Srikar's WRA-110 Website

Srikar Bollavaram

5/16/2014

WRA 110

Project 1: Biography Literacy

How the CAP Changed Me

   For most of my life, I was a very shy and introverted person. My day would only consist of going to classes and coming home. I had a few people I would talk to during lunch and between classes but I never went to people's houses or "hung out" with them in any sense of the phrase. I did have ambitions though. According to my parents, I've been interested in being an aircraft pilot since early elementary school or earlier. It wasn't until my Freshman year in high school that something happened which would help me pursue my ambitions and make me better as a person. I was introduced to the

Civil Air Patrol.

   I heard of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) through my dad who asked a Delta Airlines pilot of the best way to become a pilot during one of his business trips. The CAP is the only congressionally chartered auxiliary of any branch of the military. In this case, it is the auxiliary of the United States Air Force. It is an organization made up of volunteers which specializes in aerospace education and emergency services training for youth. The CAP itself conducts 90% of the inland search and rescue missions for the inland U.S..

   I had mixed feelings about the organization when I was first told of it. On one hand, I really liked that I would be able to pursue my interests but at the same time I did not like the idea of meeting and talking with a group of people who are completely different from me. I still remember walking into that auditorium in Oakland Community College and seeing a gathering of about 20 cadets and 5 senior members in full uniform look back at me. When I took a seat I was quickly greeted by the recruiting commander who was able to calm my nerves by introducing me to the squadron and telling me that I would not be forced into participating in any major activities. I spent the rest of the four hour meeting watching the squadron doing drill, team building exercises, PT, and listening to lectures on aerospace subjects. I quickly warmed up to the squadron after a few meetings and in one month I ended up joining

the squadron and wearing a uniform of my own.

   Through the CAP I was able to participate in a number of events that normal people would not be allowed in. A few examples are organizing the Rochester Christmas Parade, managing the radios at a Veteran's Day Parade, marshalling aircraft at the Pontiac Airport Open House, and being able to take orientation flights in a Cessna 182. My favorite activity though, and possibly the most life changing was the 2012 GLR Encampment. During this activity, I was force to leave home for a week to stay on a military facility. Here I learned to lead and follow as I stayed with 12 other members from around the state. All of these activities slowly improved my self image. By participating in so many events and by talking to so many people, I was able to show myself that being recognized for the things you do can actually feel pretty good. I was also able to make many friends within the organization who had many similar interests.

   When I returned from encampment I used what I learned to quickly progress through the ranks. After quickly reached the rank of Cadet Staff Sergeant, I was placed in charge of my own element which consisted of four other cadets. My new role did not add any great responsibilities, but during the year that I was an element leader, I built up enough confidence to apply for the flight sergeant position when it was available. The primary objectives of the flight sergeant are to drill the flight, train the new cadets in the area of drill, wear of the uniform, customs and courtesies, and physical fitness. The ultimate goal of the flight sergeant is to make the cadets within the flight proficient in everything required for basic cadet life. After an interview and a quick knowledge quiz, I was placed in the position.

   One thing that is true is before CAP, I was sort a recluse among my classmates. Also, I was probably the least vocal person during group projects. Now, I see myself taking charge of the group and most of the time, end up leading the group towards its goals. But increasing my self confidence was only one of the many things the CAP did for me. I was able to meet people through the program who I am still in contact with although I left the squadron when I started my Freshman year at MSU. The greatest thing that CAP did for me was give me inspiration and guidance toward a future career as an officer in the USAF.