17 June 2009
ALERT ACADEMY, TX - Civil Air Patrol Encampments in the past had some profound differences to encampments of today, however they also have a lot of similarities. Uniforms, procedures, cadets, everything is based on the styles and events of the times. For instance, during the Cold War, Civil Air Patrol was a larger program with many Squadrons exceeding 100 cadets. The United States had a greater use for a Search and Rescue program.

Encampments used to always be held on a military or reserve base, instead of any available facility. Cadets had facilities more tailored to drill and much more like our Air Force counterpart. Captain Charles ‘Chuck’ Corway, Addison Eagles Composite Squadron and 17 year CAP veteran, said “The Air Force and National Guard previously provided more equipment. When I was a cadet, I remember going on an O-ride in a C-130 during my Basic Encampment.” Participants were given more classes about military careers and missions. Cadets also had the chance to follow an airman around, learning the airman’s duties and received good hands on experience. Colonel McGinley, Colorado Wing, a 45 year CAP veteran, explained that “If a cadet wanted to learn how a jet engine worked, he or she could follow and work with a mechanic, doing his or her job, and actually getting a chance to work on the engine.” Unfortunately for current encampments, guest speakers from the Armed Forces only have the opportunity to come and talk about their job, and not actually show what they do first hand. 

Both Captain Corway and Colonel McGinley consider cadets of today to be generally similar, however more technically inclined. “We didn’t have computers back then,” explained Colonel McGinley. “Today, Laptops and the internet make in-processing and organization very easy compared to how it was done years ago.” “Basics also needed encouragement in the ‘60s, just like today,” he continued. “Cadet comfort was originally taken even less in to consideration, if a cadet had a blister, he couldn’t fall out unless it got extremely bad. Today if cadets are uncomfortable or have blisters they report to Medical immediately.”

Cadet inspections were also more demanding in the past.  If a barracks inspection wasn’t passing, the staff would “toss” the barracks, completely trashing the rooms as motivation to keep their barracks in proper order. Now Flight teams are still expected to do hospital corners and maintain clean barracks, but the lowest team on the inspection score have to eat last. Historically, staff also had the authority to make cadets do push-ups, something that can’t be done today.

A few decades ago cadets wore olive green fatigues with sewn on insignia instead of woodland camouflage and pin-on insignia. The light blue shirt was just being introduced, with one difference, none of the shirts had epaulets, and Cadet Flight Officers (being the highest rank obtainable in the program) had to wear shoulder boards even without a service coat.

“While the mission hasn’t changed, the resources have” Colonel McGinley provided. With the advent of computers, cell phones, and various other technologies, things are faster, but not necessarily for good or bad. Encampments still provide an outstanding training environment, an insight to military life, and an unforgettable experience.

Photos:  

Early 70’s cadets wore green fatigues for their field uniforms.


 

Current cadets wear camp Battle Dress Uniforms (BDU’s) as their primary uniform.




Mid-70’s photo depicts cadets in dress blues.



Current cadets march with their dress blue uniforms.




Story submitted by By C/TSgt Kenneth Herrmann, Addison Eagles Composite Squadron  Historical photos 001 & 003 provided by Major Phyllis Sutton,  Photos 002 & 004 by By C/TSgt Kenneth Herrmann