Common Questions

WHAT IS AN ENCAMPMENT?

An encampment is a basic introduction to the military way of life and an opportunity to experience leadership from both a follower's and leader's point of view. It is an excellent way of meeting new cadets from throughout the Wing and establishing an esprit de corps among the “next generation” of cadet leaders.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND AN ENCAMPMENT AS A PARTICIPANT?

Any cadet who is a current member of CAP who has completed the Curry Achievement (Cadet Airman) as evidenced by the most recent CAP Cadet E-Services member report (this will be checked before the encampment due to liability) and has not previously attended an encampment. A minimum of squadron training is required to ensure that the cadet understands the basics of CAP customs and courtesies, the basics of CAP drill, and the basics of how to wear the CAP uniform, which will be discussed below.

WHY SHOULD A CADET ATTEND AN ENCAMPMENT?

• It is a requirement to achieve the Billy Mitchell Award.
• It is required for most National, Region, and Wing-sponsored special activities.
• It provides an outstanding leadership and training forum for new cadets and new cadet command/staff officers.
• It provides an opportunity to meet other cadets and begin lasting friendships with them.
• It provides an experience to show cadets what the military is about and gives cadets an opportunity to live like military personnel for one week.
• Studies show that attending encampment in the first year increases cadet retention in the program.
• So the cadet can become the trainer of cadets at the next encampment and many other activities!

WHY IS THERE A WAITLIST?

At waitlist allows for cadet to apply without having to put out any money for the activity until we can confirm the number of slots we can get from the Air Force. Since the Air Force has not hosted an Encampment for the past 3 years and due to renovations happening on the base, we are not able to get confirmation until late May or Early June. 

Since NJWG BE23 is one of the last Type A encampments of the summer, the staff urges members to consider earlier encampments, or look for Type B encampments during the non-summer months.  Every effort will be made to provide an Encampment slot to all cadets who will realistically be eligible for their Mitchell Award before they have a chance to attend a 2024 encampment.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A CADET TO ATTEND AN ENCAMPMENT?

Cadets must have a current membership card, meet grooming standards, have all items on the packing list, be a cadet airman or above, complete all pre-requisites, and submit the necessary paperwork. All application instructions are detailed within this site.

WHAT ITEMS SHOULD A CADET BRING TO AN ENCAMPMENT?

The packing list on this website contains items that all cadets should bring as well as certain prohibited items. The staff will secure any prohibited items that are brought to the encampment until the conclusion of the activity. Any prohibited food item will be disposed of and not returned. Click here for a list of what you should bring. Packing list for BE can be found on Registration page.

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