Above and beyond

Col. Andrew Gebara, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, renders a salute as Civil Air Patrol cadets perform a Pass-In-Review ceremony held at Hoban Hall on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 24, after completing the 2012 summer encampment. The cadets learned the basics of military customs and courtesies, uniform wear, jobs in the Air Force, and much more during the 10-day encampment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland)(RELEASED)

Above and beyone

Cadet 2nd Lt. Chris Flatman, Detachment LA-093 Pontchartrain La., receives help as he climbs the rope wall at the confidence course at the National Guard Camp Minden training site, La., June 19. The Civil Air Patrol 2012 summer encampment is designed to give new cadets their basic training, teach physical fitness and team building skills. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland)(RELEASED)

Above and beyone

Civil Air Patrol cadets listen and ask questions at a 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight display during Barksdale Air Force Base Career day at Hoban Hall, June 20. The EOD disarms live explosives, bombs, un-exploded ordnance, and more for the Air Force and local community. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland)(RELEASED)

Above and Beyond

Published June 26, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La -- Multiple Civil Air Patrol units from across the U.S. gathered here, to participate in a summer encampment

The ten day encampment teaches new cadets about the rank structure of the CAP, physical training, drill and ceremonies, uniform wear and much more.

"The encampment is like Air Force basic training for the cadets," said Cadet Captain Miranda Ellinghaus, Cadet Vice Commander of the 2012 encampment.

The CAP has a long history with the military dating back to World War II and continues to develop the nation's youth.

Since October 2000, the CAP became a volunteer civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and includes more than 21,000 members aging from 12 to 20 years old. The CAP program offers youth a multi-step program teaching leadership, aerospace, fitness, emergency services and character development.

"CAP keeps kids off of the streets and off of the couch." said 1st Lt. Lydia Pike, CAP AF auxiliary public affairs officer of the 2012 encampment. "Some of these cadets can't even drive, but they come in CAP and learn to fly."

The Louisiana Wing CAP consists of 19 different squadrons across the state, but men and women in squadrons from as far as Virginia, Oklahoma and Texas are attending this year's encampment.

This encampment is the first time the Cadet Commander, Cadet Vice Commander and Cadet Executive Officer are all female.
"This is a once in a lifetime experience," said Cadet Capt. Mary Palisi, Cadet Executive Officer 2012 encampment. "In CAP, we get a chance to meet others from different walks of life and learn from each other."

Many CAP cadets enter the military, and almost ten percent of the Air Force Academy consists of CAP cadets.

"The CAP encampment provides a basic grounding for cadets to either enter the military or have experiences they wouldn't normally have," said Cadet Colonel Kaitlyn Fife, Cadet Commander of the 2012 encampment.

Any information regarding CAP locations or how to join can be found at www.gocivilairpatrol.com