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Frequently Asked QuestionsGeneralWhat is the goal of ALERT Cadets? What role does the father play in the ALERT Cadet program? Is ALERT Cadet a pre-requisite to ALERT? What is the Leadership Training Corps (LTC)?
ALERT Cadet Basic TrainingWhat is ALERT Cadet Basic Training? How long will it take? Can I start ALERT Cadet Basic Training, even though my son is not yet eight years old? Can those younger than eight years old work on the Basic Training Manual? How much time will ALERT Cadets involve? Does the father complete ALERT Cadet Basic Training also? Can fathers and sons who have not completed Basic participate in Squad meetings? I have finished my Basic Training Manual. Now what? Starting a SquadWhat is involved in starting a Squad? What if there are no other ATI families in my area? What if I can't find two other fathers with whom to start a Squad? What about a young man who does not have a father — is he excluded? How can I find other families in my area that are interested in the ALERT Cadet Program? How much will ALERT Cadets cost? Is there an annual fee? What are the requirements for forming a Squad? Does the father pay the membership fee, too? Can we send in the membership application if we do not have a Squad?
Handbook QuestionsMay I start the Handbooks immediately after finishing ALERT Cadet Basic Training? What does the ALERT Cadet curriculum consist of? Does the father have to complete the handbooks along with his son(s)?
Existing Squads and MeetingsWhat is the proper uniform to wear to meetings? What is the frequency of ALERT Cadet Unit meetings? Do Squads that are part of a Unit meet together or separately? How do we incorporate those younger than eight years old into the ALERT Cadet program? How many handbooks are printed and ready for distribution? If we were to join a long-distance Squad, can we work on the handbooks?
Q: Is ALERT Cadet a pre-requisite to ALERT? A: No. One does not need to go through the ALERT Cadet Program to be eligible for ALERT; however, the disciplines learned in the ALERT Cadet Program would definitely be an asset to those wishing to enroll in the ALERT Program. Q: What is ALERT Cadet Basic Training? How long will it take? A: ALERT Cadet Basic Training involves the completion of a wide range of activities contained in a 40-page manual. The minimum completion time is three weeks. There is quite a bit of Scripture memorization, as well as memorization of the ALERT Cadet motto and covenant. Projects to complete include: making your bed every day for three weeks in a row, learning to say “yes, ma’am” or “yes, sir,” standing when ladies enter the room and physical training. Fathers and sons complete the Basic Training Manual at home. There is a $30 fee per family unit to begin the training. Q: What if there are no other ATI families in my area? A: You are able to go through the Basic Training Manual at a family level, but in order to progress further you must be part of an official ALERT Cadet Squad. A Squad does not need to be composed of all ATI families; only the leader needs to be an ATI father. If there are no ATI families in your area, the father you wish to be your Squad leader must sign a Statement of Faith and agree to uphold ALERT Cadet leadership requirements. You may ask other Christian families in your area to participate with you. Q: What is involved in starting a Squad? A: A minimum of three fathers must have completed ALERT Cadet Basic Training with their sons before they can be officially recognized as a Squad. The families may meet “unofficially” as a Squad beforehand and, in fact, that is probably the best route. When the minimum three families have completed ALERT Cadet Basic Training, they: 1) apply for membership together (there is a $95/individual fee), 2) one of the fathers completes a Leadership Recommendation Form, and 3) a Squad Roster is completed. Once the forms for these three steps are received at ALERT Cadet Headquarters, the Squad will be officially commissioned. To obtain these forms, call ALERT Cadet Headquarters and request a Squad Formation Package. Q: What if I can't find two other fathers with which to start a Squad? A: One of the distinctives of the ALERT Cadet program is the accountability that is established between fathers and sons. Therefore, being part of a Squad, with at least two other fathers and sons, is a requirement to continue in the ALERT Cadet Program beyond ALERT Cadet Basic Training. The best way to find other interested fathers is by contacting ALERT Cadet headquarters, where we can search through the database of those currently enrolled in ALERT Cadet Basic Training. Q: How much time will the ALERT Cadet program take? A: We suggest that Squad/Unit meetings be held every two weeks for accountability purposes; however, meetings every week or even once per month are fine — whatever commitment the fathers in your group are able to make. On a daily basis, the ALERT Cadet Program involves maintaining the disciplines of journal writing, Scripture memorization, and physical exercise. Occasional camping trips and service projects are also involved Q: Does the father complete ALERT Cadet Basic Training also? A: Yes, but as the books are written to the son, the father may need to use creativity in applying the projects to himself. Often his part will simply be to assist his son and/or participate with him. His wife, his son, or his Squad leader may sign off the father's projects. Q: How much will this cost? Is there an annual fee? A: There is a $30 family fee for ALERT Cadet Basic Training, regardless of the number of sons participating. To go beyond ALERT Cadet Basic Training, each individual must apply for membership and submit a $95 membership per individual. This is a first time fee only and includes a full uniform (pants, shirt, belt, rank insignia, name strip, ALERT Cadet patch, flag patch), a membership care, a journal with one year’s worth of pages, and the complete Novice Handbook (Phases One to Six). After this initial fee, items may be purchased on a per item basis from ALERT Cadet Headquarters. Q: May I start the Handbooks immediately after finishing ALERT Cadet Basic Training? A: One must apply for membership and be a part of a Squad to begin the handbooks. The first handbook is the Novice Handbook. Q: What is the Leadership Training Corps (LTC)? A: The 13- to 17-year-old Cadets are part of the Leadership Training Corps (LTC) and are eligible to attend the LTC Camp at the ALERT Cadet Headquarters in the fall. As the ALERT Cadet Program develops, there will be additional opportunities for those in the LTC. LTC stands for the Leadership Training Corps. Cadets who are 13 and older and who have satisfied their father that they are ready to leave their childish ways behind may wear burgundy colored shoulder loops to designate their participation. LTCs may be given rank and responsibilities in the Squad as designated by their Squad/Unit leader. These young men are expected to leave their childish ways behind and press on toward maturity as men. They are also eligible to attend the LTC Camp, sponsored each year by ALERT Cadets. Q: What about a boy who does not have a father — is he excluded? A: If the boy’s father is at all involved in his life, that is the relationship we want to encourage. If the father does not want to participate, it would be better to not have the son participate either. If there is not a father in the boy’s life at all, it would be permissible to have a male relative (uncle, grandfather, extremely older brother, etc.), or another father or young man act as the boy’s accountability partner in the ALERT Cadet Program — providing that whatever relationship established is under the authority of the family’s local church. Caution is necessary. All such situations must be approved on a case-by-case basis by ALERT Cadet Headquarters. Q: Does the father pay the membership fee, too? A: Yes. The fee covers and individual uniform, individual materials, etc. Q:
How can I find other families in my area that are interested in the
ALERT Cadet Program? Q: My first son and I have finished ALERT Cadet Basic Training. I have another son who just turned eight years old. Do I have to send in another application? A: You will not need to pay another application fee for ALERT Cadet Basic Training — just let us know by telephone or letter, and we will mail you another Basic Training Manual at no charge. Q: Can I start ALERT Cadet Basic Training, even though my son is not yet eight years old? A: Yes. There is a good amount of reading, writing, and memorization, but if you think your son is able to handle it, you may begin ALERT Cadet Basic Training with him. However, he must be at least eight years old to apply for ALERT Cadet membership and go beyond ALERT Cadet Basic Training. Boys must also be at least eight years old to attend the ALERT Cadet Challenge. Q: What is the goal of ALERT Cadets? A: The goal of the ALERT Cadet program is to encourage fathers to strengthen the relationships with their sons by winning and keeping their sons’ hearts and to equip fathers with the tools to lay the foundations of communication, accountability, and discipleship while building the framework of character through discipline and service with the vision of a young man mighty in spirit, prepared and strong in the day of spiritual battle. Q: What role does the father play? A: The father has the role of helping his son(s) go through the ALERT Cadet program successfully and helping him grow to be a young man who is ready to serve and strong to overcome. A: The first thing to do is to register with ALERT Cadet Headquarters by obtaining from ALERT Cadet Headquarters the registration form. The registration cost is $30 per family, which includes the Basic Training Manual which must be completed before entrance into the Unit. This Manual is completed by both the father and his son(s). It involves Scripture memorization, memorization of the ALERT Cadet motto, covenant, song, and leadership structure. Projects for the son(s) in the Manual elaborate on the ALERT Cadet Code of Conduct: making his bed for 3 weeks, learning to say “Yes, ma’am” or “Yes, sir,” standing when ladies enter the room, expressing gratefulness, and developing discipline through physical training. Q: I have finished my Basic Training Manual. Now what? A: You can now apply for membership in ALERT Cadets. The cost is $95/person membership fee which entitles you to your uniform, the entire Novice Handbook (Phases One to Six), the ALERT Cadet Personal Journal, and a membership card. To register, please contact your local Squad leader or ALERT Cadet Headquarters. Q: What do the Handbooks cover? A: Each Handbook includes Scripture memory; Scripture meditation; character, skill, and adventure projects; and physical training. Each Handbook is divided into six Phase Manuals. Each Phase Manual can be completed in six to eight weeks, thus an entire Handbook is designed to be completed in one year. Q: Who can attend the meetings? A: Fathers with sons eight years old and older are welcome to attend. Younger brothers may come under their father’s supervision. A: This is up to the Unit, Squad leader, or fathers to decide. A schedule from Texas 4th Alpha may be of help. Their meetings start off promptly with a flag ceremony and announcements. They then sing the hymn that they are learning that month. They alternate between military drill and physical training for the third period. The fathers and sons then break up to work on their handbooks. The teaching time consists of a father teaching on a new skill (such as first-aid or pocket-knife safety) or a new character quality (such as faith or generosity). A final formation, where awards are given and any last-minute announcements are made, ends the meeting. The fathers stay a few minutes to talk about up-and-coming items, while the Cadets play basketball or some other active game. Q: What is the proper uniform to wear to meetings? A: For those who have completed the Basic Manual, the issued duty-dress uniform is standard. For those who are just joining and are working through the Basic Training Manual, a green ALERT Cadet T-shirt and khaki BDU pants are appropriate. All ALERT Cadet uniform items are available at www.shopalert.us. Q: What is the frequency of Squad/Unit meetings? A: The meeting frequency is entirely up to the Squad/Unit leader but we have found that a frequency of once every two weeks is optimum for motivation and encouragement. Q: What does the ALERT Cadet curriculum consist of? A: The curriculum consists of a Basic Training Manual followed by six handbooks with six phases each. The handbooks are designed to be completed one each year. Each phase consists of six weeks of Scripture memorization, skill training, Scripture studies, physical training, character training, and service. Q: Do Squads that are part of a Unit meet together or separately? A: The preferred mode is for Squads to meet together as a Unit for encouragement and accountability. The larger numbers also provide greater manpower for service projects. Some Squads are large enough or have sufficient skill to function independently. Other Squads who are closer together or not able to meet separately may chose to meet together as a Unit and possibly eliminate Squad meetings. Q: Does the father have to complete the handbooks along with his son(s)? A: No, we suggest that the father work with the son, assign sections of the manual and check his completed work. While fathers are not required to complete the handbooks, it is a great encouragement to the son when the father actively participates in what the son is learning. Q: Can fathers and sons who have not completed Basic participate in Squad meetings? A: Yes, while they cannot become full members of ALERT Cadets until their Basic Training Manual is complete they can meet with a Squad for encouragement and accountability. Q: Can we send in the membership application if we do not have a Squad? A: Yes, we will send you your uniform and handbook and will then assign you to the nearest Squad for encouragement and motivation. Q: How do we incorporate those younger than eight years old? A: Those who are younger than eight years old are welcome to be at the meetings but can not participate fully. They will be greatly encouraged and motivated by seeing those older than them. Q: Can those younger ones work on the Basic Training Manual? A: Yes they can work on the Basic Training Manual but cannot become members until they are eight years old. Q: How many Handbooks are printed and available? A: At present we have three handbooks, the Novice Handbook and the Piligrim Handbook. The Craftsman Handbook is currently being written. Q: What are the requirements to form a Squad? A: The requirements for forming a Squad are that three families must have completed the Basic Training Manual. Also, the Squad leader must be in enrolled in the ATI program of the Institute in Basic Life Principles. The Squad is then eligible to be chartered after completing the appropriate forms and sending them to ALERT Cadet Headquarters. Q: If we were to join a long-distance Squad, can we work on the handbooks? A: Yes, you are a member of a Squad even though it is geographically remote from you. You are encouraged to meet together as often as possible for accountability and encouragement. You should keep in regular contact with the Squad leader so you can participate in Squad activities such as service projects, camp outs, and service to government leaders.
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