12 January 2008
CAMP MABRY, AUSTIN, Texas -  On the biggest shopping day of the year, cadets from all over Texas stood in line. But this was not a consumer line; this was the “sign in” line for one of the best Cadet Training and Education Programs they had ever attended. Thus began the 2007 Texas Wing Fall CTEP, which was held November 23-25 at Camp Mabry in Austin.

The schools offered were NCOA, SNCOA, OTS and CCSC, and regardless of their selection, cadets came away from this CTEP saying that it was “the highlight” of their CAP career, and that they were surprised at the amount of hands on training and valuable leadership material that had been compacted into one weekend.

Cadets learned valuable lessons in time management and leadership. In three days, the students sat through several outstanding classes, with topics ranging from preparation for staff positions to the qualities that make great leaders. They also had to write essays, give impromptu speeches and create OPS plans for programs that did not exist.

Not only did cadets learn a great deal about leadership and strategies, but they also had the opportunity to make some great friends from all over Texas. One reason for the huge success of this activity is, without question, due to the outstanding leadership and planning by C/Lt Col Jordan Wright, this year’s Cadet Commandant, who announced that he will be leaving for the army in January. All of the cadets who have been privileged to know and learn from C/Lt Col Wright will miss him greatly when he is gone.

Below are some follow up comments by attending cadets and cadet instructors:

* I had sooo much fun at CTEP. Instructing was definitely the coolest thing I have done in the CTEP program.... I contribute the “fun-ness” I had to all the wonderful senior members who made it possible...

* Before I participated in CTEP I thought that it might be a waste of my time and was just a way to make my records look better …. Boy was I wrong! With the instructors, the training and even just the experience, it was well worth it!!!

* The hands-on training was excellent in SNCOA and I was able to understand everything being taught because of this training. Unexpectedly, I learned things that I had no prior knowledge of and my training helped increase my knowledge of CAP.

* The experience made everything worthwhile. To be able to meet cadets across the Wing who had the same problems was every encouraging and helpful. The many friends I made helped my confidence level and love of CAP.

* My SNCOA instructors were some of the most outstanding teachers I have ever had. The instructors impacted me the most by their deep concern for me and others. Their examples showed me how to be a great leader.

* CTEP was an amazing experience! I learned so much about leadership and the 1st sergeant position at SNCOA. I know that I will bring all that I learned with me to my home squadron where I will share it with my fellow squadron cadets. Anyone who has not been to a CTEP is sure missing out on one of the best leadership activities in Texas!!

The future indeed looks bright as we approach the holiday season and a new year in Texas Wing CAP. Thank you to all who were a part of the planning and execution of Fall CTEP, 2007.


Pictures-

C/MSgt Andrew Shea receiving NCOA Honor Cadet Award from C/Maj Joshua Vaughan



C/SSgt Kayla Cassel, Gregg County Composite Squadron




C/SrA Austin Hollinshead (left) of Gregg County Composite Squadron. No names for other cadets



Maj Pope and C/SrA Austin Hollinshead



 

Article submitted by C/CMSgt Cela Leano and C/CMSgt Marcela Leano.  Photos submitted by 2d Lt Tracy Hollinshead