Azle CAP announces Cadet Great Start class

AZLE — Azle Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, announced its next Cadet Great Start class will begin Sept. 17. Class size is limited, and signups are required to ensure proper planning of resources. Interested teens may sign up through the squadron website at azle.cap.gov, the Azle CAP Facebook page or through email at azle@txwg.cap.gov.

TX456 holds the classes three times per year, the next occurring Sept. 17. Students in this class will train and work through their first rank of airman. At the end of a five-week course, students may receive the John Curry Award. Upon completion of the Great Start class, students will join the rest of the squadron and participate in activities related to leadership, character development, aerospace, emergency services, safety, fitness, STEM and other topics. These cadets also become eligible to attend encampment which helps further develop their leadership skills, expands their knowledge of Civil Air Patrol, and opens the doors to National Cadet Special Activities in aviation, military, leadership and technology.

The Cadet Great Start program gives teens and their parents a comprehensive introduction to life as a Civil Air Patrol cadet. When asked about their experience, previous graduates of the program said they felt warmly welcomed by everyone. A press release from the Azle CAP said students voiced their appreciation for the patience and leadership shown by the higher-ranking cadets who taught many of the classes and senior members who explained things in more detail when necessary.

During the five-week course, prospective cadets are introduced to various elements of the CAP Cadet Program — leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, character development and emergency services. Teamwork is a central theme of the class with many activities requiring the prospective cadets to work together in groups and one-on-one. In addition to these teamwork activities, they observe teamwork in action between the higher-ranking cadets and senior members of the squadron. From learning how to wear their uniform, to interacting with other ranking cadets and senior members, teens emerge with self-confidence, goals, and equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for achieving the John Curry award, the release said.

Maj. Gen. John F. Curry served as CAP’s first national commander in the early days of WWII. Under his leadership, CAP aircrews conducted missions of national importance including aerial search missions, border observation, towing aerial targets for the U.S. Navy and searching for Nazi submarines. Earning the John Curry award signifies a cadet has displayed a positive and optimistic attitude, is enthusiastic and team oriented. Along with the award comes a voucher that may be used to purchase a cadet’s uniform items. By completing the Cadet Great Start program and its membership requirements along with achieving their first rank, cadets will be eligible for an orientation ride in a CAP aircraft with an experienced CAP pilot.