National Guard and Civil Air Patrol partnership builds tomorrow’s leaders

Courtesy Photo | Pennsylvania Air National Guard senior leaders and personnel engaged with nearly 300 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets ages 12 to 16, who were at Ft. Indiantown Gap this week as part of the CAP’s annual summer Cadet Training Schools (CTS).  

FT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA, UNITED STATES

06.21.2019

Story by Maj. Nicole M Reigelman 

Joint Force Headquarters - Pennsylvania National Guard

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - The installation welcomed nearly 300 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets ages 12 to 16 this week as part of the CAP’s annual summer Cadet Training Schools (CTS).

The intensive weeklong program is a premier training program for the CAP, and is modeled after Air Force Basic Military Training, where new airman are introduced to the military and challenged both mentally and physically. Similarly, CAP’s summer training aims to instill confidence, build leadership skills and yield collaboration and teamwork among the cadets.

This year’s program was comprised of four schools: Basic Encampment, Leadership Development Course, Regional Cadet Leadership School, and the STEM Academy, and included cadets from CAP squadrons across Pennsylvania, as well as Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia.

Throughout the week cadets spoke with Pennsylvania National Guard senior leaders, practiced leadership and followership principles, engaged in physical training, and toured Army and Air National Guard facilities.

“As an official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol is not just a valued partner but a critical component of the total force,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Regan, Pa. Air National Guard commander. “The CAP has often helped us in executing our state mission and has been a force multiplier when serving the residents of the commonwealth in time of need.”

“The Pennsylvania Air National Guard is grateful for their collaboration and is honored to host their summer encampment here at Fort Indiantown Gap,” Regan said.

Among the highlights of the training were rappelling down a 50 foot wall, visiting the Northeast Counterdrug Training Center, using the weapons training simulator and aircraft simulator, and touring the 193rd Special Operations Wing in Middletown, PA.

“By being held at the state-of-the-art training facilities at the Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard base, Cadet Training Schools showcase the Cadet Program's regimented, military-like training model in a positive, age-appropriate manner consistent with Civil Air Patrol and Air Force traditions,” said Maj. Steven E. Aaron, CAP Pa. Wing CTS Commander. “Our ultimate goal is to provide an immersive training environment that capitalizes on the collective experience and expertise of our membership to facilitate the rapid growth of America’s next generation of highly effective leaders. Mission First - People Always!"

The week will culminate with an official military parade for parents and friends on June 23.

• Date Taken: 06.21.2019
• Date Posted: 06.21.2019 11:03
• Story ID: 328654
• Location: FT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA, US