Encampment - Volk Field Air National Guard Base

• Encampment Staff Arrival: 2026 Schedule TBD
• Student Arrival: Between 2026 Schedule TBD

Security Procedures

Volk Field is an active military installation that is currently closed to civilian visitors

• If you have submitted the required security clearance form: You may drive onto base, directly to Building 475 to drop off Cadets.
• If you have NOT submitted the security form: You will NOT be permitted past the front gate. Instead, please pull off to the side of the main entrance where Civil Air Patrol vans will be stationed to escort cadets onto base.

*All students and staff must bring their Civil Air Patrol ID. Anyone 16 or older must also carry a valid driver's license (or state issued ID).

Additional Arrival Information

• Transportation: Students are responsible for arranging transportation to and from encampment. Check with your home squadron if you need help organizing a ride.

• Arrival Attire: Arrive wearing your ABUs with hydration gear (canteen, Camelbak, etc.) filled. Sunscreen should be applied before arrival.

• Weapons: Do not bring weapons of any kind. Volk Field is a federal installation.

Cadets Driving Themselves

Cadets may drive themselves to and from encampment. Vehicles will be parked in a designated area, and car keys must be surrendered at in-processing. Keys will be returned at out-processing.

Carpooling

Carpooling is allowed. For pick-up coordination, please ensure all authorized pick-up persons are listed correctly in the system.

Other Encampment Details

Boots & Uniform Items

Start breaking in any new boots now—encampment is not the place for first wear. Review the packing list closely and order missing uniform items early, as shipping delays from Vanguard are common. Contact your squadron if you need assistance.

Medication

All medications must be sent in original packaging and will be held by medical staff for distribution.

Photos & Updates: 

Daily updates will be shared via Facebook and Instagram. All encampment photos will be edited and uploaded to SmugMug! Please follow along!

2026 Wisconsin Wing Encampment - Graduation Information

Do not email/call Volk Field Base Security - Please only contact the encampment at publicaffairs@wicap.us

Graduation Schedule

• Arrival time: 2026 TBD
• Family Welcome begins at: 2026 TBD
• Graduation Parade at 1100 hours
• The parade and related ceremonies will take approximately 60 minutes

Base Access & Security (based on 2025 information - please check back for 2026 Information!)

• Volk Field is currently closed to civilian visitors and access is only granted to those who submitted security clearance forms prior to encampment. Follow the signs to 475. Do not deviate from the route that has been designed by Security Forces.
• If you submitted a base security form, you still must bring a REAL ID compliant identification card or REAL ID compliant driver's license or a US Passport or a US Passport Card to enter. Both the state issued identification card or driver's license must be Real ID compliant. This is a federal mandate for all military installations that went into effect on May 7, 2025.
• If you did not submit a form, it is our understanding that you will not be permitted on base. See below for instructions on picking up your cadet.

Parking & Logistics

• There is very little shade available so please bring sunscreen, water, shade umbrellas, and a camp chair or folding chair of some kind.
• The forecast is for 79 degrees and high humidity.
• Parking will be available outside of Building 475 and Building 432.
• Leave the first row of Building 475 parking closest to the parade field for handicap parking.
• Follow signage to find the Building 432 parking. It is a 5-10 minute walk from Building 432 to the parade field.

Family Welcome Session

• An informational session will be held in Building 475 beginning at 1015 hours.
• Please set your chairs up BEFORE coming into 475 for the session.
• The Family Welcome Session will feature a review of what your cadet experienced over the past week as well as a chance to hear from cadets who have completed one of the three advanced leadership schools.

Cadet Out-Processing with Family (for families who are at the parade)

• Find your cadet after the parade and return to Building 475.
• Have your cadet secure their luggage.
• Proceed to a sign out at a station in the main lobby.

Cadet Out-Processing for Families who cannot access Volk Field

• A van will be posted outside the front gate by 1200 hours.
• Stop at the van and tell the staff member your cadet's name. The staff will call in to the base to have your cadet brought to the front gate.
• Sign your cadet out with the staff member.

 Please note that the graduation ceremony is held on Friday and is only open to encampment personnel and specially invited guests. It is not open to family or the public. The graduation parade is the only public-facing event that is part of the graduation program.