August 2006 ALS
AUSTIN, TX - August 11-13, at its Camp Mabry headquarters, Pegasus Composite Squadron, a subordinate unit of Group III, Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol, conducted a two-day Airman Leadership School (ALS). The training focused on the required academics, Civil Air Patrol history, military customs and courtesies, and marching drill and ceremonies. Meant for Group III’s new cadets, the training was attended by 14 members from Greater Austin and Waco. Student in-processing started on the evening of Friday 11, followed by a game of capture the flag. With all the excitement, cadets found it hard to sleep when lights-out was called at 2200.Saturday 12th started at 0600, when C/1Sgt Steven Hamman conducted Physical Training (PT) ending with a mile-long run in formation. Now fully awake, the cadets settled into a day of academic study and preparation for the leadership test. For some, the ALS was their first exposure to what it means to be a CAP cadet. In describing the experience, “ALS was a great learning experience,” said C/Amn Evan Petrosky. “The basics of CAP membership were well covered. I was hoping to know all this so I wouldn’t stick out like someone who just joined,” he added. “I’m really happy that I came.”
Sunday involved preparation for the physical fitness test, taking the leadership written exam, and practicing marching maneuvers. Again, C/1Sgt Hamman led the cadets through small-unit drills, showing them how to maneuver as a flight, in smaller elements, and as individuals. Later that day, after taking the leadership tests, the cadets cleaned their rooms, reluctantly packed their personal belongings, and prepared for graduation.
When the test results were tallied, the Pegasus staff knew they had a winning class. Eight airman basic cadets qualified for their Gen. John F Curry award and, breaking with tradition, the staff selected two (instead of one) honor graduates: C/AB Shelby Cody and C/Amn Evan Petrosky. “Everybody involved did a great job,” was cadet Petrosky’s final comment. He then explained that his an all-inclusive comment – from the cadet instructors who had “been there” and made the weekend fun, to the senior staff that also had “been there” and helped the weekend run so professionally.
This event was enhanced by the continued support of the Texas Army National Guard’s 132nd Division, who lent the use of the Audie Murphy facility and billeting.
1st Lt Daren Jaeger, Pegasus Composite Squadron commander, who is looking forward to hosting another ALS in the spring of 2007, said, “We are building tomorrow’s youth and, from what I can see in these cadets, that future is bright indeed.”
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) maintains the world’s largest fleet (550) of single-engine, piston aircraft, as well as the Nation’s most extensive communications network. Through aerospace education, glider and powered orientation flights, flight training scholarships, and cadet programs, CAP serves its nearly 57,000 members, America's youth, and the public at large. CAP performs 95% of all inland search and rescue in the U.S., as tasked by the U.S. Air Force. CAP also flies aerial reconnaissance missions for homeland security, as well as disaster-relief and damage assessment operations. CAP transports time-sensitive medical material, and flies counterdrug missions for homeland security. For more information about Pegasus Composite Squadron on Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas go to http://www.pegasuscap.org.
Article submitted by 2LT Russell Corley
