Cadet Training Weekend (CTW) is a weekend-long training program that gives new and old cadets a taste of what the week-long Encampment (Late June) program entails.  During CTW the staff (experienced Seniors and Cadets) strive to accomplish multiple items:  standardize the wing cadet program, and bring a sense of unity, teamwork, and accomplishment to as many cadets as possible.  There are many different focuses for the basic cadets for CTW, and the one conducted in the Spring of 2010 will focus on: basic leadership skills, mastering of drill and ceremonies, basic understanding of the intensity of Encampment, and development or review of the Curry achievement fundamentals.  CTW and Encampment are intense training opportunities for cadets, and all activities are scrutinized prior to operation and are constantly reviewed to ensure they are safe and meet the training objectives.

Submitted by: C/CMSGT Jared Buniel

Its 5:30 AM, October 31st, 2009, Halloween Saturday, most teenagers would be sound asleep, dreaming of their plans for acquiring candy or a final touch for their scary costume. But a group of wide-awake and chilled young men and women are at McCrady training center, their candy taken from them and their dreams drowned out by shouted commands and banging lockers. As stern officers herd the teens outside for exercise, a passer-by would be right in wondering, “Who are these kids who gave up their holiday weekend for this ‘boot camp-like’ experience?” To find an answer, you need look no further than the blue patches on their camouflage, “Civil Air Patrol.”