is divided into two phases, each lasting one week. The first week is considered a training phase. All participants are introduced to the flight and runway environment and receive the necessary training for their duties in the second phase. The training includes flight marshaling, mission radio operator qualifications, and extensive training on techniques for locating ELT signals. The second week is focused on operations, and each flight has a daily schedule in which they alternate between shifts on and off the compound. During this week flights are also allotted certain times to see the airshow. Logistics Operations are based out of the "compound" that includes a hangar for sleeping, a field for opening and closing formations, a communications shack, and a mess hall. The compound is run entirely by CAP personnel, and both cadets and senior members aid in all tasks required for maintenance and daily operations. These tasks include kitchen work, cleaning, maintaining a 24-hour staffed post at the entrance and exit gates for logs, doing nightly laundry for all participants, and any other general maintenance work that needs to be performed. Tradition The most famous tradition of the event is for cadets and seniors to receive a blue beret towards the end of the event. The blue beret is authorized for wear on the Airman Battle Uniform by CAPR 39-1 while attending the National Blue Beret activity. Though the beret is considered to be the most widely known symbol of NBB, it is actually considered by attendees to be less important than the emblem that is pinned on the beret. When participants receive the blue beret, they also receive a pin of St. Alban's Cross that pins onto the beret. From the Blue Beret website: The crest is in the shape of a shield, representing the mission of the Blue Berets as "protectors" of human life, their strength in adversity, and the military heritage of the organization. The crest design is a gold cross superimposed on a dark blue background. The crest is worn on the beret, centered over the left eye. References External links Civil aviation in the United States Aviation organizations based in the United States Civil Air Patrol Civil Air Patrol Cadet Programs Experimental Aircraft Association