Information for Students

Congratulations on being chosen to attend your first Encampment! The week will be exciting, challenging, and rewarding. To make your week as beneficial as possible, proper preparation is key.

Here are a few subjects you should know before encampment. The CAP reference where you can find more information is also included in parentheses.

Civil Air Patrol Encampment Handbook (CAPP 60-71)

  • Will be provided in hard copy at Encampment in-processing, but feel free to start studying before Encampment!

CAP Customs and Courtesies (Cadet Leadership manuals and CAPP 151)

  • Saluting - When, where, how

  • Verbal greetings when passing officers

Proper wear of the CAP uniform (CAPR 39-1)

  • Appropriate jewelry for male and female cadets

  • Learn basic ironing skills. Irons and boards are usually available.

  • Appropriate haircuts/hairstyles

  • Blues

    • Appropriate grade insignia on both collars (at least C/Airman since Curry Achievement is required)

    • Proper placement of insignia (measure everything)

    • Wear of flight cap (placement on head)

    • Gig Line

    • V-neck white tee shirts only

    • Purchasing and use of shirt garters

    • Placement of creases in sleeves and pants

    • Shining shoes

    • Ribbon order

  • ABUs

    • Appropriate grade insignia on both collars

    • Proper placement of patches and insignia (measure everything)

    • Wear of ABU caps (placement on head)

    • Blousing ABU trousers (blousing bands recommended, not the ties in trousers)

    • Rolling ABU sleeves

    • Tucking in combat boot laces

    • ABU tan crew neck t-shirts

    • Boot shining

Basic drill maneuvers (CAPP 60-33 & AFMAN 36-2203 Drill and Ceremonies)

  • Fall In (automatic Dress Right Dress and automatic Ready Front)

  • Attention (know the importance of the position and remaining motionless)

  • Parade Rest

  • At Ease

  • All facing movements

  • Present and Order Arms

  • Flanking movements

  • To the Rear March

Additional Resource Guide (Created by OHWG Encampment Cadre)


Helpful Video Resources (Created by OHWG Encampment Cadre)

Last updated: 5 June 2022