shooters in the Civil Air Patrol

[pax]

Last weekend, my 12 year old son Jeremy went to a Basic Marksmanship Encampment organized by the Civil Air Patrol. The kids (over 45 of them) spent all weekend learning safety rules, principles of marksmanship, and basic rifle nomenclature and mechanics.

I'd been signed up to help, but woke up on Saturday morning with the nastiest asthma attack I've had in months. Instead of driving into town to help at the BME, I spent the day wheezing and sneezing and basically acting like a wuss in the doctor's office. Very annoying -- and even more so when I discovered, to my chagrin, that they'd really needed another person working on the line. I won't miss the next one.

I did manage to make it to the awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon. The squadron's senior officer handed out the awards while the bright-eyed youngsters stood solemnly at attention awaiting their turns. All but three of the first time kids made "marksman" level (in the NRA junior marksmanship program?). One of the older girls achieved her "expert" rating, missing "distinguished expert" by a single shot. One of the kid shot a possible on the course of fire. I was impressed with how hard the young people had worked.

Jeremy came home with a stack of targets he'd shot over the weekend. He was really excited about them and carried them around for days to show them to everyone he knows (thank goodness he doesn't go to a government school...)

It was great to see all those young shooters and I got a kick out of being there to watch them.



pax

 

[czhen]

Program in FL?

Dear pax
I'm sure you won't miss the next for anything in this world. Is there any program like that in Florida? I can't wait to get my son to Basic Marksmanship Encampment (BMP).

Regards

CZhen, FL

 

[ducktapehero]

That's cool. I don't have any kids but I do have a couple of nephews. 1 of them is already a gun nut so I don't have to worry about him. In fact he got his 1st deer last year. My other nephew is a little young yet but I hope to take him shooting in a few years. My brother is a little weird though.

 

[Kamicosmos]

I thought about joining the CAP when I was still flying regularly, but never did.

Now, I'm thinking about getting back into flying. And if CAP lets me shoot every now and then....there's a bit more incentive for me...

 

[sm]

Jeremy ,

Way to go sir!

I for one would really like for you to share one of your targets with us here.

Ooooohhh Moooom! Some fella wants to see a pic of my target!!

Hey Jeremy, us guys gotta stick together - right?
I'm stilll training my mom, and she is 74.

Congrats,
Steve

 

[spin180]

That's great pax!

I was a C.A.P. cadet in my teenage years. One of the best things to ever happen to me. I honestly believe it help get me through those tumultuos years. I doubt you'll have to, but encourage him to stay with it. It'll be a valuable experience.

Say, how long have they been holding the marksmanship encampments? I don't recall anything like that when I was a member; just the standard leadership-type encampments.

I kinda' want to get back into it too. I love to fly, but I don't ever really get a chance; and like Kamicosmos said if there's shooting, there's more reason to go back.

 

[shep854]

What Wing is this in? I've never heard of marksmanship training at CAP encampment; it is a good idea.

Otherwise, there is no firearms use in CAP. In fact, CAP regulations expressly forbid carrying of firearms when in uniform or in CAP vehicles, unless they're a required part of a survival kit (as in Alaska).

 

[pax]

What Wing is this in? I've never heard of marksmanship training at CAP encampment; it is a good idea.

Western Washington Wing, Fire Mountain Squadron. The squadron has been holding BMEs at the same location for about 20 years now.

I did get the impression that our squadron was one of only a few still doing the BMEs, and we had kids come from all over the state. I think they're holding 'em every six months or so, with the cooperation of the local NRA-affiliated rifle club.

The cadets receive a marksmanship medal with their current achievement ranking which is worn with the blues uniform. Apparently the cadets can receive instruction in both pistol and rifle, and wear medals signifying accomplishment in each, but most of the kids opt for rifle only -- partly because it is harder to achieve a good ranking in pistol, and partly because our local instructors are primarily oriented toward the rifle.

The weekend cost about $60, and the cadets got in about 10 hours of trigger time over two days -- plus the familiarization lecture, safety rules, and some written work. I'm not sure how much ammo they burned, but it was quite a lot.

It's kind of sad that more squadrons aren't offering these. I guess one just started up in Eastern Washington, and I hope it survives and prospers well. The cadets in Civil Air Patrol are usually great kids, and (as I said before above) it really is encouraging to see enthusiastic new shooters.

pax

 

[Warbow]

Ah, CAP! I was a cadet for a bit in Carson City, NV. What a great program. I never knew about marksmanship encampment, just the encampment where you get yelled at a lot. I joined mostly for the flying aspect, but learned a lot about other things, as well.

Congrats to your kid, pax.

 

[Campusninja]

I was a cadet in high school from 1997 until 2000. Best thing I have ever done! I made some very good friends and had some amazing experinces throuh the years. I think this is very good program for young adults wanting to get out and make something of their life. In high school, I was not very active in sports nor band, and wanted do get into flying. I was just another quiet student in high school during the day, and an active cadet at night and on weekends. I Learned how to be a leader which built my self confidence up. I went on 3 actual SAR Missions, awarded 1 FIND award, and even the unit citiation. My years in CAP are some of my most cherished memories.
Good to hear that CAP is still going strong today, and the marksmanship program is very interesting.

Some what off topic:
I am curious as to just why civil defense and CAP are not being given a more public role in homeland security. Seems that this would allow citizens to play a role in the fight against terroism.

 

[Kamicosmos]

Seems that this would allow citizens to play a role in the fight against terroism.

*blissninny hat on*
Hush, Hush! We can't do anything, you know that! That's what the police and military is for. Your Cessna can't do anything against a hijacked 777!
*blissninny hat off*

You make a good point. I think the whole Homeland Defence thing is a farce as far as citizens are concerned. Just look at the recent 'announcement' about possible suicide bombers in the states. Only thing the want us to do is 'be aware of our surroundings'. Uh, yeah. The sheeple sitting in starbucks talking about metrosexuals will really notice that guy moments before he nukes himself...

What they should have said was "Mr and Mrs America, get yourselves some firearms and training to use them!"

 

[Dave Markowitz]

pax, that's great. I was a CAP cadet and then a senior member from 1985 - 90. It's one of the best things I've ever done and encourage any parents with teens who are interested in it to have them join. It's a great way for kids to learn a lot about aviation and other things like discipline and community service.