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APRIL 2008
MISSIONS DIRECTORATE
Director: John Salvador – jsalvador@cap.gov
National Incident Management System Training: The CAP National Board recently approved training requirements for NIMS compliance and an announcement was made a few weeks ago to encourage members to begin training as soon as possible. Achievements and tasks to track the NIMS requirements to complete IS-100, IS-200, ICS-300, ICS-400, IS-700 and IS-800 are now available in Ops Quals, and reports will soon be available. The achievement entry tools available in Ops Quals can be used to enter completion of NIMS training. The training will be validated at the unit level. Some members may have completed this training in the past but it will all still need to go through the Ops Quals validation process to make sure the training has been completed per DHS requirements. Once the tasks are validated, the achievement will automatically post to the 101 card for tracking. (Contact: HQ CAP/DO, John Desmarais - jdesmarais@capnhq.gov)
National Emergency Services Academy: NESA slots are still available in several of the courses, but are expected to fill up soon so don’t miss the May 18th deadline! NESA provides training in all incident staff areas as part of its curricula, including ICS 300 and 400 level training required for NIMS compliance. We'd like to encourage all members to apply. NESA is not just a cadet activity; it provides training for 400 members each year in all emergency services specialties and about half the participants are adult members. NESA 2008 is being held from July 27 to Aug. 9. Slots will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis. All courses are conducted in weeklong sessions at Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, Ind., which is located about 35 miles south of Indianapolis. To register online or for additional information go to http://ngsar.homestead.com/home.html. (Contact: NESA - NESA@capnhq.gov)
Communications Program Update: There are lots of things happening in the communications arena. CAP's projected nationwide repeater assignments are being coordinated in Canada. The Canadian Provinces are starting to take action on the assignments and CAP expects to have complete coordination by July. The NTC staff will provide further updates as information becomes available. In the meantime, wings should be fine-tuning their narrowband transition plans and working with state and/or local agencies to arrange any required assistance with installing the repeaters or to help pay for some of the installation costs.
New HF-ALE radios are being received and processed. The NTC will ship them to the field over the next several months.
Randy Grigg, CAP's radio repair technician at the NTC, decided to retire recently and we are looking for someone to replace him. This will impact the NTC's capability to ship and repair items as quickly as it has in the past, but it should not impact mission-critical requirements. (Contact: HQ CAP/NTC, Pete Wharton - David.Wharton@dla.mil)
Air Force JROTC Orientation Flights: CAP is now flying sorties for those units approved and funded by HQ AFJROTC. Approved units can be found on the WMIRS main page at https://missions.cap.af.mil/wmirs/index.cfm. (Click on ''View Current Authorized AFJROTC Detachments.'') Units not specifically approved and funded by HQ AFJROTC cannot fly with CAP. CAP's FAA exemption allows private pilots to fly these flights. (Contact: HQ CAP/DOV, Pete Kalisky - pkalisky@capnhq.gov)
Web Mission Information Reporting System Update: Five wings are testing a completely electronic mission-reimbursement process (including electronic signatures) and it is working well. WMIRS is required to undergo an audit before CAP can expand the electronic reimbursement process to all wings. This will happen in the coming months. Electronic reimbursements will save everyone a lot of time and effort, plus speed up the reimbursement process. (Contact: CAP NOC - opscenter@capnhq.gov)
ARCHER Training: The FY08 ARCHER training classes have begun. Two classes of six members each were conducted in March, and two classes are being conducted between April 25 and May 5. ARCHER classes are being added to this year's NESA curriculum and two more classes may be added in September. Region and wing commanders have already identified the first group of potential students, but experience shows that more candidates will likely be needed. Any personnel interested in participating in ARCHER training must complete the ARCHER screening exam at https://tests.cap.af.mil/ops/archer_training/archer_hsi_tech/index.cfm. Students are generally selected based on their overall mission and technical experience, screening exam scores and being near a location where an ARCHER aircraft is based.
Water Survival Equipment: There is limited funding available to repair, recertify and purchase new water survival equipment needed to support Air Force-assigned missions. Wings should not contract for repair, recertification or purchasing equipment unless they talk with Malcolm Kyser first. (Contact: HQ CAP/DOS, Malcolm Kyser - mkyser@capnhq.gov)
Moral Leadership Officer Title Change: Members of the CAP National Executive Committee voted in November to change the title of CAP’s moral leadership officers to character development instructors. Though the duty title for these personnel has been changed, we don't expect significant changes to the qualification or appointment requirements. Regulations and other materials impacted by this change are currently being updated. (Contact: HQ CAP/HCA, Tracy Harris - tharris@capnhq.gov)
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS DIRECTORATE
Director: Jim Mallett -- jmallett@cap.gov
Wing Commander Course: Fifteen wing commanders visited Maxwell AFB April 6-12 to attend the 2008 Wing Commander Course. Brig. Gen. Amy Courter officiated the graduation ceremony marking the culmination of an intense week of study for the commanders. The purpose of the course was to challenge them to embrace a strategic approach to leading the organization as a corporate officer and wing commander and to provide them with some essential tools to do that. We wish to congratulate CAP’s finest on this significant achievement. Visit http://www.cap.gov/documents/2008_Graduate_List.pdf for the list of graduates.
2008 National Staff College: The NSC is scheduled for Oct. 25 to Nov. 1 at Maxwell AFB. Adult members holding the CAP rank of major or above are eligible to attend. Go to http://www.cap.gov/NSC to view the NSC Web site for further details or contact Mark Schultz at mschultz@cap.gov. Space is limited, so please plan ahead.
Replacement Course Being Planned for Air Force Institute for Advanced Distributed Learning Course 13, “The CAP Senior Officer Course.” The new course will be entitled, “The CAP Officer Basic Course” and will be online 24/7 when developed. The CAP NHQ staff and CAP Professional Development Team of volunteers will begin work soon. If you would like to volunteer to work on the course, please contact Mark Schultz at mschultz@cap.gov.
Test Control Officers Update: The update of CAP Regulation 50-4, Test Administration and Security, which explains the specific procedures used to administer both CAP and AFIADL tests, has been delayed pending a restructure of AFIADL. Until then, please follow the instructions in the present CAPR 50-4, as amended. Any questions, contact Mark Schultz at mschultz@cap.gov.
CAP Knowledgebase: This program is updated daily to answer questions from our members and those interested in knowing more about Civil Air Patrol. Any questions or suggestions for improvement, contact Don Hines at dhines@cap.gov.
Drug Demand Reduction Program: The DDR program is making much progress. Please visit the DDR Web site to see how this program may enrich drug-free lifestyle initiatives in your youth development programs. Go to http://www.cap.gov/visitors/members/drug_demand_reduction. For questions, contact Mike Simpkins at msimplkins@capnhq.gov.
Squadrons of Merit and Distinction: The Squadrons of Merit and Distinction Award streamers are being mailed to the wings and regions. If your wing or region has not already done so, please select your award recipient and e-mail or fax that information to Curt LaFond at clafond@cap.gov or fax (334) 953-6891.
National Cadet Special Activities: NCSAs are proceeding on schedule. If an NCSA is scheduled within your wing or region, please lend any support you can. Additional details are at http://www.cap.gov/ncsa. Any questions, contact Curt LaFond at clafond@cap.gov.
National Cadet Competition: NCC is also progressing well and the region teams are being identified. As was the case last year, the site for the 2008 National Cadet Competition is Dayton, Ohio. Team lodging and meals will be at Wright State University. Dates for the 2008 NCC are June 26-30 (dates are travel inclusive). Additional details are at http://www.cap.gov/ncc. Any questions, contact Curt LaFond at clafond@cap.gov.
The Journey of Flight Textbook: Aerospace: The Journey of Flight textbook, 2nd edition, was published on March 7. This textbook is provided free of charge to cadets who have earned the Mitchell award. The textbook facilitates their continued progress in aerospace education. This textbook is also used by senior members to earn the Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager award. For others who have an interest in using this textbook to promote aerospace education, it can be purchased for $18.50 through Vanguard at www.vanguardmil.com/store. Any questions, contact Dr. Jeff Montgomery at jmontgomery@cap.gov.
Aerospace Education Excellence Award Program: Any squadron that would like to participate in the AEX program for cadets or seniors may do so and receive a nice plaque and certificates of completion. Teachers may do the same for classroom or camp implementation. To register, go to: http://www.cap.gov/visitors/members/aerospace_education/activities/aerospace_education_excellence. For more information, contact Dr. Jeff Montgomery at jmontgomery@cap.gov.
Fly-A-Teacher Program: Funds are available to reimburse wings and regions for Fly-A-Teacher flights. For more information on this program, please go to http://www.cap.gov/visitors/members/aerospace_education/activities/fly_a_teacher. Any questions, contact Dr. Jeff Montgomery at jmontgomery@cap.gov.
CAP’s K-5 Elementary School Enrichment Program: CAP’s School Enrichment Program prototype for K-5 youth is progressing on schedule. Final assessment reports are due in June from the 22 schools participating nationwide. Any questions, contact Dr. Jeff Montgomery at jmontgomery@cap.gov.
CAP AE Guidance Publications: CAPR 280-2, CAP Aerospace Education Mission, and CAPP 15, Aerospace Education Officer’s Handbook, as well as CAPP 215, Aerospace Education Specialty Track, are in the process of being updated and enhanced. Send recommendations to Dr. Jeff Montgomery at jmontgomery@cap.gov.
Aerospace Education Officer Schools: Two AEO Schools will be held concurrently on June 25-28, 2008: the annual National AEO School in Pensacola, Fla., and the Pacific Region AEO School in Seattle. Both schools will focus on AE plans, programs, duties and responsibilities. For more information, contact Dr. Jeff Montgomery at jmontgomery@cap.gov.
PUBLIC AWARENESS & MEMBERSHIP SERVICES DIRECTORATE
Director: Marc Huchette – mhuchette@cap.gov
New Compelling Message: Civil Air Patrol announces adoption of a new compelling message, “Citizens Serving Communities: Above and Beyond.” This message replaces “More Than Meets the Skies,” which was unveiled during the 2007 National Board meeting, along with CAP’s national public awareness plan. The new message complements the Air Force’s new advertising campaign slogan “Above All,” provides longevity to CAP’s public awareness initiative and avoids any potential trademark conflicts. (Contact: HQ CAP/PA, Julie DeBardelaben – jdebardelaben@capnhq.gov)
Planning Guide for CAP PAOs: A guidebook for writing a public affairs plan and a crisis communications plan is accessible online at http://www.cap.gov/documents/Planning_Workbook.pdf. A modified version of this document is also in the works. NHQ PA is now working in concert with region PAOs to develop a PA plan for each region that will be generated with input and assistance from the wing PAOs. The plan, when approved by the region and wing commanders, will be provided to all other PAOs for their use. Crisis communications plans will be generated in a similar fashion. These plans are now what the IG looks for during a compliance inspection, so NHQ PA will be working with everyone to ensure they have what they need. (Contact: HQ CAP/PA, Julie DeBardelaben – jdebardelaben@capnhq.gov)
2008 PAO Academy: The 2008 Public Affairs Officer Academy, scheduled for Aug. 5-6 at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Fla., is designed to energize and inform PAOs of all skill levels as they endeavor to raise CAP’s public awareness in their communities. This year’s focus on public affairs fundamentals is captured in the theme “Public Affairs Essentials: Think Nationally, Act Locally.” The marquee speaker this year is CNN correspondent Miles O’Brien. For more information about the academy, please visit http://www.cap.gov/paoa. (Contact: HQ CAP/PA, Steve Cox - scox@capnhq.gov)
60th Anniversary of CAP’s Air Force Auxiliary Status: CAP celebrates 60 years as the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary on May 26. CAP members are urged to observe this anniversary locally. A sample proclamation for adoption at the wing and squadron level is posted on the public affairs page at http://www.cap.gov/visitors/members/public_affairs.
PAO Update: In an effort to keep PAOs abreast of the latest news and information, PA has begun e-mailing a PAO Update to all PAOs via MagnetMail on a biweekly basis. Members are encouraged to read these communiqués, which are also being posted on NHQ PA’s Web page at http://www.cap.gov/visitors/members/public affairs.
New Member Benefits Reminder: CAP has several new benefits to offer members, all of which can be accessed online through the member services page at http://level2.cap.gov/index.cfm?nodeID=5172. The CAP Wireless Center [www.capwirelessonline.com], a new CAP wireless provider gives members the opportunity to purchase cell phones and plans at discounted rates. Willis [www.willis.com/cap], a national insurance broker, partnered with CAP to offer members health benefit plans for any budget. Flyboys [www.flyboys.com], a company that sells gear designed for and by pilots, is offering a 20-percent discount on all merchandise for CAP members. American Sentinel University [http://www.americansentinel.edu/index.php] now extends to CAP members and their spouses the same educational benefits it extends to active duty military, veterans and their spouses. This includes reduced tuition rates and military scholarships. (Contact: HQ CAP/MDV, Marie Neese – mneese@capnhq.gov)
CAP Web Site Update: CAP’s new external Web site – designed and tailored specifically for recruiting cadet and adult members -- is up and running. The cutting-edge site, complete with flash videos and dynamic graphics, can be found at www.gocivilairpatrol.com. Also in the works is a new site for CAP members, which should be up and running during the May-June 2008 timeframe. The site will be fast, easy to navigate and have the same look and feel as the new recruiting site, but designed for the member only. Stay tuned! (Contact: HQ CAP/CS, Jim Tynan – jtynan@capnhq.gov)
FLEET MANAGEMENT DIRECTORATE
Director: Larry Kauffman – lkauffman@cap.gov
Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance: We are making excellent progress in deploying consolidated aircraft maintenance throughout CAP. At the end of the year, CAP had 32 wings enrolled in the program with a total of 339 aircraft. That's 64 percent of the total fleet. Our goal is to have 85 percent of the fleet under contract by the end of calendar year 2008 Consolidated maintenance provides our members safer and better-maintained aircraft while, at the same time, reducing aircraft downtime for repairs and inspections. (Contact: HQ CAP/MXD, Gary Schneider - gschneider@cap.gov)
EXECUTIVE SUPPORT FOR INSPECTOR GENERAL & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Manager: Gerry Rosenzweig – grosenzweig@cap.gov
IG Professional Development: The biennial Civil Air Patrol Inspector General College is scheduled for the week of June 9, 2008, at Kirtland AFB, N.M. Any wing or region IG who has not attended the college must do so IAW CAPR 123-1, Para. 9b. Considering the cost of travel, per diem and tuition, commanders may wish to consider providing funds to help their IG defray the cost of this valuable training. The cut-off date for enrollment is May 15, 2008.
An IG Senior Level Training Course, the academic requirement for the Senior IG specialty track rating and a pre-requisite for the IG College, will be conducted May 16-17, 2008, at CAP National Headquarters.
Additional education and training information is available on the NHQ Web site IG Education/Training page at http://level2.cap.gov/visitors/programs/inspector_general/ig_education_training.cfm.
IG SUMMIT: The first-ever CAP Region IG Summit was held at CAP National Headquarters March 29-30. The primary purpose of this summit was to ensure all region IGs understood and embraced the common objectives and standardized operational manner of the CAP IG community. Topics explored included: revision of the region IG position description, complaint-resolution process, subordinate unit inspections and using the new CAP IG online-complaint tracking system. Additional time was spent by the National IG staff interviewing NHQ staff and investigating ways to streamline the compliance inspection process. | 
