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Summer Ranger School

Thank you for your interest in the 2002 Hawk Mountain Ranger School. It is the most physically demanding, academically stringent, and the most rewarding activity that Civil Air Patrol has to offer. Whether you are a senior or cadet, you will find that your attendance will set you apart from your contemporaries. The knowledge that you will gain about yourself, the Ranger program, and search and rescue, will remain with you for the rest of your life.

The Hawk Mountain Ranger School is located in South Eastern Pennsylvania, in Berks County, 5 miles Northeast of Hamburg, on Pine Swamp Road. 40 deg. 37' 31" N 75 deg. 56' 35" W. This CAP corporate property is seventy-seven acres near the Hawk Mountain Bird Sanctuary, and the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the training area. There is one permanent building, a few trailers that are used for Staff Offices, and three roofed wooden structures, which are used as classrooms. The training area is operated by the Pennsylvania Wing, Civil Air Patrol.

The school is very demanding physically and mentally. Conditions are primitive. Be sure to bring ALL items on the equipment list. Weather can be dry or rainy; with temperature change from the high 90's to 40 degrees within hours.

Prior to the school, organize and pack your equipment so it is waterproof. For example, put socks in plastic bags; laminate your qualification cards. You will have to carry all of your equipment to a living area. Pack a footlocker or duffel bag that can be carried, and locked. Be sure that your day pack and field pack are ready to go when you arrive. Water will be provided. Test all of your equipment. Pack only what you need. Take food that you like.

Bring copies of all cards, ratings and diplomas, etc. These will be used for certifications.

CAP supply depot has many items available. They advertise in CAP News. Pick Orange or bright colors for Search and Rescue equipment. Some items are available now and at the school.

The Staff are also volunteers. We will teach and train for nine full days; you are expected to do your best for those nine days.

6 July 2002 - 14 July 2002

Consider travel days on 5 July and 15 July

For first time Cadets Students applying to Hawk Mountain Ranger School

You may need to submit a completed CAPF 31 to your Wing's Special Activities Selection Board. Many Wings do not have a Selection Board. Please follow the policies and procedures your Wing requires. Check with your Squadron Commander and Wing Cadet Programs Officer. If selected, your CAPF 31 must be sent to Pennsylvania Wing Headquarters by the end of April. Regardless of your Wing process, your parent and Wing Commander signatures must appear on the CAPF 31. The Hawk Mountain Ranger School will review all the applications for all the Wings for final selection. You will be notified according to the timeliness of application. You may be notified as late as May, if slots open later.

Upon receipt of your acceptance letter you, should have about 45 days to reply and pay the $75 school fee.**

This is an important consideration for those that may fly to Lehigh Valley International. Airline tickets purchased more than 30 days in advance are usually lower cost.

All Seniors and Cadet Ranger School Graduates applying to Hawk Mountain Ranger School

You can send you completed CAPF 31 directly to Pennsylvania Wing. Your Wing Commander must sign the back page.

Returning students must contact: 

LTC John Wirth 

4176 Roosevelt St.

Whitehall PA 18052

Student Requirements

Cadets must have completed Achievement #1 (Curry Award)

Current CAP membership

Physical Category 1 at school sign-in Crucial! *

Be at least 13 years of age or graduated seventh grade

Have confirmation of acceptance from Special Activity selection including your Wing Commander's signature on the CAPF 31

Completed CAPF 31 with $75 school fee **

Seniors must have completed Level 1 and Cadet Protection Training

Current CAP membership

Physical Category 1 at school sign-in Crucial! *

CAPF 31 with $75 school fee **

There is no Special Activity selection or confirmation process for Senior or prior Cadet Students

Special Note - The Hawk Mountain Ranger School has a limited number of slots open for the different Courses. To help our Staff select the best-suited candidates for the Courses offered, list Relevant Experience on CAPF 31 page 2, in the section marked "relevant experience". Please list the training and actual search missions, and certifications you have completed. This information section is reviewed closely. You should also include copies of following documentation:

- Prior Hawk Mountain Ranger School Course Completion Card(s)

- Ranger Grade Card(s)

- Certificates, Diplomas, Letters of Completion for Courses such as; Wilderness, Navigation, and SAR Training

- First aid cards and related certifications of training

- CAPF 101 and 101T - CAPF 76 Radio Operator Authorization

- Documentation of actual or training missions

* CAP Physical Categories are described in CAPR 52-18

** The $75 School Fee is not refundable

Courses of Instruction

Attendance at the school does not guarantee successful completion. Students will be instructed in all subjects required for completion. Passing a written test and skill performance must be demonstrated to complete the courses.

-- Departure prior to Graduation will prohibit course completion.

Course completion does not grant any Ranger grade. Each Ranger grade is a certification, and depends upon some requirements independent of the school. An example is CAPF 101, which must be provided by your local unit.

Cadet Basic Course

Progresses through Ranger 3rd and 2nd Class level as team members. Instruction in equipment, team mobility, woodsmanship, crashsite procedures, navigation and map reading, search operations, and casualty evacuation. A three-day field training exercise is conducted away from base camp.

Cadet Advanced Course

Training through Ranger 1st Class level, and advanced skills. Prerequisite is Cadet Basic course completion or documented and accepted equivalent training. Students returning for this second year of training receive instruction in rescue techniques, land search theory, air to ground coordination, advanced navigation, latitude and longitude determination, casualty evacuation, rope rescue, and SAR team training. Leadership and techniques of instruction are developed for students to build Ranger Teams in their home units. A five-day field training exercise is conducted away from base camp.

Senior Basic Course

Is for entry level senior members. Student knowledge is reviewed and the curriculum is modified to provide a broad spectrum of training. Virtually all of Cadet Basic and Advanced training is included and Seniors are encouraged to return the following year to take the Ranger Team Commanders Course. Included is a three-day field training exercise.

Ranger Team Commander Course

Both cadets and seniors train to the Advanced Ranger level. Prerequisite is the Cadet Advanced or Senior Basic course. Team commanders need a thorough knowledge of all aspects of SAR. This course provides instruction through the search level, and into the rescue level. The Special Advanced course completes the rescue level.

Special Advanced Course

Prerequisite is the Team Commander Course. Exposes cadet and senior Rangers to the Expert Ranger level in search, technical rescue, and survival. A five-day field training exercise is conducted away from base camp. This course requires participants to possess a high degree of motivation and strong self-confidence with no physical limitations.

Field Medic Course

National Safety Council Wilderness First Aid  is included as initial instruction for Rangers to become Medics, and includes curriculum of the Cadet Advanced course. Prerequisite is completion of the Cadet or Senior Basic course. There is an additional fee of $20 for books. Optional fee for the purchase of a stocked medical bag will be available at the school. The price of the bag will be sent to Mike students prior to the school.

Transportation

All students and staff are responsible for making their own transportation arrangements. Personnel requiring transportation from the bus terminal, or airport, to the school and back must FAX or e-mail that notice and ticket information prior to 30 June for coordination to PA Wing Headquarters.

Otherwise, the school will not transport any student or staff except in emergency, or for training purposes.

The first day of the school is extremely busy - make arrangements to arrive on Friday, 5 July when using the bus lines or airlines. Make arrangements to leave the school no earlier than 1500 on Sunday, 15 July. Staff will be available Friday 5 July, Sunday 15 July after 1500 hours, and Monday 16 July for transportation to and from the terminals.

Air Transportation

The closest major airport is Lehigh Valley International in Bethlehem, PA. These airlines service the airport:

Northwest Airlines Mesaba Continental Express Comair

United Airlines & Express Delta Airlines & Express US Airways & Express

Lehigh Valley Int. Airport customer service - 800-FLY-LVIA or www.lvia.org

Ground Transportation

The Allentown Bus Terminal on the American Parkway at Linden St. is the closest major terminal. These Bus lines serve that terminal.

Carl Beaver Tourways Susquehanna Trailways

Greyhound Trans Bridge

Allentown bus terminal - 610-434-6188

Driving

The school is located near Interstate 78, half way between Harrisburg and Allentown. Exit # 11 of Interstate 78/US Route 22 is for Lenhartsville - PA Route 143. Turn north on PA Route 143 and proceed approximately 5 miles to an intersection that has a Coastal gas station. Turn left, in 100 yards take left "Y" and follow that road another 3 miles to the bottom of a slight hill just after a shale cliff on the right side of the road. Turn left on to Pine Swamp Road and proceed 1 mile to entrance of the training area. Signs will be placed at critical locations to assist you.

Hawk Mountain Ranger School telephone number: 610-756-4170 (active only 5-15 July)

Equipment Requirements

Students are responsible for all clothing, equipment, and food for the school. On rare occasions, fast food such as hot dogs, salad and flavored drinks may be purchased. Bring a limited amount of cash for food and purchase of simple supplies; about $50.

Safety Equipment

is required for all students and staff. If not already, these items will become a part of your normal Ranger Operations equipment. These are mandatory items; students arriving without adequate safety equipment will need to purchase them to participate

Orange vest

Orange hard hat with elastic chin strap or nape strap

Leather gloves

Eye protection

The BX order form lists items that can be purchased during the School. These items are limited. To insure the availability you can pre-order items to be picked up at the school. Mail the completed order form to 1Lt DeEtte Riley, PO Box 177, Warriors Mark, PA 16877 along with a check made payable to PA WING CAP. List is on the web just a click away - http://pawg.cap.gov look for blue banner - Ranger Equipment.

Please Note some of the hard to find safety items such as Orange Hard Hats, Orange Safety Mesh Vest, Leather Gloves, eye protection are included on this list.

Some items such as carabiners, webbing, and batteries will be available at the school.

Ranger uniform insignia, T-shirts, survival type items and publications will also be for sale or you can mail in an order after the school.

RANGER SCHOOL EQUIPMENT

PUT YOUR LAST NAME ON ALL ITEMS - Consider a duffle bag or footlocker with padlock

Uniforms - Folded and waterproof packed

___ 3 pair or more BDU shirt and pants, insignia (CAPM 39-1)

___ 2 pair boots - (hiking boots permitted for field exercise)

___ orange (baseball type) hat with Sqdn. numbers

___ white pistol belt

___ wallet with I.D. card

___ money

___ swiss type army or military pocket knife

___ small silva type compass on lanyard

___ metal spoon

___ pencils and pens, and a small notebook in zip lock bag

___ butane lighter

___ several blousing bands and extra black boot laces

___ glasses? - have a strap for them too - don't bring contacts

___ medications? - in pharmacy container w/name, dosage and physician (inhalers, bee sting kits, etc.)

___ non-aspirin pain relievers

Other Clothing items - waterproof packed - zip lock bags are good - with your name on everything

___ 3 pair jeans or (preferably) more BDU trousers for Physical Training

___ 8 sets underwear shorts

___ 10 T-shirts brown/olive drab ONLY

___ 12 pair socks or more

___ wool or fleece sweater, sweat shirt, or jacket - Military preferable

___ sneakers

___ sewing kit

___ small shoe shine kit

Personal Hygiene items - waterproof packed for bathing equipment

___ 2 bath towels

___ washcloth or two

___ toothbrush and toothpaste

___ shaving supplies or feminine hygiene items

___ 2 bars of non-scented soap, and container

___ box of wash 'n' dry, handi wipes (25-50 approximately)

___ roll of toilet paper in waterproof container

___ foot powder

___ swimsuit or gym shorts

___ bag for dirty clothes

Day Gear - waterproof packed - last name on everything

___ rugged day pack or military web gear

___ snack food

___ 2 canteens, cups, and a 2 ' piece of heavy duty aluminum foil folded up

___ poncho or rain suit

___ 1" tubular webbing - 15' long

___ leather gloves

___ 2 pr. latex examination gloves

___ orange hard hat, with elastic chin strap or nape strap

___ orange vest

___ eye protection

___ personal 1st aid kit: (a small one, about 2" x 3") bandaids, gauze pads, tape, iodine, first aid cream, moleskin, cough drops, personal medication, alcohol preps, soap.

___ survival kit: metal signal mirror, wooden matches/waterproof with striker, sewing needle & heavy nylon thread, 5' to 10' steel 30 ga. wire, small pliers, little candle, (2) butane lighters

___ flashlight and spare batteries & bulbs

___ lensatic compass

___ insect repellent (DEET is effective on ticks) - skin so soft

___ 25' paracord

___ 50' white cotton clothesline

___ handkerchief

___ roll of white toilet paper in 2 or 3 garbage bags

___ pencils, pens, protractor, mm. rule

___ 3 ring binder (1")

___ pocket knife

Field Equipment - waterproof packed - last name on everything

___ field pack - thoroughly inspected, adjusted for full load

___ sleeping bag - in waterproof, brushproof bag

___ ground cloth, military poncho, or tarp

___ closed cell sleeping pad

___ field jacket with liner or other cold weather jacket

___ tent with all poles, stakes, and lines

___ flashlight, 2 sets extra batteries, extra bulb

___ space blanket or emergency blanket

___ 3 to 5 garbage bags

___ think about a mess kit, sierra cup, or canteen cup, spoons, fork, can opener - on knife?

___ think about CLEANING IT - brillo pad

___ stove ? gasoline, propane, or sterno, extra fuel ?

___ a few feet of heavy duty aluminum foil

DON'T PACK ANY FUELS IF YOU ARE FLYING TO THE SCHOOL. If you are flying and cannot transport the fuel for your stove send or e-mail a note to the address on the BX order form. Arrangements for the availability of the fuel can be made.

Food

no glass, no condensed soups, avoid dairy based food DO NOT BRING MRE'S ONLY!

___ 9 breakfast meals: canned fruits, fruit juices, granola bars, oat meal, dry cereal

___ 9 lunches: canned soups, fruit, pastas, rice, vegetables, meats, MRE's

___ 9 Dinners: canned soups, fruit, pastas, rice, vegetables, meats, MRE's

___ snacks: granolas, gorp, beef jerky, nuts, candies, trail mix

___ juices: already mixed, and MORE WATER

Become accustomed to an 18 hour physically and mentally stressing day.

Break in those boots. DO go on many walks prior to the school.

Begin a physical regimen early. Make your boots feel good when you run.

Prepack your day gear and bathing equipment. Mark ALL gear with your last name!

Hike with your equipment, spend the night with it, then re-pack it!

Description of school events

On opening day, unload your gear and sign-in to verify forms and the $75 school fee. Then you will be assigned to your school squadron. Do not expect to be assigned with your home unit members. Between sign-in and Opening Formation at 1300 hrs., you will be setting up your tent and preparing your living area for the school. Just because you have a tent doesn't mean you will be sleeping in it.

After the opening formation you will settle into the academic regimen.

The first four days of the school follow a rigid schedule of classes, approximately:

0530 - reveille; prepare for Physical Training

PT is stretching and calisthenics to prepare for the Obstacle Course.

Then play 3 ball soccer (bring jeans or BDUs and T-shirts that can become dirty)

0700 - breakfast, area preparation and dressing for the day

0830 - morning training formation - go to class with your "day gear"

1145 - noon formation, details and go to lunch

1300 - afternoon training formation go to class

1700 - dinner formation

1800 - retreat formation, go to class

2100 - squadron commanders time; study and area preparation

2230 - lights out - get ready to do it again

The next three days are dedicated to the Field Training eXercise. You and your field gear will spend three days on the mountain. Each squadron will practice search skills, campsite preparation, rappelling, wild game preparation, navigation amongst many other ranger skills.

After the FTX, a two-day testing phase of the school begins. Skills and written testing determine course completion. Those eligible will test for Ranger grades.

Graduation will take place at 1000 hrs. on 14 July 2002. Student release by school squadron will occur after living areas are returned to nature and closed. (approximately 1400 hrs.) Parents, unit commanders and associated personnel are welcome to visit the school any time during the week; however, they may not spend individual time with students. Accommodations are eastern forest.