Ground Team Basics: Task O-001 / O-002

TASK O-001: PREPARE INDIVIDUAL GROUND TEAM EQUIPMENT AND
TASK O-002: PERFORM INDIVIDUAL RETROFIT.

24/72 Hour Load Bearing equipment (LBE) pack video: 24/72 Hour LBE (Senior Member) This is just an example of how one might pull together equipment for Ground Team. There are a few key things to note:

1. Weight! YOU need to be able to carry YOUR gear comfortably and for a long time. Pack light and distribute weight
2. Have gear accessible. You don't want to have to stop and dig in a backpack for equipment you need on foot.
3. Know your system of packing. The GT Task guide recommends grouping items and putting in Zip lock bags but it is not required. You do need to know where your gear is.
4. Knives must be approved. A good Gerber multi-tool is recommended for cadet GTMs.
5. Deluxe is not necessary. This guy has gone all out with his setup. This is not required. Check local Military Surplus or sporting goods stores for options. Just try to stick with similar neutral colors but spending a lot of money for "military spec" in not needed. 
6. In the video, he does not cover some of the stuff you are supposed to carry on your person so check the GT list and task guide  HERE

You might also find this interesting. Video: 72 hour mini survival  I personally like to carry such a survival kit which can be part of the GT equipment or taken alone. It has some of the required items plus a few extra. Again, cadets clear knives with your GTL.
 

 

Have you printed your SQTR from HERE

Don't forget to reference the GT list and task guide HERE

Ground Team Basics: Task O-0217

Are you ready for some ground team training? Perhaps you could use a refresher. You don't need to wait to be taught, see what you can learn on your own.

TASK O-0217: ORIENT A MAP TO NORTH USING A COMPASS: Click this link for a video tutorial How to Accurately Read a Compass

For more GROUND TEAM/ URBAN DIRECTION FINDING (UDF) TASKS, Click Here for the Task guide. See what you can teach yourself then demonstrate your ability for a Qualified Ground Team Leader / Skills Evaluator, to get "signed off" on the task.

ATTENTION CADETS: Its time to plan!

What National Cadet Special Activities do you want to apply for next Summer? 

We had a record number of cadets apply and get accepted to NCSAs this year and that is awesome. One common mistake is thinking, "I'm too new." That is so untrue. A cadet who joins TODAY could be on a plane next June to any number of activities. It just takes a little effort and 'know-how.'  You provide the effort and we provide the know-how!

We want our cadets to enjoy the full benefits of the Cadet Program. That means reaching beyond the walls of our squadron and our wing to experience the many opportunities across the country and internationally.

1. Visit the Nation Cadet Special Activities Site 

                National Emergency Services Academy

                Lonestar Emergency Services Academy

                

2. List, in order of preference, 20 activities that you MIGHT want to go to if Money were no object and dates did not conflict.

3. Starting with your current Grade, list the next 6 Achievements and the date you plan to complete each (be reasonable and consider what else you have going on in your life.) ....and 

4. Stay turned in. There will be a meeting where we will discuss your individual CAP Career Plan for those who are serious about this. 

SPRING CTEP / ACADEMY A SUCCESS

Shown Above: Janelle and Ken with Col Scarborough and classmate from TLC. 

LAFAYETTE - Ascension Composite cadets and Senior Members attended the semi-annual Cadet Training Education Program (CTEP) and Leadership Academy this past weekend.

Senior Members Major Ken Brummett and Ms. Janelle Townsend continued their training by attending the Training Leaders of Cadets (TLC) program while 1Lt Lydia Pike took the Corporate Leadership Course (CLC.)  Lt. Col. Mickey Marchand taught the Air Crew course for Scanners, Observers and Mission Pilots.

Cadet Airmen who attended the Training for the first time and completed Airman Leadership School (ALS) were: Cadet E. Allen and Cadet L. Ross. Cadets J. Townsend, H. Pike, L. Camacho, C. Hodge completed Non-Commissioned Officer School (NCOS) and Cadets M.Christian and D.Geromini completed Communications Training. Cadet Senior Master Sgt C. Gaudin served as instructor for portions of both ALS and NCOS.

The weekend was a success and lots of fun was had while the majority of the members and the cadets stayed at the First Baptist Church gym along with 5 cadets from Capital City, 1 cadet from St.Tammany Composite and 4 cadets from Lafayette Composite. A special thanks to Major David Taylor of Hammond Composite Squadron for staying at the gym to assist with cadet supervision.

While staying at the gym meant sleeping in sleeping bags and no Television and other luxuries of the hotel rooms, it afforded the cadets some other opportunities such as Basketball, Volleyball, Indoor Base Ball, Indoor PT in the morning and lots of comradery, all for the inviting price of FREE!

If you missed this CTEP / Academy, you missed a lot of fun but don't worry! Mark your calendars. The next one is scheduled for August 24, 25 & 26 in Lafayette, LA. We will be looking to fill at least 2 vans with just our cadets. Don't miss out again.

If you want to help organize the next CTEP trip, please let your Cadet Commander know ASAP. We look for NCOs to organize these overnight trips and be the Cadet In Charge. If you plan to be an NCO by August, step up and show your leadership abilities by taking on this trip!

SAREX Continues thru meeting tonight

The SAREX activity will continue throughout the regular meeting tonight. Be there early if you can. The plan as of Saturday was to have briefing and then some evening Sorties for both ground and aircrews.

NOTE CHANGE : Cadets uniform is BDU tonight, not Blues.

Due to activities tonight, we may be at the airport later. Cadets MAY plan to stay later than usual especially if they leave on ground team mission. Get this approved by parents in advanced!!!!

Submitted by: 1LT Lydia C Pike, CAP, DCC

Group 3 SAREX benefits many

This SAREX has been a little different than the past in a couple ways. One is that it stretches over an extended period of time and the other is the nature of most of the training.

Much of today's training centered around Photo Recon which, if you've ready the Volunteer magazine this month, you can tell that much of the tasking is related to Photography.

That's not to say that UDF (Urban Direction Finding) is no longer taught but Photography just gets added to our list of skills. Today cadets and Aircrews alike did there share of photography and our newer cadets spent time learning about DF'ing from Major Moeller.

The day wrapped up around 1900 and the cadets headed off the catch the launch of balloons but weather cut that trip short when the balloons were grounded.

All in all, a successful and (as always with cadets) fun filled day.

Submitted by: 1Lt Lydia Pike, CAP,DCC on AUG 06,2011

Group 3 Sarex

The Group 3 Emergency Services Training (SAREX) that was postponed last month has been rescheduled and will be hosted by Ascension Composite Squadron and operating out of Louisiana Regional Airport (L38).

This SAREX will run from 5 AUG thru 15 AUG. Sorties with be spread over the entire period, somewhat like the Sorties flown for the LA Flood missions. There will be day and Evening sorties to help pilots maintain night currency. There will be ground Team Sorties as well as need for cadets as mission staff assistants and radio operations. Authorized Cadets who have, or will soon be attaining their 18th birthdate may begin training for Aircrews positions (you can not actually fly missions until after your birthday.)

There is a job for every cadet who is willing to serve the mission and will behave in a professional manner. If serious about serving in Emergency Services, go to the Emergency Services tab above and begin your training, THEN contact Major Moeller to find out what your next step should be.

Ascension Composite was proud to boast that 9 of our cadets participated in the 2011 LA Flood Mission. Those Cadets were: Gaudin, Rome, Tressitt, Dennis, Kelley, Pike, Blank, Delbasty, Kallenberger, some are seen below assisting Major Brummett and operating Radios. Cadets are a vital part of our Emergency Services Operations.

Submitted by: 1LT Lydia Pike, CAP, DCC

(reposted because the other was deleted by accident, sorry)

Group 2 SAREX / Balloon Fest this weekend

GROUP 3 SAREX will begin this weekend with briefing and training on Saturday. This will be an all day activity. NEW Cadets who meet the following qualifications may report ( contact Lt Pike for approval and times):

Minimum Qualifications:
- Complete BDU & compliant w/ 39-1 (canteen/camel back approved)
- Passed Leadership Chapter One test
- Passed General Emergency Services test 116 (Emergency Services tab above)
- Have a desire to work WITH the Senior members and prepare to serve on real missions.

Cadets with prior ES experience are needed. When short on Incident Command staff and IC staff are wearing two or three hats, experienced cadets are needed more than ever to help fill the gaps. If you can come Saturday, it would be appreciated!

Please email your availability to both: Lt Pike AND Lt Col Collins who is Incident Commander for this SAREX.

BALLOON FESTIVAL: Due to lack of response, no formal plans are being made to attend the balloon festival, however, after the SAREX activity Saturday, we may make a run to the festival for the balloon glow.

Submitted By: 1Lt Lydia Pike, CAP, DCC

Member Promotion and Recognition meeting

Please be sure to join us at our meeting on Monday, June 13, 2011. We will once again be celebrating the latest accomplishments of our squadron members. Families are invited. This is a great opportunity for us all to get to know the families of our fellow members and for them to get to know us.

••••We will NOT be at the airport for this meeting. We will meet at the Gonzales Public Safety Center on Orice Roth Rd.

Please arrive by 6:45pm (cadets arrive by 6pm - earlier if you can! Call if you are running late.)

LPike

Sharpen your knife

Okay, so this is a great tip for adults and cadets, members and non-members!
Check out this video: How to sharpen a knife with a cup .
(Remember, Safety First! Be careful)

First Aid / CPR Training

HAMMOND, LA - Hammond Composite Squadron hosted a First Aid / CPR training for cadets and Senior members from Hammond and Ascension Composite Squadrons. Pictured to the right, C/Arm Rome applies pressure bandage to the arm of C/MSgt Tressitt. Below, C/MSgt Blank, dons Personal Protective Equipment and appears to be ready to handle any toxic "waste" that baby CPR dummy might share with him. In all, 12 cadets and 8 Senior members attended the training. These members are now American Heart Association certified and are authorized to where a First Aid / CPR / AED patch on their BDU uniform. Ascension Composite would like to thank Lt Col Shelley Thibodaux and the Hammond squadron for inviting us to take part.

We look forward to more inter-squadron activities with all of our neighboring Squadrons.

Lt Col Marchand Sets Agressive Schedule for ES Training!

Lt Col Marchand announced Monday, "In a drastic effort for training, I have committed the remaining LA Wing Emergency Services training funds for this year to the following:"
10 July Stan/Eval Conference Alexandria
17-18 July Shreveport SAREX Shreveport (Cadets @ Encampment)
24-25 July Flight Clinic #2 Shreveport (Cadets @ Encampment)

7-8 August Flight Clinic #3 Gonzales (Hosted by Ascension Seniors)
Ground Team Clinic Gonzales (Hosted by Ascension Cadets)
14-15 Aug. Leadership Academy #2 Lafayette
21-22 Aug. Alexandria SAREX Alexandria
28-29 Aug. Practice Eval Alexandria

11-12 Sept. Practice Eval Alexandria

USAF Evaluation is Scheduled for Dec. 3-5 in Alexandria
===========================================
In addition, he challenged the Cadets to come up with suggestions to improve their training. The cadets have dedicated 1/2 hour of the meeting on the last Monday to ES Training and will pick a couple of Task items to work on each month. Additionally, the cadets will meet one Saturday each month for ES training. This will be in conjunction with the monthly work detail at the airport. The cadets also agreed to host the Ground team training to take place concurrent with the Flight Clinic #3 in Gonzales.

Don't miss SAREX Training

Group 3 will hold a SAREX (training exercise) at Lake Font Airport in New Orleans. All members (Cadets and Seniors) are encouraged to attend. This is your opportunity to get your Emergency Services Training. Lets see if Ascension Squadron can have everyone show up with the required paperwork. BE SURE YOU BRING YOUR ID, if you lost it, go to eService and print temporary ID.

If you have not done so, you will need to do the following:

1. Complete GES training online and take the questionnaire {CLICK HERE}
2. Log into eServices
3. Click on "My Operations Qualifications" (located near the bottom of the list links on your left)
4. Under EMERGENCY SERVICES, click on 101 Card then enter your personal characteristics. You may also upload a photo but it will not print out until the commander has verified it. Photo is not necessary for the weekend.
5. Choose "Click to Print 101 card"
6. Next, Click on Print blank worksheet under SQTRs (left side of screen)
7. On the "Achievement" Drop down menu, select the area you will train in.
8. Click Print SQTR Worksheet
9. BRING THESE WITH YOU TO THE SAREX!!!
10. Wear the appropriate uniform for the position you will train for: Cadets Complete BDU with all insignia, patches, belt, proper T-shirt, pen, pad. As always, grooming standards must be adhered to.

Let ensure that Ascension Composite is represented as the professional, efficient and effective squadron we all know we are.

We will determine travel arrangements at the meeting Monday June 7.

Ascension Composite Hosts Flight Ops Clinic

Louisiana Regional Airport in Gonzales was a buzz with activity on Saturday morning as 9 Civil Air Patrol aircraft were arriving with members aiming to attend the Flight Ops Clinic hosted by the Civil Air Ascension Composite Squadron. Col. Mickey Marchand and Col. Harry Stafford, both long time members of the Civil Air Patrol and pilots themselves, organized and conducted the clinic with the classroom portion conducted at the Gonzales Public Safety Center and the flight portion out of LA Regional Airport. The clinic was designed to train pilots and none pilots alike, on the procedures and responsibilities of each member of the Flight Crew. Whether mission pilot, Observer or Scanner, all must work together as a team to accomplish the mission. “The Pilot needs to focus on flying the plane; he or she must depend on the Observer who is responsible for navigation and communications and Scanner is responsible for scanning for targets, takes photos, uploads them onto a laptop and keeps a log on photo information. Each person must be well trained to work interchangeably with any other crew member they are teamed up with. According to numerous reports from visitng air crews, Ascension Composite did an all around excellent job.

Next Meeting Communication Training

Monday, January 25, Ken Brumett will conduct communication training for the squadron. We hope to see everyone there. Lots of changes and new things coming down the pipeline for Cadets and Senior members as well!

GROUND TEAM TRAINING

Those Seniors and Cadets needing to qualify or be updated on Ground team procedures should plan to attend training with Pontchartrain Squadron on November 7th and 8th. Please place your name on the list in the Squad room.