Air Force Kills the New CAP ID Card

From the Executive Director:

The design for a new CAP picture membership card was approved at the March 2005 National Board; however, formal Air Force approval had not been received at that time.  The May 05 NEC discussed this subject and chose to delay the implementation plan for the new card until Air Force approval was received.

Unfortunately, the Air Force did not approve our proposed design. Brigadier General Pineda has been working closely with the Air Force to determine what changes need to be made to ensure that the next design is approved.  This item will be discussed as "Old Business" at the upcoming August National Board meeting.

Download: Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Identification Card Request (.PDF)

:: The CAC derived design made sense. We were set to get started.

It's a shame the AF reversed itself and disallowed the submitted design.

So here's the latest proposed revision. 

In a word...

Lame.

If as an Auxiliary Officer, I'm asked to act as an instrumentality of the United States Air Force, and asked to I wear a distinctive military style uniform, and asked to  execute my missions in a professional way...

Why am I saddled with a crappy ID card?

The Air Force states that they are concrerned about the commonality with the DOD issued Common Access Card (CAC) identification.... Well that's the whole point! It's that commonality that would help us be taken seriously when performing missions for the Air Force. Carrying a funny looking ID card is detrimental to our ability to complete the missions we're tasked with.

Is the Air Force actually worried that an Air Force SP is going to mistake a CAP Officer for a regular AF Officer carrying a CAC type ID? I give our front-line Airmen a bit more credit then that!

Even civilian contractors working on Air Force bases are issued CAC cards. Why deny them to CAP?

The obvious solution to this silliness is that the Air Force should issue CAP IDs at DOD facilities using the CAC infrastructure that is already in place.

Comments

[Red Headed Step Child]

This is yet another big blow to my morale. For 17 years in this organization I've had to endure strange looks and treatment as a second class citizen when producing the "membership card" at an installation.

Naturally, when we try to improve our situation, we get slammed with the "wannabe" label every time -- often by our own members.

There are ways to get this done, but it involves some work, and unfortunately, yes, a bit of shaping up and house cleaning in the CAP organization. Unfortunately, nobody in leadership on either the CAP or USAF side of the house is willing to step up to the plate and get it handled.

Maybe if enough of us give CAP and the USAF "the finger", and walk away, maybe they will understand there is a problem when there are no more members left to do their precious little missions.

Let the USAF do our missions. I'm sure they can do it at the same budget level that we have to! And better yet, I'm sure some rated officer will love flying a Cessna instead of a UAV! UAV time doesn't count on that Delta Airlines application, pal!

Get ready, folks -- those neon green epaulets are on their way soon!

I just read the 5 July letter from the USAF concerning the ID card.

Nothing like a pat on the back while they are sticking a knife in it!

"No soup for you. And thanks for everything you do!"

Give me a freakin' break.

[Weekend Wannbe]

This is the final straw for my membership in CAP. This is the Air Force telling us that we are definitely not looked at as colleagues or even as it's "auxilary". The Coast Guard Auxilary is taken seriously and it is time that we let NHQ know what we think by not renewing our memberships next year. I agree, let the Air Force and the paid officers at NHQ plan, promote, and execute all the duties that we volunteers currently do.

[Bucc]

Come on team face it. We can do the USAF's dirty work. (Who else wants to go out at 0300 to shut down some yahoo's ELT that his grankids were playing with. 81 miles away from the nearest AF installation). We can get there and do it and still function at our primary jobs.

I do have a question are there any CGAux on this board? If so what does there ID card look like?

The new card should come at no extra cost just because it has a picture. Even my YMCA card has a picture (at no additional cost).

[MidwaySix]

Maybe if enough of us give CAP and the USAF "the finger", and walk away, maybe they will understand there is a problem when there are no more members left to do their precious little missions.

Well, looking at CAP's crummy retention numbers... it looks like many have thrown up their hands and left the volunteer ranks.

The economy is perking up, and it's been awhile since the bad guys have smacked us around...

... so I guess people are finding other things to do with their time.

[Bucc]

so I guess people are finding other things to do with their time.

Midway,

I would have added the word "worthwhile" to your statement above.

Bucc

[tribal elder]

If contractors are issued CAC cards, it would seem appropriate for those of us who perform on instrumentality status to have a CAC-type card AS OUR 101 CARD. Ultimately, about 85% of CAP's business isn't USAF's, but 15% IS. Our relationship to USAF on most missions really is as subcontractor. Our auxiliarists generally manage and mprosecute the WHOLE mission; USCG-AUX depolyment is more often to backfill USCG ranks. USAF sends us missions and forgets about its auxiliarists; USCG can't forget about theirs because thet actually work with theirs.

If I were a USAF bureaucrat, I'd be telling FEMA bureaucrats that inland SAR was MUCH TO IMPORTANT to be in the hands of volunteers, and that they should lobby for it. FEMA could take over the Langley AFB SARSAT download/dispatch operation, overload us with first pass calls and then lobby for big contract bucks to get full-time agencies under mutual aid agreement/contracts to run inland SAR on a regional or statewide basis. Nobody at CAP will see the Requests for Proposal in Commerce Business Daily until its too late. CAP's auxiliary status will no longer serve USAF interests and we'll fold soon thereafter. A new Auxiliary, more like USCG's, would follow.

We'll wear the neon-green epaulets to our National Reunion.

[Young Padawan]

The card looks an awful lot like the one that the USCG issues its auxiliarists. While a CAC is probably the most professional way to go the suggested card is not a terrible compromise. It is a step up from the current card.

[Hammerhead]

The USCGAUX Membership cards look like official Coast Guard IDs. They also list Homeland Security as their agency. They are very professional and you would be proud to show it to anyone. Could the lack of USAF approval for the IDs be backlash for the national commanders disgraceful resignation?

[NIN]

Could they at least make it look like the old CAP ID card (the CAPF 19?) with the photo centered? This is going to look like a library card (once again)

[649-wannabee]

No really, the Air Force wants us to succeed, right? Sure. And they want us to be professional, yet they do nothing to help us....

The ID card was fought by CAP-USAF all along - not the Real Air Force. I agree completely with the earlier comment. If there is some fundamental problem with the CAP proposed design, why not just give us Contractor Access Cards?? (Which by the way - the originally proposed cards were based on)

[Grant Henninger]

I don't know what everybody's problem is, who cares about a stupid membership card. If I get a new card with my picture on it that looks more like a CAC card, will it change the way I do my job? No.

If you are a Senior Member in CAP because of the uniforms or the recognition by the Air Force, you shouldn't be in CAP in the first place. If you want those things, go join the Air Force.

When I came back to CAP after college I came back to give back to the program that I got so much out of as a cadet. I might have originally joined at 13 because I thought the uniforms were cool, but that's not why I'm in CAP now.

Yes, it would be nice if the Air Force provided a bit more recognition to CAP. But it's not necessary for them to do so to feel pride in what I do in CAP. Watching the cadets grow and learn is enough reward, as should finding a downed airplane or helping in an emergency for you ES types.

Ah, yes, Grant. I knew it would only be moments before someone would come in with a "core values" type of rant to justify why we are treated like crap.

Thank you for being part of the problem. Just roll over and justify our second hand citizenship.

Please use another argument besides the stale overused ones you used, like the "go join the "real" military".

I'm sure you are probably at some little village cadet squadron out in BFE, and don't understand what the rest of us go through when dealing with the USAF and other agencies on and off base.

I for one, am sick of taking one in the crotch for the team.

But thank you for setting us all straight.

I'll go find my "cup" now, so as to be ready for any other announcements from our "parent" organization.

[Grant Henninger]

Dear Anonymous,

First off, let me thank you for your asshole comment hidden behind anonymity.

Yes, you're right, my squadron is out in the sticks, situated right between Los Angeles AFB and March ARB. I wouldn't know a thing about dealing with the Air Force personnel on base. Oh, wait, that's right, I'm on base fairly regularly and have never had a problem. Sure, I have to get a vehicle pass at the gate, since I don't have a sticker in my windshield. But that's not a problem, just show them my proof of insurance, registration, drivers license and CAP ID and they give me a pass. No problem, nice and professional.

What I don't understand is why you think we should be treated just like regular Air Force personnel. Of course we are 'second hand citizens' to the Air Force, why should it be any different? (And btw, it should be 'second-class citizens'.) We do not have a commission, we have not been through any sort military training, our members aren't vetted in any serious way. The Air Force shouldn't treat CAP members just as it treats its own personnel, we are not the same.

While you might criticize my use of a 'core-value' argument as you call it, you have clearly forgotten yours. CAP is a volunteer organization that we join to serve. Yes, recognition is nice, especially from the Air Force, however it should not be our main motivating force. If you want to leave CAP because of this, then go right ahead, it would be a better organization without you.

[Want some cheese w/ that whine?]

"This is the final straw for my membership in CAP..."

Cool - quit, WE DON'T NEED YOU!

"I for one, am sick of taking one in the crotch for the team..."

Excellent - one more cry-baby GONE! ABOUT TIME YOU LEFT!

You know what?

If we spent less time being paramilitary wannabe's, worried about leather jackets, ID cards, grade insignia (for ultimately meaningless grade), and whether we get "respect" - we'd GET RESPECT.

We have ZEE-RO cool points to expend on crap like this. Combatants risk their lives, if they want to spend their limited free time complaining about tiger stripes and hats, fine.

WTF, Exactly, do we NEED a CAC for anyway?

This organization would run much smoother if there was LESS press above local HQ's.
Could we be any more whiney, crabby, 80-year old gossipy women?

Imagine the money spent on this by us, the USAF, probably some DOD people, etc. Do all your people have radios, sar gear, and mission gas?

>>>>>>>>>>>>> WHO EFFING CARES?

And again, do you really think we need or care about losing members who would quit over a uniform or ID card issue?

Oh, and for the record, General Yeager, I am NOT from some little unit in BFE, and know about dealing with the USAF, higher HQ, and military bases. What gets you respect and access is PROFESSIONALISM, RESPECT, and PERFORMANCE. Not an ID card.

Have fun in the
CGAux - I'll take a photo of you in our new 182 w/ the SDIS system and email it to you from the plane!

You'll be the snappy guy in the sailor suit with the pretty ID card checking for life vests and flares. Enjoy!

[About time]

"... Of course we are 'second hand citizens' to the Air Force, why should it be any different? (And btw, it should be 'second-class citizens'.) We do not have a commission, we have not been through any sort military training, our members aren't vetted in any serious way. The Air Force shouldn't treat CAP members just as it treats its own personnel, we are not the same..."

This may well go up on my wall.

Thanks man, needed to be said.

[MidwaySix]

OK.

Everyone just settle down.

Please keep it civil eh?

- MDW6

[A CAP Chaplain]

As a Chaplain, I would like to proffer a few thoughts.

One, that there is a proven relationship between appearance and professionalism NOT the totality of it, but a distinct and provable relationship (read: "Dress for Success" as an example). Asking members to VOLUNTARILY conduct themselves on a professional par with our USAF counterparts, and even submit ourselves to be graded by them, without offering us a professional appearance is a bad idea. It would be tanamount to asking someone to conduct themselves like (and be graded by) the police while being frocked in the garb and accoutrements of a Mall-Cop. No one will take them seriously.

Two, if CAP is to be taken seriously in our service to our Country, we need to present ourselves as professionals and not WANNABEE's. That presentation is a 2-way street. Both the member's personal conduct and bearing must reflect a professional image AND our parent service the USAF should do all in its power to endorse our image. For my money far more of our members are doing their part and the USAF is basically giving (at best) lip-service and nothing else.

We are being cheated in this 2-way agreement because the USAF can. That is unethical conduct and it bears directly on the morale, recruiting, retention, and operational readiness of CAP.

Three, presuming, for the sake of argument, that the USAF or the USA really needs CAP --a fact clearly not in evidence-- they should be doing all they can to BUILD UP our forces and not drive them down.

Equip and train members professionally and then expect that bearing, performance, and conduct to continue. Fail to do that and expect what they are getting.

It's kinda like the saying, "There's no free lunch," although the USAF has been snacking off the labours of volunteers in CAP without any reciprocation.

Four, there will be a time again in the future, sadly (although I pray not) there will be future disasters and emergencies to befall our Nation. CAP will be needed. If something POSITIVE isn't done soon to boost the morale and espirit d'corps in CAP -- it may not be there when next needed.

The USAF needs to remember that CAP isn't just about turning off 0300 ELTs that interfere with their SARSAT/COSPAS system and should treat us with more acceptance.

Excellent post, Chaplain!

Have you by chance been through Air Command and Staff College? I ask because many of your points are almost word for word in the first ACSC subject, Leadership and Command.

Just as you have mentioned, we are not being treated in the same manner as their own PME subject material would dictate.

I agree the deck has been stacked against us from the beginning, but it seems that a great amount of controversy occurs in our own CAP organization whenever someone proposes reshuffling that deck a bit more in our favor.

As you've seen in the other posts, it looks like most CAP members feel we are out of line by asking for a little acceptance and recognition every once in a while.

Amazing how fast this pot stirred itself. Emotions can be a powerful thing. Maybe the Vulcans were onto something -- but then again they never watched "Larry the Cable Guy" either!

God Bless Everyone Here.

[Grant Henninger]

There is a difference between wanting a little recognition and quitting over something like an ID card or a uniform item. I am not saying it wouldn't do some good if the Air Force did a bit more to recognize CAP, because I think it would. However, if you join and quit CAP because of these things, because of uniforms and ID cards and official recognition, you are in CAP for the wrong reason.

I'm all for new membership cards, I'm not all that fond of our current ones. However, I can't bring myself to care about it all that much. It won't make one bit of difference to the job I do.

I also believe we, as CAP members, can do a lot more to improve our image than the Air Force can do for us. Why should the Air Force make us look more like them when we can't even police our own members in regards to weight and grooming standards? Most of our members do great work, but there is still a significant percentage of CAP members who don't quite get it, they are the ones who make us look bad in the eyes of the Air Force.

So instead of decrying the Air Forces lack of support in improving CAP's image, why don't you ask yourself what you can do to improve it. If we all worked on improving our own image and the image of our fellow members, the Air Force's recognition would surely follow.

[SafTMan]

The ID card decision made by the O-6 breaucrat was unfortunate. I would guess that he based his decision with minimum understanding about what CAP is and from a couple experiences with CAP personnel in his past. It shows a level of contempt within the USAF ranks towards CAP.

The ID card is probably a small item to resolve within National Headquarters. If they felt it was important then they know how to complete an end run around this O-6 and get it approved.

I think this is a good opportunity for CAP sit down with the AF and begin seriously looking at all of the issues that the AF has. Specifically focusing on the Total Force concept that the AF brass want to integrate CAP into.

If the issue is rank within CAP, then look at ways to make the AF more comfortable. A good share of our members hold federal commissions. And for those that do not, then develop a formal commissioning program. Everyone of us has seen that CAP officer that had absolutely no clue about how to act or even how to wear the uniform. We see the snickering from our cadets and should take that as a clue how the AF views us. I think this is a problem that needs fixing but I do not think we should just toss rank in the trash and adopt something similar to the USCG Aux.

I am a proponent to reestablishing the enlisted ranks for seniors and make the senior program similar to the cadet program where training and duty performance must be satisfactorily completed for advancement.

The decision on the ID card will be a major morale killer within the ranks and unless National looks at the big picture as to why it was killed, CAP will continue to loose its members and more importantly not able to fullfill the missions assigned to it.

[Jim Quinn]

I've read these posts with a great deal of interest and concern; and agreed with many of the points expressed.

Personally, I don't really care about the ID card. The photo is important, and it should be in a format that cannot easily be duplicated, but other than that I have no real arguments for or against the new card. Heck, it's not much to gripe about anyway. Just like the weather--give it a little time and it will change again anyway!

As far as membership retention goes, I thought it was interesting reading a few weeks ago when the subject was mentioned at the National level. Those guys are so far removed from the field (and reality) that I'm surprised that retention is even a concern. In fact, they "just don't get it" as the expression goes. With constant crap being shoveled down from above in the form of never-ending changes to the regs and the training/requalification procedures and the tendency to have them build road blocks rather than freeways, I'm not surprised that NHQ as an organization appears to be rather clueless as to what members on the unit level need and/or want out of this organization in order to do their jobs. As I've mentioned before, this is most definitely not an attack against individuals at NHQ, but rather against NHQ as an entity. It's much like fighting city hall--you can't do it.

My membership expired the end of June, and I still have not had any urgent desire to renew. There's just no incentive to do so. Why should I voluntarily subject myself to constant BS that I wouldn't put up with in an employment environment, let alone in a volunteer organization? In previous years, my own answer was that I loved the activities and the comraderie and the opportunity to do something I thought was important to the community, and I have continued to renew. Now, I'm not so sure if my skills are appreciated at all.

In the last two years I've discovered that I could do a hell of a lot more flying in an airplane that was nicer in clothes I liked with people that weren't members of any organization to places that weren't defined by state boundaries without asking permission from anyone. For the money spent on gas, meals, hotels, uniform maintenance, aircraft proficiency costs, dues, renewals, etc. I could have flown four times the hours and possibly have enjoyed it just as much.

In the teeter-totter decision-making process of whether I should renew, it's getting harder to keep the fat kid in the air, and I'm considering just hopping off, with thanks to all the "BS from Above" for helping me make the decision. It's just that I would miss visiting with some of the finest people I've ever worked with....

In the great realm of things, the ID card is just an ant on an elephant's back--it's not that important to me.

Regards to all!

Jim Quinn, (Major--but does it really matter?)
(Perhaps former) Group Safety Officer
Group VII HQ
Tyler, TX

[Lamh Dearg]

http://level2.cap.gov/documents/2005_May_NEC_Draft.pdf

If you check out this link and go to Agenda Item 12, XOS-HA Update, you will see that there has certainly been some "ball-dropping" as far as the ID Card is concerned, and it would appear that both USAF and CAP personnel are complicit.

[Ga Wing Member]

The guy from the Tyler Wing is right, this is an ant on the back an elephant. CAP has a mountain of troubles and NHQ is clueless and could care less about what happens on the squadron level. We also need to be start paying more attention to our senior members physical fitness. Having fat guts hanging over the belt in the CAP blue shirts gives everyone the wrong impression.

[CALIF SM]

I have to side with those who feel what our ID card may or may not look like is trivial. I thought there were some very good points made about our retention rates and our ability to recruit new members a few weeks ago. I don’t think an ID card is a factor. If it is, then, you do not belong in a civilian, volunteer, organization.

We are civilians, and along with having different ID cards, I’d sure like to see us cast off the military bureaucracy that some like to cling to. That picture of the Idaho squadron on the home page is an illustration of what we should be focused on, not what we carry in out wallets.

Lead, follow, or get the f—K out of the way!