PDF Text
Text
:
CIVIL AIR PATROL
CAP
OFFICE OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE
No. 3 BULLETIN
Washington, D.C.
Feb. 13, 1942 Wing and Group Commanders: During the past week fast progress continued in CAP
organization; training directives, and cooperative plans for new missions. One of the most interesting
developments is our new plan for quick selection of specially skilled personnel to fill the many calls
which will come to the Patrol.
Thus far, the requests have been sufficiently localized so that a Wing Commander could fill them
through his personal knowledge of the men in his outfit. The armed services have been finding out
that they can get just the type of people they want by asking the Patrol, much faster than through a
general call. Besides on confidential missions a general call couldn't be issued.
But as national enrollment in CAP grows to many thousands, the cataloging of all their skills and
aptitudes becomes a superhuman task.
So we are putting a mechanical brain to work.
CAP ROSTER--Detailed information from the CAP enlistment blanks is being tabulated on punched
cards. It is possible to set forth a great many important facts such as a member's educational
background, profession, flying experience, flight ratings, t~e of terrain flow, hobbies, special skills, and
other details.
Now suppose there comes a frantic rush inquiry for a man who can pilot a 2-motor plane,is
experienced in flying over coastal areas, is a night flyer, can speak Dutch, and is an expert
photographer. The CAP cards go through the sorting machine at the rate of 400 per minute.
Out come the dozen or hundred in the whole country which fit these specifications.
Then the application blanks can be pulled for a further selection.
One man is overweight. Another has physical defects. Another is serving on an important war job. The
search narrows down to the one man most available. All in a few hours, he is selected, notified, and
gets on his way. And the mechanical brain keeps the secret of his assignment.
Throughout the country, men of all types of skills from pilots in the last war to fledgling airmen are
eager to be called for the jobs they can best do. Through the CAP roster cards, they are assured that
the call will not be long in coming when the machine is set for their special combination of talents.
TRAINING AND OPERATIONS DIRECTIVES—Eight new training directives are now in preparation
and will be forwarded as rapidly as completed, it is announced by Col. Harry H. Blee, Training and
Operations Officer. They cover: flight training missions; terrain familiarization: aerial navigation;
meteorology; observation and reconnaissance aviation; crash procedure; airport protection; and
military leadership and command.
The following operations directives also will be issued within the next few days: numbering CAP units;
display of CAP insignia on aircraft; table of organization for CAP squadrons; rating requirements for
CAP pilots; and rating requirements for CAP observers.
CAP BULLETIN NO. 3
-2SECRET MISSIONS--We will sound off early and often on the subject of secrecy.
As soon as possible, directives will be sent to intelligence Officers of Wings, Groups, and
Squadrons. It will be among their duties to know: the type of information that is in the clear
and and that which is restricted so they can function to prevent unauthorized statements
and leaks. Thus far, although newspapers have revealed some things we would have
preferred to keep confidential, there have been no serious incidents. But as the Patrol is
organized and goes more and more on military missions, confidences must be strictly
observed.
Especially avoid discussing operations, even with fellow officers.
Don't even tell an officer of the Army about operations, unless his work requires that he
have the information.
The location, strength, and disposition of our own and allied Army and Navy forces are
secret. Don' t talk about your missions in collaboration with the armed forces or for civilian
protection, except for routine exercises. Don't talk about what you say. Never send radio or
phone messages in the clear about our forces. That's just what the enemy wants to know.
Suppose an observer on shore patrol sees a large vessel and radios its position. Wouldn't
an enemy sub lurking off the coast want to know just that?
PILOT LICENSES EXTENDED—CAA recently granted a 90-day extension to all private
pilot certificates expiring between now and April 18. Inspectors, it was explained, are too
rushed now to handle renewals.
AIRWORTHINESS OF PLANES--A similar extension has been granted as to airworthiness
certificates for planes. Despite this, plane owners should lose no time in having check-ups
made by an A and E mechanic to be sure that all CAP aircraft are in A-1 condition for any
missions to which they may be assigned.
If the time for major engine overhaul is close at hand, don't wait.
Do it now to be sure there will be no delay in replacing worn parts. Don' t wait to fly the last
few hours before the time is up.
Windshields in particular should be replaced if they are becoming cloudy or scratched.
Observers must have clear vision. Planes should be heisted up and the undercarriage
fittings checked for play. This will help save wear on tires. Now’s the time to go over every
airplane from prop to rudder.
MYSTERIOUS AIRCRAFT--Acting on reports of mysterious night flights of aircraft in a
midwestern area, Lt. Col. Floyd E. Evans, commanding the 5th and 6th CAP Regions,
called upon his Wing Commanders to circulate newspaper notices throughout their states
asking citizens to report flights after dark to the nearest police station or sheriff's office.
State and local police were asked to help through their facilities, using their squad cars
and radio to locate the landing field and apprehend the plane crew. It was suggested that
police communicate with nearest CAA officials.
Flights ceased on the issuance of publicity. From the reports, it appeared that an autogiro
had been operating from an undesignated landing area
CAP BULLETIN NO. 3
iTHE WEEK’S TALLY--CAP enlistment applications received in Washington now total 24,146. Of these,
17,411 service records already have been mailed back to the Wing Commanders certifying that the
applicants are all in the clear so far as Washington is concerned and may be enrolled in their units.
New York leads the States with 1,975 applications. Ohio, until recently in first place despite its smaller
population, is second with 1,581.
Percentage figures showing the ratio of applications to pilot population have been revised on the new
CAA pilot compilation as of Jan. 1. On this basis, Delaware leads with 61.3%, closely followed by New
Hampshire and Maine
The national average is 24.4%.
The week's figures follow:
Ala
344 35.2 Me.
297 55.8 Ohio Ariz.
201 27.2 Md.
346 30.0 Okla.
Ark.
250 19.9 Mass.
490 19.4 Ore.
Calif. 1447 12.0 Mich. 1470 38.5 Pa.
Colo.
Conn.
Del.
FIa.
Ga.
Ida.
Ill.
Ind.
Iowa
Kans.
Ky.
La.
204 13.6 Minn. 499 22.2 R.I.
418 45.0 Miss. 69 3.9 S.C.
160 61.3 Mo. 658 20.4 S.D.
501 20.0 Mont.
356 42.0 Tenn.
363 23.4 Nebr.
238 21.1 Texas 230 30.4 Nev.
89 37.9 Utah 1348 26.8 N.H.
240 58.6 Vt. 920 45.0 N J.
632 26.7 Va 689 30.0 N.E.
170 27.8 Wash.
% 1581 37.2
424 16.2
461 28.7
1449 27.0
105 27.8
365 34.9
175 27.2
392 23.8
810 11.8
229 24.6 69
23.0 183
12.6 532
21.1
473 15.7 N. Y. 1975. 26.7 W. Va. 290 25.7 322 49.6 N.C. 411
29.1 Wisc. 516 30.5 466 31.5 N.D. 93 14.6 Wyo. 84 2.12
RIPLEY WRITING DIRECTIVES--Newest addition to headquarters is Charles B.
Ripley who is joining the staff of Col. Blee to write training directives and literature.
Up to now, Mr. Ripley has authored thu excellent Aero News Letter, published by the
Engineering Department of Acre Insurance Underwriters with fine CAP coverage and
practical training advice which has helped the units get into action.
SLACKS VERSUS CULOTTES--Acting Supply Officor Harry R. Playford has been faced wth the
perplexing problem of recommending for women CAP members a practical and attractive flying
uniform.
One lady member writes: "Our squadron believes that slacks are more practical than culottes
and less incumbering to girls climbing in and out of planes and wearing parachutes. We have
never seen any girl wear culottes while flying. Slacks and jodhpurs have always been the dress."
But another 99’er rises to protest:
"Most girls and women look horrible in slacks, no matter how; well tailored, unless they are John
Powers’ models. If the women in CAP are to wear uniforms, why don’t you include an optional
culotte (divided skirt) which is just as practical for flying and a lot more sightly on the ground.”
Although the official ladies’ uniform will be culottes for street wear, a squadron may select its own
flying uniform subject to headquarters approval. The District Squadron, based at Congressional
Airport in nearly Maryland, has voted for coveralls.
CAP BULLETIN NO. 3
-4-
APPLICATIONS ARE CONFIDENTIAL--Wing Commanders will instruct all units that
all information contained in application blanks is confidential and must not be given
out to anyone except to officers of the Army, Navy, and CAP memorandum, GM-6,
has been issued by Maj. Gen. Curry.
DISASTER RELIEF—Several CAP units are stressing disaster relief work in their
programs. The Los Angeles County Squadron has been preparing a number of
parachute packs of food, medicine, and signal material including white cloth panels to
be displayed on the ground in code letters indicating what aid is needed.
The Texas Wing has a small ambulance plane especially designed for CAP work. The
ship will carry a pilot and one passenger. In Seattle, a CAP doctor is ready to land or
parachute on the scene of airplane crashes, with folding operating table and surgical
instruments. He is assisted by two smoke jumpers trained in forest fire fighting from
airplanes in the Rockies.
SEA PLANES—A seaplane unit is being formed in Miami.
Pilots at the Embry-Riddle seaplane base are enlisting in CAP and 12 seaplanes are
available for service. Lt. Van H. Burgin, manager of the base, stated that the unit can
do patrol duty, "relieving the Coast Guard, Army, and Navy on routine assignments so
they can devote their time to more valuable -work."
WOMEN IN CAP--The important role of women in the Patrol was emphasized in a
recent statement by Maj. Gen. John F. Curry, National Commander, as follows:
"There will be absolutely no discrimination as to race, creed, color, or sex in the Civil
Air Patrol. Each member is to be accepted and assigned to duties strictly on the basis
of his or her experience and record of performance.
"There must be no doubt in the mind's of our gallant women flyers that they are
needed and, in my opinion, indispensable to the full success of the CAP:" A great part
of the progress made in organizing civilian aviation under the Civil Air Patrol has been
due to the volunteer help given by women flyers—members of the Women Flyers of
America and the Ninety-Nines."
AIR YOUTH BROADCAST--The work of the CAP was dramatized in the regular N A A
Air Youth Broadcast last Saturday over the Red Network of NBC. Gill Robb Wilson,
consultant to the National Commander, was guest speaker.
NON-FLYING PERSONNEL--The place of non-flying personnel in CAP should be deemphasized at this stage. The main job now is to get the pilots’ applications cleared in
Washington and a flood of additional applications would clog the machinery. Later on,
steps can be taken to recruit the types of non-flying personnel most needed.
OFFICERS” UNIFORM COLORS--CAP uniforms will be a two-tone outfit, with a dark
brown blouse (coat) and lighter brown trousers. An overseas cap will be worn, of the
same material and the same two tones. All has been designed by the Army
Quartermaster Corps and approved by the War Department.
CIVIL AIR PATROL
CAP
OFFICE OF CIVILIAN DEFENSE
No. 3 BULLETIN
Washington, D.C.
Feb. 13, 1942 Wing and Group Commanders: During the past week fast progress continued in CAP
organization; training directives, and cooperative plans for new missions. One of the most interesting
developments is our new plan for quick selection of specially skilled personnel to fill the many calls
which will come to the Patrol.
Thus far, the requests have been sufficiently localized so that a Wing Commander could fill them
through his personal knowledge of the men in his outfit. The armed services have been finding out
that they can get just the type of people they want by asking the Patrol, much faster than through a
general call. Besides on confidential missions a general call couldn't be issued.
But as national enrollment in CAP grows to many thousands, the cataloging of all their skills and
aptitudes becomes a superhuman task.
So we are putting a mechanical brain to work.
CAP ROSTER--Detailed information from the CAP enlistment blanks is being tabulated on punched
cards. It is possible to set forth a great many important facts such as a member's educational
background, profession, flying experience, flight ratings, t~e of terrain flow, hobbies, special skills, and
other details.
Now suppose there comes a frantic rush inquiry for a man who can pilot a 2-motor plane,is
experienced in flying over coastal areas, is a night flyer, can speak Dutch, and is an expert
photographer. The CAP cards go through the sorting machine at the rate of 400 per minute.
Out come the dozen or hundred in the whole country which fit these specifications.
Then the application blanks can be pulled for a further selection.
One man is overweight. Another has physical defects. Another is serving on an important war job. The
search narrows down to the one man most available. All in a few hours, he is selected, notified, and
gets on his way. And the mechanical brain keeps the secret of his assignment.
Throughout the country, men of all types of skills from pilots in the last war to fledgling airmen are
eager to be called for the jobs they can best do. Through the CAP roster cards, they are assured that
the call will not be long in coming when the machine is set for their special combination of talents.
TRAINING AND OPERATIONS DIRECTIVES—Eight new training directives are now in preparation
and will be forwarded as rapidly as completed, it is announced by Col. Harry H. Blee, Training and
Operations Officer. They cover: flight training missions; terrain familiarization: aerial navigation;
meteorology; observation and reconnaissance aviation; crash procedure; airport protection; and
military leadership and command.
The following operations directives also will be issued within the next few days: numbering CAP units;
display of CAP insignia on aircraft; table of organization for CAP squadrons; rating requirements for
CAP pilots; and rating requirements for CAP observers.
CAP BULLETIN NO. 3
-2SECRET MISSIONS--We will sound off early and often on the subject of secrecy.
As soon as possible, directives will be sent to intelligence Officers of Wings, Groups, and
Squadrons. It will be among their duties to know: the type of information that is in the clear
and and that which is restricted so they can function to prevent unauthorized statements
and leaks. Thus far, although newspapers have revealed some things we would have
preferred to keep confidential, there have been no serious incidents. But as the Patrol is
organized and goes more and more on military missions, confidences must be strictly
observed.
Especially avoid discussing operations, even with fellow officers.
Don't even tell an officer of the Army about operations, unless his work requires that he
have the information.
The location, strength, and disposition of our own and allied Army and Navy forces are
secret. Don' t talk about your missions in collaboration with the armed forces or for civilian
protection, except for routine exercises. Don't talk about what you say. Never send radio or
phone messages in the clear about our forces. That's just what the enemy wants to know.
Suppose an observer on shore patrol sees a large vessel and radios its position. Wouldn't
an enemy sub lurking off the coast want to know just that?
PILOT LICENSES EXTENDED—CAA recently granted a 90-day extension to all private
pilot certificates expiring between now and April 18. Inspectors, it was explained, are too
rushed now to handle renewals.
AIRWORTHINESS OF PLANES--A similar extension has been granted as to airworthiness
certificates for planes. Despite this, plane owners should lose no time in having check-ups
made by an A and E mechanic to be sure that all CAP aircraft are in A-1 condition for any
missions to which they may be assigned.
If the time for major engine overhaul is close at hand, don't wait.
Do it now to be sure there will be no delay in replacing worn parts. Don' t wait to fly the last
few hours before the time is up.
Windshields in particular should be replaced if they are becoming cloudy or scratched.
Observers must have clear vision. Planes should be heisted up and the undercarriage
fittings checked for play. This will help save wear on tires. Now’s the time to go over every
airplane from prop to rudder.
MYSTERIOUS AIRCRAFT--Acting on reports of mysterious night flights of aircraft in a
midwestern area, Lt. Col. Floyd E. Evans, commanding the 5th and 6th CAP Regions,
called upon his Wing Commanders to circulate newspaper notices throughout their states
asking citizens to report flights after dark to the nearest police station or sheriff's office.
State and local police were asked to help through their facilities, using their squad cars
and radio to locate the landing field and apprehend the plane crew. It was suggested that
police communicate with nearest CAA officials.
Flights ceased on the issuance of publicity. From the reports, it appeared that an autogiro
had been operating from an undesignated landing area
CAP BULLETIN NO. 3
iTHE WEEK’S TALLY--CAP enlistment applications received in Washington now total 24,146. Of these,
17,411 service records already have been mailed back to the Wing Commanders certifying that the
applicants are all in the clear so far as Washington is concerned and may be enrolled in their units.
New York leads the States with 1,975 applications. Ohio, until recently in first place despite its smaller
population, is second with 1,581.
Percentage figures showing the ratio of applications to pilot population have been revised on the new
CAA pilot compilation as of Jan. 1. On this basis, Delaware leads with 61.3%, closely followed by New
Hampshire and Maine
The national average is 24.4%.
The week's figures follow:
Ala
344 35.2 Me.
297 55.8 Ohio Ariz.
201 27.2 Md.
346 30.0 Okla.
Ark.
250 19.9 Mass.
490 19.4 Ore.
Calif. 1447 12.0 Mich. 1470 38.5 Pa.
Colo.
Conn.
Del.
FIa.
Ga.
Ida.
Ill.
Ind.
Iowa
Kans.
Ky.
La.
204 13.6 Minn. 499 22.2 R.I.
418 45.0 Miss. 69 3.9 S.C.
160 61.3 Mo. 658 20.4 S.D.
501 20.0 Mont.
356 42.0 Tenn.
363 23.4 Nebr.
238 21.1 Texas 230 30.4 Nev.
89 37.9 Utah 1348 26.8 N.H.
240 58.6 Vt. 920 45.0 N J.
632 26.7 Va 689 30.0 N.E.
170 27.8 Wash.
% 1581 37.2
424 16.2
461 28.7
1449 27.0
105 27.8
365 34.9
175 27.2
392 23.8
810 11.8
229 24.6 69
23.0 183
12.6 532
21.1
473 15.7 N. Y. 1975. 26.7 W. Va. 290 25.7 322 49.6 N.C. 411
29.1 Wisc. 516 30.5 466 31.5 N.D. 93 14.6 Wyo. 84 2.12
RIPLEY WRITING DIRECTIVES--Newest addition to headquarters is Charles B.
Ripley who is joining the staff of Col. Blee to write training directives and literature.
Up to now, Mr. Ripley has authored thu excellent Aero News Letter, published by the
Engineering Department of Acre Insurance Underwriters with fine CAP coverage and
practical training advice which has helped the units get into action.
SLACKS VERSUS CULOTTES--Acting Supply Officor Harry R. Playford has been faced wth the
perplexing problem of recommending for women CAP members a practical and attractive flying
uniform.
One lady member writes: "Our squadron believes that slacks are more practical than culottes
and less incumbering to girls climbing in and out of planes and wearing parachutes. We have
never seen any girl wear culottes while flying. Slacks and jodhpurs have always been the dress."
But another 99’er rises to protest:
"Most girls and women look horrible in slacks, no matter how; well tailored, unless they are John
Powers’ models. If the women in CAP are to wear uniforms, why don’t you include an optional
culotte (divided skirt) which is just as practical for flying and a lot more sightly on the ground.”
Although the official ladies’ uniform will be culottes for street wear, a squadron may select its own
flying uniform subject to headquarters approval. The District Squadron, based at Congressional
Airport in nearly Maryland, has voted for coveralls.
CAP BULLETIN NO. 3
-4-
APPLICATIONS ARE CONFIDENTIAL--Wing Commanders will instruct all units that
all information contained in application blanks is confidential and must not be given
out to anyone except to officers of the Army, Navy, and CAP memorandum, GM-6,
has been issued by Maj. Gen. Curry.
DISASTER RELIEF—Several CAP units are stressing disaster relief work in their
programs. The Los Angeles County Squadron has been preparing a number of
parachute packs of food, medicine, and signal material including white cloth panels to
be displayed on the ground in code letters indicating what aid is needed.
The Texas Wing has a small ambulance plane especially designed for CAP work. The
ship will carry a pilot and one passenger. In Seattle, a CAP doctor is ready to land or
parachute on the scene of airplane crashes, with folding operating table and surgical
instruments. He is assisted by two smoke jumpers trained in forest fire fighting from
airplanes in the Rockies.
SEA PLANES—A seaplane unit is being formed in Miami.
Pilots at the Embry-Riddle seaplane base are enlisting in CAP and 12 seaplanes are
available for service. Lt. Van H. Burgin, manager of the base, stated that the unit can
do patrol duty, "relieving the Coast Guard, Army, and Navy on routine assignments so
they can devote their time to more valuable -work."
WOMEN IN CAP--The important role of women in the Patrol was emphasized in a
recent statement by Maj. Gen. John F. Curry, National Commander, as follows:
"There will be absolutely no discrimination as to race, creed, color, or sex in the Civil
Air Patrol. Each member is to be accepted and assigned to duties strictly on the basis
of his or her experience and record of performance.
"There must be no doubt in the mind's of our gallant women flyers that they are
needed and, in my opinion, indispensable to the full success of the CAP:" A great part
of the progress made in organizing civilian aviation under the Civil Air Patrol has been
due to the volunteer help given by women flyers—members of the Women Flyers of
America and the Ninety-Nines."
AIR YOUTH BROADCAST--The work of the CAP was dramatized in the regular N A A
Air Youth Broadcast last Saturday over the Red Network of NBC. Gill Robb Wilson,
consultant to the National Commander, was guest speaker.
NON-FLYING PERSONNEL--The place of non-flying personnel in CAP should be deemphasized at this stage. The main job now is to get the pilots’ applications cleared in
Washington and a flood of additional applications would clog the machinery. Later on,
steps can be taken to recruit the types of non-flying personnel most needed.
OFFICERS” UNIFORM COLORS--CAP uniforms will be a two-tone outfit, with a dark
brown blouse (coat) and lighter brown trousers. An overseas cap will be worn, of the
same material and the same two tones. All has been designed by the Army
Quartermaster Corps and approved by the War Department.