US Army to CAP
 

Are there any Civil Air Patrol (CAP) guys out there? Id like to get some info before going in to talk with anyone "Officially"

My history in a nut shell, I was a a enlisted US Marine for 4 years, then a Helicopter Pilot in the Army for 8 years. I have been a line pilot and an instructor here at UPS for about 6 years. Do you think the CAP would be interested in a guy like me?

Is it possible for an Former Army guy like me to earn points (no pay, just points) towards retirement either from the Flight Sqdn or the Composite Sqdn. I really enjoy helping mentor kids that are interested in Aviation and Id like to give back, so the Composite Sqdn sounds like a great way to do that. Getting the retirement points would be icing on the cake...

Thanks all
BBDC8

Let me know if you are ever able to crack the code on this. I tried for a year. I did not have the secret AF decoder ring.

DC8,

You may want to check out this website. It could be a start. I've been in CAP for 8 years now, both as a cadet and senior member...and to be honest, I've never given an ounce of thought into points. I've never heard of anyone taking that route, but the CAP does work closely with the USAF...and I wouldn't be surprised if there's some program somewhere that could help you out. http://www.plr.theairbase.com/whatis5.html

Go directly to the headquarters website. www.cap.gov If it doesn't answer your question there, shoot them an email or phone call. I'll try asking around to see if I can help you out more.

I'm interested to know myself. Great question.

Jenn

Youcant get retirement point sin CAP unless you are a Air Force reservists assigned as a CAP LO. CAP members are all volunteers, so your military status has no bearing on your membership. They take anyone military and on military who wants to join. But no if you are just a regular volunteer you cannot get retirment points. CAP is just an auxiliary of the Air Force. it is NOT the military

It is the CAP LO program I tried hard to get information on, but could never crack the code. I guess I did not know the AF handshake.

I know just a little bit about the process. You need to look at www.cap.gov and find the state you are interested in working. Find the Chain of command page. Call the State Director (Top Civilian) and the Wing Reserve Coordinator (Top Mil Dude). Those 2 individuals do the hiring and firing of CAT E Reservists in their state. I have no idea if the ARMY thing is a stopper or not. Good luck.

I have been in CAP since 1984 and I have never seen an Army LO. Iam not saying its not possible, just I have never seen that. Heck If thatwere the case, I should apply myself.

I was not talking about being an Army officer in the program, but doing an inter-service transfer to get into an LO job. I know the Air Force will take any Army pilot stupid enough to sign up for one of the reserve FAC positions.