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26 December 2006
 Camp
Swift, Bastrop TX - Winter Encampment began today for 192 cadets
primarily from Texas Wing. Despite the bitter cold, the skies were
clear, and the staff eagerly awaited the basics. Today actually began
much earlier, at 0600, when cadet staff started arriving and checking
in. After a morning of unpacking and preparation, the first cadets
arrived around 1 pm and began filing into a line. The first stop was a
bag check, followed by a trip inside to turn in forms, payments, and
medications. Then the cadets were introduced to their flight commanders
for the first time and given t-shirts in their flight’s color. The last
stop was a trip back outside to meet their flight sergeant and begin
studying the SOI handbook while waiting to be assigned to barracks.
After the cadets were settled in, the Standard Evaluation Team (SET)
conducted a class on keeping the barracks in an inspection-ready state.
Flight commanders took advantage of the free time between the class and
dinner, introducing everyone and brainstorming flight chants. Dinner was
served at 6 pm, a delicious chicken, rice, and vegetable combination
prepared by the three man kitchen staff. After dinner, cadets were
introduced to members of the staff and given a short assessment to gauge
where they stand knowledge-wise. At the end of the week, they will be
given the same test again so they will be able to see how they have
improved with training and study. Overall, the day ended on a positive
note.
 What is an SOI?
Are you wondering what those little white books are that the cadets were
holding in front of their faces? The SOI (Standardized Operation
Instruction) book is essentially the basic cadets’ one-stop reference
for all the knowledge they will be expected to learn at encampment. It
contains information ranging from how to maintain barracks and eating
procedures to basic Air Force and Civil Air Patrol knowledge. Cadets are
required to have their SOI with them at all times, studying it after
meals or during any downtime. It must be memorized quickly so that
cadets are prepared to answer questions from staff members while waiting
in line. The SOI is a fundamental part of every basic encampment and
it’s information remains useful throughout the rest of the cadet’s
career.
 And
now, a word from our commanders…
C/Lt Col Harper, how
do you feel encampment is going so far?
“So far it has really taken off on a positive note. I only hope it
will continue throughout the week.”
And how do you feel
Major Hopkins?
“This will be the largest winter encampment Texas Wing has put
on so far. I feel good that everything is off to such a smooth start.”
C/Lt Col Harper,
what are you most looking forward to this encampment?
“I’m looking forward to the pass in review. It represents the
culmination of all the cadets’ efforts and is really the highlight of
the encampment.”
 Major
Hopkins, what are you looking forward to?
“It will be great having the parents here for the pass in review so
they can see how far the cadets have come in such a short time.”
Article and photos submitted by C/Lt Col
Lauren Ostrov and C/CMSgt Ronalyn Williams |
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