Leroy R. Grumman Cadet Squadron, NER-NY-153
Civil Air Patrol - The Official Auxiliary of the United States Air Force
ABOUT CADET PROGRAMS
Through Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Programs, young people develop leadership skills, investigate the fundamentals of aerospace science, acquire the habit of exercising regularly, solidify their character, and participate in exciting hands-on activities that prepare them to become responsible citizens.
The major components of Cadet Programs are Leadership, Aerospace Education, Physical Fitness, and Emergency Services. In most of the programs, the more experienced Cadets (with the help of the Senior Members) teach the newer Cadets. Classes in Moral Leadership and Safety are mostly taught by the squadron's Senior Members.
The Leadership Manual [included in the initial cadet package] consists of a chapter for each achievement. They must be tested in sequence.
The Aerospace Manual [included in the initial cadet package] consists of six chapters which can be studied and tested in any order. Once all six chapters have been tested, two chapters are tested at a time starting with chapters 1 & 2 then 3 & 4 and finally 5 & 6. For the Mitchell award [required for promotion to C/2nd. Lieutenant], the test covers all Aerospace chapters.
Mentoring - All new cadets are assigned a mentor (a cadet who has achieved the rank of C/Staff Sergeant or above) who will help the new cadet become familiar with basic information and requirements. They continue to monitor the new cadet, offering encouragement and assistance when needed, tracking their progress until they complete Phase 1 and are promoted to C/Staff Sergeant.
Cadet Flying
This is the biggie for most of the cadets - getting a chance to fly for free.
There are two kinds of Orientation flying. The first and the one they are able to do most often, is the flight they earn in our Cessna 172 and C182 aircraft (the same as used for Search and Rescue). As soon as a cadet joins, he/she becomes eligible for their first flight in our 4 place, single engine aircraft flown whenever weather permits. To see a Video on one of our CAP O-Flight click here.
The second type of orientation flying is in AF military aircraft (flown when the Air Force permits ) such as the recent flights in a C130 and Pave Hawk helicopters.
Cadets must be in uniform and have their CAP ID cards for both types of flights.
After the first flight, all additional Orientation Flights in our aircraft are earned by promotions. Each subsequent promotion earns another flight until all five flights [powered and sailplane] have been earned. Cadets can complete earned flights any time aircraft and pilots are available.
CAP announced late in 2007 that cadets would now be allowed to take flight training in our C172s paying only for the aircraft at a "wet" hourly rate. This is a privilege which must be earned and is granted only at the discretion of the Squadron Commander.
ACTIVITIES
Bivouacs and Encampments
Bivouacs are usually scheduled to start on Friday evening or Saturday morning and end on Sunday afternoon [usually about 3-4PM]. They usually concentrate on one subject: Aerospace, Emergency Services or Leadership. They are generally held at one of Long Islands many park facilities.
Encampments are scheduled for a period of 9-10 days usually starting on a Friday night or Saturday morning and ending on Sunday the following weekend. In NY state, we are currently using Scotia Air Force base for our Leadership encampment. Information on the currently scheduled annual Leadership Encampment is available on the NY Wing Cadet website.
National Cadet Special Activities (NCSA's) are encampments cadets can apply for after completing an initial Leadership encampment. See below for more information.
Color Guard Competition
Cadet routinely drill and practice for Color Guard Competitions. These Competitions are held at the Group, Wing, Region, and National levels.
To view recent Long Island activities in which our squadron participated, click on Activities.
Achievements, Promotions & Awards
How does a cadet advance in grade?
Studying and testing are key. A cadet may promote as often as, but not less than, every two months (known as Time-In-Grade, or TIG) unless the cadet has previous experience in JROTC. With two years of JROTC, cadets can advance at the rate of one achievement per month up to the Mitchel Award or, with a full 3 years of JROTC, cadets can advance at the rate of one achievement per month up to the Earhart Award. With 4 full years of JROTC, cadets can advance at the rate of one achievement per month up to the Eaker Award. In addition, cadets who have graduated from an AFJROTC summer leadership school will receive credit for completing the CAP Leadership Encampment (a requirement for the Mitchel Award).
There are three types of testing: 1) the Cadet Physical Fitness Tests (CPFTs) consisting of a timed mile or shuttle run; sit-ups, also called curl-ups; pushups, and a stretch and reach flexibility test, 2) Aerospace Tests, and 3) Leadership Tests. Cadets may take one written test (either Aerospace or Leadership) on the squadron meeting nights that we wear the Service Dress Blue (SDB) uniform, typically the first Tuesday of each month.
The Four Phases
The Cadet Program is divided up into four phases, four awards, and 16 achievements. To pass an achievement a cadet must usually do the following:
- Pass an Aerospace test at 70% (Except Curry)
- Pass a Leadership test at 70% (all)
- Pass the Cadet Physical Fitness Test (all)
- Submit a Staff Duty Analysis for review and approval (only achievements 9-16)
- Attend a Moral Leadership briefing (all)
- Actively participate in squadron activities (Except Curry)
Phase One - Achievements 1-3 - The Introductory Phase
This phase is designed to introduce the new cadet member to the CAP Cadet Program.
Grades:
Cadet Airman Basic
Cadet Airman - General John F. Curry Achievement 
Cadet Airman First Class - General Henry 'Hap' Arnold Achievement 
Cadet Senior Airman - Mary Feik Achievement 
Phase Two - Achievements 4-8 - The Learning Phase
During Phase Two, cadets begin to understand followership and progress towards their new responsibilities as cadet officers (in Phase Three). Typically cadets will serve as Flight Sergeants, assistants to staff officers, and other middle level positions.
Grades:
Cadet Staff Sergeant - Wright Bros Award 
Cadet Technical Sergeant - Captain Eddie Rickenbacker Achievement 
Cadet Master Sergeant - Charles Lindbergh Achievement 
Cadet Senior Master Sergeant - General Jimmy Doolittle Achievement 
Cadet Chief Master Sergeant - Dr. Robert H. Goddard Award 
& Neil Armstrong Award 
GENERAL BILLY MITCHELL AWARD - 100 question test, 80% passing score
This is the first major milestone award. the award signifies the passage of the cadet from the NCO corps to the CAP Cadet Officer corps. Earning the Mitchell Award, entitles CAP cadets to advanced grade and pay if they choose to enlist in the USAF (or course credit in AFROTC).
Grade: Cadet Second Lieutenant.
Based on historical analysis, approximately 15.0 % of the cadet corps will earn the General Billy Mitchell Award during their service as cadets.
Phase Three - Achievements 9-11 - The Leadership Phase
Phase Three takes the former cadet NCO (non-commissioned officer) and turns them into a semi-independent leader as a cadet officer. Cadets begin taking on progressively complicated tasks and projects. Where Phase Two cadets would be asked to execute a defined set of instructions, Phase Three cadets are the ones designing those instructions and supervising their completion. During Phase Three, cadets begin intensive study of CAP management and regulations called Staff Duty Analysis.
Grade: Cadet First Lieutenant
AMELIA EARHART AWARD - 100 question test, 80% passing score
Like the Mitchell, the Earhart Award is also a "Milestone Award." This test, named for the famed female aviator, represents the second major level in the Cadet Program. Serving as the gateway to the final phase of the program, only those officers with a solid base of professionalism, maturity, and ethics are passed.
Grade: Cadet Captain.
Based on historical analysis, approximately 5.0 % of the cadet corps will earn the Amelia Earhart Award during their service as cadets.
Phase Four -Achievements 12-16 - The Executive Phase
These individuals, often referred to as "Senior Cadets," now service the cadet program by guiding large scale projects and serving as mentors and advisors for the cadets coming up the program. Often times these cadets serve on a group or Wing level and help administrate the program. Phase Four cadets are often involved in the strategic planning processes of major activities and programs.
Grade: Cadet Major
GENERAL IRA C. EAKER AWARD - given for completion of Cadet Program
The third, and newest, major milestone award, it is named for General Ira C. Eaker, a famed Air Force aviation pioneer. This award signifies that the cadet has completed all 15 achievements of the CAP Cadet Program.
Grade: Cadet Lieutenant Colonel.
Based on historical analysis, approximately 2.0 % of the cadet corps will earn the General Ira C. Eaker Award during their service as cadets.
Officially the cadet program has been completed, unless the cadet chooses to try for the final major award - the General Carl A. Spaatz Award.
GENERAL CARL A. SPAATZ AWARD
The highest award possible for a CAP cadet, the General Carl A. Spaatz award is earned by only a select few cadets each year. The test can ONLY be taken THREE times. If the candidate fails all three times, then the candidate can NEVER earn the award. There are four parts to the exam:
- A 60 question Aerospace Exam (80% passing)
- A 60 question Leadership Exam (80% passing)
- An essay exam
- A physical fitness exam
Upon passing all portions of the exam, the cadet is promoted to Cadet Colonel.
Based on historical analysis, approximately 0.5 % of the cadet corps will earn the General Carl A. Spaatz Award during their service as cadets.
Cadets are required to earn a minimum of two promotions each year to remain in good standing.
The Mitchell Award is presented by a CAP Group Commander (as in these photos), or an elected official such as a Town Supervisor or higher and is presented during the Squadron Promotions Ceremony formation.
In our squadron, one outstanding cadet per flight can be nominated by the Flight Leader or Sergeant for Merit Cadet of the Week. The Merit Cadet of the Quarter is the Cadet with the most nominations during the ending quarter. The Merit Cadet of the Year is the cadet with the most nominations during the year. The award for Merit Cadet of the Year is a check equal to squadron dues for the year.
Recent Cadet and Senior Promotions can be viewed on website Page Promotions and Awards
CADET PROGRAMS NEWS
Coast Guard Enlistment Incentives:
As of 22 June 2006 the United States Coast Guard (USCG) matches United States Air force (USAF) incentives for cadets.
From the CG Recruiting Manual:
4. U.S. Air Force Civil Air Patrol (CAP).
a. Applicants with two years of experience are eligible to enlist in pay grade E-2.
b. Applicants with three years of experience or cadets who receive the General Billy Mitchell Award are eligible to enlist in the pay grade of E-3. 24 Apr 07
Cadet Officers' Kit Announced:
Beginning on January 1, 2007, CAP will provide new cadet officers with the educational materials they will need during Phases III & IV, at no charge to the cadets.
Uniform Standards and Personal Grooming - Professional Appearance
As the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF), CAP is a representation of the United States military to the general public. The great majority of citizens see CAP Seniors and Cadets in the USAF-style uniform, and not knowing what CAP is exactly, assume us to be members of the USAF. As such, the USAF asks that whenever we interact with the general public, the standards for our professional behavior and appearance in uniform meet those established for USAF personnel.
CAP Uniform Manual excerpts:
CAPR 39-1 – Civil Air Patrol Uniform Manual
1-2. Command Responsibility. All commanders will ensure that all members, individually and collectively, present a professional, well-groomed appearance, which will reflect credit upon CAP as the auxiliary of the United States Air Force ....
1-6. Dress and Appearance. All members of CAP must be well groomed and assure that their appearance at all times reflects credit upon themselves, CAP, and the Air Force ....
New York Time
Leroy R. Grumman Cadet Squadron (NER-NY-153)
Meet on Tuesday, 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
79 Middleville Road, Northport, NY 11768
Upcoming Events (SQ,GRP and Wing)
Long Island Group Wreaths Across America, Dec 15, 2018
Wreaths Across America
Saturday, December 15, 2018
10:00 AM 2:30 PM
Long Island National Cemetery (map)
Join us for the Wreaths Across America Memorial Ceremony. This moving ceremony allows us to honor those that have served our country while teaching others of their sacrifice. Parents, friends, family and the general public are welcome!
Uniform - BDU / ABU or Alternate Cadet Uniform. NOTE THAT THIS IS A COLD WEATHER EVENT - warm coat (civilian ok), gloves & hats are required.
FULL DETAILS ARE LOCATED ON THE SIGN-UP FORM - PLEASE READ!!!
Required Items - CAP Form 60-80 and two CAP Form 161's as well as bottled water and a snack. PLEASE make sure you have eaten prior to the event.
OIC - Capt. Mark Del Orfano, CAP Safety Officer - TBD
Squadron Holiday Party on December 18th, 2018
Leroy R. Grumman Holiday Party on December 18th,2018
at VA Hospital Squadron Meeting Hall
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:30PM
Family and Friends are invited
To Sign-Up go to:
Sign-up or Registration