Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the address of LoneStar Emergency Service Academy South (LESA South)

       Civil Air Patrol, Texas Wing Training Center, 702 South Vermillion Ave., Gate #15, Brownsville, Texas 78521

2) What are the dates of LESA South?

       School start dates:  26 December 2025 (check-in 8 am- Noon. The course starts at 1pm.) Ends: 31 December 2025 at noon.  The release is by noon.

       Arrivals must be on December 26th, and departures must be on December 31st. No overnight accommodations are available on December 25th or 31st.

3) Is it possible for you to provide a copy of the course schedule? 

       We do not provide a written schedule to the students because we are flexible with each student's needs so that they can work towards achieving their next level of certifications.  Once all the students are slotted for the school, we group ground teams according to their skill level.  All students will be able to rotate into different duty positions (ie: Communications, and MSA) while on Ground team sorties.  We aim to provide you with training so you can return to your home units and conduct GT sorites or work mission base.  Training evolutions are designed around sorties to the greatest extent possible, testing and evaluating different combinations of skills simultaneously. We find this affords more realistic training and allows practical tasks to be evaluated more efficiently. 

4) Is the LoneStar Emergency Service Academy South (LESA South) an accredited NCSA and CSA?

      The LoneStar Emergency Service Academy South (LESA South) has been an accredited NCSA and CSA since December of 2013. This accredited CSA provides LESA South graduates the approval to wear the CSA ribbon and receive credit for their eservice account.

5) Do I need to bring bedding to LESA South?

       No.  You will be sleeping on twin-size beds, with memory-form mattresses.  Pillows, sheets, and a blanket will be provided to you.

6) Do I need to bring a complete 24 or 72-pack?

      This is a ground team school.  Please read the packing list located on the LESA South Documents page. You do not need to bring MRE's, sleeping bags, bed rolls, or a tent. 

       sUAS students will have a different packing list from the Ground Teams members.

7) What if I have special dietary needs?

       Please make sure you have emailed and provided us with your requirements.  If you have items that you would like to bring to make your experience comfortable, please contact me.

8) Is the training center in a secure location?

      The Civil Air Patrol Texas Wing Training Center is located at the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport.  The training center location is surrounded by airport taxiway fencing and airport-secured property.

Civil Air Patrol has been operating at this location since 2010.  The airport property is patrolled by airport security 24/7/365.

9) Is it easy to get flights to and from LESA South?

      Yes.  We have two international airports for you to use.  Please review the LESA South Transportation page for additional details.  

10)  Where will the attendees sleep during LESA South?

           All attendees will be housed on-site in open bay areas.  Cadets (male and female) and Seniors (male and female) will be housed Separately.

11) How does LESA South conduct Cadet Protection during the school?

         LESA South adheres to all CAP regulations.  With the current changes in Cadet Programs, Senior/cadet ratios will be met along with overnight security. 

12) How physically fit do I need to be to attend LESA South?

          LESA South is a real-life, in-the-field, ground team school.  You should be able to carry your own 24 or 72 hr pack while on sorites and be able to be on your feet walking all day. You know your own current medical or physical condition.  "IF" you are recovering from a current medical or physical condition, please do not attend if you are going to cause more damage to your condition. We want your experience to be a good one at LESA South.  If you have any concerns, please email us.

13) What are the LESA South Deadlines?

           a) The application and payment deadline for students and staff is October 1, 2025.  Selection and notification will be completed by October 10, 2025.

           b) Cancellations before November 1, 2025 will receive a full refund.  

           c) No refunds will be available after November 1, 2025. 

           d) All paperwork and prerequisites need to be completed and submitted to lesasouth@txwg.cap.gov by October 1, 2024.

           Earlier registration and application deadlines allow you to be selected and confirm attendance to get better airfare and secure travel arrangements.  

14) What are the uniform requirements for LESA South?

          The primary uniform for all LESA South students is the Field Uniform (ABU, or CAP Distinctive Blue BDU). Other uniform combinations or modifications will be dictated as per the training schedule. All students and staff must report in Uniform when the course starts. NO BLUES. All Field Uniforms will have proper rank insignia and patches IAW 39-1. Field uniforms will be the primary uniform. Only authorized hats and T-shirt colors will be allowed. T-shirts will not have non-CAP-related material printed on them. PT uniform is black or dark blue shorts, a plain black t-shirt or issued CAP activity T-shirt, white socks, and running shoes. Black sweats are authorized for cold weather wear. Staff and students will wear Field Uniforms for graduation. Mission Base Staff, sUAS staff, and Communications School may wear the blue polo combination in addition to the Field Uniform.

All emails should go to lesasouth@txwg.cap.gov

"If you're awake, you're training"