![](media/image1.png){width="1.0895833333333333in"
height="1.125in"}LANGLEY COMPOSITE SQUADRON

CIVIL AIR PATROL

232 Sweeney Boulevard

Langley Air Force Base, Virginia 23665

CADET PROGRAMS OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

These operating instructions (OI) establish procedures, guidelines and
directions that all cadets and senior members working with cadets must
be aware of and follow for the proper functioning of the Langley
Composite Squadron

The purposes of the instructions are to establish clearly defined
procedures for the proper conduct of cadets and the implementation of
the Cadet Programs.

**[SECTION ONE -- MEETING ATTENDANCE]{.underline}**

This section provides instruction for all cadets' conduct in relation to
squadron meeting attendance. Participation in squadron meetings and
activities is crucial to success in the cadet program. Any cadet that
fails to meet these criteria will be reprimanded as outlined below.

**WEEKLY MEETING ATTENDANCE**: Active participation in unit activities
is required but not limited to squadron weekly meetings. In accordance
with CAPM 52-16 Cadet Program Management, cadets must attend regularly
to progress through the cadet program. Therefore, cadets must attend all
weekly meetings. Those who are unable to participate in weekly meetings
must be excused to do so. Unexcused absences will result in retention in
the cadet program.

**SPECIAL ACTIVITIES**: CAPM 52-16 regulates that a cadet must
participate in at least one squadron activity outside of the weekly
meeting per achievement to progress in the cadet program. It is
encouraged that all cadets participate in all special activities. Doing
so will increase the cadet's knowledge and experience in the cadet
program.

**UNEXCUSED ABSENSCES**: An unexcused absence is any absence in which
the cadet fails to notify a member of the cadet staff prior to the
meeting of their absence. Any cadet with an unexcused absence will be
counseled by their immediate commander. Repeat offenses will result in
retention in grade until the situation is remedied. To log offenses, the
cadet's immediate commander will report in writing the offense. The
report will then be turned into the Deputy Commander for Cadets to be
filed in the cadet's personnel record.

Examples of excused absences include but are not limited to; academic
studies, athletic events for a team in which you are a part of,
participation in community projects, family crisis, family vacation, and
unavailability of transportation. If you are unsure if your absence will
be excused, inquire prior to the absence. Extensive excused absences may
result in retention in grade due to a lack of experience aquired.

Examples of unexcused absences include but are not limited to; general
laziness, attending the movies, poor planning, lack of desire to
participate in the evening's activities, and hanging out with friends.

**[SECTION TWO -- GENERAL CONDUCT]{.underline}**

This section of the OI addresses cadet's conduct and behavior during
weekly meetings and special activities. As a cadet in Civil Air Patrol
you must maintain high conduct and behavioral standards both inside CAP
events and in your general life. It is important to present yourself in
a professional manner at all times, and follow the orders of your
superiors. Adherence to these guidelines is mandatory. Failure to adhere
to these guidelines will result in disciplinary measures outlined below.

**WEEKLY MEETING CONDUCT**: Any cadet attending a weekly meeting will
conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. A professional
manner would be one that brings credit to yourself as well as Civil Air
Patrol. The following behaviors will not be tolerated at any time;
hazing, cursing, drug use, rough housing, insubordination, violation of
safety regulations, acting out, misuse of authority, bringing of weapons
or drugs to any CAP activity. These are examples of misconduct and will
not be tolerated in any manner.

Civil Air Patrol frequently has outside guests and potential members
attending their meetings. Every cadet will show the utmost respect for
these guests. Any sign of disrespect will not be tolerated.

**SPECIAL ACTIVITY CONDUCT**: The same conduct guidelines apply for
special activities as for weekly meetings.

**RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY**: With membership in Civil Air Patrol comes the
responsibility to respect authority. As a cadet you will respect all
officers, non-commissioned officers, airmen, and civilians. You are
expected to adhere to the standards set forth in CAPP 151 Customs and
Courtesies. Some of the frequently used customs and courtesies are
outlined below.

When addressing any officer (military, senior member, or cadet) you will
address them as "Sir" or "Ma'am" whichever is appropriate, or in the
following format \[Rank\] \[Last Name\], at all times. Example: "Sir, I
don't understand" or "Captain Smith, I don't understand".

When addressing any non-commissioned officer (NCO) (military, senior
member, or cadet) you will address them as "Sergeant" or "Chief"
whichever is appropriate, or in the following format \[Rank\] \[Last
Name\], at all times. Example: "I think I understand, Sergeant" or
"Sergeant Ryan, I think I understand".

When addressing any Airmen (in the military any enlisted member holding
the pay grade of E-3 or below) (military, or cadet) you will address
them as "Airman" or "Seaman" or their appropriate title according to
branch of service, or in the following format \[Rank\]\[Last Name\], at
all times. Example: "Now I understand, Airman" or "Airman Smith, I
understand".

When addressing any Civilian you will address them as "Sir" or "Ma'am"
or by their appropriate title. Civilian titles may include "Mr.
President", "Secretary", "Congressman", "Senator", "Mayor", etc.
Example: "Mayor Johnson, am I respecting you now?" or "Thank you very
much for your participation, SIR".

**FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH CONDUCT STANDARDS**: Any cadet that fails to
conform to conduct standards will be disciplined. Punishment ranges from
termination of membership in CAP to a verbal warning, depending on the
severity of the offense. Repeat minor offenses will result in retention
in grade until the conduct is remedied. This includes offenses outside
of CAP activities.

**[SECTION THREE -- MEETING REQUIREMENTS]{.underline}**

While the previous section outlined behavioral conduct, this section
includes physical conduct at any CAP activity unless otherwise specified
by the activity directives.

**REPORTING:** As outlined in the cadet leadership manual and AFM
36-2203, the reporting procedures vary depending on the situation.
Follow the guidelines below for specific situational reporting.

You are required to report in for a board of review. If you do not
report in properly you will fail the board of review. Follow the
outlined procedures below.

-   Knock twice on the door to the office in which the board is being
    conducted.

-   Wait to be told to enter.

-   When told to enter follow the most direct route to the officer's
    desk.

-   Halt smartly 2 paces from the officer's desk.

-   Salute and hold the salute while properly addressing the officer
    with, "Cadet \[RANK\] \[Last Name\] reporting as ordered, SIR"

-   Hold the salute until it is returned.

-   Remain standing at ATTENTION unless otherwise directed to do so.

-   Upon completion of the board you will be "DISMISSED"

-   Stand at attention, take one step backwards smartly, and salute.

-   Hold the salute until it is returned, perform an about face and
    depart.

You are required to report to any officer that uses the command "FRONT
AND CENTER". This command is generally used for awards ceremonies, or
immediate disciplinary measures. Follow the procedures below when you
are in a flight.

-   When your name is called, come to ATTENTION immediately.

-   Upon the command FRONT AND CENTER, take one step backwards smartly.

-   Proceed using the fastest route to the reporting officer.

-   Halt smartly two paces from the officer.

-   Salute and hold the salute while properly addressing the officer
    with, "Cadet \[Rank\] \[Last Name\] reporting as ordered,
    'Sir'/'Ma'am'".

-   Hold the salute until it's returned.

-   Remain standing at ATTENTION unless otherwise directed to do so.

-   Upon completion of business you will be "DISMISSED"

-   Stand at ATTENTION, take one step backwards smartly and salute.

-   Hold the salute until it is returned, perform and about face and
    depart to your original post.

**HALLWAY CONDUCT:** Due to the size of hallways, it is imperative that
you walk to the right hand side of the hallway at all times. If there is
a conversation taking place in the hallway and the only way through is
to cut between the two having the conversation, halt and excuse yourself
by saying "by your leave, sir/ma'am" at the next pause in conversation.

**STAIR CONDUCT:** Under no circumstance should anyone run on the
stairway. Walk to the right hand side at all times. Do not stop or come
to attention on the stairs. Politely excuse yourself if you must
interrupt someone.

**CLASSROOM CONDUCT:** All cadets must be present before the class start
time. All cadets will be seated as they enter. If the instructor is not
present, the room will be called to attention for any officer that
enters the room unless there is a higher ranking officer already
present. During class the room will not be called to attention except
for a Colonel or higher.

Cadets will maintain discipline at all times. There will be no out of
place conversation or out of turn remarks. If a cadet wishes to ask a
question or make a statement, the cadet will raise his/her hand and wait
to be recognized. Horseplay will not be tolerated at any time during CAP
functions. Cadets will be attentive, take notes, and pay the instructor
the proper respect.

**FORMATION CONDUCT:** If a cadet is in formation, unless "AT REST", the
cadet will not speak. If the cadet has a question, he/she will raise
their hand and wait to be recognized.

**BREAK CONDUCT:** The cadet snack fund monitor will manage the snack
time. Cadets will line up in a single file line and wait their turn at
the refrigerator. Cadets may converse and socialize during break;
horseplay, excessive noise, and mischief will not be tolerated.

**VEHICLE CONDUCT:** Any time a cadet rides in a vehicle they will
fasten their seat belt. Talking will be kept to a low level, and no
horseplay will be tolerated. Cadets driving their personal vehicles to
CAP will obey all laws and safety rules at all times.

**GOOD STEWARDSHIP:** This squadron is a guest on Langley Air Force
Base. Extra effort must be taken to ensure the proper care of
facilities, equipment, vehicles, etc. used by the unit.

**PT CONDUCT:** As a safety measure all cadets must notify the PT
instructor of any physical limitations before participating in an
activity that would applies to that limitation. Do not participate in
any activity that causes pain or injury due to your limitation.

All cadets are required to participate in the PT program to the extent
listed in CAPP 52-18. All cadets, regardless of necessity, will
participate in the PT testing or event.

During warm up stretching, the cadets will repeat to the instructor the
activity that is being conducted. Example: "The next motion will be the
side straddle hop", in unison the cadets will reply with "The side
straddle hop, SIR/Sgt"

If instructed by the instructor, the cadets will count repetitions of
the exercise and the instructor will count cadence. Example:
Instructor-"One, two, three" Cadets-"One" Instructor-"One, two, three"
Cadets-"Two", and so on.

**[SECTION 4 -- CHAIN OF COMMAND]{.underline}**

This section outlines the use of the chain of command in communication,
praise, and discipline. It also explains educational requirements for
cadets and the chain of command. The chain of command allows for easier
more practical communication, and allows situations to be handled at the
appropriate level.

**ELEMENT MEMBERS:** Element members are at the bottom of the chain of
command. Any cadet staff member is a superior to these cadets. The
cadets directly responsible to these cadets are the element leaders.
Cadets will notify their element leaders of problems within the flight,
absences, etc. This is the first person you will see to solve a problem.

**FLIGHT SERGEANTS:** These staff members are one step up from element
leaders. They are responsible for the element leaders as well as the
element members. They conduct the primary training of the flight. If
your element leader does not have a solution to your problem or inquiry,
this is the person to see. All flight sergeants will be at least a
C/SSgt, and will be addressed as Sergeant.

**FLIGHT COMMANDERS:** These staff members are one step up from flight
sergeants. They are responsible for the progress of the entire flight.
They establish goals and training environments for the flight. They
supervise the progress of the flight sergeant as well as the flight
members. The flight sergeant reports directly to the flight commander.
If your flight sergeant does not have the answer to your inquiry, your
flight sergeant will pass the inquiry to this person.

**CADET DEPUTY COMMANDER:** This staff member is directly responsible
for the flight commanders. They ensure flight progress and training.
They report directly to the cadet commander. In the cadet commander's
absence, the cadet deputy commander is in charge of the cadet corps.

**CADET COMMANDER:** This staff member is directly responsible for the
cadet corps. They plan, organize, supervise, and manage the cadet staff.
They establish directives and goals for the cadet corps and create
environments and schedules for training and goals to be accomplished.
The cadet commander reports directly to the Deputy Commander for Cadets
and may use the Activities Officer or Leadership Officer for guidance.

**DEPUTY COMMANDER FOR CADETS:** This senior staff member is directly
responsible for the program management of the cadet program. They ensure
that all necessary program requirements are being fulfilled and that
training objectives are being accomplished. They are directly concerned
will cadet progression, achievement, and development. The Deputy
Commander for Cadets reports directly to the Squadron Commander.

**SQUADRON COMMANDER:** This senior staff member is directly responsible
for the administration of the CAP program for the entire squadron. They
ensure that all members of the squadron are receiving training necessary
and that all program requirements are being fulfilled. The squadron
commander reports directly to the group commander.

Any cadet that has a question or problem must first begin at the level
that is next above him/her. Example: An element member has a problem,
they see the element leader. An element leader has a problem, they see
the flight sergeant. At no time are you to "jump the chain" for mundane
problems. Acts of hazing, insubordination, injury, or safety are
concerns that must be addressed immediately. Jump the chain for these
infractions.

**[SECTION 5 -- UNIFORM STANDARDS]{.underline}**

This section explains the squadron policy on wear of the uniform. It is
expected that all CAP members adhere to the uniform guidelines laid out
in CAPM 39-1 CAP Uniform Manual. This uniform must be maintained and
worn properly at all times. The CAP uniform may only be worn during CAP
activities. Exceptions to this rule must be made in writing by the
squadron commander.

**UNIFORM STANDARDS**: The uniform standards are in CAPM 39-1. Proper
haircuts, shaves, cleanliness, and posture are essential to projecting
the appropriate image. Your uniform will always be pressed and clean.
Boots and shoes will be in good repair, clean, and properly polished.
The wear of the uniform will be enforced at all times.

**COMMON UNIFORM INFRACTIONS**: Some of the most frequent uniform
infractions include the following: unbuttoned pockets, press, loose
strings, missing CAPID card, collar insignia misplaced or missing,
patches sewn on improperly. Be aware of these.

**UNIFORM CONDUCT**: While in uniform cadets will not chew gum, curse,
walk with hands in their pockets, spit, use obscene hand gestures,
horseplay, or participate in any conduct that would bring discredit to
CAP or the uniform.

**UNIFORM OF THE DAY**: Cadets are expected to wear the UOD unless they
do not yet own the required items. In such a case the cadet must make an
active effort to acquire the missing items. The uniform of the day is
established by the squadron commander prior to an event.

**UNIFORM INSPECTION:** There will be a uniform inspection during every
meeting. Cadets are required to participate in this inspection. The
purpose of the inspection is to ensure compliance and improvement with
the wear of the uniform. The inspection will be conducted by the flight
commanders and flight sergeants. Once a month the cadet commander will
conduct his/her inspection. Occasionally a senior staff member may
conduct the inspection. The inspection results are logged on a uniform
inspection sheet to monitor individual progress.

**[SECTION 6 -- MEETING LAYOUT]{.underline}**

This section outlines the meeting layout. This layout has been designed
to allow for the most training during the limited time each week. All
cadets should be aware of the basic layout and uniform for the week.

**WEEK 1**

**(TESTING & PT NIGHT)**

**UNIFORM: PT Gear**

  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  **TIME**                **ACTIVITY**            **INSTRUCTOR**

  1830-1835               Opening Formation       Squadron Commander

  1835-1845               Uniform Inspection      Flight Commanders

  1845-1925               Achievement Testing     Testing Officer

  1925-1945               PT Part 1               First Sergeant/ Cadet
                                                  CC

  1945-1955               Admin Break             

  1955-2030               PT Part 2 (Running)     First Sergeant/ Cadet
                                                  CC

  2030-2040               Cool Down               First Sergeant/ Cadet
                                                  CC

  2040-2050               Clean Up                Flight Sergeants

  2050-2100               Closing Formation       Squadron Commander
  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

**WEEK 2**

**(AEROSPACE NIGHT)**

**UNIFORM: BDUs**

  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  **TIME**                **ACTIVITY**            **INSTRUCTOR**

  1830-1835               Opening Formation       Squadron Commander

  1835-1845               Uniform Inspection      Flight Commanders

  1845-1905               Drill Time              Flight Staff

  1905-1950               ACTIVITY I              Senior Instrutor

  1950-2000               Admin Break             

  2000-2040               ACTIVITY II             Cadet Instructor

  2040-2050               Clean Up                Flight Sergeants

  2050-2100               Closing Formation       Squadron Commander
  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

**WEEK 3**

**(MORAL LEADERSHIP)**

**UNIFORM: BLUES**

  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  **TIME**                **ACTIVITY**            **INSTRUCTOR**

  1830-1835               Opening Formation       Squadron Commander

  1835-1845               Uniform Inspection      Cadet Commander

  1845-1905               Drill Time              Flight Staff

  1905-1950               ACTIVITY I              Senior Instructor

  1950-2000               Admin Break             

  2000-2040               ACTIVITY II             Cadet Instructor

  2040-2045               Clean Up                Flight Sergeants

  2045-2100               Closing Formation       Squadron Commander
  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

**WEEK 4**

**(EMERGENCY SERVICES)**

**UNIFORM: BDUs**

  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
  **TIME**                **ACTIVITY**            **INSTRUCTOR**

  1830-1835               Opening Formation       Squadron Commander

  1835-1845               Uniform Inspection      Flight Commanders

  1845-1905               Drill Time              Flight Staff

  1905-1950               ACTIVITY I              Senior Instructor

  1950-2000               Admin Break             

  2000-2040               ACTIVITY II             Cadet Instructor

  2040-2050               Clean Up                Flight Sergeants

  2050-2100               Closing Formation       Squadron Commander
  ----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------

**WEEK 1**: This week is designated for PT and Achievement testing.
Cadets that are promotion eligible by the end of this night will notify
their flight sergeant or flight commander.

The promotion eligible cadet will prepare themselves for a board of
review scheduled for the following week.

Flight staff will prepare a CAPF 50 between the first and second week
for the cadet.

**WEEK 2**: This week is designated for Aerospace Education. The topic
is determined and taught by the senior aerospace officer.

Activity II is a cadet instructed class that applies to a training need
of the squadron. This class is pre planned 1 week in advance.

Boards of review are conducted on this night. They will run parallel
with the meetings events. Promotion eligible cadets may miss certain
portions of the meeting.

**WEEK 3**: This week is designated for Moral Leadership. The topic is
determined and taught by the senior Moral Leadership Officer.

Activity II is a cadet instructed class that applies to a training need
of the squadron. This class is pre planned 1 week in advance.

Promotions and awards will occur on this evening.

**WEEK 4**: This week is designated for Emergency Services. The topic is
determined and taught by the senior Emergency Services Officer.

Activity II is a cadet instructed class that applies to a training need
of the squadron. This class is pre planned 1 week in advance.

**WEEK 5**: There is no set schedule for a week 5. It is determined as
necessary.