NCSA & 2FA MTG
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Maj Bill Petzinger, CAP
(609) 306-0966
Cadets Discuss NCSAs and Explain 2FA Rollout at Weekly Meeting
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst - (Dec. 4, 2023) – Two cadet officers from Civil Air
Patrol’s Maj Thomas B. McGuire Jr Composite Squadron delivered informative presentations to
their unit during its weekly meeting at the Kish Airmen Leadership School.
C/Capt Allyson Kittel, the squadron’s Cadet Leadership Officer, gave a 30-minute overview
about the importance of National Cadet Special Activities (NCSAs) to more than 50 cadets,
many of whom have been CAP members for less than a year, and answered questions.
“NCSAs give cadets hands on training with various aspects of Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program
and provides meaningful insight into numerous fields such as aerospace, aviation, engineering
and emergency services,” said Kittel. “There are usually more than 30 special activities and each
one is approximately a week-long course.”
Kittel talked to cadets about her own NCSA experiences which includes leadership development
and flight training.
“I attended the flight academies and they were among the best experiences of my CAP career,”
she said. “I learned so much and made so many new friends.”
In closing, Kittel advised cadets to select topics of interest to them and apply.
“It’s almost a certainty that you will learn something and have a good time because these
activities are located throughout the U.S.,” she said. I highly encourage all cadets to take
advantage of all that is available to you.”
NCSA 2024 Summer Season application opened 1 Dec 2023 and closes 15 Jan 2024. For more
information please visit Civil Air Patrol’s NCSA page.
Following Kittel’s presentation, C/Capt Alexander Hawkins, the squadron’s Cadet Deputy
Commander for Support and Cadet IT Officer, discussed a security update for Civil Air Patrol’s
electronic personnel management system, referred to as “eServces,” that goes into effect 2 Jan
2024.
The organization will implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), referred to as 2FA, for
members’ eServices accounts. 2FA is a method of establishing access to an online account or
computer that requires the user to provide two different types of information. In explaining how it
works, Hawkins told cadets that 2FA will better safeguard members’ identities and personal
information.
“In recent years the nation has seen a huge increase in cybercrimes,” he said. “Many businesses
and people have suffered significant damage and massive financial losses. Safeguarding our
personal information is a top priority to Civil Air Patrol.”
According to Hawkins, websites requiring only a password for access are extremely susceptible
to hacking. Whereas sites with 2FA are much better protected.
“2FA adds an extra layer of security that ensures cadets and senior members accessing their
eServices accounts are who they say they are,” he said. “2FA requires members to provide two
authentication factors to verify their identity.”
After entering a password, a Civil Air Patrol member will receive an authentication request on a
designated device to complete the login process.
“CAP’s 2FA will allow you to receive a text message or email to confirm your identity during
login,” Hawkins said. “If you're using the same device and browser, you can choose to have your
authentication remembered for 30 days.”
He added that with 2FA, if your password is stolen or you lose your device, the chances of an
unscrupulous induvial being able to unlock your eService’s account is highly unlikely.
For information on setting up 2FA click here.
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven
years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes
of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role
as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine
aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated
to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
If you are a student between the ages of 12-18, or an adult, and interested in Civil Air Patrol,
please reach out to Maj. Bill Petzinger via email bill.petzinger@njwg.cap.gov. Visit the
squadron’s website for more information. https://mcguire.cap.gov/