St. Paul Composite Squadron Gazette “THE SAINTLY GREMLIN”

“THE SAINTLY GREMLIN”
St. Paul Composite
Squadron Gazette
ST. PAUL COMPOSITE SQDN.
CIVIL AIR PATROL. USAF AUX
MN-042
September 2014 Vol. 5, iss.08
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http://stpaul.mncap.org
Monthly Addition
Free
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St. Paul Composite
Squadron Welcomes
New Commander.
The night of 4 September in a ceremony presided by GRP III commander Maj. Richard Geis, and attended by representatives from MN Wing and other units. Capt. Carrie Niemann assumed command of the squadron from Capt. Jeff Leif. Assisted by C/CMSgt. Benjamin, Capt. Leif passed the squadron flag and thus his command to Maj. Geis. Capt. Niemann accepted the squadron flag and command of MN042 from Maj. Geis and passed the flag back to C/Benjamin. Capt. Leif served as STP’s commander for over 22 months and we would like to thank him for his time and service to the unit. Capt. Leif plans to continue as our character development officer and working with cadets in ES and Cadet Programs. Capt. Niemann started in CAP at St. Paul Squadron in 2008. The mother of two cadets she knows the program well. She has a senior rating in cadet programs, a technician rating in safety and technician rating in administration, completed SLS and CLC, and has completed Level III of the senior member professional development program. Capt. Niemann has recently been serving at the wing level as assistant plans and programs director. Please see the commander’s corner for more information on Capt. Niemann’s plans and vision for the squadron. We are pleased that Capt. Neiman has accepted the challenge of command and look forward to working together to achieve the goals of the unit and the members within it. Please take time to thank Capt. Leif for his service to CAP and introduce yourself to Capt. Niemann. PDM Capt. Leif accepting CAP Achievement Award
Photo’s: Lt. Tallarini
Change of Command staff
St. Paul Members Help Out with the
Commemorative Air Force Fall Hangar Dance
We had a great turn out for the CAF fall hangar dance this year! 13 STP cadets (1 from Anoka) and 6 St. Paul senior members were on hand to help park cars and staff a recruiting table. We all met at the terminal building, after an inspection and safety briefing the cadets were paired up with a “battle buddy” and assigned tasks. Radios, safety vests, and lighted wands were issued and taken to the flight line to park vehicles for the dance. Weather was perfect and the dance was well attended by the public. Cadets took turns at the recruiting table but most were tasked with parking the numerous cars. Two times we stopped traffic for the taxi in and out of Miss Mitchell the CAF B‐25. We also stopped traffic for the night engine run up – which is always dramatic. By 2200 hours having filled the ramp with cars and planes, we released the cadets from duty and they either stayed at the dance or returned home. This was the second dance of the year that we helped at. By all accounts, the CAF was very happy with St. Paul Squadron’s assistance. We always enjoy this event and look forward to it every year. I would like to thank all the members who turned out to support this event and performed their duties safely and without incident. It is always a challenge to move cars off a main road but to do this in the dark takes extra vigilance and everyone did an excellent job! PDM . Cadets Earn Model Rocketry Badge
On a sunny Saturday cadet Major Raymond Tallarini and cadet Chief Master Sergeant Amelia Tallarini successfully flew their powered model rockets at Kohler park, 13 September. Under the watchful eye of St. Paul’s aerospace education officer Capt. Keith Sebesta, both cadets flew and recovered two separate rockets. The event began with set up of the launch pad and a safety brief. Both cadets then tested the aerodynamic stability of each model by finding the center of gravity, then swinging the rocket overhead to see how it flies. Satisfied that the rockets would fly safely, C/Maj. Tallarini made the first launch. The Civil Air Patrol Rocketry program is a multi phase program beginning with non‐powered items and collimating in powered rocket flight. Completion of the program earns the cadet the CAP rocketry badge (and patch for the BDU) and Mitchell cadets may place a silver star on their Goddard ribbon. We encourage all cadets to participate in model rocketry. I would like to thank Lt. Tom Tallarini for organizing the launch and Capt. Sebesta for administering the tests and launch. This is a fun, hands on AE activity and we would like to see more cadets participating and earning the rocketry badge. PDM C/Maj. Tallarin & Capt. Sebesta
Cadet A. Tallarini with her flown rocket
COMMANDERS CORNER
It is hard to believe it has been a month since the change of command. I would like to thank everyone for their support and patience while I learn the ropes. We had a great turn out at the Commemorative Air Force dance. This is a great fundraiser for us along with being a great time for all. The cadets really love to dance. I think we are all looking forward to helping out at the spring dance. Maj Block had a wonderful presentation on his experience as a communications officer on a WWII carrier. I have heard so many great compliments on it. I look forward to more great presentations from our members. The months of October should prove to be a busy one. The cadets will be finishing up the Curry training which completes new members first promotion requirements, the seniors will be touring a WWII plane thanks to Lt Col Tarpy, and the UBX on October 18. I will be attending the Unit Commanders Course the 17‐19th too. I look forward to bringing many good ideas back to the squadron and combining them with the great ones already in out squadron. Again, thank you for this opportunity and your patience while I learn. CARRIE L NIEMANN, Capt., CAP
Commander St Paul Composite Squadron
SAFETY
Please visit the CAP Safety web page: http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/safety for the current issue of the Safety Beacon, CAP national Safety Newsletter and for online training available to all members who wish or may need to get current in monthly safety.
Back pack safety considerations Summer 2009 at NESA, the Medical Unit saw many cases of muscle strain to the neck, shoulders, back, and hips from improper carrying of packs, and carrying too much weight in the packs for long periods of time; most cases involved carrying 24‐hour gear. A couple of cases involved briefly carrying 24‐hour and 72‐hour gear to the field. Many attendees also complained of numbness, weakness, and tingling in the arms and hands. This was caused by carrying more weight than they should have been, and shoulder straps were narrow and not properly padded; narrow pack straps can reduce blood and lymph circulation, and compress nerves. The most common cause seen was noted due to packs being carried only over one shoulder. Carrying a pack this way causes the spine to lean to the opposite side, stressing the middle of the back, ribs, lower back, and pull on neck muscles causing headaches and neck pain. Pack weight is a major factor regarding comfort and injury. Other factors include: a person’s size, conditioning, and design of the backpack. Weight of a backpack should not exceed the following limits: 1. For school, you should not carry more than 10‐15% of your body weight. 2. For optimal comfort, and yet be able to carry required items for the field, only 25% of body weight should be carried. 3. Beginner hikers/rescuers should only carry 20% of their body weight. 4. Day packs without a frame should not exceed 20 pounds. 5. You can carry comfortably 30‐35% of your body weight using a properly loaded frame pack. 6. Never carry more than 35% of your weight. Properly trained, equipped, and highly conditioned personnel can exceed these guidelines as required. Use a pack with wide, padded shoulder straps, and a wide padded waist belt. Wear it with the shoulder straps over both shoulders. Adjust shoulder straps so the backpack is high on the back. The pack should not hang more than four inches below the waist line, pulling you down and backwards. The waist strap should be located at the top of the hip. You could consider buying a rolling back pack for school so you do not have to carry it as much. Balance the load correctly. Arrange the pack so the center of gravity is high and close to your back. Pack items so they will not shift when carried. Use correct walking posture, and do not lean forward. When you examine the minimum list of items for 24‐hour gear, and 72‐hour gear, consider how you can lighten those items further. Carry only those items that are needed. Hiking/climbing specialists can provide help in this area. Packing an ALICE (All‐Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment) Pack The medium pack is preferred, since the large pack throws a person off balance easily. The large pack, with a normal capacity of 85‐100 pounds, is not suitable for wear over rough terrain or steep slopes. In this case, use a mountain rucksack. The ALICE frame is designed for a person 70 inches tall; for a person shorter than 65 inches, the frame will be too big. Begin loading gear by experimenting with item placement. Consider distance and elevation that the gear will be carried, until a well‐proportioned packing structure is achieved. Place heavy and bulky items such as extra boots or mess kits on top of softer items such as clothes; surround them with items like socks. Ensure packing is tight. Use all space available. Tighten all gear straps and close all pockets to capacity. Loose straps can cause tears and poor weight distribution. This can make for a very uncomfortable experience. The Safety Beacon — Civil Air Patrol’s Safety Newsletter — September 2010
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CADET CORNER:
Promotions: Cadet Semonis has been promoted to the grade of C/SMSgt. Cadet Nelson has been promoted to the grade of C/CMSgt. Cadet Amelia Tallarini has been promoted to the grade of C/CMSgt. Cadet Ray Tallarini has been promoted to the grade of C/Major Congratulations to you all. Keep up the great work in advancing in CAP Awards C/Maj. Tallarini receiving the CAP Achievement Award C/SSgt. Hutt accepting the CAP Wright Bros. Award C/SSgt. Yau Accepting the CAP Wright Bros. Award Back to Basics
Now that the summer activities are concluded
and we begin to move toward cold weather and
indoor operations, we as a squadron are going to
turn our focus back to the basics. This month is
uniforms. Not just getting all of you into one but
to make sure that you are wearing the CAP
uniform properly. Our uniforms are USAF styled
and as such, we must adhere to their rules for
wear. All these rules are found in CAPM 39-1.
This manual (like all CAP manuals) is found
online. Civil Air Patrol offers several uniform
alternatives to senior member’s cadets however
wear the BDU and the AF blues.
We will focus on all aspects of proper wear. One
glaring omission I see often is a lack of shined or
completely shined boots. CAP regs dictate your
boots will be black and shined. Not just shined
on the toe and heal but the entire boot will be as
such. Patches will be sewn down completely not
just tacked on so it stays in place. Proper color
thread will be used. If the patch is blue, use blue
thread. These may seem like small details but
they are there for a reason. It builds character,
shows discipline, and displays pride in yourself
and the organization. We will show you how to
meet and exceed CAP uniform regulations.
The rest of the winter months, we cover proper
military correspondence (letter writing) public
speaking (you need to give speeches for some
promotion levels) and military customs and
courtesies.
These courses will be presented by your cadet
and senior staff and most will be hands on.
Regards,
PAUL D. MARKEGARD, Maj., CAP DCFC MN042 COMMUNICATIONS
Attention all members PLEASE complete:
Introductory Communications Users Training (ICUT). The initial training for all CAP personnel using
CAP radios is the Introductory Communications User’s Training (ICUT). This course replaces both the
Basic Communications User training (BCUT) and the Advanced Communication Users training (ACUT).
ICUT is offered online and includes several segments of produced video instruction. Subsequent skills
evaluation by a mentor/evaluator is also required. The only prerequisites for ICUT are being an active CAP
cadet or senior member, as defined by CAPR 39-2, Civil Air Patrol Membership, and completion of
OPSEC training.
All members with BCUT must requalify no later than 1 September 2015. Members with ACUT only need
to take the first module of the ICUT course, Orientation to the CAP Communications System, and complete
the online test. Completion of the ICUT modules on operation of VHF-FM radios and standard radio
operating procedures is optional for those previously qualified for a CAPF 76, Radio Station Authorization.
Students completing online ICUT instruction or classroom instruction have 180 days to demonstrate
required skills to a qualified evaluator. When a student has performed the required skills and procedures
satisfactorily, the student may enter the training approval in OPS QUALS, similar to conventional ES
training. Although a separate section of OPS QUALS is provided for Communications training, the training
will cross-reference into ES training SQTRs.
ICUT training can be found in eServices in the Learning Management System under CAP Utilities. Please contact Maj. Paul Markegard Email at skipr.5351kf@gmail.com if you have questions or need more info. The Skills Evaluators (SET) for Communications is Capt. Scott Pottorff and Maj. Paul Markegard. EMERGENCY SERVICES
CAP National website ES 72‐hour pack The 72‐hour pack is designed to help you live in the field for more than one day. It includes your sleeping bag, tent, and other long‐term comfort items. The 72‐hour pack is not subject to uniformity ‐‐ color and size does not matter. The major constraint is how much you can carry. Even if the mission is only expected to last one day, you should always bring your base gear. You never know how long a mission will last, or whether you will go straight to another mission from the current one. b. For your equipment to be effective, you must ensure it is clean and serviceable. Occasionally you will have to replace items such as medicine, batteries, or food because it has passed its expiration date. c. You must be able to carry all your equipment at once, in case you must “hike in” to a mission base. Normally, this means leaving room in your base gear pack to stow all of your field gear. d. Ensure your gear is properly secured ‐‐ nothing should be flapping loose where it could snag in the brush or bang against your body when moving. e. Restrictions on Knives: You may only wear a sheath knife if authorized by your team leader. Sheath knives cannot have a blade longer than 6” or a total length of greater than 11”. The sheath must adequately secure the knife and protect the wearer from the blade. If authorized, sheath knives will be worn only on the pistol belt or carried inside the pack. The following knife types are not authorized: boot knives, butterfly knives, switch blades, double edged knives, “Rambo” style survival knives, or knives with retracting sheaths. Machetes or hatchets can only be carried by senior members when needed for that specific sortie. No knives may be visible when the member is performing crash site surveillance duty. 2. The gear list below is the minimum required equipment. Items required of trainees are marked with a “T." You may carry additional equipment subject to team leader approval and your ability to secure and carry it ‐‐
remember, you may have to walk a long way carrying it all. 72 hour pack: a backpack (preferably with frame) (T) containing: 1) Tent (optional, if you are sharing a tent with someone else who is carrying it) (T) 2) Spare rank and CAP cutouts (for cadets) 3) 5 meals (T) 4) 2 Leaf Bags, large 5) Bag, waterproof (T), containing: (a) Spare uniform, (b) Underwear and socks, 3 changes Paul D. Markegard, Maj., CAP
ES Officer MN 042
(T) 6) Sleeping pad, foam or inflatable. 7) Spare bootlaces. 8) Kit, sewing, with spare buttons. 9) Shoe Shine Kit 10) Toilet Kit, that should contain: (a) Toothbrush and paste (T) (b) Shaving Kit (if you shave) (T) (c) Deodorant (T) (d) Washcloth and soap (T) (e) Towel (T) 11) Sleeping Bag or Bedroll appropriate to climate (T) c. Optional Items (1) Rainwear, durable (2) Webbing, nylon, 1” wide, 20’ long. (3) Handheld FM Transceiver (highly recommended for Ground Team Leaders) (4) Water Purification Tablets (5) Eye Protection (highly recommended) (6) Entrenching Tool (highly recommended for base gear) Dan Pekearo, Capt., CAP
ES Officer – Aircrew Training
Aero Space Ed.
Capt. Keith Sebesta ESO
NOAA – oceanservice website
LIDAR
LIDAR—Light Detection and Ranging—is a remote sensing method used to examine the surface of the Earth. LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a
pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the Earth. These light pulses—combined with other data recorded
by the airborne system— generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the Earth and its surface
characteristics.
A LIDAR instrument principally consists of a laser, a scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver. Airplanes and
helicopters are the most commonly used platforms for acquiring LIDAR data over broad areas. Two types of LIDAR
are topographic and bathymetric. Topographic LIDAR typically uses a near-infrared laser to map the land, while
bathymetric lidar uses water-penetrating green light to also measure seafloor and riverbed elevations.
LIDAR systems allow scientists and mapping professionals to examine both natural and manmade environments with
accuracy, precision, and flexibility. NOAA scientists are using LIDAR to produce more accurate shoreline maps, make
digital elevation models for use in geographic information systems, to assist in emergency response operations, and in
many other applications.
LIDAR data sets for many coastal areas can be downloaded from the NOAA Coastal Services Center’s Digital Coast
web portal.
LIDAR data is often collected by air, such as with this NOAA survey aircraft (top) over Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, Calif.
Here, LIDAR data reveals a top-down (bottom left) and profile view of Bixby Bridge. NOAA scientists use LIDARgenerated products to examine both natural and manmade environments. LIDAR data supports activities such as
inundation and storm surge modeling, hydrodynamic modeling, shoreline mapping, emergency response, hydrographic
surveying, and coastal vulnerability analysis.
Professional Development
For information about CAP pilot training, Emergency Services, promotion (senior member) or other professional
development needs (completing a level) please log into eServices, click on “where do I start?” (top of menu bar
left side) then click on one (or all) of the tab that you are interested in under “Modules”
These pages have very good information and where to look for the rules and regulations that govern most of CAP.
For more information specific to you please see the units PDO Operations/Logistics/Transportation
The CAP (21715) van assigned to MN042 is at Wing HQ for the time being.
When using the CAP van please fill out the paper work (vehicle usage log) and fill the fuel tank back
up.
ES TRAINING
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Copy and paste this link http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/cap_university/on‐line‐courses‐and‐exams/ From here scroll down to operations/operations exams click on the CAPT 116 pt1 (GES) complete the test. You will also need to complete the CAPT 117 pt1 found in the same location. If you have any questions or need additional help or information please contact Maj. Paul Markegard at the meeting or email. Skipr.5351kf@gmail.com St. Paul Squadron ES team is preparing a self‐funded UBX (Unit Based Exercise) the weekend of 18‐19 October. The training provided will cover both Aircrew and Ground team tasks. Cadets are encourage to complete the online training above to obtain their GES (General Emergency Services) qualification – this is your ticket to learn CAP Emergency Services (ES) Ground team training will consist of Ground Team Member 3, Urban Direction Finding team, various Mission Staff positions (mission radio operator, Mission Staff Assistant) and Ground Team Leader (if you are over 18 years of age) All MN042 members who are interested in ES are welcome to attend. The ground training location has not been confirmed but most of the weekend will be outdoors, hands on training. Seniors will train in air (and ground if you wish) sorties. The focus will be MO/MS and MP and to include aerial photo missions. Please contact Capt. Dan Pekearo for more information on aircrew training – dpekearo@gmail.com Please Contact Maj. Paul Markegard for more information of ground team training – skipr.5351kf@gmail.com ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Unit & Wing
Unit Commanders Course (UCC). Dates: 17‐Oct‐2014 to 19‐Oct‐2014 Legionville Safety Camp ‐ Brainerd, MN Project Officer: Marcel Kobberdahl Email: makobber@aol.com St. Paul UBX Air/ Ground Team Training. Location TBD. Oct. 18 hours: 0800 ‐1700 Minnesota Leadership Academy (MLA) Dates: 23‐Oct‐2014 to 26‐Oct‐2014 Cadet Activity. Website: http://mncap.org/cp/mla/
St. Paul Squadron Banquet. 25 January 2015 1700 hours Fort Snelling Officers Club
If you have missed previous issues of 2014 please see the unit website or contact Maj. Markegard.
Cadets with CAF B-25
photo Markegard
St. Paul Composite Squadron News Letter is a monthly informational publication of the St. Paul Composite Sqdn
A Dead Lemmings Production. 2014.
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