THE STAFF CADET

What Is A Staff Cadet?

A Staff Cadet :

-is a highly trained, extremely motivated and well-disciplined member of the PAWG Ranger Program, who lives by a strict code of ethics and an honor code.  staff Cadets rank among the highest caliber of cadets produced in Civil Air Patrol today.

-would rather resign than bring disgrace upon the Ranger Program.  They are dedicated and committed to achieving the goals of Civil Air Patrol and the Ranger Program.  They are dedicated not to any one person but rather to the Ranger Program as a whole.

-is dedicated to the art of teaching and the principles of training.  A staff Cadet's leadership training lends itself to accomplishing the mission faster and more effectively.  Ranger and medical training is a key ingredient to aiding the injured and saving lives.

-will never fail at anything they do.  If something does not turn out as expected, it is used as a learning experience and will eventually enhance their ongoing training.

-welcomes the challenge of doing the unexpected or untried.  Staff cadets are trained to forge ahead and create paths rather than follow other or sit by idly.

-is trained to identify, adapt and overcome difficult situations or obstacles.

            The Ranger Staff Cadet program has been in existence since 1960. As the Hawk Mountain Ranger School expanded and developed it became evident that there was a need for quality, consistent training of cadet leaders for the program. Since the first staff cadets began serving at Hawk Mountain, they have played an important part in the development and success in all areas of Emergency Services program within Civil Air Patrol.

            The staff cadet training program consists of a series of eight weekends which run from March through June each year. Strict military courtesy and discipline is adhered to as the candidate progresses from a follower to a leader. The training is designed to challenge cadets in the areas of leadership, team work, and emergency services training.

Physical fitness, progression in the cadet program, dedication, self discipline, and proficiency in ground team and ranger skills is required.

            Throughout the training cycle, cadets are trained in the areas of navigation, woodsman ship, search theory and techniques, health and sanitation, rock climbing, rappelling, low angle rescue, search procedures, crash site security, communications, survival skills, teaching techniques, intense leadership classes, conflict resolution, leadership traits, problem solving, public speaking, time management, team leadership, job role responsibilities, and much more. Subjects are further supplemented with constant leadership development training which give on the job training  and experience for the role the staff candidate will later fulfill; that of a professional leader and instructor for the ranger program.

            Successful completion of the training cycle and qualification requirements will earn the first year basic candidate the “Yellow Scarf”. These first year cadets typically fill the positions of Team Commanders (similar to flight commander) for the school.

            Cadets then return for the second year of staff training, where they further develop their leadership and command skills, and learn management and staff development skills as well. In addition, they further their training in search and rescue and the ranger program. With successful completion of the requirements the “Orange Scarf” is awarded, making them a full fledged Ranger Staff member.

            These cadets often return for further training in their third year, and also support and train the upcoming staff candidates. Thus each year, the staff cadet learns more and more about search and rescue, leadership, and management.

Congratulations! 

The following cadets have completed all the requirements, and have earned the yellow scarf which they were awarded on 15 June 2002.

Staff Training

Prerequisites

• Cadets must have completed their Curry Achievement (1st Stripe)

• Cadets Must be in Physical Fitness Category 1 (no limitations)

• Cadet must have attended Encampment

Staff Training generally runs every other weekend from March to the second weekend in June. Exact dates will be posted in January or February.  

For more information contact : RangerStaff@yahoo.com