Squadron Commander
Lt Col Peter Hughes
Welcome to the Monadnock Composite Squadron of the New Hampshire Civil Air Patrol (CAP), charter number NH-053. We are one of eight CAP squadrons serving in the New Hampshire Wing. The Civil Air Patrol is the auxiliary of the United States Air Force and has had a presence in the Monadnock region since the 1940s. Established on December 1, 1941, CAP has served our nation in many ways. During World War II, CAP pilots conducted patrols along the coast in search of enemy submarines. In fact they sunk two enemy submarines and saved hundreds of crash victims.
Today, CAP has three missions: Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education, and Emergency Services. Each of these mission areas offer members an exciting opportunity to learn, serve, and lead.
The Cadet Program is open to young men and women ages 12-18. It advances CAP’s four core values: Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Volunteer Service. What’s more, cadets learn teamwork, leadership, and many “soft skills:” written and verbal communication, time and resource management, discipline, and planning. These skills are developed through a host of activities, seminars, and schools. Examples include summer encampments, drill and ceremonies, the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (NCOA), and Regional Cadet Leadership School (RCLS). Cadets can also train to be members of the Color Guard and Honor Guard. We regularly participate in local community events such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Loyalty Day, and Wreaths Across America (WAA).
Former CAP members include astronauts, Air Force Thunderbird pilots, soldiers, fire fighters, law enforcement offices, and industry and community leaders. Several of our cadets have graduated from Service Academies. Regardless of one’s aspirations, CAP membership is great way to learn leadership skills and professionalism.
Our Aerospace Education Program is one of discovery and excitement. Members learn of the history and pioneers of aviation. The curriculum includes: flight science, airport environment, weather, rocketry, navigation, and spacecraft. Cadets receive five powered orientation flights and five glider flights in CAP aircraft. We conduct annual rocketry workshops and competitions. Other activities include Radio Controlled Aircraft and visits to Air Museums. Our Aerospace Excellence (AEX) Program offers cadets hands on experience through various projects to reinforce learned concepts. Educators can join as an Aerospace Education Member (AEM) and receive training material for their classrooms. Summer activities in this mission area include powered and glider flight academies across the Northeast region. Overall, membership in CAP is a great way to explore careers in aviation.
The Emergency Service mission in CAP is comprised of several roles: Search and Rescue, Disaster Relief, Humanitarian Services, Aerial Photography, and Counter Drug Operations. Team work is required amongst Ground, Air, and Mission Control Teams. Each area has its own training curriculum. Skills include land navigation, chart reading, communications, and first aid. Skills are honed via several different venues such as Bivouacs, Training Exercises (TRAINEX) and Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREX). CAP coordinates various efforts with other agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Summer activities include special opportunities like the Hawk Mountain Ranger School and Blue Berets.
CAP is not just for cadets. There is a wide array of opportunities for adult members too. Each area described above requires senior members to participate in and lead activities. Functional Skill tracks include finance, logistics, communications, aerospace education, personnel, public affairs, etc.. Aircrew positions include Mission Scanner (MS) and Mission Observer (MO). CAP pilots perform several missions too: Glider and Powered Flight Orientation for cadets, Transport, and Mission.
Take a look through our website to gain a perspective of each of CAP’s mission areas. Here, you will also find highlights from recent activities and schedules of upcoming events. You can also visit the national CAP website at www.gocivilairpatrol.com
We meet at the Dillant-Hopkins Air Terminal in Swanzey, NH (just south of the city of Keene off Route 32). Meetings are held each Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:30 pm. Stop by for a visit. We would be glad to show you around and answer your questions.
I hope that you will consider joining CAP. The experiences are challenging, exciting and rewarding. Membership is a great way to serve, learn, and prepare for the future. The experiences and memories gained in CAP will last a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Peter Hughes, Lt Col (CAP)
Commander
Monadnock Composite Squadron, NH-053
Welcome to the Monadnock Composite Squadron of the New Hampshire Civil Air Patrol (CAP), charter number NH-053. We are one of eight CAP squadrons serving in the New Hampshire Wing. The Civil Air Patrol is the auxiliary of the United States Air Force and has had a presence in the Monadnock region since the 1940s. Established on December 1, 1941, CAP has served our nation in many ways. During World War II, CAP pilots conducted patrols along the coast in search of enemy submarines. In fact they sunk two enemy submarines and saved hundreds of crash victims.
Today, CAP has three missions: Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education, and Emergency Services. Each of these mission areas offer members an exciting opportunity to learn, serve, and lead.
The Cadet Program is open to young men and women ages 12-18. It advances CAP’s four core values: Integrity, Excellence, Respect, and Volunteer Service. What’s more, cadets learn teamwork, leadership, and many “soft skills:” written and verbal communication, time and resource management, discipline, and planning. These skills are developed through a host of activities, seminars, and schools. Examples include summer encampments, drill and ceremonies, the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (NCOA), and Regional Cadet Leadership School (RCLS). Cadets can also train to be members of the Color Guard and Honor Guard. We regularly participate in local community events such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Loyalty Day, and Wreaths Across America (WAA).
Former CAP members include astronauts, Air Force Thunderbird pilots, soldiers, fire fighters, law enforcement offices, and industry and community leaders. Several of our cadets have graduated from Service Academies. Regardless of one’s aspirations, CAP membership is great way to learn leadership skills and professionalism.
Our Aerospace Education Program is one of discovery and excitement. Members learn of the history and pioneers of aviation. The curriculum includes: flight science, airport environment, weather, rocketry, navigation, and spacecraft. Cadets receive five powered orientation flights and five glider flights in CAP aircraft. We conduct annual rocketry workshops and competitions. Other activities include Radio Controlled Aircraft and visits to Air Museums. Our Aerospace Excellence (AEX) Program offers cadets hands on experience through various projects to reinforce learned concepts. Educators can join as an Aerospace Education Member (AEM) and receive training material for their classrooms. Summer activities in this mission area include powered and glider flight academies across the Northeast region. Overall, membership in CAP is a great way to explore careers in aviation.
The Emergency Service mission in CAP is comprised of several roles: Search and Rescue, Disaster Relief, Humanitarian Services, Aerial Photography, and Counter Drug Operations. Team work is required amongst Ground, Air, and Mission Control Teams. Each area has its own training curriculum. Skills include land navigation, chart reading, communications, and first aid. Skills are honed via several different venues such as Bivouacs, Training Exercises (TRAINEX) and Search and Rescue Exercises (SAREX). CAP coordinates various efforts with other agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Summer activities include special opportunities like the Hawk Mountain Ranger School and Blue Berets.
CAP is not just for cadets. There is a wide array of opportunities for adult members too. Each area described above requires senior members to participate in and lead activities. Functional Skill tracks include finance, logistics, communications, aerospace education, personnel, public affairs, etc.. Aircrew positions include Mission Scanner (MS) and Mission Observer (MO). CAP pilots perform several missions too: Glider and Powered Flight Orientation for cadets, Transport, and Mission.
Take a look through our website to gain a perspective of each of CAP’s mission areas. Here, you will also find highlights from recent activities and schedules of upcoming events. You can also visit the national CAP website at www.gocivilairpatrol.com
We meet at the Dillant-Hopkins Air Terminal in Swanzey, NH (just south of the city of Keene off Route 32). Meetings are held each Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:30 pm. Stop by for a visit. We would be glad to show you around and answer your questions.
I hope that you will consider joining CAP. The experiences are challenging, exciting and rewarding. Membership is a great way to serve, learn, and prepare for the future. The experiences and memories gained in CAP will last a lifetime.
Sincerely,
Peter Hughes, Lt Col (CAP)
Commander
Monadnock Composite Squadron, NH-053
