September 26, 2003

MEMORANDUM FOR CADETS AND PARENTS

FROM: LEADERSHIP OFFICER

SUBJECT: WINTER ENCAMPMENT

1. The 2003 South East Region Winter Encampment will be held 28 Dec 2003 through 3 Jan 2004 at Tyndall Air Force Base, FL. This is an alternative to the Tennessee Wing’s summer encampment for those who are indisposed during the summer months or need to attend an encampment before the summer time to meet requirements for other awards or activities.

2. Encampment is the most significant, worthwhile training experience in a CAP cadet's career. It is a weeklong basic training-like program and is required for the General Billy Mitchell Award. Encampment is designed to develop a greater understanding of CAP and Air Force missions and capabilities, personal and team leadership, and teamwork.

3. Cadets live the life of a military trainee - sleeping in military barracks, eating in military dining halls, marching from place to place, learning to make bunks, and clean their barracks to military specifications. Cadets will also attend classes in CAP history, USAF mission, aerospace, leadership, uniform wear and many others.

4. Encampment will give cadets the leadership experience they need to apply to practical situations. If you are ready to grow in your CAP career, then encampment is for you!

5. Cadets must be at least a Cadet Airman and possess a current CAP ID Card. Start obtaining the required uniforms and Equipment NOW. DO NOT wait until the last minute!

6. Transportation is the responsibility of the cadet and their parents. Carpooling with other attendees is highly encouraged. However, neither the Squadron nor the Wing is providing transportation. Tyndall AFB is 475 miles from Tullahoma.

7. The fee of the Encampment is $100, which covers food, lodging, and some supplies. This may be paid by check or by credit card (Form in encampment materials below).

8. Below and linked are the application forms, Guide for Encampment Preparation, and the clothing and equipment list. Once the encampment staff approves your application, they may mail you an up-to-date list and all other information you need.

9. Please turn in your completed CAPF 31, CAPF 60, and a check for $100.00, payable to “CAP South East Region – Winter Encampment 2003” (or credit card authorization) no later than 24 November.

WILLIAM E. SANDER, Maj., CAP

Leadership Officer

GUIDE FOR CADETS PREPARING FOR WINTER ENCAMPMENT

This guide is published by the South East Region Cadet Programs Office to provide unit commanders, Cadet Programs personnel, parents, and cadets with a basic understanding of what an encampment is, who should attend, why attendance should be stressed, and what should be done to prepare a cadet to attend. Some of this information might change year-to-year and this should be taken into consideration.

WHAT IS AN ENCAMPMENT?

An encampment is a basic introduction to the military way of life and an opportunity to experience leadership from both a follower's and leader's point of view. It is an excellent way of meeting new cadets from throughout the Region and establishing an esprit de corps among the “next generation” of cadets.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND AN ENCAMPMENT?

Any cadet who is a current member of CAP as evidenced by the most recent CAP Cadet Monthly Membership Listing (MML) and has not previously attended an encampment. A minimum of squadron training is required to ensure that the cadet understands the basics of CAP customs and courtesies, the basics of CAP drill, and the basics of how to wear the CAP uniform, which will be discussed below.

WHY SHOULD A CADET ATTEND AN ENCAMPMENT?

· It is a requirement to achieve the Billy Mitchell Award.

· It is required for most National and Wing-sponsored special activities.

· It provides an outstanding leadership and training forum for new cadets and new cadet command/staff officers.

· It provides an opportunity to meet other cadets and begin lasting friendships with them.

· It provides an experience (usually on a military base) to show cadets what the military is about and gives the cadets an opportunity to live like military personnel for one week.

WHAT SHOULD A SQUADRON COMMANDER DO TO PREPARE A CADET TO ATTEND AN ENCAMPMENT?

Provide classes on the following topics (see manual references in parentheses):

§ CAP customs and courtesies

§ Proper wear of the CAP uniform (CAPM 39-1)

§ Basic drill maneuvers (drill and ceremonies)

§ Personal hygiene and self care (basic first aid, cleanliness).

§ Idea of what homesickness is for cadets who have never been away from home. Discuss with him/her the resources available at the encampment (Chaplain, TAC Officers, squadron members)

§ Explain to your cadets what it is like to live with little privacy. This can be a shock.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A CADET TO ATTEND AN ENCAMPMENT?

Cadets must have a current membership card, meet grooming standards, be a C/Amn or above and submit the necessary paperwork. All application instructions are detailed at the beginning of this information package.

WHAT ITEMS SHOULD A CADET BRING TO AN ENCAMPMENT?

The list on the next page contains items that all cadets should bring as well as prohibited items. The staff will secure any prohibited items that are brought to the encampment until the conclusion of the activity.

Equipment List

SER 03 –40 Winter Encampment

All items must be labeled with your last name initial and the 6 digits of your CAPID.

Example: Cadet Smith, CAPID 370000 will label all items S370000 in permanent marker.

Extremely limited storage space will limit all cadets to one suitcase or duffle bag for their gear. It is strongly recommended that cadets be able to carry all luggage in one trip.

Cadets need to have their hair cut a few days before the start of the encampment!

BLUES:

2 blue uniforms with wing patch

1 Air Force flight cap with hat device

1 blue Air Force belt with buckle

1 pair well broken in black low quarter shoes

6 “V” neck white T-shirts

6 pair black socks / hose (neutral)

6 pair underclothing

Ribbons, cutouts, name tag, and grade insignia

Class A jacket (optional for banquet) - females will not bring nor wear formal dresses.

BDU’s

3 (if possible) sets of BDU’s with appropriate patches

1 BDU combat cap

1 blue Air Force belt with subdued buckle for BDU’s

6 black or brown / tan T-shirts for BDU’s

6 pair underclothing

6 pair heavy black socks

1 pair “well broken-in” black boots (DO NOT BRING BRAND NEW BOOTS!!)

MISC ITEMS

Warm Jacket

Sweater

Current CAP membership card and two CAPF 60s

4 towels / wash cloth sets

2-3 gym shorts (black or dark blue) for physical training

6 pair white gym socks

1 pair worn-in running shoes

1 pair shower shoes

Personal toiletries (soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, brush)

Shoeshine kit

12-inch ruler

Laundry bag (cloth suggested)

Clothes hangers for all uniforms brought

Camera and film (optional)

Notebook, pens, Civil Air Patrol binder with manuals and books

Pillow if you need one

MEDICATION

All medications must be in the original pharmacy label with individuals name, medication name, and dispensing instruction. An opportunity will arise for cadets to notify the medical officer of all medication (to include over-the-counter) upon arrival.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Do not bring items that are not listed on the equipment list.

Such items will be confiscated by the encampment staff.

POVs

Any cadet bringing a privately owned vehicle will be required to secure the vehicle and turn in the keys to the encampment staff. This includes cadet staff members.

The uniform for check-in is BDU’s. If you drive your personal vehicle, be sure to bring proof of insurance, license and registration.

For more information, go to: http://gawg.cap.gov/group3hq/ser_cadet/ser_cadet_program.htm