Top products from r/civilairpatrol

Do yourself a favor: breathe.

As many have said, we’ve been in similar situations in - and out - of the organization.

Frustration is a fantastic motivator. It’s what you choose to do with it that will matter most. Whatever the course you choose: it will work out. One is harder, Leadership is a hardship. The burden of command, even as a teenager, comes with strife. That’s what also makes it fulfilling. Because that strife gives you a stepping stone to create accomplishment.

Go read Extreme Ownership (Link: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1250183863/). It’s also available in audiobook. It may seem like a hefty book - and it is - but it’s an easy read. And, it’s an impactful read. I think there’s quite a bit that, in your situation, you’ll appreciate and can use to help you endure. Discipline equals freedom. Dig-in, prioritize and execute, and get after it. Or don’t. Your choice.

Whatever your choice may be, realize that you’re responsible for you. You have to live with the choice you make - make a difference or quit. If you leave, who will lead your cadets?

Undoubtedly, there will be some cadets who possess remarkable mental discipline to be able withstand this insidious device. However, as many of our cadets go on to prominent military careers, remarkable is simply not sufficient. Therefore you must, for the good of our blessed and great nation, push them even harder, and must have a second more difficult obstacle for them to overcome and truly come to exemplify the virtue of Excellence In All We Do.

So while Technical Sergeant Chuckles T. Dino there must remain at attention in your right hand in order to challenge the cadets, in your left you must hold a second sword of adversity so sharp that it shall sever in twain all but the strongest mettle. And this sword is so mighty that the Archangel Michael would do well to wield it.

Behold the Excalibur of military bearing examinations.

https://www.amazon.com/T-J-Wisemen-Remote-Controlled-Machine/dp/B0006L1ILI/r

Here’s a good pair of jungle boots (they are very easy to spit shine.) And if you like the modern look these are rated pretty nicely as well. One tip, these are not for very heavy use considering the price of both.

I'd go to Amazon and get an ACU pattern Army assault pack. They may not be the preferred camouflage pattern (ACU/UCP looks ridiculous), but they are mega cheap. They're super solid packs and the MOLLE attachments allow for significant expansion, with the waist pack attaching to the bottom and with room for more pouches on the side. I had several in the Army and got a surplus one when I got out. You can get them used from a reputable seller (I like Allegheny Surplus) for around $27. Link below.

US Military Surplus MOLLE Assault Pack, ACU https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MVHSW8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_eOdxCb8AAN1EY

G.I. US Army ACU MOLLE II Waist Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008IXHXWE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3PdxCbEFKPNZ2

BTW, I just picked up a nice pair of tac pants on Amazon for like $30: https://www.amazon.com/CQR-Tactical-Lightweight-Assault-TLP104/dp/B07QFZBTN5?th=1

(I got the TLP107 model, but there are some choices)

Very nice for the price.

https://www.google.com/search?q=miitary+nametapes&oq=miitary+nametapes&aqs=chrome..69i57.5342j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://www.amazon.com/Multicam-Desert-CivilAirPatrol-without-Fastener/dp/B077CQL8JQ

https://www.bradleyssurplus.com/products/custom-nametapes

No endorsement specifically of any of these. Nametapes are pretty generic and fairly easily found.
You might also be surprised if you check local surplus stores and / or embroidery shops.

Thermal Underwear:

Desert sand, cream, or white thermal underwear may be worn under the ABU. Thermal underwear will not be worn as an outer garment. Thermal underwear will not be visible under the ABU trouser and coat except at the neck.

I have a sand colored half-zip shirt that I was issued that is quite warm. I’d send a pic but we just moved and it’s still packed away (but I need to find it for winter). It’s similar to this one — Rothco ECWCS Gen III Mid-Weight Underwear Top (Level II), Desert Sand, L https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040RWJ5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fQ4VDbTSW029S

Rothco Long Sleeve Solid T-Shirt, Desert Sand, X-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007FDL7MU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HcX1Db9NWGV41