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. 

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

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.

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.