Then the wing commander Col. Joe R. Smith asked them three questions, "Did you learn something? Did you like the food? Did you have fun?" All cadets replied "Yes Sir!" loudly to each one. Then Col Smith added, "I hope you'll go back to your squadrons and share those thoughts with everyone there. Tell them what you liked, and show them how much you learned. Then we'll get more of you for our next encampment."
This year, the slide show at the end of the meal had great songs for the sound track, and the slides had some video clips mixed in with them. They showed all the things that the cadets had done until that very afternoon, and it was wonderful to see. The five cadet PAOs had taken all the photos, and they decided which to use, and picked the music too. All cadets gave the PAO team a long and loud round of applause.
Now, all that is left is cleaning up the billets, packing, and passing in review. That will be tomorrow, the sixth day. It hardly seems possible.
Final Day
By the cadet public affairs team
Last night we packed our bags and finally got to believe that encampment would be over on New Year's Eve. We were told that all buildings had to be clean, so we spent a lot of time dusting, sweeping and mopping. Then we got the best news. We would have no PT in the morning.
We had forgotten how good it was to get up when the sun is starting to rise, and it seemed like the day would be mild. It wasn't as cold as it had been, and we were sure that it would warm up by the time we had to pass in review, dressed in our short sleeve uniforms.
This was the big-ticket item on the agenda for the basic cadets, the Advanced Training Squadron (ATS), and most of the cadet support staff.
The public affairs (PA) team didn't have to march because we had to take the photos and write the story.
Everybody knew we would have no lunch, so we made the best of the breakfast burritos, fruit and milk offered to us. Soon we would be home and would be able to eat a wonderful dinner, and sleep as late as we wanted on New Year's Day. There would be no classes today. Instead, the encampment would pass in review.
After cleanup and dressing in short-sleeve blues, the parade was formed.
There were nine flights of basic cadets, one flight of cadet support personnel, and one small Advanced Training Squadron. For passing in review, the basic cadets formed in three squadrons, three flights to the squadron. A fourth squadron was composed of the cadet support flight and the ATS.
The morning was very bright, without a cloud in the sky. But it was quite windy, too. We would have two hours to practice until we passed in review.
For the last time, we practiced forming and re-forming, saluting, and reporting to the cadet commander. The guidons waved in the wind as they were raised and then swung over until they were parallel to the ground. That is how guidon bearers salute when they are in a formation. From the reviewing stand, the dark green trees behind the cadets set off the light blue of their short sleeve shirts. Everyone looked sharp.
We were getting excited about passing in review, but we were also looking forward to going home. And we were starting to be sorry that we would have to leave our new friends behind.
Many tall pine trees protected us from the sun that now was getting hot. We also had some cool water, and that tasted awfully good. Then it was time to re-form and march back to the parade field.
We knew the wing commander was watching, so we wanted to look smart.
We got into position, formed in a long line facing the wing commander across the field. We felt confident that we would do it right. We just had to do what we had practiced earlier, only this time we would actually march and pass by the wing commander. As we did, the command of, "Eyes, right!" would be given.
The cadet vice commander stepped forward and gave the first command.
It was like a slinky going down the stairs, one step at a time. One thing led to the next, and the complicated moves got ordered and executed. The squadron commanders with their guidons formed together and marched up towards the cadet commander and his staff. They halted and reported to the cadet vice-commander, who exchanged salutes and ordered them to return to the formation. When they were back in place, the cadet vice commander gave the long and loud command we had eagerly expected, "Pa-a-a-a-a-a-ss in review-w-w-w-w!"
Now it was out turn. Everyone knew that this was not a practice run but the real thing. So everyone marched keeping step and obeying the commands. And, yes, it went off just right. Hoo-ah!
When the parade was over, the basic cadets were out-processed and released. They were free to go home! Some were picked up by their parents.
Others went back in CAP vans, the same as they had arrived.
Those from far away got a ride to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport so they could take a flight home.
But the support staff couldn't leave yet. First the National Guard had to check that the buildings were clean and neat. This took some time, but it was finally over we were free to go ourselves. The encampment commander and the wing commander thanked us for our work, and that made us feel good.
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