Nbb cadet guide welcome to national blue beret introduction

Congratulations! You have been selected to participate in one of the most exciting cadet special activities that Civil Air Patrol has to offer. The function of this Guide is to outline the structure and organization of NBB, define activities and provide you with practical information you will need to succeed.

Over one hundred fifty cadets and seniors from across the United States will be part of the “team” which is Blue Beret. Every effort should be made to arrive on time; come with the proper equipment and supplies; and be prepared to help bring this activity to a successful completion. MORNING OR EARLY AFTERNOON ARRIVALS ARE ENCOURAGED.

If you plan to arrive via privately owned vehicle or corporate vehicle, contact the PJO prior to arrival. The compound is located within the boundaries of the Oshkosh Airport and after dark, usually only one gate is left unlocked. The locked gate can change from night to night, so it is best if you arrive before dark. If you need help once you’ve reached Oshkosh, give the compound a call. (Numbers are provided on the contact sheet.)

Upon your arrival at the CAP compound, you will be directed to the “sign-in” location. You should have your CAP membership card, CAPF 101 card, CAPF 76 card, and a copy of your CAPF 31 ready for inspection.

The first few days of this activity are spent getting familiar with the compound and Wittman Field, learning the EAA’s expectations during this activity, and fine-tuning one’s mission skills.

Each attendee should leave this activity with most MRO, UDF, GTM3, and FLM tasks signed off. We will continually train throughout the activity in Ground Team Member, Urban Direction Finding, Mission Radio Operator and Flight Line Marshaller. We will offer an opportunity to demonstrate the majority, if not all, the required skills for certification. Some of the skills, such as checking the 72 hr gear, cannot be done, as your equipment is not here. A few skills will need to be completed at your home unit. Many of you are already qualified in these areas. We expect you to mentor others in your flight as well as complete your requirements for renewal. This is extremely beneficial for everyone, including the senior members. You must have a current 101 card with at least GES and the 117 tests already taken!

Once we go operational, things really get going for NBB and CAP in Wisconsin.

The much-cherished Blue Beret will be handed out as soon as the staff believes that it has been earned. Once given out, it should be worn with honor and respect. Wearing the beret means that you have chosen to hold yourself to a higher standard and is a privilege and a responsibility. Later, the St. Alban’s pin is given to attendees who may then wear it on their berets. There is much history linked to both the blue beret and the St. Alban’s pin. You’ll learn about this while at the activity. You are held to a higher standard once you earn your beret.

As a “Thank You” to you for the fine work that we do at AirVenture, the folks from the EAA provide our group with a farewell dinner. After dinner many awards will be handed out. Awards include Honor Flight, Top Cadet, and Top Senior.

While the show is going on and you are working hard, staff members will be formulating a plan to get you to the airport or bus station on time for your trip home.

Participants will not use their grade or position to take undue advantage of, or inflict cruelty on subordinates. This includes hazing, indignity, oppression, or deprivation of any right or privilege to which they are entitled. These provisions apply to all members. Hazing is defined as “any conduct whereby someone causes another to suffer or to be exposed to any activity that is cruel, abusive, humiliating, oppressive, demeaning, or harmful.” If at any moment you feel uncomfortable or have complaints or suggestions, contact your Flight Commander, Flight Leader or TAC OFFICER. Any violation of the hazing and harassment policy will result in immediate disciplinary action.

Only the Activity Director, Executive Officer, Medical Officer or your Tactical Officer may excuse you from duty or formations. You will notify your Flight Commander and report to your Tactical Officer all situations that require you to be away from your flight. At all formations, the Flight Commander will report all absences, as directed. Each participant is expected to be present at his/her duty station 100% of the time. Ensure you follow the instructions given to you.

These items are prohibited: weapons, flame producing devices, drugs (aspirin), tobacco, alcohol, pornography, sound systems (CD players with headphones are allowed when off duty), portable TV, gaming systems and food.

Each cadet in attendance is responsible for conducting themselves in a manner reflecting credit upon themselves and CAP. Misconduct may subject you to dismissal from the activity without credit. You will be permitted to withdraw from the activity without prejudice for reasons of sickness or hardship.

Be aware that if you bring a POV to the activity it cannot be used during the activity. It will be parked, locked, and all keys turned into Admin.

Cell Phones

Berets are worn flat on the wearers’ head with the pin centered above the left eyebrow. The excess of the beret will be pulled down against the wearers head on the right side (may cover the ear). The front tip is two fingers' width from the bridge of the nose. Berets and beret ornaments will ONLY be worn by authorized personnel and at such times as established by Activity Director.

You are expected to comply with military customs and courtesies at all times. Professionalism is expected at all times. The compound is a non-saluting zone, as well as when on flight line. On beret base simply offer the appropriate verbal acknowledgement when passing by a senior officer. We will have the National Commander as well as Region and Wing Commanders visiting and staying on the compound. Outside of the compound a salute and acknowledgement is required to all senior officers as well as military officers.

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  You will stand at attention when addressing or being addressed by a staff member unless the staff member directs otherwise.
  

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  When accompanying a senior officer or cadet, a junior officer or cadet walks to his/her left.
  

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  In crowded situations, always give way to a senior officer.
  

The following are all considered offenses while in attendance at National Blue Beret.

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  Honor Code Violations
  

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  Possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or weapons
  

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  Willful damage or theft of Government, CAP, or private property
  

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  Fighting
  

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  Gambling
  

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  Flagrantly unsafe acts
  

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  Gross neglect of duty
  

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  Improper sexual contact or other gross immorality
  

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  Being AWOL from any scheduled activity
  

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  Public displays of affection
  

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  Sleeping on duty
  

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  Insubordination or disrespect
  

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  Absent from bed during bed check
  

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  Creating a disturbance
  

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  Willingly performing an unsafe act endangering CAP members or civilians
  

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  Disobedience to an order
  

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  Use of obscenity or profanity
  

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  Being in off-limit areas
  

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  Use of cell phones while on duty
  

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  Conduct unbecoming, or other conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline
  

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  Hazing
  

The first responsibility of all activity members (cadet and senior) is the health and safety of all CAP members at the activity.

Everybody has a bed assigned to them. Do not sleep outside your bed.

For building evacuation during duty hours, cadets will proceed quickly in appropriate uniform to nearest exit and then to the pre-designated assembly point. For building evacuation during sleeping hours, cadets will put on athletic shoes and tie them, cover themselves with their blanket, secure flashlight in their hand, make sure bunkmate is awake, proceed quickly (without running) to nearest exit and then to assembly point. For some emergencies it may be necessary to remain outdoors for an extended period.

“Semper Flexibilis”

During the winter of 1966-67, Col. Allen Towne, Iowa Wing Commander, requested that an intensive training program be set up in Iowa Wing to train senior members and cadets to become effective and knowledgeable in ground search and rescue operations. Under the command of Lt Col. William B. Cass, Iowa Wing deputy Commander, a program was established for the spring of 1967. The purpose in mind was to create among the members of Iowa Wing the ability to function effectively in almost any capacity when called upon. The first training session was held in April 1967 and consisted of four training weekends. The curriculum consisted of standard first aid and personal survival. The basic uniform was the OD green fatigues, combat or jump boots, blue ascot, web belt and canteen. Planning was initiated to invite other wings within North Central region to attend the next Iowa Wing Blue Beret encampment.

The crest worn on our berets is a symbol that embodies the Blue Beret spirit. The design is the St. Alban's cross. It is a gold cross on a dark blue background. The cross was picked for what St. Alban stood for. St. Alban was a monk, who was a martyr in medieval times. He was put to death for giving a condemned man his cloak. A man who was willing to give everything, including his life, for his fellow man. This is the same feeling and dedication felt by all Blue Berets.

Communications: Remember people are listening! Stay off the radio except for Official Business. You may be given a NBB call sign for use during the activity. Usually only staff members are assigned a call sign. Beret 911 indicates an emergency. Stay off the air until the emergency is resolved!

Contact Information:

Email (questions, concerns, etc.) rbaileyaye@hotmail.com
Fax number (before 18 July 2008) 785-654-2382
Mailing address (before 14 July 2008) Lt Col Regena Aye

211 Holliday Street