Hawk Mountain Ranger School

The school is located on 77 acres (310,000 m²) of CAP corporate property Kempton, Pennsylvania. The school is on the side of the Blue Mountains, approximately a mile south of the Hawk Mountain Bird Sanctuary.[2] The school's base camp is located in a clearing off of Pine Swamp Road. However, the school's activities make use of several hundred acres of state game land in the surrounding hills, including several sections of the Appalachian Trail and accompanying side trails.

After World War II, Civil Air Patrol shifted its focus away from patrolling sea lanes and anti-submarine warfare to enlarging its Search and Rescue operations. During the early 1950s, Colonel Phillip Neuweiler saw an increasing need for trained rescue teams for use by Civil Air Patrol's Pennsylvania Wing, which he commanded. In 1953 USAF Pararescue and survival instructors trained Pennsylvalna Wing Search & Rescue teams at Westover AFB, Massachusetts. The Air Force instructors were so inspired by the dedication, motivation, and quality of the students that they called their students 'Rangers.'

Motivated by the success of the training, Col Neuweiler moved the school to a property he owned in Berks County in 1956. During this time, the school was staffed by both Civil Air Patrol members and USAF personnel.[3] In the early 1960s, a cadet staff training program was implemented, and, combined with expertise of CAP personnel, eventually replaced the need for extensive USAF personnel for training.

By the mid 1970s, several similar schools had appeared elsewhere in Civil Air Patrol. Other nationally recognized Ranger schools began to emerge. Iowa Wing had the North Central Region Special Service Corps (the Blue Berets), Missouri Wing Pathfinder Technical school, and a similar program was Washington Wing's Challenger School. All of these schools were designated as National Emergency Assistance Training schools, or NEAT schools, by CAPNHQ in 1974, and served as the basis for CAP's emergency services training.

In July 1996, Brigadier General Richard Anderson, the CAP National Commander at the time, visited the Hawk Mountain Ranger School and recognized its lasting contributions, and called it the Harvard School of Search & Rescue.[4]

In the spring of 2004, the school began a major infrastructure reconstruction. Trees were cleared at the base camp, eight new operation huts were constructed on raised pedestals, new latrines and shower facilities were constructed. A new gravel road was constructed leading up to the memorial gardens and chapel area. The new construction was dedicated on September 11, 2004, and the training area was rededicated as the 'Col. Phillip Neuweiler Memorial Training Center'.[1][4][5]

On April 14, 2007, members of HMRS broke ground on a new 60-foot (18 m) climbing and rappelling tower.[6] By July 7 the tower was mostly completed, but construction was halted for the duration of the Summer School. After graduation of the 2007 class, work on the tower was resumed, and the tower completed by August.[4]

Advancement through the various Ranger classes or grades requires a student to demonstrate knowledge of or proficiency in certain skills. There are often practical, physical, and administrative sections.

• Ranger Third Class (R/3) is the basic level of Ranger Grades. An R-3 is proficient in basic search skills, wilderness mobility, basic knots, and basic wilderness skills. Cadets must have earned their first stripe (see Cadet grades and insignia of the Civil Air Patrol), and senior members must have completed Level 1 training.[7]
• Ranger Second Class (R/2) is the intermediate level of Ranger Grades. An R-2 can perform basic land navigation, intermediate wilderness skills, a broader range of knots, and basic first aid. Cadets must also have earned Cadet Senior Airmen, and seniors must have declared a specialty track.[8]
• Ranger First Class (R/1) is the advanced level of Ranger Grades. An R-1 can perform advanced land navigation, advanced survival skills, and advanced search techniques. R-1 qualified members are utilized to assist leading a Ground Team. Cadets must have earned Cadet Technical Sergeant, and seniors must have achieved a Technician rating in their specialty track.[9]
• Advanced Ranger (R/Adv) is the team leader level of Ranger Grades. Advanced Rangers are capable of leading Ground Search Teams in complex search environments using advanced land navigation and technical rescue, and are able to instruct all aspects to their level in the Ranger Program. Cadets must earn Cadet Second Lieutenant, and senior members must attend Squadron Leadership School.[10]
• Instructor (R/I) is the second highest level of Ranger Grades, and is reserved for those people who choose not to test for Expert Ranger. For Instructor, an Advanced Ranger must possess several qualifications from the Red Cross and FEMA, attend Special Advanced Winter School, be knowledgeable in at least three different disciplines that benefit the Ranger Program (e.g. possess Emergency Medical Technician ratings, have completed prior military service, Incident Commander ratings from FEMA, be a Registered Nurse, etc.), and be active in the Ranger Program for at least five years after being awarded Advanced Ranger. Cadets must earn Cadet Captain, and senior members must attain a Senior Rating in their specialty track.[11]

Expert Rangers are authorized to wear the Expert Ranger tab above the Civil Air Patrol tape on their field uniforms while participating in Ranger Sanctioned Activities.

• Expert Ranger (R/Ex) Expert Ranger is the highest level of Ranger Grades. An Expert Ranger is a Ground Branch Director credentialed as an expert in wilderness search and rescue, survival, and navigation. Expert Rangers form the leadership of the development of the Ranger Program, and are expert instructors in all aspects of the program. Candidates must pass a battery of practical and written tests, and their final acceptance is contingent upon the unanimous approval of a quorum of current Expert Rangers. Expert Rangers are awarded a Black Pistol Belt for wear with their utility uniforms.[12]

Just as the Ranger Program was started, a need was apparent for medical training. However, for the first seven years of the Ranger program, all medical support was provided by Air Force personnel.

Beginning in 1960, Dr. William E.B. Hall of Allentown, Pennsylvania began providing for most of the health care needs of Pennsylvania Wing CAP, and consequently HMRS as well. As a CAP Lieutenant Colonel, Dr Hall commanded the PA Wing Hospital Squadron 3102, consisting of professional nurses, doctors, and other qualified medical personnel.

In the early 1970s, Lieutenant Don Kliptein recognized that many of the cadets coming to the school already had extensive medical backgrounds, but no ranger experience. In 1971, Lt Kliptein began training Cadets to assist Sq 3102 in providing medical assistance to other cadets. Cadet medics helping injured cadets quickly improved the overall atmosphere of the cadet program, leading to the introduction of the first dedicated medical course in 1973. This new course was structured to tie in directly with the Ranger program. Medic trainees would accompany Ranger trainees during the Field Training Exercise portion of Summer Schools, combining both Ranger experience with Medical training.[13]

Today's Ranger Medical Program still follows the model developed by Lt Klipstein in the 70's. Today there are 4 medic grades (Field Medic to Master Medic). Student medics begin their training with a base certification as Emergency Medical Responders with additional training in field sanitation and hygiene and support of Ranger Operations. As personnel progress, they complete more specialized training in the incident command system, SAR operations, mass casualty operations and advanced medical training. M1's are required to be first responders and Senior medics must be EMT-Basics and hold PHTLS certification. All levels of qualification currently are required to complete annual continuing education requirements and requalification in core skills and knowledge every 3 years. Today's medical operations function out of modernized free standing climate controlled clinic building. Usually staffed by a physician capable of advanced medical care; thus limiting the number and frequency of off base transport for routine and urgent medical problems.

In 2010, HMRS started building "The Donna Connor Memorial Training Building." Captain Donna Connor bequeathed HMRS $10,000 for a medical training building. HMRS received other donations towards this building and National Headquarters matched funds donated. The 800 square foot building provides a dedicated climate mangaged 4 season classroom and program management office as well as secure storage for training supplies and is equipped with a number of technology upgrades to improve the overall quality of medical and other training delivered.

Several Courses are offered at the school. Course durations range from afternoon activities to week and a half long adventures. The school staff prides themselves as being one of the least expensive of the National Cadet Special Activities offered by the Civil Air Patrol, and goes through tremendous efforts to remain cost-effective.

In an effort to rekindle interests in the Ranger program, several staff members from HMRS started the 'Hawk Mountain Distance Learning Center'(HMDLC). The HMDLC would send instructors and materials to other states interested in starting a school, and would provide logistical support to get the school running.

The first such expedition was to the Snake Creek Ranger Training Area in Miramar, Florida in 2004.[26]

In 2005, HMRS re-introduced a Staff Training squadron during their summer school to allows returning members from distant states the opportunity to become Ranger Staff.[4]

The 2020 Summer School marked the first cancellation of a Summer School in 64 years, due to COVID-19. As a response, Ranger Staff introduced their 2020 Distance Learning program, providing online lectures through Google Classroom and Zoom.[27]

Hawk Mountain Ranger School is physically demanding. Students are expected to carry both individual and team equipment on multiple treks through the backcountry. As such, the school offers various programs designed to prepare cadets for the rigors of the school.

The 2008 HMRS Ranger Staff Handbook defines Ranger Staff as being:[4]

... highly trained, extremely motivated, and well disciplined member of the Ranger Program, who lives by a strict code of ethics and an honor code. [He or she] would rather resign that bring disgrace upon the Ranger Program. They are dedicated and committed to achieving the goals of Civil Air Patrol and the Ranger Program. They are dedicated not to any one person but rather the Program as a whole. [He or she] is dedicated to the art of teaching and the principles of training. A Staff [Member]'s leadership training lends itself to accomplishing the mission faster and more effectively. Ranger and Medical training is a key ingredient to aiding the injured and saving lives. [He or she] will never fail at anything they do. If something does not turn out as expected, it is used as a learning experience and will eventually enhance their ongoing training. [He or she] welcomes the challenge of doing the unexpected or untried. Staff members are trained to forge ahead and create a path rather than follow others or to sit by idly. [He or she] is trained to identify, adapt, an overcome difficult situations or obstacles.

The Ranger Staff Motto is "We Lead."[4]

Several Schools have been created solely for the purpose of training CAP Rangers. Those that still operate today are:

• Hawk Mountain Ranger School, the original Ranger School created by Col Phillip Neuweiler in Pennsylvania
• Florida Wing Glades Ranger School A School originally operated in the 1970s and 80s, reopened in 2004[4]
• Snake River Ranger Training Area, where the Florida Ranger Program was resurrected in 2004. Also known as the Florida Falcon Ranger Academy[26]
• North Carolina Wing Ranger Training Weekend (RTW), held in Morrow Mountain State Park, NC

Schools that have closed are:

• Black River Mississippi Ranger School, operated in 1975 and 76
• Everglades of Florida Ranger School, first operated in 1970 by Major Fred Graham to train Ranger Staff
• Puerto Rico Ranger School, developed by Colonel Bartolo Ortiz

Hawk Mountain Ranger school has developed additions to the Battle Dress Uniform to easily denote staff members. These uniforms are only worn at Hawk Mountain hosted events and by Ranger Teams.

Bib Scarves

Scarves comply with US military specifications. They are worn around the neck and are tucked into the BDU blouse. When blouses are removed due to high temperatures, scarves are also removed.

• Grey Scarves denote Ranger Staff trainees, and are only worn during Ranger Staff Training. These scarves are also worn by Ranger Team members.
• Yellow Scarves denote Ranger Staff who have completed one year of Staff Training.
• Orange Scarves denote Ranger Staff who have completed a second year of Staff Training.
• Green Scarves denote Basic Field Medics, personnel that have completed the initial training course.
• Red Scarves denote Medic First Class, Senior Medics, and Master Medics.[13]
• White Scarves denote Senior or Cadet Ranger Team Commanders.

Pistol belts

Staff Members wear a pistol belt at all times. Despite their name, no pistol is worn on the belt, nor is other equipment

• White Belt denotes a Ranger Staff member or Ranger Team member.
• Black Belt denotes an Expert Ranger.
• Red Belt denotes a Master Medic.

Shirts

There are three colors that vary from the standard BDU black T-shirt.

• Orange Shirt There are two variations of print on the orange shirt. Staff members wear an orange shirt with a Staff keystone, whereas Ranger Team members wear an orange shirt with the CAP National Seal
• Red Shirt Field Medics through Master Medics wear a red shirt.
• Black Shirt The black shirt is worn by Expert Rangers only.

Whistle Chain

Staff members wear a silver whistle chain with whistle affixed to the BDU blouse and tucked into the left pocket.

Orange Hat

The orange hat is a baseball-type hat with a few different embroidered designs. Officers wear cloth insignia affixed centered on the caps or keystone device.

• Orange Hat with Squadron Number denotes a Ranger Team member.
• Orange Hat with Hawk Mountain Symbol denotes Hawk Mountain students and Hawk Mountain Basic Staff.
• Orange Hat with red keystone denotes Hawk Mountain Advanced Staff.
• Orange hat with black keystone denotes an Instructor or an Expert Ranger.

Ranger Tapes

The Ranger Tapes are a series of military style badges of the School. The tapes signify qualification as a Ranger. Various levels of the award exist, one for each grade of CAP Ranger, the highest grade being that of Expert Ranger. Those successfully graduating from Hawk Mountain Ranger Schools are presented with the Ranger Tape equivalent to the grade of award they have earned. The tape is worn above the left breast pocket. The award is only worn on field uniforms (such as the Battle Dress Uniform).[29] This award is not authorized for wear on any United States military uniform.

Expert Ranger (R/Ex)

Advanced Ranger (R/Adv)

Ranger First Class (R/1)

Ranger Second Class (R/2)

Ranger Third Class (R/3)

Master Medic (R/MM)

Senior Medic (R/SM)

Field Medic First Class (R/M1C)

Field Medic (R/FM)

• Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation

• https://pawg.cap.gov/hawk_mountain