Welcome to the Training Leaders of Cadets Course Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar A1

In Cadet Programs, there is no substitute for leadership.

About the Course Goal: Prepare seniors to lead cadets and administer the Cadet Program at the squadron level Blocks of Instruction: Foundations Leadership Management Schedule

Seminars Seminars are mostly guided discussions Students come from several squadrons and can share ideas TLC is not the final word on Cadet Programs: Unit Commander’s Course Squadron Leadership School Cadet Programs Officer Handbook & Specialty Track Guide CAP Publications

Ground Rules Collegial atmosphere with lots of discussion Validate your local practices Freedom to speak with no cadets present Focus on the big picture Short breaks after each seminar Administrative notes: Restrooms Food & beverages Cell phones

Introduce Yourself Who are you? What’s your role in CAP? What do you do in the real world? What is something interesting about you?

Strategic Overview of the Cadet Program Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar F3

The Cadet View You’re 14 years old. What does being a cadet mean to you? What excites you about CAP?

The Long View You’re the governor. What good do you see coming out of the Cadet Program?

Today’s cadets... Tomorrow’s aerospace leaders

Adolescent Development Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar L2

Overview Diverse ages in the Cadet Program Learning styles Student-centered education

Early, middle & late adolescence Age Concrete thinkersAbstract thinkersCritical thinkers Body changesIndependenceEntering adulthood Fears not knowingFears not fitting-inFears not reaching goals Age 12-13Age 17-20

The Four Modalities of Learning VisualAuditory KinestheticTactile

Student-Centered Learning The best cadet units are cadet-centered. Cadets learn by doing; they are active participants, not passive receivers. Subject matter must be relevant to cadets’ interests. Cadets need to have a stake in their own learning. Ranking cadets should be included in the decision making-process.

Summary Each cadet is an individual. Use a variety of leadership & teaching styles so as to reach all cadets. Consider age and maturity as you promote cadets and assign jobs. Use student-centered approaches by involving cadets in decision-making.

Leading Indirectly Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar L3

“Leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders.”

Overview What is indirect leadership? How do you lead without taking over? How do you discipline using indirect leadership? Case studies

1. Definitions & Concepts What is indirect leadership? What does it mean for a senior to lead cadets indirectly?

2. Methods for Indirect Leadership How can you apply principles of indirect leadership to: Get a cadet started on a project? Refocus a cadet’s efforts in the midst of a project? Debrief a cadet upon completing a project?

2. Methods for Indirect Leadership Example: Cadets as Instructors

CASE STUDIES

Summary Indirect leadership methods develop cadets’ potential more effectively than authoritarian methods Begin with “mission-type orders” that merely define the goal Require updates and approvals along the way Ask questions to tighten cadets’ logic and introduce new ideas Mentor and debrief cadets to help them learn from their mistakes “Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.” - GEORGE S. PATTON

Leadership Feedback & Mentoring Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar L4

Overview What is mentoring? Leadership expectations Feedback meetings Case studies

1. Mentoring What is mentoring? Why is mentoring important in the Cadet Program? What are some examples of mentoring?

3. Leadership Feedback Meetings How frequently are feedback meetings held? What’s the goal of the feedback meeting? What principles should guide mentors? Process: CAPF 50-x

CASE STUDIES Evaluate the cadet depicted in the scenario using a CAPF 50. Decide if the cadet is ready for promotion. Be prepared to role play during a mock feedback meeting.

Summary Cadets need mentors to help them develop. Mentoring can happen every day. Be positive, constructive, and specific during feedback meetings. Use the CAPF 50 and Leadership Expectations chart as tools. Mentors make a difference.

The Cadet / Senior Team Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar L5

Warm Up Open to Part 2 and read two position descriptions

Overview Anatomy of the squadron staff Designing a cadet staff Staff selection process Exercises

1. Anatomy of the Squadron Staff What positions comprise the senior staff? What positions comprise the cadet staff? What are the basic responsibilities of each position?

2. Designing the Cadet Staff A tailor-made challenge Scalable organizational charts “One step forward, one step back” Term limits

3. Staff Selection Process Who picks the cadet staff? What do cadets need as they begin a staff job? What do cadets need as they conclude a staff job?

Exercise #1 Student #1Student #2 Scenario #1Cadet Programs OfficerC/SSgt and evaluator Scenario #2C/Capt and evaluatorCadet Programs Officer

Exercise #2 RED SQUADRON BLUE SQUADRON YELLOW SQUADRON ORANGE SQUADRON AbbyC/AmnGusC/TSgtMontelC/1st LtTanjelaC/2d Lt BlakeC/A1CHildaC/A1CNancyC/SSgtUptonC/2d Lt CarlosC/A1CIsabelleC/MSgtOliviaC/MSgtVickyC/Lt Col DorothyC/A1CJeromeC/SrAPedroC/CaptWaltC/Lt Col EverettC/SrAKariC/A1CQuentinC/SMSgtXavierC/Maj FrankC/AmnLamarC/A1CRussC/1st LtYvonneC/TSgt SunC/MSgtZachC/SSgt Total Strength: 12 cadets18 cadets24 cadets30 cadets

Summary Seniors and cadets need to lead together Use position descriptions to guide cadet staff Tailor the challenge: match rank, skill, and job Design a staff structure that fits your needs “Arrange everything so that the strong have something to yearn for, and the weak nothing to run from.” RULE OF ST. BENEDICT

Partnering With Parents Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar L6

Warm-up Read pages 4 through 8

“Kids with highly involved parents are more active in extracurricular activities than kids whose parents are less involved.” - Cornell University College of Human Ecology

Overview Standard practices for working with parents Getting parents involved in CAP Helicopter parents Addressing parents’ concerns

1. Standard Practices Parents’ welcome & orientation Included in Cadet Great Start Roster & contact information Calendar of events Parents’ Guide to CAP

2. Getting Parents Involved in CAP What are your success stories in these areas? Parent orientations On-going communication Socials & awards nights Parents’ committees Recruiting

3. Helicopter Parents Today’s Parents in the News: The World’s Longest Umbilical Cord: The Cell Phone ABC NEWS Dear Parents: Relax, It’s Just Camp NY TIMES Hovering Parents Need to Step Back at College Time CNN Helicopter Parents Try to Help Their Kids Land Jobs USA TODAY NEWSWEEK / MICHAEL ELINS

4. Addressing Parents’ Concerns If you were a cadet’s mom or dad, how would you want the squadron to respond to your concerns?

Summary Parents expect the commander to be a partner. calendars, rosters, websites Parents’ Guide Involved parents means involved cadets. parent committees cadet sponsor members Address concerns promptly and fairly. listen well show your concern for fairness and the cadets’ best interest

Cadet Welfare & Legal Issues Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar L7

Something to Remember “They’re not your cadets….they are my children.” FATHER OF A CADET

Overview Assuming the place of the parent Basic guidelines for adult supervision Overnight & high adventure activities Perennial legal issues Case studies

1. Assuming the Place of the Parent In loco parentis 60 Minutes test Team approach to decision-making Safety & welfare cannot be delegated

2. Basic Guidelines for Cadet Activities Cadet activities always require adult supervision Limit one-on-one contact Activities are supposed to be positive

3. Overnight Activities Parental permission Adult supervision requirements Chaperoning a co-ed group Respect for privacy Sleep Meals & nutrition

4. Perennial Legal Issues Transportation: “Can Cadet Curry drive Cadet Arnold to CAP?” Dating: Can Cadet Curry date Cadet Arnold? Can Major Curry date Cadet Arnold? Legal Agreements Who can sign agreements on behalf of CAP?

5. High Adventure Activities Strenuous activities are part of cadet life Partnering with parents Physical fitness & medical limitations Operational Risk Management (ORM) What could go wrong? How can we stay safe?

PROBLEM SOLVING SCENARIOS

Conclusion In loco parentis What would a responsible parent do in this situation? How would my actions and inactions appear on 60 Minutes? The adults on scene are responsible for keeping cadets safe.

Orientation & Membership: Cadet Great Start Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar M1

Overview Three approaches for orientating new cadets What do prospective cadets need? What is “Cadet Great Start?” Managing the membership process

1. Three ways to welcome newcomers Trickle-in Cadets enter CAP at any time Basic Cadet Training Wing trains cadets over a weekend Pipeline Cadets enter at certain times when the unit is prepared to receive them What are the pros and cons of each?

2. From kid to Cadet Airman What does it take to transform a prospective cadet into a Cadet Airman? What do newcomers need not just to “get by” but to succeed?

3. “Cadet Great Start” Begins with an open house Includes a parents’ briefing Offers hands-on activities that teach Curry topics Uses ranking cadets as instructors Transforms prospects into Airmen in 5 weeks Concludes with an O-Flight CRITICAL NEED!

3. “Cadet Great Start” Schedule

4. Management Issues Membership Process Cadet Uniform Program New Cadet Kit Best Practices

Conclusion Cadet Great Start is the standard way to orientate new cadets. Focuses squadron on newcomers’ needs Pipeline lets new cadets support one another Lots of hands-on training Quick but well-deserved promotion O-Flight as reward and motivator CRITICAL NEED! capmembers.com/greatstart

Cadet Advancement, Testing, & Records Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar M2

Overview How cadets become eligible for promotion What rules govern cadet tests How to manage cadets’ records How to make a promotion ceremony meaningful

1. Promotion Eligibility What are the basic requirements cadets must meet to complete an Achievement? Are those requirements always the same? When, precisely, is a cadet officially promoted?

2. Path of Progression

3. Cadet Testing What steps should you take to protect the integrity of cadet tests? Basic Facts: Test names Paper or online Passing score Open or closed book? Time limit? After passing, then what?

4. Cadet Records Online Cadet Promotions Application Data Entry Approvals Reports

5. Promotion Ceremony You’re 13 and about to be promoted to Cadet Airman. What do you want that promotion experience to be like?

Summary Study the Cadet Super Chart Keep tests secure using common sense Give cadets meaningful feedback about their tests Use the Cadet Promotions Application Make promotion ceremonies meaningful

Resources for Great Activities Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar M3

Textbooks, Activity Guides, Handbooks & More What resources are available to support squadron activities? Leadership Aerospace Fitness Character

Resource Catalog

Drug Demand Reduction Resources Resources for all units: - Lesson plans - Fit For Flying and Let’s Go Flying downloads - ‘Famous Fliers’ biographies - DDRx Activity Guide download - National Character Day (must host within 30 miles of AF installation) - Red Ribbon Leadership Academy (must host within 30 miles of AF installation) - online DDR reporting at eServices Resources for units within 30 miles of AF installations: - catalog purchases of promotional items - reimbursement for supply purchases - printed copies of textbooks - posters, brochures, displays for more info

Summary Cadet retention is higher when meetings are exciting CAP has a huge variety of educational and training resources Rely on the Cadet Programs Resource Guide

The Weekly Squadron Meeting Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar M4

A Visit to Hometown Cadet Squadron 1828Squadron commander arrives with key to building. Meeting is supposed to begin in 2 minutes. 1833Only half the active cadets have arrived. Commander decides to delay formation, hoping more will show. 1841Opening formation begins. 10 cadets are present. Pledge of Allegiance and Cadet Oath recited. 1842Uniform Inspection; seems to take more time than is necessary. 1854Drill: Random commands. Not much instruction. Objective is unclear. 1930“Flight Commander’s Time” A C/TSgt lectures cadets on how to prepare for encampment, telling them their poor attitudes won’t be tolerated there. Encampment is 38 weeks away. 1945Break: Cadets casually chit-chat. No refreshments served. No substantive administrative business conducted. Break seems to run long, like they’re trying to run out the clock. 2003Aerospace: AEO is not present at meeting. Some discussion about whether he even knew AE was scheduled tonight. Squadron watches 41- minute documentary on the Space Shuttle instead. 2050Closing Formation: The squadron is formed. The commander discusses the upcoming wing conference. 2104Dismissal. The commander dismisses the squadron. Following official dismissal, two cadets speak up about not having phone & rosters. A cadet NCO asks if the color guard can meet this Saturday; detailed discussion about the logistics ensues. Another cadet wants to see if any of the service coats in the unit’s supply locker fit her. 2119Frustrated mom tells cadet son to get moving, it’s a school night and it’s time to go home. 2132Last few members of the squadron leave. One month later: The squadron is down to 7 active cadets.

Overview The quarterly plan Elements of the weekly meeting Great activities every week Planning the meeting

1. The Quarterly Plan What do you want to accomplish next quarter? What are the benefits of following a quarterly plan?

2. Elements of the Weekly Squadron Meeting Opening formation15 min Emphasis item15 Core curriculum50 Break & admin time10 Special training50 Closing formation10 Total2.5 hrs

3. Great Activities What do cadets want from their meeting night? What are your success stories? How do you let cadets take a leadership role while still ensuring the activities are of high quality?

3. Great Activities 1. A senior or experienced cadet officer meets with the cadet to discuss goals & vision for the activity 2. Cadet begins to do some thinking and finds and personalizes a lesson plan. Cadet should rely on published lesson plans vs. original work 3. “Check Ride.” Cadet presents their ideas in depth to the cadet officer or senior, who provides mentoring and quality control. Postpone the activity if the cadet is clearly not ready to lead. 4. Squadron Meeting. Cadet leads activity or class. 2 Weeks Prior1 Week PriorD-Day Suggested process when using cadets to lead activities:

4. Planning the Meeting How do you plan a good meeting? Who does what, when, and how?

4. Planning the Meeting 1. Cadet officer or senior begins drafting detailed meeting schedule 2. Cadet officer coordinates details with staff officers; submits proposed schedule 3. Commander or deputy reviews and approves schedule. If the cadet fails to deliver it on time, they lose the privilege of planning the meeting 4. Commander or designee publishes the schedule, asking all members to prepare accordingly 5. Squadron Meeting: schedule is implemented 2 Weeks Prior1 Week PriorD-Day Suggested procedure for developing a meeting schedule:

Summary What are the hallmarks of great squadron meetings? What are the bad practices we want to avoid?

Weekend & Summer Activities Training Leaders of Cadets - Seminar M5

The Goal: Provide each cadet with an opportunity to participate in one weekend activity each month. Solution: Squadrons & wings need to work together. SquadronGroup or Wing JanuaryField Trip FebruaryLeadership Academy MarchO-Flights AprilModel Rocketry Day MayParade JuneCadet Competition JulyBivouac AugustEncampment SeptemberO-Flights OctoberWing Conference NovemberDay Hike DecemberWreaths Across America

Overview Squadron-level weekend activities Group and wing activities National activities General management principles

1. Weekend Squadron Activities What are some good activities your unit has had success with? What does another squadron need to know to duplicate your success?

2. Group & Wing Activities What are some activities that our group and wing offers? Why should cadets participate?

3. National Activities What are some great national activities? In what ways do you see national activities benefiting cadets? America? How do cadets apply?

4. Special Safety Policies Prohibited Activities Parasailing Outdoor Parachuting Ultralights Aerolights Highly-Regulated Activities Firearms training Rappelling Paintball Obstacle courses Emergency services missions Activities during hot weather For details, see CAPR 52-16, chapter 2

5. General Management Principles What are some standard management practices you should follow when planning cadet activities?

Summary Weekend and summer activities are great, but the weekly squadron meeting remains most important Offer cadets at least 1 weekend activity per month Work with wing and group Work with neighboring squadrons Cadets recognize quality when they see it; ensure the activity is well planned