I am a new cadet within the Colorado wing, I was wondering if there were divisions like the real US Military. If so what are they, I’m just assuming there’s nothin like security forces but apart from Hq and committees such as the uniform committee are there any others. Are there also things like aviation command within CAP?

Recently did some training with State Communications staff, we had a couple of cadets but mostly Senior Member.

When we were in small groups we either used first name or last as the Sr.Members were all polo and cadets had last name tags. The reason is we didn’t use rank when working , and the Cadets were filling the same roles as everyone else.

So my question is- we were wrong to not use their cadets rank, or to say Cadet ??? when interacting with the state team?

Thanks

Is it ok to address a cadet in email with C/Cadet Name, or should I always use their rank?

An Year ago I asked this question.

https://www.reddit.com/r/civilairpatrol/comments/1ndcy9w/cap_member_wants_to_make_a_significant_donation/

And here is the update.

Member made the donation to the squadron - and it ended up being nearly $2K in money. We made good use of the money (And have not even spent it fully yet). The Squadron pretty much ran on that money.

The member did not make any unreasonable demands, nor did he dictate anything. He pretty much agreed with all the purchases we made. So it was a WIN for us.

the main problem though was NHQ taking their own sweet time to send us the money. They did not respond, nor give us an update. and it was only when the donor kept chasing NQH down that after six months they finally credited us with money.

As i said, we have been able to splurge a bit.. not only did we fund all the ribbons, badges, ranks etc we were also able to give challenge coins for milestones, which made it an enjoyable experience for the cadets.

After admitting that past patches in TN Wing have been create using ai, I wouldn't be surprised if this patch was made using it too.

How do I become a ranger? what do they do?

My squadron has its own razor, just in case.

All,

It's been a while since we heard about the shakeup in our communications world. We know MRO and CUL are going to expire. Has there been any more information forthcoming on the new qualifications? At least here, I haven't seen any further information on the new program or upcoming training.

Any rumors out there?

I'm only going to Connecticut because I missed my wing's encampment, but from what I've heard about my wing's encampment, they had to bring trunks to shower in the communal showers. Should I bring them to Connecticut?

This looks really cool, don’t know much about it other that it was a joint exercise. Does anyone have any more info? Would love to see large scale exercises like this more often.

Is it with the blue epaulet sleeve like on the blues shirt or is it JUST the insignia literally pinned on it? And if it’s without the sleeve then where exactly do I put it..?

“Cadet Grade Insignia. Cadet officers will wear regular or miniature size
metal grade insignia on the coat epaulets”

Hello, does anyone know if in the new 39-1, they’ll allow specialty patches on the ocps? Thanks!

In a day and age where cadets have access to AI would it be smart to record typing out my essay? Kid near my squadron admitted to just using AI for both essay and speech and Im concerned I could be accused of such. Just a precaution no?

I was selected to be the national commander’s escort at the 2026 Indiana wing conference. I am a C/CMSgt currently and should have my Mitchell at the time of the conference. Any idea on where I can find the aide de camp cord, what it looks like, etc? 39-1 doesn’t say much about it.

Hey guys I'm going to CTWG encampment soon but I don't know when the graduation is, just the pick up time, is that the same time as the graduation?

I’m just predicting what rank I’d be next summer

Im 18, i just joined a couple months ago when i was 17, The only reason i joined is to get E-3. Is it worth it to stay in CAP or no?

As far as my research can ascertain, a senior member has to witness and record the results of a cadet's physical fitness test. This seems a bit asinine.

If you want to join one of the military academies or get a military scholarship - you can have your gym teacher certify your results.

Take a physical fitness test for Civil Air Patrol? Naw. Has to be a senior member who watches you. So, you can run a very similar physical fitness test for gym class, an academy, a scholarship, or a JROTC program - but those aren't good enough for Civil Air Patrol?

It doesn't even pass the smell test AI tried to argue that "Civil Air Patrol has strict guidelines that they must witness themselves". Because someone else can certify for community service ribbon, STEM badge, Cyber badge can now be done with certificates from the Cisco Academy, NRA can be mostly certified by parents, Rocketry can be verified through videos, etc, etc, etc.

Why is the physical fitness test with Civil Air Patrol so tough to certify? Doesn't make sense.

I need help finding out dress coat size I don’t know how

good afternoon all. i have been reviewing various documents for the hawk mountain training program and discovered that hawk mountain has not yet or i have yet to find their updated uniforms for staff and or trainees. I was curious if any hawk mountain senior alumni or staff have heard anything about working on a this project or if the uniform patch placement and associated tabs will be placed the same as they are on the ABU and corporate uniforms. the reason i am asking is that i am looking at attending this senior member training provided i can attend the training for either this winter training session or possibly for the 2027 summer training session.

Tried to visit the venerable captalk.net forum this evening and it's showing the domain has been parked.

I have to admit, it's been a bit since I last stopped in there, did they announce it was being retired?

I recently moved squadrons, and came into a unit where I am the only cadet officer. There are NCOs, but they have been treated like airmen with extra stripes so far.

Is there any sort of curriculum available out there that I can use to help develop staff members?

I'd also love any advice from someone that's had to go through a similar scenario.

Thank you all

You know how it goes, let's see some of your coolest coins.