CAP Parents Guide (pdf file)

Parents Information from National Headquarters

The Senior Members and Cadet Staff of Red Wing Squadron know that CAP can be a confusing organization to non-members sometimes.  As parents we know you have questions about the how, why, and what we do.  This section of our website is devoted to you - the parent.  Hopefully you can find answers to some of your questions here.  And if you don't see a question answered then please ask!  If you don't ask we can never answer - so please contribute early and often.

To ask a question please contact 1Lt Gene Grave or contact him during the weekly squadron meeting. Thank you so much for reading and for all you do in supporting your cadet!

Q-Meetings are from 1830-2100 every Thursday.  Why do they sometimes run late?
A- Civil Air Patrol's regulations outline what training we must cover every month as a squadron.  These topics are broad and cover things like Safety, Current Events, Aerospace, Moral Leadership, Physical Fitness, and a lot more.  We always do our best to pack this information into the allotted time but occasionally we run over.  In the summer we are somewhat less stringent internally to meet the 2100 end time, but during the school year we do our best to always meet that.

Often, our Cadet Staff will meet prior to or for a few minutes after the meeting, so if your Cadet is on Staff, please be patient during these extra meeting times, as their is generally not time during the meetings to discuss and plan future meetings.

Q-How can I become involved in the squadron?
A-Parents are always welcome to be involved in the squadron and Civil Air Patrol at varying levels.  Of course every parent is involved in CAP because you are one of the critical elements in encouraging your child to take tests, push themselves, and continue in their training.  However for parents who wish to do more than that there are membership opportunities for you.  There are two primary membership options for parents - full membership and a special category called Cadet Sponsor Member.

Full membership means that you become a regular CAP Officer.  You can hold any position and wear any of the uniforms (assuming you meet height, weight, and grooming standards).  You can earn grade and get promotions just like your cadet will be doing.  The second category of membership is Cadet Sponsor Member (CSM).  CSM's must be the parent, grandparent, or guardian of a current CAP cadet.  They can act as chaperones, teachers, and hold any non-Command level position in a squadron (this means you cannot be Squadron Commander or either of the Deputy Commander positions).  You can wear the CAP corporate uniform but not the Air Force style uniform, but are not required to wear a uniform.  Fees are reduced for CSM's as well.  If you are interested in either type of membership please contact 2Lt Gene Grave during a meeting.  

Q-Sometimes you go on activities, you say you will be back at "x" time but don't show up until later, and sometimes you only give a time frame for return, such as 'early afternoon' Why?
A-Red Wing is an extremely active squadron which means we go lots of places.  Most higher level activities are held in places other than Red Wing such as the Cities, Bemidji, St Cloud, etc.  When at these activities we are at the mercy of the activity's commander, and if they run over so do we.  We always try to make it back on time, but safety is paramount and we don't want to meet the stated time at the risk of endangering our people.  As a general rule we always consider our return times from non-Red Wing activities as "approximate" times give or take 30 minutes.  Also, almost any time we are at an activity outside of Red Wing, we will use cell phones to call parents once we are within an hour of returning to the CAP Hangar.

Q-How do I contact my cadet when they are at an activity?
A-Most activities will have a central contact number.  However you can almost always contact our Squadron Commander, Captain Bryce Duncan and he can help you get in contact with your cadet. 

Q-My cadet joined to fly, when can he/she start?
A-All Cadets are eligible for free Orientation Flights upon membership.  These flights are to familiarize the Cadets with how an aircraft works and what it takes to fly an aircraft.  Orientation Flights are officered in both powered and glider aircraft. 

To start actual flight training is a question that is different for every cadet as we treat each one on an individual basis.  However as general policy we expect cadets to be 16 years old (15 for gliders) and have been in CAP a minimum of 6 months.  Furthermore we prefer cadets who have earned at least their first three promotions (Senior Airman) and who are active and take a positive role in the squadron.  Once those standards are met your cadet should ask to speak with the Deputy Commander for Cadets (DCfC).  The DCfC will help your child make arrangements with a flight instructor and get into a training program.  Generally we like to see our cadets earn their pilot's wings within 3-6 months of starting training.  Limited financial assistance may available.

Q-How come activity fees can vary so much?
A-Activity fees are set by the headquarters or unit sponsoring the activity, and are often dependant on what the cost is covering, such as food, housing, fuel, etc.  At no time are activity costs designed to cost more than the actual activity. 

Q-Does the squadron own everything out at the hangar?
A-Red Wing Squadron does not really own anything as we are a part of the greater Civil Air Patrol corporation.  However the hangar and meeting facility are fully paid for and belong to CAP.  The aircraft and van that the unit has are also owned by CAP and are assigned to us.  We must use these resources regularly to continue having the privilege of their use.  Also the uniform supplies are not Red Wing's, but belong to CAP.  Some of the items inside the building are not CAP's but belong to the Aliveo Learning Center.  Aliveo is a non-profit organization that supports aerospace education and military history education in the Red Wing area. 

 Q-How does the squadron fundraise and is this going to be something that my Cadet needs to participate with?
A-Red Wing Squadron has to raise all operating costs for our unit.  These costs include airplane maintenance, building maintenance, utilities, vehicle maintenance, gas, and a variety of other items.  All Red Wing Members need to help with fundraising activities and we ask for the parents support in this as well.  Fundraising may include selling catalog items, food items, flowers, and more.  Participation in activities such as car washes, plane washes, fundraising meals, garage sales, and more is also encouraged.  I you have any fund raising ideas of your own, please share them with out squadron members.  We are working very hard to keep our squadron as successful as it has been in the past.