Information for Senior Members

Information for Senior Members

Arrival 

Senior members should plan on arriving at encampment on Friday, July 11th, in time for the Required Staff Training (RST) that will begin promptly at 1900.  For those who cannot make it by that date and time, a makeup RST will be conducted on Saturday evening, July 12th.

Civil Air Patrol Senior Members play a vital role in the summer encampment program.  While Summer Encampment is largely a Cadet run activity, Seniors act as overall command and control, operational support, administration, and in general supervisory roles.  Without a highly dedicated senior staff, encampments cannot take place. 

We are seeking volunteers in the following positions at Summer Encampment:

Training Officers (TOs)

The training officer is the key "front line" role that senior members will serve in.  The duty day for senior members is from 0600 to 2100 each day of encampment, and they are expected to be physically available to their assigned cadet flight throughout the entire duty day.  The TO's primary responsibility is the safety and welfare of the cadet students throughout the week.  Being a TO is a difficult but rewarding job.  You get to see, first hand, all of the challenges the cadets face and their excitement when they overcome them. 

Logistics Officers

Logistics Officers keep track of everything the encampment has, uses, or needs.  In addition to these duties, logistics officers will be making trips (oftentimes daily) to nearby stores to purchase needed items.  These trips are typically made in a CAP vehicle, so having a CAP driver's license is a plus for logistics officers.

Transportation Officers

Do you like to drive?  We have the job for you!  Cadets are transported to and from the airport for orientation flights during encampment, twice a day.  Additionally, you may be assisting logistics in making trips to nearby stores.  If you are interested in this position, you will need to have a CAP driver's license by the time encampment starts.

Public Affairs Officers

If you've ever wanted to learn how to take eye catching photos, write up compelling articles, conduct captivating interviews, or just wanted to be a CAP "paparazzi," working with the encampment PAO staff would be your dream.  The encampment PAO team is led by Lt Col Paul Hertel, the Great Lakes Region Director of Public Affairs.  Contact him if you are interested or have questions about the PAO section at encampment.  His email is phertel@ilwg.cap.gov.  

Training NCO / Assistant Commandant of Cadets 

This position assists the commandant of cadets with their duties.  It is a busy position that will keep you on your feet throughout the week. It is open to a senior member officer or non commissioned officer. 

Additionally, if you are considering coming to encampment, but have another area you would like to work in other than those listed above, or you have a special skill that you think could benefit encampment, contact the encampment commander, Lt Col John Wenzel at jwenzel@ilwg.cap.gov.  

 

Housing

Senior members have two options for housing at MTC:

1: Barracks (free)

Seniors may elect to stay in the same open-bay barracks building as the cadets do.  There is no cost to stay in the barracks and they are air conditioned.  There are eight bays in the barracks.  Six of the bays are used for cadets and the other two are used for male and female Senior Members respectively.  Male Senior Members have their own restroom/shower facilities and female Senior Members share theirs with the female cadets (using them at alternate times for showering/hygiene). 

2. Paid housing (not free)

Seniors may elect to request single-occupancy housing from MTC.  Each air conditioned room has a single twin sized bed (with sheets provided), a desk and chair, a television, a small refrigerator, and a microwave.  Adjacent rooms share a bathroom.  The cost for this type of housing (as of 12/05/2025) is $33.00 per night and is paid directly to MTC upon check-in.  Members who choose this option are responsible for paying for their rooms themselves.  Reservations must be made ahead of time.  The reservation link is: MTC Lodging Request.  The form is largely self explanatory, but in the Unit Info area use the following information:

Cadet Protection Training

Senior members who Participate in summer Encampment MUST have completed at least the Basic Cadet Protection Policy Training (CPPT) before they can participate in encampment.  We recommend all seniors complete Advanced CPPT.  Both courses are available to complete through CAP's online learning management system, Absorb. 

Uniforms

The basic uniform for summer encampment is the ABU or blue Utility uniform.  The corporate polo/slacks may be substituted as needed for the senior member's comfort.  Unless you are a flight crew member who is performing flight crew duties at the encampment, flight suits are not allowed.   In addition, the USAF blues uniform (or corporate equivalent) is required for those participating in the graduation ceremony.  Those who do not possess or want to wear blues will be assigned support and/or maintenance roles during graduation.