Submitted by Cadet Staff Sergeant Kiana McQuade, CAP
It was just another summer day steeped in heat on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst—until the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) showed up. On June 30th, 2018, 120 cadets in-processed at their first New Jersey Wing Basic Encampment. Most of them knew that it was a week-long boot camp and that they would be yelled at, but none of us could be totally prepared for what was to come.
As a Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer, I told myself, “It can’t be that bad.” All of the staff members were surprisingly nice to us for the first hour or so. Then I looked back and see four staff members marching into the room where we were being briefed. The Cadet Commander said something along the lines of “After all, this is Charlie Tango Foxtrot…so let’s dance!”. The four staff cadets started screaming at us. To be completely honest, I was not scared by them. I was confused—did they want us to stand up? Apparently. I got up and moved with the mass of cadets out of the building. We formed into flights and they continued yelling at us. I must admit that this and the following day are a bit blurred in my memory.
We were required to be in bed by 21:00. Of course, because we were not allowed access to electronics or time-keeping devices, we did not know that we had the privilege of getting eight hours of sleep. We were so awake from the yelling that we could not sleep and take advantage of those hours. I was awake for that entire first night. The female flight staff woke us up with a shrill whistle and screaming. The catch phrase that came to be their most-used string of words—“GET ON MY WALL”—was being shouted left and right. We were in our PT gear-complete with reflective belt and unwieldy water canteens. We ran outside, we ran to the PT area, we ran around the track, and we ran back to the barracks. I had been nervous about the physical training because I did not know what to expect. The running and exercises were easier than I had expected and there was never a lack of motivation. Jodies, or marching songs, kept our feet in step and our minds focused away from the physical discomfort. Screamed responses kept our spirits up. Did you know that it is easier to run with a friend rather than alone? Multiply that by about 20 and add in some marching songs, and you’ve got a recipe for running farther and harder.
After the initial shock wore off, I came to notice how special this opportunity was for all of us. I was given an environment in which I did not have to choose whether or not I would eat healthy, exercise regularly, procrastinate, or skimp on details. The highest standards were expected of my roommates and me, so we helped each other excel.
Encampment was not just yelling, PT, and making beds. We attended a variety of classes, from learning how to navigate land with only a map, protractor, and compass, to the history of airplanes. We were exposed to multiple military careers that included Marine pilots, Air Force cargo loaders, and Air Force meteorologists. I got to put dry ice in a package being sent to Greenland and watch a fire truck spectacularly expel water. One of the most memorable tours was at Marine Aircraft Group 49, where we went inside huge helicopters and learned how a 50-caliber machine gun works. Several cadets had their first Orientation Flights (a service provided by the Civil Air Patrol where cadets can control a plane under the supervision of a certified pilot). Yes, I missed ice cream and waking up after the sunrise, but the friends that I made and the skills that I acquired more than made up for it.
You’re probably wondering how a 16-year-old girl started wearing the Air Force uniform and going to boot camp. I learned about CAP in an article much like the one that you are reading right now. Because of my aspirations to be appointed to one of the five federal military academies, I thought that joining the Bud Jackson Composite Squadron would be perfect for acclimating myself into the military lifestyle. Was I right! I am now proficient in Air Force customs, courtesies, drills, and uniforms. I hold an element leader position where I can develop my leadership skills. In eight months, I have gone from knowing nothing about planes to being selected to be one of twelve cadets to attend a solo flight academy at Lakehurst Naval Air Station.
If you or your child is at least twelve (12) years of age, I strongly encourage you to look into joining the Civil Air Patrol. It is a volunteer Auxiliary of the Air Force organization and you are not required to join the military. We compete in Cyber Patriot competitions and do STEM activities regularly. Even if you are older than 21 years old, you can still join as a Senior Member and have the chance to work with youth in a supervisory role. My squadron is based at JP Stevens High School in Edison, New Jersey. We meet every Tuesday at 18:30 in the summer and at 19:00 for the rest of the year. Our meetings are two-hours long and are jam-packed with fun and enriching activities. If you are interested in joining, please contact our Recruiting Officer Lieutenant Jose Vergara @jose.vergara@njwg.cap.gov.
Attendees included: Cadet Manali Shah, Cadet Nyati Shah, Cadet Isaac Allen, and Kiana McQuade (Scotch Plains); Cadet Anjaneya Pant, and Anushka Kumar (Watchung); Cadet Sagar Patil, and Cadet Rohit Bellam (Edison); Cadet Corey Elikens (Plainfield); and Cadet Paul Koizumi (Fanwood).
(above) Cadet Staff Sergeant Kiana McQuade (Scotch Plains resident) (top, in front of back left bed) shines her boots with her roommates.
(above) Cadet Airmen in front of a Marine Corps helicopter.
(above) Cadet Technical Sergeant Kumar (Watchung resident) was Staff-NCO. She was
in the Honor Guard Graduation Ceremony (far right with riffle).
