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Carroll cadets reap training benefits

Cadet Zach Zaykoski enjoys a flight simulator during CAP's Advanced Technologies Academy.

By C/1stLt Zachary Bowen
Public Affairs Team
Posted October 28, 2005

WESTMINSTER, Md. - Every year, members of the Civil Air Patrol are given extraordinary opportunities, both locally and   nationally, in the areas of aerospace education, emergency services, and leadership. While opportunities to train and serve the community occur frequently within local squadrons, some of CAP's most exciting offerings happen in the form of National Cadet Special Activities (NCSA) held annually all across the country.

As fall approaches, CAP cadets anxiously wait to find out what new programs will be available to them for Summer 2006. They know they will benefit from the training and experience provided by these camps. Many cadets from our squadron were able to attend NCSAs this past summer, and have generated interest among other cadets by sharing their experiences after returning home.

Cadet Zach Zaykoski was selected to attend the Advanced Technologies Academy, a one-week camp held at Dowling College on Long Island, New York. During this activity, cadets attend classes in computer programming,    satellite digital imaging systems (SDIS), and hyperspectral imaging. As a bonus, they were given time in the colleges flight simulators. Zaykoski said, "I would definitely return if I had the chance, because it was a really fun activity." He said that due to the training received at this camp, he is now ready to assist the squadron if help is needed with SDIS technology.

For cadets interested in meteorology, the Air Force Weather Agency Familiarization Course is held at Offutt AFB in Nebraska. At this camp, Cadets Jacob Reed and Nicholas Krionderis received training in weather interpretation, contour mapping, severe-weather analysis, storm spotting, and space/weather. They also toured the U.S. Strategic Command Museum.

There are also National Flight Academies (NFA) offered for both powered and glider flight. These camps are held at various locations across the country. Powered NFAs are based on the U.S. Air Force's Flight Screening Program, and provide hands-on flying time with a certified flight instructor (CFI) in a Cessna 172. Ten hours of flight time are paired with 25 hours of ground instruction, and it is possible for qualified cadets to solo in the aircraft while attending these camps.

The Glider Academies provide ground instruction and CFI training as well. Cadet Zach Bowen attended the Glider NFA held at Berry College in Georgia. While there, he received 33 instructional glider flights, and was able to complete a pre-solo flight. Pre-soloing is described as completing all tasks from tow to landing without assistance from the instructor.

CAPs most popular emergency services training activities are the ground search and rescue (GSAR) schools held at their National Emergency Services Academy. Four members from Carroll Squadron attended the 2005 NESA, held at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. GSAR training provides opportunities for learning and performing hands-on tasks in the field, participating in mock search and rescue exercises during daytime and nighttime hours, and classroom instruction. Cadets passing the basic course become qualified to serve as squadron ground team members. Advanced course cadets receive training necessary for becoming ground team leaders.

Cadet Justin Sova completed the basic GSAR school while Cadets Alex Cahill and Zach Bowen completed the advanced course. Volunteering his time both weeks, senior member 1st Lt Mike Zabetakis served as an instructor in the basic course. Cadet Cahill commented, "It gave me a stronger background in emergency services, and I can use what I learned to train other cadets."

While leadership training is an element included in every CAP activity, there are local, regional, and national camps designed with more specific ideas in mind. For instance, there are summer encampments held to encourage teamwork and leadership behavior, as well as schools created specifically for the purpose of training cadet officers. At the local level, Maryland Wing holds an annual summer encampment for new cadets at Camp Fretterd. A cadet is required to attend an encampment before they are eligible to apply for an NCSA.

Eight Carroll cadets attended encampment for the first time this summer:    Lauren Cahill, Tyler Czarnowsky, Alec Geatches, Russell Gehret, Alex Gnau, Justin Main, Rick Stuart, and Zach Zaykoski. Cadets Chiara Burgan, Nicholas Krionderis, Ian McHale, Jenn Reed, Jacob Reed, and Justin Sova returned to the encampment as cadet staff members. Two senior members, 1stLt Brenda Reed and FO Nichole Zabetakis also served on Tri-Wing staff.

After serving on the public affairs staff, Sova said, "In CAP I've been pushed to my potential in leadership. I was pushed but I had fun and enjoyed my time there." When asked about returning to attend another encampment, Czarnowsky noted that he would like to serve as a staff member next year.

This year, Maryland Wing paralleled their encampment with a Cadet Leadership Academy, available for cadet NCOs and officers. Cadet Alex Cahill attended this course taught by Air National Guard personnel, where he received the "Best Classroom Training" award for a 20-minute presentation which he prepared during the academy.

High achieving cadets who meet age, academic, and CAP performance criteria are given the opportunity to serve as CAP U.S. ambassadors, as they travel to one of 17 countries through the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) program. Air transportation, lodging, and meals are provided by the U.S. Air Force, CAP, and host countries. The goal of this activity is to "foster international understanding, goodwill and friendship among young people around the world who share a common interest in aviation." Approximately 80 cadets were selected this year to participate in the 2005 exchange.    Cadet Rachel Gibbs visited Sweden for three weeks as part of this program.

In addition to these camps, there are a host of other offerings for cadets to take advantage of, including Honor Guard Academy, Air Force Pararescue Orientation, Engineering Technologies Academy, Civic Leadership Academy, National Blue Beret, and an Aircraft Maintenance and Manufacturing Orientation. CAP cadets meeting age and rank requirements may apply to these camps each year, and are selected based on their leadership skills, performance, and participation in the CAP program.

Civil Air Patrol, the official U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, is a civilian, volunteer, nonprofit, service organization. CAP's cadet programs provide young men and women with a safe and motivating environment in which to grow and explore opportunities in the military and aviation industries. Cadets progress through a 16-step program of leadership and aerospace education.

The Carroll Composite Squadron meets Tuesday evenings at Westminster High School on Washington Road in Westminster. Prospective cadets, ages 12-18, and their parents are always welcome. More information can be found at www.carrollcap.org.