Academy Brochure     Curriculum    

Date: 26-28 June 2009
Location: Camp Ashland, NE

The North Central Region’s Public Affairs Leadership Academy will provide basic level training on the basic tasks of a Squadron PAO:

Planning for Success as a PAO
Creating and Publishing Effective Press Releases
Editing Informative and Entertaining Newsletters
Developing Effective and Informative Squadron Websites
Letting the community know who you are with Effective Community Outreach

An entire day of the academy will be devoted to Basic Level Mission Information Officer (MIO) Training.

MIO training will take the form of a simulated mission where you will learn and practice the basic skills of an MIO under an experienced MIO. A mission number will be assigned and participants will be signed off on appropriate MIO tasks.

The academy will also present ideas and best practices on the use of New Technology in Public Affairs Operations and discussions of the Leadership that CAP Public Affairs Officers can provide to the organization at all levels.

All training will be a combination of live & multi-media presentations as well as hands-on practical training.

The Academy will count as the 2 PAO Workshops required to earn the PAO Technician Rating and these can be carried over for the Senior and Master Ratings.

Each participant will receive course materials consisting of:

Academy Course Book (with all presentations, syllabuses, and some surprises)
The NCR PAO’s Resource DVD (A compilation of local and National PA Resources & Tools)
The Mission Information Officer’s Handbook
The Mission Information Officer’s Resource Disk
Multi-Media Resources Kit

We have an exciting group of presenters including NHQ's own Julie Debardelaben, Major David Miller and Lt Col Mike Marek.

REGISTRATION: Registration is closed. Watch for more training opportunities coming soon.

The academy is open to all Senior Members with priority given to members assigned as Public Affairs Officers at the Squadron, Group and Wing Level. Commanders and Incident Commanders are very welcome to join us. Cadet Officers are also welcome to attend but cannot be signed off on any tasks.

All participants must have a General Emergency Services Rating and will need to have their 101 Card with them.

The PAO Academy is an "Air Force Assigned Mission" and we are working with your wings to get a mission number assigned so your ground transportation to and from can be reimbursed. Once you register I will let you know how that will work. This applies only to North Central Region members.

FEES: The cost of the academy is $ 30.00 per member. This includes program materials, refreshments and the graduation luncheon.

Meals are available courtesy of the Camp Ashland Dining Facility. Please note that there are no restaurants in the vicinity of the base and that there is a small Post Exchange available. Meals are available at the following prices:

Breakfast: $ 4.86
Lunch: $ 5.71
Dinner: $ 5.99

Billeting is available on post for $ 17.00 a night. Upon receipt of your application billeting reservations will be made for you. You will be housed in private rooms with air conditioning, linens, cable TV, internet access as well as a microwave and a refrigerator in each room. You will be responsible for billeting fees.

Please note that there are not any hotels/motels within a short distance of Camp Ashland.

UNIFORMS:

Day 1 – Any authorized CAP Uniform other than Flight Suits and the Golf shirt combo.
Day 2 – BDU/Blue BDU (No Flight Suits)
Day 3 - Short-Sleeve Blues (AF Style or CAP Distinctive) or Aviator Shirt combo with authorized awards.

This invitation is being extended to every Public Affairs Officer in the Civil Air Patrol. This is a unique opportunity to learn the basics of CAP Public Affairs and network with other PAO’s in a relaxed and professional environment.

We look forward to seeing you in June!

For more information please contact us at pao@ncr.cap.gov