New cadet steps to success

Welcome to the Redstone Composite squadron. We are excited you have decided to join this organization. It may seem overwhelming as you start your CAP career. Don't fret, your cadet peers and leaders were in your shoes just a short while ago. This means that the cadet leadership in your chain of command has an interest in ensuring you are set up for what you want to get out of this program. We will challenge you to grow as much as you want and have the tools and resources available to do so. We will institute phases of Cadet Great Start during each meeting you attend. We will start by assigning you a sponsor. This cadet will assist you in attaining your first rank and mentor you through the first year.

The tasks for you to complete are as follows:

• Create an account in eServices

• Look for your New Cadet Kit in the mail. There are resources for you and your parents to read through as your career in CAP gets off the ground. Some of the items included are:

  • CAPP 60-12, Parent’s Guide to the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program

  • CAPP 60-20, New Cadet Guide

  • Aerospace Dimensions, 3rd ed. in 6 modules

  • Learn to Lead, vol. 1

  • Learn to Lead Cadet Drill Guide   

• Purchase the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) or Battle Dress Uniform (BDU). There are resources in the community and online to secure the proper uniform. You can talk to one of the Senior Members (SM) or cadet leadership to offer suggestions for where to purchase these items. Vanguardmil is the central point that CAP refers back to for all uniform items. We also receive items from cadets that no longer need uniform items that can be handed down. Once you complete Achievement 1 and become a Cadet Airman (C/Amn), you will qualify for the Curry Blues Voucher. This is usually used to offset the majority of the blues uniform.

• Read Learn to Lead, chapter 1. This information is required to study for a 25 question, open book test to qualify you for the first promotion.

• Take the online test which can be found here. This test can be taken at your convenience and keep in mind, all test material is found here without needing to login to eServices.

• Plan to attend the next encampment.This is an opportunity for you to grow as a cadet and is required to take part in any National Cadet Special Activity (NCSA), information is found here.

There are activities in the squadron that you may find of interest; these include a rocketry program, color guard and honor guard program, orientation flights in a Cessna aircraft or a glider, ground team training, CyberPatriot, aerospace education, character development, physical fitness. Some of what is listed here are voluntary, others are mandatory training that support the squadron commanders goal to complete the unit training tasks based on the wing and national commander's training guidance.