I was in CAP for a couple of years in the 90s. I think it was really good for me. I was very active when my squadron was at Ft. Lauderdale Airport. I advanced to staff sgt. very quickly – mostly because the leadership and aircraft tests were cake (for me). The 2 mile run killed me everytime – so I never got my LT stripes.

I got a lot out of CAP, but what I remember the most is my orientation flights and the different kinds of friends I made. The folks I did CAP with were not the computer/scifi/video game guys I normally hung out with – they were totally tweeked about flying and some of them were hu-ah gung ho military types (not my cup o’ tea, but I was glad to have them as friends).

Encampment in lakeland (essentially McDill AFB) was AWESOME! I was a complete plane head at the time and being that close to F-16s – what could be better than that?

You mention the whole leadership thing – Yeah it does help. It also helps you be a better follower. I know that sounds strange, but service in CAP helps you know when and how to question instructions. I really use those skills just as much today as I did 20 years ago.

My squadron was consolidated with a composite squadron at a middle school next to Piper H.S. – can’t remember the name of it. I contemplated moving squadrons (Pompano Airport), but never did because I didn’t want to lose my position in the squadron. Despite that I ended up effectively leaving CAP by the middle of my junior year in HS.

There is a senior squadron in Bethesda, Maryland. At times, I consider going to a meeting – but then I remember how busy my life is already!

…is Everywhere