GUIDE FOR CADETS PREPARING FOR SUMMER ENCAMPMENT

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This guide provides 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 Wing 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.  Rome Composite Cadets must pass their Curry achievement (Cadet Airman) to obtain squadron commander approval to attend encampment.

 

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 COMMANDERS DO TO PREPARE CADETS TO ATTEND ENCAMPMENT?

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

	CAP customs and courtesies (CAPP 151)
	Proper wear of the CAP uniform (CAPM 39-1)
	Basic drill maneuvers (AFMAN 36-2203)
	Personal hygiene and self care (basic first aid, cleanliness).
	Idea of what homesickness is and how to get through it for cadets who have never been away from home. Discuss with them the resources available at the encampment (Chaplain, TAC Officers, other squadron members)
	Explain to your cadets what it is like to live in a barracks setting with little personal privacy. This can be a bit of a shock!

  

ARE THERE ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION CONCERNING ENCAMPMENTS?

Yes! CAPR 52-16, Chapter 5, as well as the Cadet Programs Office. Cadets and seniors who have attended previous encampments are a great source for information and training.

 

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

Cadets must have a current CAP membership card, meet grooming standards, have obtained their Curry achievement, and submit the necessary paperwork forms and fees by established deadlines. Application instructions are provided online at http://gawg.cap.gov/cadets/encampments/2005/.

 

2005 Wing Encampment Equipment List

• All uniform/equipment requirements are the mandatory MINIMUMS. You may bring more.

• All items should be clearly marked with your last name, first initial, and CAP ID.

• All footwear should be broken in prior to encampment to prevent foot problems.

• Equipment checks will be conducted upon check-in. Prohibited items may be confiscated and returned at the end of the activity.

• Any equipment item questions will be resolved by the Encampment Commandant or Encampment Director

 

Common Clothing Items

	1 set civilian clothes
	2 Sets BDUs with all patches and insignia installed correctly.  This includes personal name tape, CAP tape, squadron patch, wing patch, and CAP collar brass.  Note: BDU blouse and pants need to match-don't mix summer with winter weights.
	1 Air Force style BDU cover (Marine Corps style BDU covers are NOT authorized for wear by CAP)
	4 brown or black undershirts  (Note: Tradition has been that only encampment staff wear black undershirts. Check with encampment command staff to see if black undershirts are authorized.)
	3 white V-neck undershirts for wear with blues uniform.
	1 dark blue BDU web belt with black tip and buckle
	4 pairs black boot socks (heavy)
	6 pairs white cotton socks (light weight, for wear under boot socks)
	1 pair combat boots, black, broken in, but able to hold a good shine
	1 pair of military low quarter shoes, black (black pumps w/conservative heel for females)
	2 pairs of black dress socks
	1 pair AF blues trousers (or AF blue skirt for female cadets)
	Blue belt with silver buckle
	1 short sleeved blues shirt (or blouse) with CAP wing patch
	1 nameplate and correct ribbons for blues uniform
	1 set CAP uniform insignia
	Flight cap with hat device
	Rain poncho (woodland camo or dark green)
	PT shorts (dark or gray, conservative cut)
	2-3 T-shirts for PT (CAP or squadron issue, or blue, black or gray solid color)
	1 pair of athletic shoes
	Swimsuit (conservative--no speedos/bikinis)
	Sunglasses (conservative - aviator style preferred)
	Sleepwear and/or robe (suitable for outdoor fire drills)

 

Personal Items

	CAP ID - YOU MUST HAVE THIS WITH YOU!
	CAPF-60 Emergency Contact and Medical Info form (carried on your person at all times)
	Camera/film/batteries (optional except for Public Affairs staff)
	Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, razor, shaving cream, shampoo, soap (in container), comb or brush
	Bath towel and wash cloth
	1 pair shower shoes (flip flops or sandals)
	Padlock for locker
	4 coat hangers
	Laundry bag
	Travel iron
	Personal sewing kit
	Sunscreen - SPF 15 or higher (Essential!)
	Insect repellent (Essential!)
	Moleskin or blister/blok, 1 pkg
	Shoe shine kit (polish, rag, brush; no instant polish)
	1 set of white, twin bed size flat bed sheets
	1 pillow and white pillow case
	1 blanket, solid color
	Flashlight with spare batteries
	Inexpensive wrist watch
	Cadet program binder with leadership and aerospace modules
	Notepad and pen/pencil
	Ruler, flat (for positioning insignia)
	E/S gear - to include 2 canteens, pistol belt and spare Alice clips. (Compass, whistle, signal mirror, pocket knife, paracord, etc. - optional.)
	Emergency cash $15-$25
	Prescription medications in original containers with name and dosage. All prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins/supplements, etc. shall be turned in to the Encampment Medical Officer upon check-in.

 

 

Female Items

Prohibited Items

	Tobacco Products of any kind
	Alcoholic Beverages
	Lighters, matches, or fireworks
	Food items
	Electronic Entertainment Devices
	Knives or other weapons (other than small pocketknife)
	Reading material other than CAP/USAF or religious
	Cell phones  (for emergency or authorized use only)