Civil Air Patrol Pueblo Eagles Composite Squadron Leadership Foundations 2: The Chain of Command GS 2.2

Objectives  Explain what the “chain of command” is and describe its purpose.  Identify the positions and people in the squadron’s chain of command

What is the Chain of Command?  Leadership: 2000 and Beyond defines the chain of command as the “order of authority.”  It is the succession of leaders in Civil Air Patrol – a list of all the commanders above you, in order from lowest to highest.

Why do organizations have a chain of command?  Getting Help – By knowing who your bosses are, and who their bosses are, you know where you can go for help with problems, where to go if you have questions, and who you should look to for leadership.  Teamwork – Having a chain of command shows that your organization believes in teamwork. –The CAP national commander couldn’t lead 60,000 members by herself! –Additional leaders support each other and take command of a certain number and group of people in the organization.  Accountability – Even the commander or the boss has a superior that they are accountable to.

Chain of Command  What does it mean to follow the chain of command? –Always trying to resolve issues at the lowest possible level, starting with your superior.  If you have questions or problems or ideas or suggestions, who do you speak to? –Talk to your element leader or flight sergeant before you call the wing commander or region commander!

The Civil Air Patrol Chain of Command  Element Member or Cadet –This is you! An individual follower.  Element Leader –Typically a C/A1C to C/TSgt –Leads four to ten cadets –Motivates cadets, serves as a coach, helps cadets prepare for inspection and to learn drill.

The Civil Air Patrol Chain of Command  Flight Sergeant –Typically a C/SSgt to C/CMSgt –Motivates cadets, leads cadets in drill, instructs cadets in basic subjects, and helps the flight commander lead the flight. –Leads one to four element leaders and their individual cadets.

The Civil Air Patrol Chain of Command  Flight Commander –Typically a C/2 nd Lt to C/Capt. –Supervises flight sergeant and element leaders and helps them develop leadership skills. –Instructs cadets –Sets goals and creates plans for the flight.

The Civil Air Patrol Chain of Command  First Sergeant –Typically a C/MSgt to C/CMSgt –Serves as a mentor to all cadet noncommissioned officers and airmen. –Serves as the cadet administrative and personnel noncommissioned officer in charge. –Responsible for keeping squadron “on time.” –Assists cadet commander with inspections, morale, drill, and discipline. Motivates cadets.

The Civil Air Patrol Chain of Command  Cadet Commander –Typically a C/Capt. to C/Colonel. –Supervises all flight commanders and the first sergeant. –Motivates cadets and develops their leadership skills. –Sets long-term goals for the squadron –Instructs cadets –Ensures squadron achieves its goals.

The Civil Air Patrol Chain of Command  Deputy Commander for Cadets –Senior member responsible for execution of the squadron cadet program. –Supervises all cadet program officers, the cadet commander, first sergeant, flight commanders and flight sergeants. –Directly responsible to squadron commander for achieving squadron goals.

The Civil Air Patrol Chain of Command  Squadron Commander –Typically a 1 st Lt. to Lt. Colonel –Senior member responsible for all aspects of the local Civil Air Patrol operations. –RMR-CO-179 Commander is 1 st Lt. Shad Brown  Group Commander –Typically a Major or Lt. Colonel –Commands multiple squadron commanders in a defined region of a state (wing). –Group 3 Commander is Lt. Col. Donald Thomas

The Civil Air Patrol Chain of Command  Wing Commander –Colonel commanding all groups and squadrons in a state. –Colorado Wing Commander is Col. Edward Phelka  Region Commander –Colonel commanding all wings in a geographic area. –Rocky Mountain Region Commander is Col. Greg Cortum.  National Commander –Major General in command of all Civil Air Patrol units and personnel. –National Commander is Maj. Gen. Amy Courter.

Conclusion  The chain of command is the “order of authority.”  It is a list of various leaders and the positions they may hold in any organization.  In Civil Air Patrol, new cadets are expected to know the chain of command in their squadron.  Use the chain of command to your benefit – talk to the people in your chain if you have a question or an idea.

Chain of Command  Any questions?