Air Patrol builds character from ground up

By Bryan McKenzie

Published: July 18, 2008

Local teens in the Civil Air Patrol are trained in ground search and rescue, and appreciate the focus and discipline the organization has taught them.

Read that sentence again. If you sense a contradiction between being a ground troop in the air patrol, the part about kids and discipline should flummox you.

Luckily, the 40 cadets of the Monticello Composite Squadron of the Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol feel no such confusion.

“I never had an idea that I’d be doing” ground search and rescue, said Stedman Batten, 16, of Ruckersville, prior to a recent squadron meeting. “[The Civil Air Patrol] requires more focus and discipline and that’s helped because I’ve never had much direction.”

Practical training

The Civil Air Patrol is the civilian offshoot of the U.S. Air Force. It focuses on searches from the air and on the ground, provides aerospace-related education from engineering to history and leadership training.

The training is practical. Local squadrons may be called when authorities need help in finding lost airplanes, elderly residents who’ve wandered off and children.

The local squadron, which draws from across Central Virginia, has sent several cadets to advanced training courses. Amy Moyers, 17, of Ruckersville, and Lincoln Seigler, 16, of Barboursville, recently attended the patrol’s cadet encampment at Fort Pickett.

Think of it as a little touch of basic training with rappelling, hiking, orienteering and an M-16 simulator mixed in with group meals, bunks and that inimitable military ambiance.

“It can be really upsetting to some kids, especially younger ones,” said Lt. Col. Dave Duncan, a squadron leader. “There’s no privacy and little free time. It’s pretty intense.”

‘Early wake up call’

“You get a really early wake up call,” Mr. Seigler laughed. “There’s a lot of discipline you learn and a lot of training. It’s really helped me because I’ve been able to incorporate that into my daily life.”

“I was nervous at first, but it was nine days of fun,” Miss Moyers said. “The first two days were hectic, but I really enjoyed it.”

What did she learn? Would you believe discipline?

“It’s helped me improve my leadership skills,” she said, “and I learned self-discipline that I didn’t have before.”

Mr. Seigler is interested in pursuing his private pilot’s license while Miss Moyers is content with her role on the ground and learning new techniques. Meanwhile, the patrol experience has given Mr. Batten new direction.

“I may continue as a senior member after I graduate from high school, and I’m considering joining Air Force [Reserve Officer Training Corps] in college,” he said. “It’s been a good experience.”