Introduction
An encampment can be the most significant and worthwhile training
experience of a CAP cadet's membership. Training is what the
encampment is all about. To achieve the overall goals, a positive
attitude is essential. Each staff member has an obligation to
learn as much as possible and to offer the highest quality of training
to others. Encampments are also
usually one of the first CAP activities cadets go to since encampments
are often times prerequisites for attending other schools or activities.
Opportunities
Encampments are designed to provide CAP members the opportunity to apply
knowledge gained in the cadet and senior programs to practical
situations and challenge the individual to exceed. Encampments
help develop a greater understanding of CAP and Air Force missions and
capabilities as well as present an introduction to the military.
Among over things, cadets develop their leadership potential and enhance
interpersonal relationship skills while learning time-management and the
importance of teamwork.
Teamwork While at encampment cadets are assigned to flights. Flights
usually consist of somewhere between ten to twenty cadets depending on
the total number of flights and the overall size and structure of the
encampment. Through barracks and uniform inspections emphasizing
attention to detail cadets learn how to work as a flight to accomplish
the mission. Near the end of encampment cadets participate
in "Challenge" - a series of athletic competitions of flights competing
against flights.
Air Force Curriculum As the Air Force Auxiliary, a portion of the encampment curriculum
consists of classes taught be Air Force officers. Cadets will be
introduced to the six core competencies of the United States Air Force:
air and space superiority, global attack, rapid global mobility,
precision engagement, information superiority, and agile combat support.
Cadets will learn the unique characteristics of aerospace power - speed,
precision, range, lethality, and freedom of maneuver.
Special Activities In addition to the standard curriculum required by the CAPR 52-16,
each encampment location offers its own special activities. These
activities vary each year and depend on the facility the activity is at.
Past Texas Wing Encampment activities have included running the obstacle
courses at Lackland AFB, Camp Swift, and Camp Maxey, qualifying for the
NRA badge, shooting the firearms training simulator (aka FATS),
navigating a land navigation course among others. Encampments
always have a special twist!
Summary Encampments are memorable experiences that cadets will talk about
for the rest of their cadet careers and will cherish the rest of their
lives. Cadets leave encampments motivated about Civil Air Patrol
and will take back to their units a plethora of knowledge and experience
that can be shared and built upon. Encampments are the foundation
in a cadets career and a solid training experience will put cadets on
the road to success in Texas Wing and Civil Air Patrol.
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