The Pennsylvania Wing Encampment (ENC) has been in existence for over 50 years. At one time there were four Encampments: Willow Grove, Fort Indiantown Gap, Hawk Mountain, and Pittsburgh. These were later combined into a PAWG ENC West in Pittsburgh and a PAWG ENC East at Fort Indiantown Gap. In 1998 they were combined into one school and held yearly at Fort Indiantown Gap.
As per CAPR 52-16 Cadet Programs, Chapter 9: The purpose of the cadet encampment is for cadets to develop leadership skills, investigate the aerospace sciences and related careers, commit to a habit of regular exercise, and reinforce their moral character.
Students that attend the PAWG ENC often find the experience to be a corner stone of their cadet career. Not only is it the gateway to being able to phase into the officer portion of the cadet program as a requirement for the Billy Mitchell Award, but ENC completion also opens up many opportunities, such as the ability to attend National Cadet Special Activities (NCSAs) – including Hawk Mountain. ENC is also a unique opportunity for cadets to interface with other cadets and officers from across the entire state. Many cadets forge friendships that last the course of their CAP career, if not their lifetime.