CAP cadets camp at Malmstrom

Published Jan. 31, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Cadets, ranging from age 12 to 18, spent three weekends at Malmstrom to get a taste of the military lifestyle and to receive instruction on aerospace education, leadership principles, civilian and Air Force careers, scholarship opportunities, and search and rescue training.

The Civil Air Patrol, a volunteer organization whose missions include aerospace education, emergency services and cadet programs, held their encampment here at building 3080 from Jan. 11 to 27.

"The encampment is usually held in the summer, but due to a lack of resources at that time, the encampment had to be cancelled," said 1st Lt. Adam Brandao, coordinator of the CAP encampment and 490th Missile Squadron combat crew deputy commander. "We had some cadets in Montana who would not have been able to progress any further if an encampment wasn't held in the winter. CAP leadership had the foresight to try something new to alleviate the problem."

The 15 basic cadets and five cadet staff members had the chance to go through this challenging leadership event and got the chance to earn the Billy Mitchell Award and cadet officer status.

"A major part of this encampment is to commission as a cadet," said Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Bryce Hagan, cadet commander. "It helps cadets reach that goal, as this is our version of basic training. We have requirements to fulfill such as drill and ceremony, Air Force core values and Air Force heritage. This is definitely a worth-while experience because it provides a good, organized discipline structure."

A typical day for these cadets consisted of classroom instruction, leadership training, physical training, drill techniques, uniform inspections, and customs and courtesies training.

The cadets also toured the base museum, learned stress fighting techniques, discussed career opportunities, and indulged in a few fun activities toward the end of the encampment.

The encampment culminated in a graduation and awards ceremony Jan. 27.