DESPITE the fact that the squadron, at the outset, possessed very little in the form of equipment, Major Tolliver lost no time in getting it started on its training program.

At one of the earliest meetings he assembled the entire organization and laid out before everyone the courses prescribed for the cadets. "I feel," he said, "that we should start off by learning something about the scope and contents of the entire program. Then, as we take up individual parts, we will see how those parts fit into the big picture. So now I am going to read to you a description of the eleven units that form the foundation of the cadet training program.

"Unit One is 'Our Air Age' and covers why and how aviation is entering our schools. How air power is used. The importance of aircraft manufacturing and scheduled air transportation. The nature and extent of fixed base flying. The responsibility of government for aviation. The social, economic and political effects of aviation.

"Unit Two is 'Know Your Airplane.' It deals with the classification of aircraft by wing, engine and purpose. Nomenclature of principal parts. Explanation of general structure. The manner by which aircraft are designated and identified. Characteristics recognized by airplane spotters. Functional uses.

"Unit Three is 'Why the Airplane Flies.' This unit goes into basic aircraft terminology and non-technical theory of flight. Airfoil and lift, drag, thrust, torque, gravity, stability, load factors, the controls and their effect on flight.

"Unit Four is 'Power for Flight.' It concerns itself with the nature of the aircraft engine. Why and how the engine is lubricated. Different types of engine cooling. The purpose and nature of the carburetor and fuel induction system. Purpose and nature of aircraft propellers. Advanced types of power plants such as Turbo Jets, Ram Jets, and Rockets.

"Unit Five is 'The Airplane and the Airman.' This covers a lot of ground. First, flight technique--a discussion of the manner in which the pilot handles the controls during the various flight maneuvers. Next, operation and service--the safety measures which must be observed in caring for an aircraft and its engine. Third, flight instruments--an explanation of the instruments which enable a pilot to fly a plane with or without visual reference to the ground, and how they are used. Fourth, physiology of flight--how man is affected by atmospheric changes. Lastly this unit deals with equilibrium and the importance of physical fitness.

"Unit Six is 'Weather.' Here we study elementary weather conditions and their effect on air operations. Study of weather by pilots. Sources of weather information. The natures of our atmosphere. The effect of atmospheric pressure on aviation. The causes of atmospheric circulation, winds, currents and turbulence. The relation of atmosphere to weather phenomena. Discussion of the weather which accompanies the various air masses and fronts.

"Unit Seven is 'Path of Flight--Aerial Navigation.' It, obviously, deals with aerial navigation. The determination of location, distance, time and direction on the earth's surface. Discussion of various types of map projection, and what we learn from them. Dead reckoning and radio navigation. All-weather flying and modern radio aids to navigation.

"Unit Eight is 'Communications and Control.' How the air traffic control system is organized and how it functions. Language and facilities of Air Traffic Control. The purpose and application of Civil Air Regulations.

"Unit Nine is 'National and International Problems of Safety and Control.' This unit is concerned with the relation of government and aviation. Methods of licensing and control. Problems arising from the development of international aviation. The organization and administration of the bureaus, offices and international organizations responsible for carrying on aviation activities.

"Unit Ten is 'Airports.' Here we get into the place of the airport in the community, its uses, benefits and classification. The location of the airport and its relation to other businesses. Physical characteristics of the airport, runways, lighting, emergency and maintenance equipment. Operation of the airport on a business basis, finance, operational income, legal and management problems. A study of the adequacy of airport facilities in the community.

"Unit Eleven is 'Vocational Opportunities in Aviation.' This last unit of the course covers classification of occupations and jobs in aviation. A study of the skills, interests and abilities needed. Grouping of aviation jobs by function. Women in aviation. How to find work in the field of aviation. Essential information necessary for job selection. Testing methods and training opportunities."

Tolliver went on to explain that though the courses he had described were to be studied by the cadets, there were many other aspects to the CAP program. One of these was the arrangement by which cadets could attend encampments held at Air Force bases throughout the country. Another was the international cadet exchange program, which had as its object the promotion of international understanding by means of sending fifty or more cadets abroad each year to visit foreign nations. A like number of cadets from the exchange countries come to the United States for tours similar to those given the Americans. During July and August of each year, the CAP also holds drill competitions in which selected teams compete to win the honor of being named the best-drilled in the organization. This third special event is extended to provide for the winners to compete with a Canadian team.

To accomplish its missions, as well as to give all members of the organization a solid background of knowledge, both seniors and cadets were involved in a wide variety of activities and other training subjects, the new commanding officer pointed out. These supplemented the study courses of the cadets and the special events that he had mentioned.

High on the list of interests of the organization was the continuing preparation for emergencies. Disaster relief was, of course, a principal concern of the CAP in doing its part for the welfare of the country. In the case of hurricanes or tornadoes, floods, explosions, epidemics, blizzards and similar types of catastrophes, the CAP units could be expected to be called upon by the government and by private organizations like the Red Cross. Besides providing help in such emergencies, the CAP could render valuable assistance in aerial searches, in patrolling forests to prevent and report fires, in dropping food, clothing and medicines in individual cases where aid was needed and in a great many other situations.

Air marking was also an important activity, Tolliver asserted. In this case the CAP was contributing to flying safety by providing markers that would help guide private flyers whose planes lacked radio equipment. A complete system of marking directions, identifying locations and the provision of other navigational aids had been worked out, but the execution of the national plan was far from complete. By its efforts in the Wayfield area, the squadron would advance the program.

Photography was a pursuit that could contribute to both individual knowledge and organizational capabilities, Major Tolliver declared. Photographic training placed emphasis upon the manipulation of various types of cameras and the developing and printing of the film. By such emphasis it was intended that a large number of members would become acquainted with the correlation of photography with other CAP operations; and they would also develop safeguards for photographic equipment when, during an emergency, it might be necessary to rely upon nonprofessional personnel to assist with photographic missions.

Many CAP outfits had found that model aircraft building was not only one of their most popular sidelines but one of the most useful as well, the major continued. It served to provide training aids as well as to act as a stimulant to the enthusiasm of both senior and cadet members. Models can be useful in classroom instruction in various subjects and in the teaching of aircraft recognition personnel. In addition, both seniors and cadets can find another common interest and outlet that helps build a good morale in the squadrons.

Marksmanship, though not directly connected with flying, is another popular activity in the CAP, the major stated. Knowledge of small arms is always valuable, and the sport itself is an interesting one. Competitions add spice to the actual training, and if facilities could be found and there was enough interest in the squadron, Tolliver predicted that nearly all would find the subject of interest and value.

Obviously, Tolliver said, all members would have to have some knowledge of air and ground safety. For that reason, a special program would be developed to teach everyone something about crash procedures and fire fighting. Safety, he emphasized, would be stressed at all times, but accidents were unavoidable and had to be prepared for. He read rapidly ten commandments of ground safety and strictly directed that they be complied with at the field at all times.

Turning to orientation flights, the commander stated that all personnel would have the opportunity to fly, depending on their own desires. Of course, in the case of the cadets, it would be necessary for parents to give written permission. By such flights, all members would have the chance to experience practical applications of the lessons that they learned in ground training. Proficiency flights, as he called them, would also be conducted. These practice flights would progress from simple missions to the more complicated ones designed to develop safe and efficient methods of operation for aircraft, air crews and ground crews alike. He reiterated one point that had not been understood by all. It was that the CAP did not teach its personnel how to fly. Members interested in that would have to take lessons from professional and licensed teachers. But because the lower age limit for a student pilot license was sixteen, some of the junior members might be able to earn enough money during the summer to pay for lessons. There would probably be one lucky cadet, he added with a smile, for he was hopeful that one of the civic organizations would offer a flying scholarship to one cadet each year.

He next devoted quite a bit of time to discussing the national radio net which the CAP maintained. Here, he stated, the scheduled instruction and practice in the Morse code would be useful, though it would also have application in actual flying. But the radio net, to which the Wayfield station would be tied in, was an operation by which the organization could increase its readiness for emergencies. Using the special CAP wavelength that had been allocated to the organization by the Government, the station would be a means of communicating with other squadrons. Strict adherence to regulations would be required, for operational efficiency was essential at all times. On the whole, he said, he felt that too much stress could not be placed upon establishing and maintaining the radio station in tiptop shape.

In concluding his orientation of the squadron, he touched on the need for a physical fitness program and instruction in first aid. Both were important and would receive emphasis, and both would pay off in the long run. That had been proved many times, and he was sure that all members of their outfit would gladly participate and help make the squadron as outstanding in that regard as it would be in all others.

"Man, that was a big package the C.O. laid out? Red exclaimed as he and Tom made their way home.

"It sort of floored me," Tom admitted. "I knew that the CAP covered a lot of territory, but I didn't realize that so much was involved."

"Think we'll be able to tackle everything?" Red asked dubiously.

"We'll probably be able to tackle it, all right, but doing it the way the major wants it done will be something else," Tom declared.

"I guess we'll have to plug away at it, though."

"Sure. And it'll take a long time to even go through the program once," Tom warned. "But it sounds swell to me, and the sooner we receive our equipment and get started, the better I'll like it."

It was not long before Tom's wish was met, for shortly after the meeting, boxes, bundles and crates began arriving at the field. Manuals and training literature came first, but soon after that other items were shipped in. With the help of Wing Headquarters, a supply of surplus uniforms for the cadets was obtained, to the great delight of the junior squadron. At first sight some of the uniforms appeared hopelessly ill-fitting, but the tailoring that was performed-mostly by co-operative mothers--during the first week after their arrival made startling changes in the appearance of all the wearers.

It was a great day, too, when an Air Force crew brought in the liaison plane that had been issued to the squadron. In first rate condition, the craft was eagerly examined by seniors and juniors alike. An L-5, it was similar to the plane that Nick had turned over to the squadron. With the red, white and blue insignia of the CAP decorating wings and fuselage, the ship was a bright addition to the outfit.

But other, and less glamorous, materials found their way to the headquarters building, and Tom found himself almost completely submerged in his duties connected with handling supplies. He had no lack of volunteer helpers to aid him in recording the receipt of the materials; but it was a job that demanded time, patience, and application, just the same. He was meticulous by nature, however, and it was not long before his supply room, with its neatly arranged shelves stacked with items of all sorts, was a point of pride to the squadron. Moreover, the clerical work rapidly lost its mystery, and he soon became adept at it.

His mastery of the intricacies of his job, coupled with the fact that Lieutenant Ellis spent a great deal of his time in traveling, threw most of the burden of management on Tom. There was little that concerned the handling of supplies that escaped him. He became so absorbed in his tasks, in fact, and so overly conscientious in keeping records that both Ralph Cross and Major Tolliver had to advise him to ease up on his efforts. Nonetheless, he concentrated heavily on keeping his accounts letter-perfect and the supply room in spotless condition.

It was not until very near the end of the school year that the squadrons made any great progress in raising the funds that they needed for extra equipment and facilities. Then, with the co-operation of other echelons of the CAP, as well as of the Air Force, Wayfield saw its first air show.

With advance advertising ballyhoo cooked up by Dick Hirsch, the squadron Public Information Officer, the town heard of the event. Practically the entire population turned out on a sunny Saturday to pay entrance fees to the field and inspect the numerous displays that had been arranged. Dozens of craft, flown to the airport by squadrons from other parts of the state and by the U. S. Air Force crews from an upstate base, were spread out on the grounds for inspection. Equipment of all sorts, some housed inside of the hangar and some arranged near the headquarters building, caught the eyes of the flood of visitors. A smart-stepping drill team, winner of the previous year's state-wide competition, performed like West Pointers to the plaudits of the crowd. Then, exactly on schedule, six sleek jet fighters dropped out of nowhere, roared overhead and disappeared again. Like comets from the world of space, they shot across the cloudless skies again, spun, twisted, zoomed and finally sped away, leaving a breathless audience shaking its collective head in amazed admiration. After that performance, though the stream of onlookers showed no dearth of interest, all else was anticlimax.

To the cadets, the evening that followed was the high point of the day, for as a part of the fund-raising scheme, a special dance was held in the high school gymnasium. There was a large turnout for the affair, and soon after the starting time the floor was packed. Tom, as treasurer, was harassed for a while with endless details. But the subcommittees on tickets, refreshments and arrangements functioned well; and it was not long before he was able to put aside his worries.

Tom had never been greatly interested in dancing, but his elation over the success of both the air show and the dance inspired him to lose his reserve and throw himself wholeheartedly into the spirit of the evening. Much to his surprise, and wondering how it had all come about, he found himself guiding Jane Dawson around the floor.

"My, my," she murmured, an elfish smile on her face, "aren't you afraid I'll scratch?"

"No more than you're afraid I'll snarl and kick," Tom answered with a grin.

"You mean the hatchet's buried . . . not in the Dawson heads, that is?" Jane asked.

"Not in one Dawson head, anyway."

"That," she replied, pretending to pout, "is no way for a cadet officer to act."

"Cadet officers are people," Tom answered.

"But now that everything is going so well for the squadron and my brother has joined up, you're not still angry with us Dawsons, are you?" Jane asked, a shadow of a frown crossing her features.

Tom was silent. He had observed Jane Dawson many times during the squadron meetings and she had seemed to show only lively interest and keen enthusiasm. On the other hand, he had kept his distance from young Ed ever since the time that Ralph had brought him into the squadron.

"You haven't answered," Jane reminded Tom.

"I guess," he said slowly, "I don't know what to say. But I'll admit I've cooled off a lot since last spring."

"That's better," Jane said, her eyes twinkling.

"How was it that you joined up with the squadron right after it was formed," Tom asked. "I'd have thought . . ."

"... that my father and brother wouldn't let me?"

"Well... uh... something like that," Tom admitted.

"I'll tell you a secret, then. I was always in favor of Wayfield having the squadron, right from the first moment that I heard about it, so when I found that my dad and Ed were against it, I was on the other side."

"You must have been popular in your home," Tom observed, with a grin.

"Well, I did have a few words, now and then," Jane admitted, a smile lighting her face. "But since they're both men, I took advantage of then."

"That's hard to believe. Taking advantage of them, I mean," Tom said, shaking his head dubiously.

"It was easy. You see, after they'd been ranting and raving one day--I think it was the day that Daddy visited the Ledger. I bet both him and Ed that the town wouldn't sell the airport and that the squadron would be formed," Jane said complacently.

"You bet them that?" Tom cried.

"Uh-huh," Jane replied in a matter-of fact voice. "So when I won, they had to let me join it. And here I am."

"And what if you'd lost?" Tom asked.

"Ugh! Don't mention that! If I'd lost I would have had to spend the summer at my aunt's, and that would have been horrible?

"Well," Tom said sincerely, "I'm glad you won, for more reasons than one."

When Jane was claimed by Ralph Cross, Tom went to the sidelines and watched her. She was pretty, tawny haired with dark brown eyes--and completely unlike any other member of the Dawson family, he decided. Flattered at her obvious interest in him, he thought of her as being not only attractive for her own sake but also as something of a fellow-conspirator. The fact that she had stood up against the two Dawsons, father and son, had also impressed him and had added to his admiration for her. There was, he told himself, very little wrong with at least one member of the Dawson family. And whatever might be his feelings toward the others, he was going to know that one Dawson better, he resolved.

"How about cutting in on Ralph?" he asked Red as the latter sidled up to him.

"Take it easy," Red pleaded, "I'm pooped."

"But this is special," Tom said. "I want to cut in on you."

Red's eyebrows arched. "Oh-oh! La Dawson, I would say, has been working her wiles on you."

"I'll work on you, and it won't be with wiles," Tom threatened with mock anger.

A few minutes later he was dancing with Jane again.

"That," she observed without trying to hide her pleasure, "seemed like a put-up job."

For the rest of the evening Tom had eyes for no one else. When he wasn't dancing with Jane, he was sitting out the music with her; and he found that her promise of attractiveness was no delusion. She was both gay and serious, skillfully leading him away from subjects which bordered on past unpleasantness, yet leaving no doubt in his mind that she had her own opinions about all that had happened. Only when it came to anything approaching criticism of either her father or brother did she bridle; and then, in a pleasant but firm manner, she simply changed the subject.

Her interest in aviation, Tom learned, was as real as his own; and they spent a pleasant time talking over the past, present and future of the squadron. When, finally, he had to yield her to her brother at the close of the evening, he even managed to be pleasant with Ed Dawson!

Walking home, whistling gaily, Tom reflected that it wasn't difficult to be agreeable with Ed, particularly since he had a sister named Jane.