Bighorn Basin Civil Air Patrol Hosting Open House in Powell
Written by Andrew-Rossi on September 29, 2022
The Bighorn Basin’s wing of the Civil Air Patrol invites residents to an open house – and encourages teenagers to consider volunteering to learn the skills the patrol uses to change and save lives.
The Yellowstone Regional Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol will be hosting an Open House on October 11, 2022, at the Powell National Guard Armory from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Civil Air Patrol’s mission is “to further knowledge in aerospace education, provide search and rescue along with other emergency services.”
In addition to education and emergency services, one of the Civil Air Patrol’s priorities is its Cadet Program.
Courtesy Yellowstone Regional Composite Squadron
An essential aspect of the Civil Air Patrol, young adults between the ages of 12 and 21 are encouraged to join the Cadet Program, particularly if they plan to enlist in the military.
The program emphasizes all three missions, with developing leadership skills and broadening knowledge of aerospace education aspects of the program. Cadets under the age of 18 receive five powered flights in a Cessna 182 and get to control the aircraft during the flights.
In addition, cadets learn military customs and courtesies, and drills. Since the Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, the program follows many Air Force guidelines. As a result, cadets interested in a military career gain valuable skills in this area, although cadets are not required to enlist.
Cadets also are taught search and rescue techniques and can assist in ground searches and radio communications, preparing to help mission staff when there is an actual search.
In addition, cadets 18 and older can also become scanners and observers in the patrol’s airplanes.
The squadron also has many opportunities for adults 18 and older to help with the program and learn valuable skills.
A bonus to this Open House is a woodland battle dress uniform (BDU) giveaway. The squadron has many BDU pants, shirts, field jackets, and over pants that are taking up space. Participants can comb through and take uniforms home free of charge.
Refreshments will be served, and Civil Air Patrol Squadron members will be present to answer any questions about the program.
The Powell National Guard Armory is located across from Powell High School at 1102 East 7th Street.
Contact the Squadron Commander, Lt Col BJ Carlson, with any questions at capcommander@gmail.com or 307-762-3536.
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