The Kansas Civil Air Patrol Wing Training Group held its 2021 Winter Encampment at the Kansas National Guard Regional Training Center, Salina, from Dec. 27, 2021, to Jan. 2, 2022. The cadet encampment is a week-long immersive experience into the military lifestyle.

As part of the encampment, the cadets attend classes and learn about the Civil Air Patrol, leadership, uniforms, and aerospace topics. The cadets also practice drilling, military customs and courtesies, as well as conducting physical training, running through obstacle courses, and receiving instruction and practice on the rifle range.

During the first week of encampment, the cadets were given the opportunity to take an orientation flight in a Kansas Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter flown by the KSARNG’s 1st Battalion, 108th Aviation Regiment in Salina. The orientation flights introduced them to the technology and capability of the Army’s rotary wing force.

“Flying the Civil Air Patrol cadets and staff was a very enjoyable professional experience,” said Lt. Col. Patrik Goss, commander, Army Aviation Support Facility #2. “The opportunity to share Army capabilities and provide a demonstration of Kansas Army National Guard airpower is a great way to broaden their minds and educate these motivated young men and women on the endless possibilities that are available to them in the Kansas National Guard.”

“We started these Kansas Army National Guard orientation flights with the encampment in 2010 and they are the highlight every year,” said 2nd Lt. Christina Spoula, commandant of cadets. “The cadets had an amazing time!”
The encampment is run by a cadet staff with the help of senior members. The cadet cadre are able to put into practice the leadership and organizational skills they have learned as they move through the CAP cadet program.