International Air Cadet Exchange: Sweden

By Stephen Austen

The International Air Cadet Exchange is the premier summer activity for Civil Air Patrol Cadets. Each summer, dozens of CAP Cadets, from across the United States, are selected to visit among dozens of countries represented in the Exchange.

For me, the International Air Cadet Exchange was twenty-one days that lasted a lifetime.

In our three-week trip to Sweden there were nine trips by air, and eleven by bus. We visited eight historical attractions, eight major Swedish companies, and another eight sightseeing excursions of various kinds. We stayed at seven RSAF bases, two private homes, and were guests at fourteen formal banquets, and receptions. Moreover, we had a chance to see another, very special, country, and live a hectic daily schedule with guys from four other countries, and from across the US.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephen Austen
• Release date: Sep 25, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370647408

Stephen Austen

I was born in Lafayette, Louisiana and raised in New Orleans. But I truly grew-up as I travelled or lived in some thirty-four states. A Human Resources Manager, I now reside with my family in North Carolina. My writings and interests are eclectic. My latest series, The Paladin Papers, are fast-paced, fact-based military/techno thrillers. Based on today's events and often set in the near future, they offer thought-provoking entertainment. They will keep you thinking long after you put them down. I am certain you will enjoy reading these stories as much as I did writing them. . .

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IACE - Sweden

By

Stephen W. Austen

Copyright by Stephen W. Austen

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International Air Cadet Exchange – Sweden, 1970

In our three-week trip to Sweden there were nine trips by air, and eleven by bus. We visited eight historical attractions, eight major Swedish companies, and another eight sightseeing excursions of various kinds. We stayed at seven RSAF bases, two private homes, and were guests at fourteen formal banquets, and receptions. Moreover, we had a chance to see another, very special, country, and live a hectic daily schedule with guys from four other countries, and from across the US.

Some forty-seven years later (June, 2017) I’m sitting at my laptop, thinking about those guys and of that special trip. The calendar says it happened a long time ago, but my notes and recollections bring back memories of crystal clarity.

For me, the International Air Cadet Exchange was twenty-one days that lasted a lifetime.

_______________

Each summer, Civil Air Patrol’s Special Activity Programs for Cadets was one of the big drawing cards in the Cadet Program. In CAP, a Cadet’s summer was chock-full of quality things to do. For a young man like myself, whose best clothing consisted of my CAP uniforms, here was a real chance to get out, go places, meet new people, and experience new adventures.

IACE was a premier Cadet activity. Only about 200 Cadets (out of over 20,000) were selected to represent CAP -- not to mention the United States -- in one of some 44 different countries. Qualification required a solid record of achievement and, usually, the Amelia Earhart Award. The Earhart takes about three to four years of diligent effort to earn, and with it comes the rank of Cadet Captain. Typical IACE participants were field grade Cadet Officers, even General Carl A. Spaatz Award recipients (Cadet Colonels). This was no lightweight affair. . .It was about 1965, at my first summer encampment at Keesler AFB, and some IACE Cadets were visiting us. They stood nearby chatting with some of their friends about going to countries in Europe, to England, or to Canada. They wore their Blazer Uniforms with special IACE patches on them. They looked great, and had celebrity status. I decided this IACE thing needed some looking in to. . .

Fall, 1969/Winter, 1970 -- On Your Mark....

The year I got my Amelia Earhart Award was the year I applied for IACE. I had been very active in Wing-level affairs like summer encampments, SARCAPS, REDCAPS, and Cadet Advisory Councils. I figured it was a long shot, at least.

On February 17, 1970, a letter from Louisiana Wing Headquarters arrived telling me I’d been selected to attend IACE. My jaw hit the floor. I was one of three Cadets from Louisiana that would participate in IACE that year.

In May, a packet from National Headquarters informed that Sweden was to be The Place. It also contained information on ordering the required Blazer Uniform and special patches. My excitement really began to build. This was the big league!

But, where the hell is Sweden, I wondered, and guessed that researching this important tidbit couldn’t hurt.

Spring/Early Summer, 1970 -- Get Set...

With that, came the realization there were a lot of preparations to make. I had to get busy; a passport, shots, uniforms, clothing and a job to pay for all of this were top priorities now.

For one thing, quite a wardrobe was needed. A CAP blazer with special crest, patches, tie, along with several changes of white shirts and gray slacks, made up the required Blazer Uniform combination. Also, a dress uniform, and several service uniforms, all with appropriate insignia. Add to the list civvies, and enough personal articles to last for a month. Finally, don’t forget incidentals like a camera, loads of film, and as much spending money as could be amassed. This was the trip of a lifetime, remember.