The Civil Air Patrol is a club at Pahrump Valley High School where the main goal is to help and volunteer for the community while gaining an understanding of ground and air support. Within the Civil Air Patrol, there are many ranks that are earned throughout a person’s time joining. Once you begin, you rank up for the first time, and you are officially an Airman. Following that, you can rank up to Airman First Class, Senior Airman, and Staff Sergeant. Then in phase two, you will become a Technical Sergeant, Master Sergeant, Senior Master Sergeant, Chief Master Sergeant, and Second Lieutenant. Afterwards, in phase 3, for the lieutenants there are Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, and Cadet Captain. Going now into the highest ranks, there are Cadet Captain, Cadet Major, and Cadet Lieutenant Colonial. The final and highest rank in CAP is the Cadet Colonial.
Along with all these ranks come many responsibilities and core values. They believe in having integrity, doing volunteer service, excellence in all they do, and respect. One of the Senior Airman Grayson Nye takes these to heart. Nye also believes in a common quote that is passed around, which Nye is confident is the center focus of CAP. “We believe we are for the community, by the community. That’s our motto,” Nye states.
Aside from rank, Nye states there’s more than just fitness and intelligence to rank. “Leadership skills are what can separate an airman from a lieutenant.” With the many responsibilities the higher ranks have, it is expected that they will be able to lead with authority. Still, regardless of rank, Nye still thinks respect should be given to all those who are a part of Civil Air Patrol. “You should still respect everyone, despite rank,” explains Nye.
Civil Air Patrol isn’t all just strict and serious; there are plenty of activities and events that the members enjoy participating in. Senior Airman Aiden Hill describes one of the activities he looks forward to doing in the Color Guard. “Overall, we do many parades and learn how to carry a rifle around. It also teaches you how to be respectful around many people.” Another part Hill enjoys is doing the O flights. “You’re basically learning how to control and fly a plane, besides the landing part,” Hill exclaims. These are just some of the intriguing parts of CAP that someone might want to join to attend.
Also, Civil Air Patrol is helpful after high school and beyond. It can give a great advantage for those who want to join the military, since they are put into a higher position. Senior Airman Jamarcus Vega states the advantage of going through CAP into the military, “If you start off in the military from the get-go, you’ll be an E1. If you go through CAP, you will start at E3.”
These advantages are huge for those who want to make it far in the high ranks and to make money.
Overall, Civil Air Patrol’s main goal is to support the community and build great young youth. All while supplying knowledge of ground and air control to prepare people for the military and the adult world. So if you believe you can handle the challenges CAP has to offer, make sure to contact Ms Sitter and attend an event to join!
