Ask the Commander
Questions and Answers
New Question
Hello,
I am wondering if CAP Cadets actually learn how to fly through this program. My son has had a few flight lessons and is very interested in getting his pilot's license and becoming an aerospace engineer. Do you think that CAP be a good program for him?
Thank you.
Answer
Current CAP regulations allow for cadets that are progressing satisfactorily through the cadet program to receive flight training. The training must be through either through a local CAP flight instructor, utilizing a CAP aircraft, or at regional or national flight encampments or academies.
Thank you for participation in this forum.
CHRISTIAN F. MOERSCH, Col., CAP
Commander, Florida Wing
New Question
Sir, why have they stopped having regional encampments?
Answer
Dear Cadet,
The regional encampment that is normally held in December will be replaced by a FLWG Winter Encampment. It was decided at SER that FLWG was better to hold these independently rather than as a SER activity since it tended to be located within FL geographically, and the majority of the staff is from FL. As always, we will welcome other attendees from other wings as well.
Thank you for participation in this forum.
CHRISTIAN F. MOERSCH, Col., CAP
Commander, Florida Wing
New Question
how many cadets or people u have
Answer
Dear Cadet,
I am not sure what the question is. Currently FLWG manning is 1350 cadets and 2104 officers. If this is not the information that you have asked for, please resubmit.
Thank you for participation in this forum.
CHRISTIAN F. MOERSCH, Col., CAP
Commander, Florida Wing
New Question
I was wondering how i could get to the eccss. I dont think i will be able to get a ride of my own and i was wondering if you knew of any transportation being arranged already? It would be great if you could help me out with that thanks
Answer
Dear Cadet,
Please contact Major Sacco at nicholassacco@yahoo.com who will be able assist you in obtaining assistance in getting a ride to Ocala. Thank you for participating in ECCSS.
Thank you for participation in this forum.
CHRISTIAN F. MOERSCH, Col., CAP
Commander, Florida Wing
New Question
Sir, I was wondering what the rules on wearing the blue beret is? I am going this July to NBB. Thank you
Answer
Dear Cadet,
The current CAPR 39-1 states " Only blue berets may be authorized for special purpose wear. Berets provided at special activities may be worn at the activity ONLY." The last meeting of the National Board has approved the wear of certain uniform from the Blue Beret and Hawk Mountain program and a new regulation should be forthcoming.
Until that time, the CAC has been tasked and is currently working on a change to the FLWG supplement addressing this issue.
Thank you for participation in this forum.
CHRISTIAN F. MOERSCH, Col., CAP
Commander, Florida Wing
New Question
Sir,
What is your stand on the uniform? Are you proud to wear it and should your seniors in Florida be proud of it as well? What is you stand on fraud? I overheard a senior (a national award winner) state that the new safety officer regulations state that you have 90 days to complete the required training and she said lets just fudge the dates. Is that fraud? Why do we as CADETS have to practice military customs to a bunch of slobs that wear uniforms wrong that don't practice what they preach? This is my last straw, CAP is great but I'm tired of the double standards sir. I even heard the former commander xxxxxxxxxxx say he hates the uniform at a class he taught recently that he could care less if people showed up in their pajamas. Glad to see he was replaced.
Thanks for your attention Sir.
Answer
Dear Cadet:
I am, as I would hope that all our members of FLWG are very proud of our uniforms and our fellow members that wear them. As in any practice, there is always room for improvement. Officers and cadets alike can help members that have uniform deficiencies, work toward proper wear. IN the vast majority of cases, it is a lack of education that needs to be addressed, and most would people probably welcome the help.
As for fraud, I strongly encourage any member who witnesses fraud or abuse to report those abuses. There is a method to do so at the national level by calling 877-227-9142. This goes for the reporting of willful violations of regulations. It is the duty of all members to do so. I hope this helps.
Thank you for participation in this forum.
CHRISTIAN F. MOERSCH, Col., CAP
Commander, Florida Wing
Question
How long have you been a member of the Civil Air Patrol?
Answer
Dear Cadet:
I started by career in CAP during the spring of 1974 as a very young and basic cadet. Yes, that's decades ago. Keep striving to do well, and you may land up as a future Wing Commander as well.
Thank you for participation in this forum.
CHRISTIAN F. MOERSCH, Col., CAP
Commander, Florida Wing
Question
Why is there no reduced conference rate for cadets for the national conference? It is very expensive for those with limited funds. I look forward to you response Sir.
Answer
Dear Cadet:
While I have not been able to find a good answer from my sources at NHQ, I can say that I would certainly support that at the National Board level. As for your FLWG Conference, there is, and always will be, a lower cost to our cadet members.
Thank you for participation in this forum.
CHRISTIAN F. MOERSCH, Col., CAP
Commander, Florida Wing
Question
How to get into Camp Blanding and fees.
Answer
Dear Cadet:
I am not sure exactly the question that you are asking, but I assume you are referring to the FLWG Summer Encampment that will be held at Camp Blanding. More information can be found at: http://www.flcadet.com/SummerEncampment.aspx.
Thank you for participation in this forum.
CHRISTIAN F. MOERSCH, Col., CAP
Commander, Florida Wing
Question
I was wondering if my approval for the officer service cap ever got to you through the chain of command and if you approved of it? I informally asked Col. Bedgood while he was commander and he approved it, but I wanted to make it go formally as well. This action was sent up the chain about 2 months ago.
Answer
Dear Cadet,
I have asked for the opinion of the FLWG CAC in this matter. If they have no objections, I will issue a Policy Letter authorizing the wear of service cap for cadet officers IAW CAPM 39-1.
Thank you for participation in this forum.
CHRISTIAN F. MOERSCH, Col., CAP
Commander, Florida Wing