2026 Encampment January 01 Update
New Mexico Wing Members and Parents
Happy New Year to all of you. I hope you have had a wonderful holiday season.
We have several announcements in this update:
First, we have published our first draft of the student packing list. Please review the necessary items for your cadets so you can budget accordingly. One crucial change we made for this year is the removal of abbreviations such as ABU and OCP, and we instead used the term “utility.” With the transition to OCPs currently ongoing, this term is meant to be all-encompassing for any CAP uniform your cadet is wearing. It is essential to know that each uniform has different requirements, and understanding the uniform regulations is crucial to ensuring your cadet arrives with a complete uniform. Don't hesitate to contact your squadrons or cadet leadership if you have any questions about uniform items.
Second, in conjunction with the encampment staff training day on January 10, 2026, We will host a commander and parent information meeting at Wing HQ and online. The meeting will take place at 1 pm MST at the New Mexico Wing HQ, 1st floor conference room. If you are interested in attending this event in person and are not otherwise on site for the commander’s call events, you can register for a base pass using the following link by Tuesday, 6 January 2026: https://forms.office.com/r/JnhXvBcz31. Anyone 18 or older, or anyone driving on-base under the age of 18, must register for a pass to enter Kirtland AFB. You will receive an email with instructions for picking up your pass before you arrive. The virtual link for the meeting is on the wing calendar in Teams. The New Mexico Wing HQ address is: 4500 Biggs Ave SE, Bldg. 926, Albuquerque, NM 87117.
Third, starting this month and continuing through June, we will release a suggested workout plan to encourage the growth of a healthy cadet corps. I encourage everyone to complete these workouts to the best of their ability without injury. They are designed to be completed without weights or machines. Listen to your body when it tells you to stop, take note of the point of exhaustion, and aim to be better next time. We recommend completing this workout 2-3 times a week, depending on your current fitness level (e.g., if you’ve never worked out before, start with 2 times a week). These workout plans are optional, not required, to better prepare you for the stress and workout regimen of encampment and your life.
Lastly, as announced last month, the encampment student fee will be $390. We want to remind everyone that the Cadet Encampment Assistance Program (CEAP) will still be available, but with a smaller application window. Please watch for emails from me and national headquarters regarding CEAP deadlines. Applying for CEAP does not guarantee funding assistance.
As always, please let us know if you have any questions about this email.
Maj. Eran East
New Mexico Wing
2026 Encampment Commander
For More Information:
Capt. Eran East
New Mexico Wing
2026 Encampment Commander
