Cadet Officer Line Staff Positions

The Role of an Officer What is the difference between an officer and an NCO? How do offer positions vary? How do officers approach things? Are they less direct? Vision Oriented vs. Objective Oriented VS.

Avoid the Mindset Officers should avoid much direct involvement with cadets and leave that solely as teaching opportunities for NCO’s There is not a single individual that is too low in the Chain of Command to form a personal relationship with. As an officer, you often have the best means of connecting with young cadets

The Officer Perspective Your approach changes… Your leadership philosophy doesn’t There isn't a way “things are supposed to be done” What are teaching moments? Leaders as teachers Guide and support junior NCO’s… and even other officers. Let them take on teaching moments of their own. What is your leadership approach?

Squadron Positions and Duties

Officer Staff Positions within a Cadet Squadron - Cadet Flight Commander - Cadet Deputy Commander - Cadet Commander Subordinates & Superiors - Cadet Flight Sergeants/Cadet Deputy Commander - Cadet Flight Commanders/Cadet Commander - Cadet Deputy Commander/Deputy Commander of Cadets

Cadet Flight Commander “My Personal Favorite Position” Cadet Flight Commander Mentorship Flight Sergeant It’s a team partnership Impart some wisdom Basic Cadets Guide and Counsel Know them as individuals Deputy (Cadet) Commander Your source of Guidance An excellent resource Duties: Instruct Cadets Motivate and Discipline the Flight Flight planning – Your chance to make a change Mentoring Individual Cadets Drill and Ceremonies Cadet Development In the flight the flight sergeant is the teacher, but as an officer you will be called on to teach on a verity of topics to the squadron as a whole. You are now a role model to your cadets, you need to be the cadet officer they want to become. Lead by Example. Your main responsibility is to train and mentor your flight sergeant and element leaders. Make sure that they know what their responsibilities are. Set goal for the flight based on the Squadron’s goals as a whole. Observe cadets. Conduct Form 50’s and use on-the-spot coaching. Work through your flight sergeant when possible. Lead the flight during formations/ceremonies. Coach the flight sergeant and element leaders as they drill the flight. Final Tips: What do you want to leave these kids with? There is no way “it should be done”

Cadet Deputy Commander Mentorship The PRIMARY duty of the Deputy Commander Mentor the Flight Commanders Mentor ALL of the line staff Cadet Commander Duties Manage Cadet Operations Supervise and Mentor Flight Commanders Monitor Cadet Inspection Programs Recommendations regarding the line staff Aid the Cadet Commander Final Tips: Don’t overstep, either up or down Pay attention to your people While the cadet commander focuses on the long-term challenges you are the main focal point for planning cadet activities The cadet deputy commander acts as the immediate supervisor and mentor of the flight commanders. Take a high level view of cadet inspections. What trends are you seeing? What do the trends tell you about the cadets’ training needs? How well are the flight commanders preparing their cadets for inspection? As the manager of cadet life at the squadron you will be called upon to give your recommendation for duty assignments, as well as give input on cadets are doing in their positions. Command the squadron when the cadet commander is absent. Remember you represent the cadet commander and are presumed to speak on his behalf.

Duties of the Cadet Commander Set Goals for the Squadron Establish Plans, Policies and Procedures Coordinate Cadet Staff Activities Promote Excellence Lead Drill & Ceremonies Mentorship: Your executive staff Every single member of cadet staff Deputy Commander for Cadets What is your legacy? Tips: Don’t get overwhelmed. What is most important to you? Never lose sight of your vision It’s not going to happen the way you want it to The vision for the cadet corps must stem from the cadet commander. Find out what cadet are interested in and point the squadron toward exiting and meaningful goals. Set short term training objectives for each weekly meeting and special activity. Ensure all cadet activities are well planned and successful. Build a spirit of teamwork among the cadet staff. Plan and lead staff meetings. You are the liaison between the cadet staff and the senior members. Propose cadet duty assignments. Mentor potential successor(s). Ensure cadets are receiving meaningful feedback from their Form 50’s. “Cadet commander is the ultimate position in the cadet corps’ hierarchy. Supervise and mentor all cadets, especially cadet officers, while working through the chain of command. Resolve conflicts and disputes. Motivate and discipline cadets, working through the flight commanders. Keep the senior staff informed of any issues that may develop into serious problems, and all issues affecting the general safety and welfare of the cadets.” – CAPP 52-15 Lead by example and motivate all cadets to live the Core Values and meet or exceed CAP standards concerning the fundamentals of cadet life. Command all squadron-level cadet formations. Assist with cadet promotion and award ceremonies.

Encampment Positions and Duties

Cadet Flight Commander “Still My Personal Favorite Position” Cadet Flight Commander Mentorship Flight Sergeant It’s a team partnership Impart some wisdom Be clear about your vision Basic Cadets Guide and Counsel Know them as individuals Squadron Commander Your source of Guidance An excellent resource This is the “good work” of encampment” Duties: Flight Planning - What do you want this encampment to accomplish? Instruct Cadets Motivation Discipline Flight planning –Mentoring Individual Cadets Drill and Ceremonies Cadet Development In the flight the flight sergeant is the teacher, but as an officer you will be called on to teach on a verity of topics to the squadron as a whole. You are now a role model to your cadets, you need to be the cadet officer they want to become. Lead by Example. Your main responsibility is to train and mentor your flight sergeant and element leaders. Make sure that they know what their responsibilities are. Set goal for the flight based on the Squadron’s goals as a whole. Observe cadets. Conduct Form 50’s and use on-the-spot coaching. Work through your flight sergeant when possible. Lead the flight during formations/ceremonies. Coach the flight sergeant and element leaders as they drill the flight. Final Tips: What do you want to leave these kids with? You can make the difference There is no way “it should be done”

Cadet Squadron Commander Mentorship The PRIMARY duty of the Squadron Commander Mentor the Flight Commanders Mentor the First Sergeant Mentor ALL of your squadron staff Deputy Commander One of the most unique, most challenging, and most rewarding positions of an encampment A combination of cadet/deputy commander Duties Essentially “runs” the encampment Keeps flight staff to schedule Supervise and Mentor Flight Commanders Monitor Cadet Progression Keeps the deputy commander informed Final Tips: Don’t micromanage… They aren’t your flights Pay attention to your people Your impact is where you want it to be While the cadet commander focuses on the long-term challenges you are the main focal point for planning cadet activities The cadet deputy commander acts as the immediate supervisor and mentor of the flight commanders. Take a high level view of cadet inspections. What trends are you seeing? What do the trends tell you about the cadets’ training needs? How well are the flight commanders preparing their cadets for inspection? As the manager of cadet life at the squadron you will be called upon to give your recommendation for duty assignments, as well as give input on cadets are doing in their positions. Command the squadron when the cadet commander is absent. Remember you represent the cadet commander and are presumed to speak on his behalf.

Final Notes Part of ‘supervising’ in CAP is mentorship. The person above you has been there and done that, and they are here to help you. As such, you are responsible for mentoring the person beneath you. Train those under than you to not only take your job, but to do it better than you.

Questions?