(Editor's note: We were extremely fortunate to get an interview with the commander of Pennsylvania Wing, Col Fred Weiss. As PAWG Commander, Col Weiss has responsibility and authority for everything that happens in the wing, including Hawk Mountain. Unlike most Special Activities, Hawk is a wing activity and comes under the authority of the wing instead of National Headquarters.

On assuming his duties, Col Weiss made cleaning up Hawk's image a priority. As an opening salvo, he issued official directives that all PAWG personnel comply with CAPM 39-1 and remove the beloved tabs from their uniforms. While it may not have been as controversial as Gen Shinseki's adoption of the black beret for the entire army, it certainly wasn't received well by everyone. Anyway, without further blathering on our part, here is Col Weiss' answers to our nosy questions.)

1. Briefly describe your CAP experience and any other life experiences that have a bearing on CAP for you.

I was a cadet from 1967 to 1972 and earned equivalent of the Ira C. Eaker award. I was also a Cadet communicator, on a drill team and, yes, I was a ranger. I think I made it to R2 (Ranger 2nd Class).

2. If you were a Cadet, what were the highlights of your Cadet years?

My best memories were of the friendships I developed. Some highlights were: my first time flying an aircraft, attending COCS (that was "fun"), spending a week at the FAA academy and Tinker AFB in Oklahoma was great, and being selected for IACE was very special for me.

3. Are you E.S. or Ranger qualified?

I am currently a mission pilot, observer, radio operator and flight line marshaller. I am also CN qualified. I am no longer current in Ground Operations and my R2 rating was gone a long time ago. Although, when I was a squadron commander, I spent many nights with an ELPER looking for ELT's.

4. Have you attended HMRS? If so, please describe some of the skills and 'life lessons' you learned while attending.

I attended HMRS in 1985 as a Senior, both Winter and Summer schools. I learned not to sleep in a bus!

5. HMRS has a reputation as being too harsh - bordering on abusive. Would you say this is merely a reputation or is it something that those concerned are working to change?

HMRS-Summer is very intense. Some staff members have abused their authority in the past. However the school has been run well the past three years and will continue to do so. High professionalism and a quality program are the two most important objectives I expect the school staff to achieve. I am starting to see a real desire for true excellence in training and a desire to "do the right thing". I am very optimistic on the future of the HMRS and HMSARS.

6. How did you feel about the your recent order clarifying that the traditional 'Ranger' tabs are no longer authorized for PAWG personnel?

CAPM 39-1 does not allow a wing commander to authorize such tabs. I made a proposal to the National Board in August 2001 to allow them. It was voted down.

7. Are you satisfied with the progress HMRS has made in bringing the Ranger Program and the new E.S. program into alignment?

I am satisfied with the new requirements for all the Ranger grades.

8. HMRS is the 'oldest organized school of SAR in the country'. How does it feel to be the caretaker of such a legacy?

At the 2001 Northeast Region Conference, I was stopped by a squadron commander from NYWG. She told me how impressed she was by the quality of training her cadets recieved at the school. She could not get over how well things turned out because of what she heard about past schools. I felt very good about that.

9. What would advice or thoughts do you have for or about potential Hawk Staff Cadets?

Remember the trust we put in you to teach. That means to build; not tear down.

10. What advice or thoughts do you have for potential Summer School students?

Remember, the school is intense. Be ready to learn, to follow, and to act. And to have some fun!