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    U.S. Air Force Academy Survival Course
    U.S. Air Force Academy Survival Course
    U.S. Air Force Academy Survival Course
    Ebook50 pages37 minutes

    U.S. Air Force Academy Survival Course

    By Stephen Austen

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Civil Air Patrol’s “1972 Annual Report to Congress” reported that:

    “In July, 63 male Cadets attended the Air Force Academy Survival Course at the Air Force Academy, Colorado. The course is the same course given to Air Force Academy cadets and includes training in water survival, living off the land, and developing life-sustaining techniques in mountainous country.”

    It accomplished that and more. . .

    On the surface it was a new travel experience, and the challenge of outdoor adventures with a group of exceptional Cadet leaders. For some, it was simply a refresher. For many more, it was a great introduction to the art of survival. We were all challenged to learn, to perform hands-on tasks, and then demonstrate those learned skills on-the-spot.

    Most importantly, we were all tested mentally and physically. I don’t think anyone left Saylor Park, and the mighty Rampart Range, without knowing more about themselves, their abilities, and limitations.

    We all learned and we all grew. I know I did.

    Like many other Civil Air Patrol (CAP) members, my CAP Cadet Program years are among my fondest memories. For me, the Cadet Program was more than just a weekly meeting with, drill, book work and inspections. That was just the “price of admission” to a larger world.

    Cadets of today ask me, “What was it like to be a Cadet then?”

    Well, for me, the Special Activities, like the U.S. Air Force Academy Survival Course, was one of many opportunities to learn, to grow, and to lead. Now, in 2018, memories of that very special “Special Activity” came back with crystal clarity. Aided by my files and personal journal this is a window into that time.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherStephen Austen
    Release dateSep 11, 2018
    ISBN9780463179796
    U.S. Air Force Academy Survival Course
    Author

    Stephen Austen

    I was born in Lafayette, Louisiana and raised in New Orleans. But I truly grew-up as I travelled or lived in some thirty-four states. A Human Resources Manager, I now reside with my family in North Carolina. My writings and interests are eclectic. My latest series, The Paladin Papers, are fast-paced, fact-based military/techno thrillers. Based on today's events and often set in the near future, they offer thought-provoking entertainment. They will keep you thinking long after you put them down. I am certain you will enjoy reading these stories as much as I did writing them. . .

    Read more from Stephen Austen

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      Book preview

      U.S. Air Force Academy Survival Course - Stephen Austen

      U.S.A.F. Academy Survival Course

      July, 1972

      A Story By

      Stephen W. Austen

      Published by Stephen W. Austen at Smashwords

      Copyright 2018 Stephen W. Austen

      Smashwords Edition, License Notes

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy.

      Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      Foreword

      Cadets of today ask me, What was it like to be a Civil Air Patrol Cadet then?

      Like many other Civil Air Patrol (CAP) members, my CAP Cadet Program years are among my fondest memories. For me, the Cadet Program was more than just a weekly meeting with, drill, book work and inspections. That was just the price of admission to a much larger world.

      Well, for me, the Special Activities, like the U.S. Air Force Academy Survival Course, was one of many opportunities to learn, to grow, and to lead. Now, in 2018, memories of that very special Special Activity came back with crystal clarity. Aided by my files and personal journal, this is a window into that time.

      Any factual error or omission is my responsibility alone. I hope you will enjoy this little journey into that time and place of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, as much as I enjoyed writing it.

      Introduction

      Reading through the Cadet Special Activities information, it all seemed so simple. Spend several days and a couple of nights in the picturesque Rockies, courtesy of the U.S. Air Force Academy. See some spectacular scenery while visiting the hallowed halls of the vaunted Academy. All of this packaged around a healthful excursion in the great outdoors with a group of fellow Cadet Officers. It all seemed so simple. . .

      On 10 December 1971, I pulled the pink CAPF 31, Cadet Application of Special Activities forms out of the typewriter and signed the three copies with a flourish. I was a Cadet/Lieutenant Colonel (C/LtCol) at the time, about to get my Spaatz Award and entering my last lap of the Cadet Program. The U.S. Air Force Academy Survival Course was my last Special Activity as a Cadet and I wanted it to be a good one. I had attended IACE in 1970 and, while there were other activities available, this was one of the premium activities left. I wanted a shot at it.

      Getting there (half the fun). . .

      Some say that, getting there is half the fun and getting to the Academy was no exception. My flight orders called for a USAF flight out of Callendar NAS near New Orleans on 5 July 1972. The only snag was that I was living

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