North Carolina Wing conducts Senior Leadership Training and Planning meeting

Staff members plan strategies for future encampments

Maj. Conrad F. D’Cruz
Asst. Public Affairs Officer
North Carolina Wing

September 22, 2009

North Carolina – Twenty-two staff members from the North Carolina Wing gathered at the National Guard Training Center located at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Center, for a three day senior leadership training and planning meeting from September 18-20, 2009. The primary goal of the meeting was to conduct strategic planning sessions for future wing encampments.

North Carolina Wing Commander, Col Roy Douglass kicked off the meeting with a lessons-learned session which consisted of a review of the staff After Action Reports from the 2009 encampment. North Carolina Wing Vice Commander, Lt. Col. Paul Meade served as the meeting facilitator. Also present at the meeting was NC Wing Chief of Staff, Major John Kay and several other senior staff members. Capt. Brinkley Church (USAFR) and TSgt Randy Dean (USAFR) represented the Air Force at the meeting.

After focusing on the positive feedback, successes and accomplishments of the 2009 encampment, the group participated in a brainstorming session to identify areas for improvement in the pre-encampment planning and the post encampment review. The staff members then participated in two breakout sessions to further explore some of the areas identified for improvement. Col. Douglass commissioned a task force consisting of seven members to review all the feedback from the meeting and create the draft of the wing encampment supplement which will be presented at the NC Wing Commander’s call in November.

After the encampment planning session concluded, 1st Lt Jim Thomasson, North Carolina Wing Director of Professional Development presented the plans for the Unit Commanders Course to be held in October. The feedback from the assembled staff members will be incorporated to provide dynamic scenario based training at the UCC.

The meeting was organized by Lt Col Lucy Davis, Director of the Civil Air Patrol Division of NC Crime Control and Public Safety with support from North Carolina Wing Administrator 1Lt Kathy Gaddy.

Reflecting on the effectiveness of the meeting, Col. Douglass said, “Our weekend was extremely productive, and as always, the superb talent that our members bring to these sessions is very much appreciated. I sincerely commend all personnel at the session for their individual and collective contributions, and especially to Lt Col Meade for keeping us on track to our ultimate objective of the session. We should have a very useable “roadmap to success” when the supplement is finalized. Thanks again to Lt Col Davis for making our training session possible and to Ms Gaddy for her invaluable assistance in the admin and logistics of the session, and thanks to all who traveled safely from far and near to assist in enhancing our cadet program as well as the overall professionalism of our membership.”

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North Carolina Wing Civil Air Patrol held a Senior Leadership Training and Planning meeting at the National Guard Training Center located at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Center. The three day session began on Friday September 18 and concluded on Sunday September 20, 2009.

The primary goal of the meeting was to conduct strategic planning sessions for future wing encampments.

NC Wing Commander, Col. Roy Douglass kicks off the Senior Leadership Training and Planning meeting.

NC Wing Vice Commander, Lt Col Paul Meade served as the meeting facilitator.

Twenty-two staff members from the North Carolina Wing were present at the after action meeting.

Capt Brinkley Church (USAFR) and TSgt Randy Dean (USAFR) represented the Air Force.









NC Wing Director of Professional Development, 1st Lt. Jim Thomasson, puts a plug in for the Middle East Region Staff College to be held in June 2010.

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NC Wing Commander Col Roy Douglass and NC Wing Director of Professional Development 1st Lt. Jim Thomasson, pose with visitors from Brooklyn, New York.

Cadet Airman John Glynn (2nd from right) of the Floyd Bennett Composite Squadron (NERNY 373) was visiting Ft. Fisher with his family and was very excited to meet the NC Wing Commander.

Also pictured are the rest of the cadet's family. Mrs. Mary Glynn (2nd left), Thomas Glynn (1st right) and Brendon Glynn (3rd right)




The NC Wing staff took up residence in the Hercules Hall on the campus of the Ft. Fisher Air Force Recreation Center from September 18-20, 2009.

CAP News Online publishes Encampment article

CAP News Online has published an article on the joint NATCAP and NC Wing Encampment.

More stories and pictures coming soon on our blog site.

Final cut video will also be posted for download.

Conrad D'Cruz, Major, CAP
Deputy Director for Public Affairs
North Carolina Wing

Cadet PAOs shine at 2009 Encampment

Over the past eight years as a Public Affairs Officer in C.A.P., one of the challenges I have tried to work on is, how do we in the PA program interest and motivate cadets to become more active in public affairs.

From personal experience, it is a challenge to keep up with cadet activities and understand all the details of Cadet Programs while being involved in all the other activities going on in C.A.P. This is compounded by the fact that I fall into the category of senior members who have not yet retired from their regular career. The solution to me has always been to train more cadets to be PAOs. Cadet activities are best reported by cadets with proper training and supervision by the senior PAO staff.

In the past, I have trained a few cadets in different areas of of MIO/PA to help assist in specific missions or activities. However, cadets move through the program quickly and before you know it they are off to college and bigger pursuits. So the turnover is not very good for sustaining a viable PA program within the cadet ranks.

It was no different this time when I was chosen to be the Encampment PAO. I was quickly reminded that Encampment is an activity run by the cadets for the cadets. Of course the first thing I did was to request the support and assistance of Capt. Paul Twiddy, who is a veteran of NC Wing Encampments past. However, I was still a bit apprehensive since I was not completely familiar with all the details of the cadet programs and actvities at Encampment are spread out over a large physical area making it difficult to coordinate and conduct public affairs activities. That panic did not last very long when I found out I was assigned two cadet PAOs both of whom had experience at other Encampments.

Over the next month and a half we had several conversations and one intense day-long training at NC Wing HQ in Burlington, NC., I was amazed at how quickly both cadet PAOs picked up on the tasks to get them ready for Encampment PAO activities.

During Encampment we got an opportunity to practice what we covered in training and reinforce the concepts. However the bigger challenges were the curve balls that were thrown at us. A little resilience and a lot of good attitude coupled with some OJT (on-the-job training) and we were able to surmount most obstacles with ease.

Kudos go out to C/CMSgt Tim Johnson and C/CMSgt Micah Larson. I have a deeper understanding of Cadet Program and what the cadets go through balancing school and CAP activities.

A special word of thanks to Capt. Paul Twiddy for his support and all the cool gadgets and toys he has to make Public Affairs easy and a joy.

I have created a collage of our cadet PAOs and Capt. Twiddy behind the scenes reporting on the news from the 2009 Encampment. The next time you see them, please give them a pat on the back for a job well done.

Sincerely,

Conrad F. D'Cruz, Major, CAP
2009 Encampment PAO

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C/CMSgt Tim Johnson and C/CMSgt Micah Larson at the 2009 Encampment banquet.

Capt. Twiddy and I tried so hard but alas, did not succeed in sending both of you to the Grog Bowl!!

C/CMSgt Larson gets ready to capture the action at Pass/Review on graduation day.

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C/CMSgt Johnson ... What are you doing on that porch??

Seated (left-right): 9th Cadet Training Squadron Commander: Cadet Captain Nicholas Padleckas and 10th Cadet Training Squadron Commander: Cadet Captain Stephen Bloemsma

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Flexibility and adaptability were the names of the game at Encampment. In these images C/CMSgt Tim Johnson and C/CMSgt Micah Larson adapt to the work environment and work feverishly to meet the deadline to publish the blog articles.

In the background is the make shift office we created at the barracks bulletin board which we shared with Communications.




Capt. Paul Twiddy (center) assembles the digital equipment that supported the Encampment PA activities as Maj Andy Wiggs (Commandant of cadets) and Maj. Mike Starr (Communications Officer) look on.









The space by the barracks bulletin board served as the PA and Communications office.

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C/CMSgt Larson capturing the action at the display of the USAF T6 Texan II. The cadets got a chance to climb on the wing of the aircraft and get a good view of the cockpit equipment.





















The turbo prop trainer was flown up from Columbus, MS by Maj. Joe Rucker and Capt. Ken Dixon, both former NC Wing cadets. Maj. Rucker is a former Spaatz cadet.

C/CMSgt Larson captures the Q&A session with Capt. Ken Dixon (USAF) and the cadets of Zulu flight.

Maj. Joe Rucker (USAF) with (mom) Lt. Col. Leslie Ingram (Encampment Finance Officer), C/CMSgt Micah Larson (Cadet PAO), Capt. Ken Dixon (USAF).



Who said the job of a PAO was dull and boring?

Maj. Joe Rucker (USAF) on the wing of the T6 Texan II as C/CMSgt Larson gets video of the interior of the aircraft.










Careful there Mr. PAO ... you are supposed to report the story and not become the story!

Maj. Joe Rucker (USAF), C/CMSgt Micah Larson and Maj. Conrad D'Cruz (Encampment PAO) do a delicate balancing act on the wing of the T6 Texan II in an informal test of the wing loading capacity of the aircraft.

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C/CMSgt Johnson looks on in awe as the Crash Fire Rescue team maneuvers a big rescue truck for the vehicle extraction demonstration.








C/CMSgt Johnson gets an up close and personal look at one of the helicopter displays at MCAS New River main gate.

This static display location served as the backdrop for the Encampment squadron pictures which will be uploaded in a separate blog article.

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The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) instructor decides that the pen is definitely mightier and so concedes to C/CMSgt Larson even before the bout began.

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C/CMSgt Johnson with a bird's eye view of the action from atop one of the M1A1 Abrams tanks the Marines opened up for the encampment tour.





























(Top and Right): The Cadet PAOs kept watch over the cadets and senior members to make sure everyone was observing safety practices.

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It was not all work and no fun. The cadet PAOs did get to participate in all activities with their respective squadrons and have a little fun with the cadet staff.

C/CMSgt Johnson waits his turn on the (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) EOD robot controls as Maj Conrad D'Cruz follows the instructions given by the Marine Corporal in charge of demonstrating the EOD robots.







C/CMSgt Larson (right) participates in the table top exercises plotting coordinates as part of the Land Navigation Course training.








Cadet PAO Larson (front row -right) and some of the early-risers of the Encampment cadet staff meet in the wee hours of the last day of encampment to go over plans for the arrival of the parents and guests, Pass/Review and the graduation ceremonies.

NATCAP Wing web site posts arcticle on the 2009 Encampment

The National Capitial Wing web site posted an article on the 2009 Encampment.

Additional blog articles and stories from the Encampment will be posted to this blog shortly.

Conrad D'Cruz, Major, CAP
2009 Encampment PAO

NCWG Web site features Encampment news release

A summary of all the encampment activities along with three photos has been published and is available on the North Carolina Wing web site.

Additional pictures will be uploaded to this blog as they get released for public viewing.
A final cut of the video from encampment will be available online as soon as production work is completed.

Thank you,

Conrad D'Cruz, Major, CAP
2009 Encampment PAO

Encampment video and pictures will be uploaded shortly

It has been a week since Encampment concluded and we are back at our home units and also back to work.

We have had some technical difficulties with the images and video from the last couple days of Encampment.

As soon as the pictures are uploaded and the video has been cut, we will provide an update to all the cadets, staff and families on how to download the pictures and final video.

Thank you for your patience.

Conrad D'Cruz, Maj CAP
2009 Encampment PAO

Encampment Day 7: Cleanup, Pass In Review; Graduation; Out Processing and Goodbyes

The day started early, everyone was busy cleaning out their bunks, lockers and surroundings.
The cadets and seniors gathered at the grandstand to welcome the parents, cadets to Pass in Review.

The universal sentiment echoed amongst the participants (cadets, senior members and parents) is that the Encampment 2009 was a great success because of the great location and the patience and dillegence of the Marines who made personal sacrifices of their barracks, work and personal time to welcome us, make us feel at home and transfer excellent knowledge.

We have much gratitude to our gracious hosts, the Marines Corps Camp Lejeune, NC, for a positive experience.

OORAH!!!

Maj Conrad D'Cruz
2009 Encampment PAO

Instructions for parents and families attending Encampment Graduation

To all parents and family members attending 2009 Encampment graduation:

Note: Not all gate passes for vehicles were approved by Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base security for various reasons.

The graduation ceremonies (Pass and Review) will commence at 10:30 am (1030 hrs) Saturday, June 27, 2009

All attending have to be present at the Camp Lejeune MAIN GATE off Highway 24 no later than 9:00 am (0900 hrs) or you will be denied entrance to the base.

Please read the following instructions carefully and bring the items listed:

1) Valid and Current Driver's license (picture id #1)

2) A second current and valid picture id (e.g. Passport) NOTE: This is optional but if available carry a second id.

3) Valid and Current Vehicle Registration card (original) for the vehicle being driven on Base.

4) Valid and current proof of insurance for the vehicle being driven onto the Base.

5) A C.A.P. van will be at the front gate parking lot on the right hand side with the passes that were approved. Please turn right before crossing the checkpoint into that parking lot. Please check with the van first to see if your pass is with them. If not proceed into the office with all the items 1-4 listed above.

You will get directions and a map to the parade ground where the graduation ceremony will be held.

Please email ncwgencampment@gmail.com with questions and we will do our best to answer them in a timely manner.

2009 Encampment Staff

Encampment Day 6: LAV, Parade practice; Swimming; DDR; Banquet

In lieu of the usual push-ups, sit-ups, flutter-kicks, PT this morning consisted of a a Wing mile run led by the executive staff and consisted of about nine loops around the PT field. After a quick breakfast the squadrons moved quickly to the next activity because it was shaping up to be a busy day.

The first visit was to the LAR (Light Armored Reconnaissance) static display. The cadets and seniors listened with rapt attention as the Marines from Echo company demonstrated the vehicle's capabilities.

The next stop was the parade ground where they practiced hard for pass and review up until lunch time. An early afternoon thunderstorm came as a mixed blessing as cadets were moved to the safety of the barracks and out of harms way. When it was safe the 9th squadron were bussed to the swimming pool for their turn, however the 10th squadron enjoyed a brief respite from their parade practice since the heat and humidity called for a black flag on base.

The entire Wing was moved to an auditorium at the Ball Center for the DDR (Drug Demand Reduction). The next thing on the agenda was for all cadets and seniors to get ready for the banquet. A late afternoon pop-up thunderstorm had just begun after the cadets reached the barracks and was threatening to ruin the party that everyone was looking forward to.

The uniform for the day was blues and the cadets used the extra time to look very sharp as they marched down to the buses which took them to the Marston Pavillion for the celebration.

There were several distinguished guests invited to the banquet and the cadets were looking very good and on their best behavior. A Grog bowl was the evening entertainment and is the traditional punishment for breaking the codes of the President of the Grog bowl or raising a toast to someone. For example, you could be sent to the bowl if you placed your elbows on the table. There are also rules on how you applaud -- You must tap your spoon on the table instead of clapping. There are several more rules that are used to maintain order during a Dining In and anyone breaking the rules were sent to the Grog bowl to partake of the brew.

The cadets, seniors and guests alike took part in the fun and had a very good time. The audience also got to see a preview of the videos, pictures and blog articles that the cadet PAOs had worked so hard to pull together during the week with guidance from the senior PAO staff.

The occasion was also a time to recognize excellence. Several awards were given out at the banquet. The results of the hard work during the week were as follows:

Honor Squadron: 10th

Honor Flight: Zulu

Honor Officer: J. Houston

Honor NCO: Riley

Honor Basic: Logel

Honor Support: Flanagan

...and finally the Spirit Flight was awarded to Yankee flight.

After the awards the banquet was declared closed and the cadets were quickly bussed back to the barracks since it was late and everyone needed to be up nice and early for the exciting events of the following day.

by C/CMSgt Micah Larson and C/CMSgt Tim Johnson with support from Capt. Paul Twiddy and Maj Conrad D'Cruz

Encampment Day 5: Colors; Award; Challenge Coin; O-Course; EOD; Swimming; Parade Practice

The cadets were roused out of their bed as usual this morning but instead of PT, the cadets spent the time ironing uniforms and polishing boots. The highlight of the day would happen soon after the presentation of the colors at the parade ground Major General Carl B. Jensen, Commanding General Marine Corps Installations East, would formally promote C/LtCol Feinstein to C/Col. General Jensen watched as Cadet Feinstein's parents put on his epaulets and then presented the Spaatz award. General Jensen then made a strong motivational speech to all the cadets and finally presented C/Col Feinstein with his own challenge coin.

The next stop for the cadets was the Marine Obstacle course which is always an encampment highlight. The cadets had a blast tumbling, swinging and climbing on the bars, barricades, walls and ropes.

The cadets then got a real treat when the bus made an unscheduled stop at the II MEF Simulation Center. This is the deployed virtual training environment and the cadets got a feel for what happens on the battle field.

The next stop was the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team. The cadets got to see and play with some really cool robots. In addition they got to see the insides of a bomb disposal truck.

After lunch, the cadets returned to the barracks to split up into two teams. The 9th squadron headed out to the parade grounds for some practice while the 10th squadron went swimming. The Marine pool was a lot of fun as the Basics and Staff had fun on the diving boards and some water fights. The lifeguard helped in the fun by opening the high diving platform which was put to good use by the more experienced cadets.

The cadets then assembled back at the barracks to get into BDUs and head for chow. After chow the Basics got a Character Development training from Capt. Wuerfful and the Staff got some training from Maj Jeff Moore and Capt Brinkely Church both from the US Air Force.

After the daily flight time and hygiene time it is preparation for lights out and another busy day tomorrow.

by C/CMSgt Micah Larson and C/CMSgt Tim Johnson with support from Capt. Paul Twiddy and Maj Conrad D'Cruz

2009 Encampment PAO Team

Encampment Day 4: Dogs, Gas Masks, C-Course; Simulators, Martial Arts; Picnic

The cadets began the day with the usual PT exercises. The day then took an interesting twist when the Cadet Executive Staff, appeared at the opening formation to give the announcements and briefings wearing yarmulke instead of the usual staff covers. To the surprise of all the Basics, the announcements, except for the names of the Honor Flight - Zulu and Duty Flight - Yankee, were all made in Hebrew by C/LtCol Feinstein. This was a light hearted joke by the cadet staff.

The activities planned for the day were awesome. The first trip was to the Military Working Dogs demonstration put on by the Marines. The handlers showed off their dogs and made them perform several tricks for their CAP audience.

Next on agenda was a visit to the Nuclear Biological Chemical facility where the Marines taught the cadets all about gas masks.

The cadets really enjoyed the next stop: The Confidence Course. The trail at Camp Lejeune is approximately 3/4 mile long. Scattered along the course are walls, ditches, creeks, and tires. Each flight had to run the course and the objective was to get the cadets to work as a team to maneuver the obstacles, get themselves tired tearing through the woods and end up nice and dirty. Mission Accomplished!!

At noon it was time to get the hungry cadets to lunch after which the fun activities got even better. Next up on the agenda was a trip to the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMT) where the cadets got an instructor led demonstration of the various rifles used by the Marines. The rifle range was actually a dark room with Virtual Reality (VR) screens on the front wall with a surround sound audio system on the back wall. The cadets got to handle various models of rifles and rocket launchers and knock out simulated targets on the VR screens. Each cadet got a chance to sit or lay behind a gun and try to shoot "bad guys" but not hurt themselves or each other (much to the relief of the cadet and senior staff). This was one of the best attractions of the encampment for the Basics.

While one squadron was enjoying blowing up 2-Dimensional tanks the other squadron was out at the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program field learning self defense from the Marine Martial Arts instructor. He taught them ten different moves and various endurance exercises.

The cadets returned to the barracks long enough to get out of their BDUs and change into civilian attire. They were driven to a park on the sound for a mid-week cookout and picnic. Our friends from the US Air Force and the US Navy cooked up some of the best burgers and hot dogs which were complemented by a lot of treats and drinks. The activities included games, tossing of frisbees, good natured fights by the boys and of course staff impressions by the Basics.

The cadets then had to get their uniforms ready for early morning presenting of honors to the colors with a Major General officiating.

by C/CMSgt Micah Larson and C/CMSgt Tim Johnson with support from Capt. Paul Twiddy and Maj Conrad D'Cruz

2009 Encampment PAO Team