Information for Adult Members
Information for Adult Members
Civil Air Patrol Adult Members play a vital role in the encampment program. While Encampment is largely a Cadet run activity, Seniors act as overall command and control, operational support, administration, and in general supervisory roles. Without a highly dedicated senior staff, encampments cannot take place.
Adult staff are an essential part of delivering a successful encampment experience. The following information outlines expected arrival timing, lodging options, transportation planning, and basic requirements for staff members.
Dates
The 2026 Wisconsin Wing Summer Encampment will be held 27 June - 4 July graduation day, with 26 June for staff orientation and preparation.
Location
Fort McCoy, a 60,000-acre U.S. Army Reserve installation serving as a premier, year-round training center for all military branches. Fort McCoy is located near Tomah and Sparta in west-central Wisconsin, about 35 miles east of La Crosse.
We Need You
We can use more support in most areas (e.g. pilots, training officers), and we especially need highly organized individuals to apply for logistics support.
Training Officers (TOs)
The training officer is the key "front line" role that senior members will serve in. The duty day for senior members is from 0600 to 2100 each day of encampment, and they are expected to be physically available to their assigned cadet flight throughout the entire duty day.
The TO's primary responsibility is the safety and welfare of the cadet students throughout the week. Being a TO is a difficult but rewarding job. You get to see, first hand, all of the challenges the cadets face and their excitement when they overcome them.
Training Officers are strongly encouraged to hold a CAP driver’s license.
Logistics Officers
Logistics Officers keep track of everything the encampment has, uses, or needs. In addition to these duties, logistics officers will be making trips to nearby stores to purchase needed items. Logistics officers must be detail-oriented and organized, with strong communication skills to minimize off-base trips and effectively track, stock, and distribute supplies.
Encampment operations require transportation support for personnel and supply movement around Fort McCoy. Logistics Officers will serve as the primary van drivers for Wisconsin Wing members while on base. Logistics Officers should hold a CAP driver’s license.
Public Affairs Officers
Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) support documentation and communication efforts throughout the encampment. Responsibilities may include photography, short-form video, daily updates, and assisting with public communications highlighting encampment activities.
PAOs should be very familiar with Civil Air Patrol public affairs brand guidance and operational security requirements. Adult PAOs work alongside Cadet PA staff in a fast-paced environment to document our dynamic encampment.
Ready to Apply?
Fill out the application form here.
Cost
The cost for adult staff for the full week of encampment is $50.
Arrival
Staff should plan to arrive on Friday, 26 June, one day prior to cadet arrival to allow time for staff in-processing, coordination meetings, and final preparations. Exact reporting times will be announced as planning progresses.
Lodging Options
Staff members will have two lodging options available during encampment:
Barracks Housing (Standard Option)
- Staff may stay in the same barracks area as cadets
- Shared bathroom facilities
- No additional cost beyond the staff encampment fee
Support Staff Housing (Optional Upgrade)
- Additional lodging available through Wisconsin State Patrol
- Estimated $40–$50 per night, paid individually by the member
- Availability may be limited, must be requested in advance
- More information on this option will be available soon
Cadet Protection Training
Senior members who participate in Encampment must have completed at least the Basic Cadet Protection Policy Training (CPPT) before they can participate in encampment. We recommend all seniors complete Advanced CPPT. Both courses are available to complete through CAP's online learning management system, Absorb.
Uniforms
The basic uniform for Encampment is the ABU, OCP, or blue Utility uniform. The corporate polo uniform may be substituted as needed. Unless you are a flight crew member who is performing flight crew duties at the encampment, flight suits are not allowed. The USAF blues uniform (or corporate or civilian equivalent) should be worn for the graduation ceremony. Members wearing USAF-style uniforms must meet height/weight standards, grooming standards, and all other requirements in CAPR 39-1.
Ready to Apply?
Fill out the application form here.
Questions?
Have a question not answered here or need additional guidance? Contact Major Walukas, Encampment Deputy Commander for Support, at kristin.walukas@wicap.us