GUIDE FOR CADETS PREPARING FOR SUMMER ENCAMPMENT

This guide provides unit commanders, cadet programs personnel, parents,
and cadets with a basic understanding of what an encampment is, who
should attend, why attendance should be stressed, and what should be
done to prepare a cadet to attend. Some of this information may change
year-to-year and this should be taken into consideration.

***WHAT IS AN ENCAMPMENT?***

An encampment is a basic introduction to the military way of life and an
opportunity to experience leadership from both a follower\'s and
leader\'s point of view. It is an excellent way of meeting new cadets
from throughout the Wing and establishing an esprit de corps among the
next generation of cadets.

***WHO SHOULD ATTEND AN ENCAMPMENT?***

Any cadet who is a current member of CAP as evidenced by the most recent
CAP Cadet Monthly Membership Listing (MML) and has not previously
attended an encampment. A minimum of squadron training is required to
ensure that the cadet understands the basics of CAP customs and
courtesies, the basics of CAP drill, and the basics of how to wear the
CAP uniform, which will be discussed below. Rome Composite Cadets must
pass their Curry achievement (Cadet Airman) to obtain squadron commander
approval to attend encampment.

***WHY SHOULD A CADET ATTEND AN ENCAMPMENT?***

-   It is a requirement to achieve the Billy Mitchell Award.

-   It is required for most National and Wing-sponsored special
    activities.

-   It provides an outstanding leadership and training forum for new
    cadets and new cadet command/staff officers.

-   It provides an opportunity to meet other cadets and begin lasting
    friendships with them.

-   It provides an experience (usually on a military base) to show
    cadets what the military is about and gives the cadets an
    opportunity to live like military personnel for one week.

***WHAT SHOULD COMMANDERS DO TO PREPARE CADETS TO ATTEND ENCAMPMENT?***

Provide classes on the following topics (see manual references in
parentheses):

-   CAP customs and courtesies (CAPP 151)

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-   Proper wear of the CAP uniform (CAPM 39-1)

-   Basic drill maneuvers (AFMAN 36-2203)

-   Personal hygiene and self care (basic first aid, cleanliness).

-   Idea of what homesickness is and how to get through it for cadets
    who have never been away from home. Discuss with them the resources
    available at the encampment (Chaplain, TAC Officers, other squadron
    members)

-   Explain to your cadets what it is like to live in a barracks setting
    with little personal privacy. This can be a bit of a shock!

***ARE THERE ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION CONCERNING
ENCAMPMENTS?***

[Yes!]{.underline} CAPR 52-16, Chapter 5, as well as the Cadet Programs
Office. Cadets and seniors who have attended previous encampments are a
great source for information and training.

***WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A CADET TO ATTEND AN ENCAMPMENT?***

Cadets must have a current CAP membership card, meet grooming standards,
have obtained their Curry achievement, and submit the necessary
paperwork forms and fees by established deadlines. Application
instructions are provided online at
<http://gawg.cap.gov/cadets/encampments/2005/>.

### 2005 Wing Encampment Equipment List

-   All uniform/equipment requirements are the mandatory MINIMUMS. You
    may bring more.

-   All items should be clearly marked with your last name, first
    initial, and CAP ID.

-   All footwear should be broken in prior to encampment to prevent foot
    problems.

-   Equipment checks will be conducted upon check-in. Prohibited items
    may be confiscated and returned at the end of the activity.

-   Any equipment item questions will be resolved by the Encampment
    Commandant or Encampment Director

# Common Clothing Items

-   1 set civilian clothes

-   2 Sets BDUs with all patches and insignia installed correctly. This
    includes personal name tape, CAP tape, squadron patch, wing patch,
    and CAP collar brass. Note: BDU blouse and pants need to match-don't
    mix summer with winter weights.

-   1 Air Force style BDU cover (Marine Corps style BDU covers are NOT
    authorized for wear by CAP)

-   4 brown or black undershirts (Note: Tradition has been that only
    encampment staff wear black undershirts. Check with encampment
    command staff to see if black undershirts are authorized.)

-   3 white V-neck undershirts for wear with blues uniform.

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-   1 dark blue BDU web belt with black tip and buckle

-   4 pairs black boot socks (heavy)

-   6 pairs white cotton socks (light weight, for wear under boot socks)

-   1 pair combat boots, black, broken in, but able to hold a good shine

-   1 pair of military low quarter shoes, black (black pumps
    w/conservative heel for females)

-   2 pairs of black dress socks

-   1 pair AF blues trousers (or AF blue skirt for female cadets)

-   Blue belt with silver buckle

-   1 short sleeved blues shirt (or blouse) with CAP wing patch

-   1 nameplate and correct ribbons for blues uniform

-   1 set CAP uniform insignia

-   Flight cap with hat device

-   Rain poncho (woodland camo or dark green)

-   PT shorts (dark or gray, conservative cut)

-   2-3 T-shirts for PT (CAP or squadron issue, or blue, black or gray
    solid color)

-   1 pair of athletic shoes

-   Swimsuit (conservative\--no speedos/bikinis)

-   Sunglasses (conservative - aviator style preferred)

-   Sleepwear and/or robe (suitable for outdoor fire drills)

# Personal Items

-   CAP ID -- [YOU MUST HAVE THIS WITH YOU]{.underline}!

-   CAPF-60 Emergency Contact and Medical Info form (carried on your
    person at all times).

-   Camera/film/batteries (optional except for Public Affairs staff)

-   Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, razor, shaving cream,
    shampoo, soap (in container), comb or brush

-   Bath towel and wash cloth

-   1 pair shower shoes (flip flops or sandals)

-   Padlock for locker

-   4 coat hangers

-   Laundry bag

-   Travel iron

-   Personal sewing kit

-   Sunscreen -- SPF 15 or higher (Essential!)

-   Insect repellent (Essential!)

-   Moleskin or blister/blok, 1 pkg

-   Shoe shine kit (polish, rag, brush; no instant polish)

-   1 set of white, twin bed size flat bed sheets

-   1 pillow and white pillow case

-   1 blanket, solid color

-   Flashlight with spare batteries

-   Inexpensive wrist watch

-   Cadet program binder with leadership and aerospace modules

-   Notepad and pen/pencil

-   Ruler, flat (for positioning insignia)

-   E/S gear - to include 2 canteens, pistol belt and spare Alice clips.
    (Compass, whistle, signal mirror, pocket knife, paracord, etc. -
    optional.)

-   Emergency cash \$15-\$25

-   Prescription medications in original containers with name and
    dosage. All prescription and over-the-counter medications,
    vitamins/supplements, etc. shall be turned in to the Encampment
    Medical Officer upon check-in.

## Male Items

-   1 blue Air Force style uniform tie

-   1 athletic supporter

-   4 V-neck white t-shirts

-   Undergarments sufficient for 7 days

## Female Items

-   1 blue tab

-   Hairpins / rubber bands

-   Undergarments sufficient for 7 days

-   Feminine hygiene products

## Prohibited Items

-   Tobacco Products of any kind

-   Alcoholic Beverages

-   Lighters, matches, or fireworks

-   Food items

-   Electronic Entertainment Devices

-   Knives or other weapons (other than small pocketknife)

-   Reading material other than CAP/USAF or religious

-   Cell phones (for emergency or authorized use only)

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