Have you ever wondered as to the purpose of learning to march, inspections, or memory work? Along with other things, all this can be considered preliminary ES training. You march to learn discipline and to quickly respond to orders, you participate in inspections to learn how to properly wear the uniform so you that the public will see you as a professional, and you work on memorizing material to help you learn to think on your feet and perform under pressure.
Now please don’t let all that great training go unused. Get yourself in CAP’s emergency services today. The phony rumor that has been circulating throughout the wing is that cadets do not participate in ES. This is an unfortunate rumor that is very much untrue. A month after joining the Civil Air Patrol, I immediately got involved in ES; I had my ACUT as a basic and earned my mission radio operator qualification a week later as an airman! So….do something different this summer!
Training-
SAREXs: Search and Rescue Exercises are held nearly once a month. This where the bulk of training takes place. Under supervision you will perform tasks as requested by your supervisor. When he feels you are competent in the area, you will receive his signature certifying you could perform that task on an actual mission.
After attending a SAREX, take your training to the next level and attend NESA or Hawk Mountain. The training received at these popular schools will help you inside and outside of CAP.
But the first step is to complete these easy tests to obtain your General ES rating. (must complete and print ES card prior to attending the SAREX)
Training manuals and ES regulations can be found here → http://level2.cap.gov/visitors/member_services/publications/indexes_regulations_and_manuals.cfm
ES tests may be taken here → https://tests.cap.af.mil/newtests/test.cfm?grp=dos
Bring with you to the SAREX: Proof of OPSEC completion, ROA card (if you have one), SQTRs (Specialty Qualification Training Record) of the qualification you want to pursue, and your CAP 101 card.
All items listed above can be printed off of eServices @ www.capnhq.gov
Paperwork-
Oh no! Not paperwork! Unfortunately, the reason most people don’t participate in ES is because there are discouraged by the monotonous paperwork. I will not lie to you; there is a lot of paperwork involved in earning and keeping your credentials. It really isn’t that much once you know what it all entails. First you have your SQTR signed off as you work towards completion, have the form signed by your squadron commander (or his designee), and finally enter the information on eServices (www.capnhq.gov) under the emergency services tab on the operations screen.
- C/SSgt. Matthew Shope, 2213706@gmail.com
24 Hour Pack
• First Aid Kit, stored in zip-lock bag or other waterproof container (and a guide to first aid)
• Any personal medication (your teamleader should know about any medication you may need)
• Survival Kit, stored in zip-lock bag or other waterproof container, (I have a Captain Naugle “Naglene Bottle” and find it very practical) consisting of
o Duct tape, 5-10 feet (10 feet does not go very far. I carry a minimum of 50’ rolled around an old camera film bottle)
o Leaf bag, (as proven at the March Calico FTX, these bags are very valuable, I have 5 large leaf bags that I carry)
o 8 wooden matches (it takes some people 8 matches just to get ONE fire started! Lol. For Pete’s sake, just take the whole container)
o Match container, waterproof, with striking surface
o 1 Chemical Light Stick, Green (the $2 light stick holders are very helpful)
o 50’ of parachord
• SAR Equipment stored in zip-lock bags, consisting of:
o Change of socks (you always want to keep your feet dry)
o Flagging Tape, 1 roll
o Flashlight (with red or blue lens), with spare bulb and batteries
o Spare flashlight
o Insect repellent
o Lip balm (another comfort item that doesn’t way too much)
o Sunscreen lotion (the last thing you want is a painful)
o Tissue Paper
o Work Gloves, leather (I like the nomex flight gloves)
o Interviewing Form(s), blank (you as a cadet shouldn’t have to worry about this)
o 4 Moist Towelettes, clean, in foil wrapper
o Change for phone calls, calling card, or cellular phone to call mission base (Keep in mind, most areas outside of the suburbs do not have cell phone reception. As I do a lot of sailing in the ocean in addition to CAP ES, I’ve been considering investing in a cheap satellite phone) (It would be hue of you to carry at least 1 extra battery for cell phone; the same goes for radios, lights, and any other electronics you carry)
o 2 meals
o Shelter Material, preferably 8 X 10’ (your trash bags would do just fine)
o Coat for appropriate climate, if necessary (the daytime temperature is not always proportional to the nighttime temps)
o Poncho (one of your trashbags would also do just fine here also)
o Canteen(s) to carry 2 quarts of water (or your camelback)
o Compass Pouch, containing compass, lensatic or orienteering (orienteering preferred).
In addition to everything listed above I typically carry binoculars, leatherman, ColdSteel Survival knife, back-up folding pocket knife, a toothbrush (a small comfort item that will not take up too much room in your pack) and many other things. (Too many to list here) But even with all my “stuff” I manage to keep it under 15 lbs. in a camelback backpack. If you would like to see my bag, or more details about it, feel free to contact me at the email below.
When putting your gear together, keep asking yourself “what will I use and what will be dead wait?” Just like the bears of Charmin say, less is more!
CAPF101
PRINT: Form 101 can be printed off eservices @ www.capnhq.gov. Log on or create account
-“My Operations/Qualifications”
-“Emergency Services”
-“Click here to Obtain your 101 Card”
…and print. By CAPR the barcode and picture are not necessary. But don’t be afraid to pimp up your 101 by adding those.
GETTING YOUR GES: Go to https://tests.cap.af.mil/newtests/test.cfm?grp=dos
-Select “CAPT 116” from the drop down men
-Enter CAPID
-Open up the manual (it’s an open book test) in another window. CAPR 60-3 http://level2.cap.gov/documents/u_082503073358.pdf
-Follow the above procedure for ALL 3 CAPT117 and Skills Evaluator Training (optional)
-Take the FEMA IS-100 Course and Final Exam. http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is100.asp
-After completing IS-100, bring certificate to next meeting and present to Capt. Henninger. Then, it is your responsibility to enter it [your completions] on eServices just like the other SQTR entries. (Refer below)
ENTERING QUALIFICATIONS: Log onto www.capnhq.gov
-“My Operations/Qualifications”
-“Emergency Services”
-“SQTR Entry”
…and enter qualifications. Be sure you have the mission number, date completed, and trainer’s CAPID.
UPLOADING PICTURES to ESERVICES: Log onto www.capnhq.gov
-“CAP Photo Upload”
-“Browse”
-Select the file to upload and click “Continue”
*Be sure your picture is pre-cropped to 1 inch wide and 1.5 inches tall.
*Be sure your picture is against a white background.
-Now, email Capt. Corbell and let him know your picture is awaiting his approval.
OTHER HELPFUL LINKS
CAP Home @ www.cap.gov
California Wing Home Page @ www.cawg.cap.gov
Wing Management Utilities @ http://wmu.nat.cap.gov
SQTR form downloads @ https://ntc.cap.af.mil/es/sqtrs/sqtrs.cfm
National Publications @ http://level2.cap.gov/index.cfm?nodeID=5285
FEMA IS-200 (This replaces NIMS G193; required for advanced ES qualifications) @ http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/is/is200.asp
FEMA IS-700 (This will eventually (not yet) be required for all ES personnel) @ http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/is/IS700.asp
OPSEC @ https://tests.cap.af.mil/opsec/main.cfm
QUESTIONS or PROBLEMS?
Don’t be afraid to email me 2213706@gmail.com (email are forwarded to mi PDA, so expect prompt response)
Or in an emergency (562) 221-3706
C/TSgt. Matt Shope
Emergency Services/Communications NCOIC