Jay, I knew there was a reason I liked you! You have a very good philosophy.
Some day I need to get to Iowa.

Ron Gardner

Jay Honeck wrote:

So - what's the story? Is it a good organization to get involved in?

My 15 year old son and I have been in a CAP Composite Squadron (made up of
both senior members and cadets) for a year.

There are two reasons to get involved with CAP:

1. For yourself
2. For cadets

If you're into #1, find a Senior Squadron. These are basically flying clubs,
with more casual rules and regs than composite squadrons. There is little
emphasis on anything but SAR (Search and Rescue) and flying. You might
meet twice a month, maybe less.

If you're into #2, composite squadrons are the way to go. With the kids,
there is a greater emphasis on training, encampments, direction finding,
SAR, moral leadership, etc. It's essentially Scouting with a real purpose
beyond just eating SMOREs. You'll meet weekly.

The CAP organization is like any other bureaucracy. If you've got a good
group, it's a good organization. If you're stuck with a bunch of stuffed
shirts or disorganized people, it can suck.

The concept of the organization is a good one. It's up to you to make it
work.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"