DOKP – Comm Plans & Requirements LtCol Mike Marek

DOKP Staff  DOKPS – Communications Supply and Logistics Manager LtCol Steve Haney  DOKPB – Communications Requirements Budget Manager Vacant (may fill soon)  Assist with analysis and interpretation of requirements and AARs  Assist with strategic planning  Assist with budget management (federal POM cycle, etc.)

DOK – Plans & Requirements  Plans  Strategic Planning (seeing the forest for the trees)  Comm Plans – writing and reviewing  Analyzing AARs and other input from wings and regions  Requirements  Understanding and interpreting internal and external policy requirements  Helping explain policy and requirements (such as blog)  Anticipating needs and proposing policy

Regulation Status    Updated National Communications Plan  Waiting for reg approval  Continue to use existing plan

Wing/Region Comm Plans  Status report  Submitted  Changes requested  Changes compete/On web  Observations  Plans are “all over the map” from excellent to superficial paperwork compliance  Many did not include items listed in  Many used massively outdated terminology, such as “CAPR 100-1, Volume 1” or “communicators nets”

Comm Plan Proposal  Plans should promote critical thinking about operational communications  Focus on mission accomplishment for operational customers  Administrative management does not need to be in the plan available nationally  Consideration of a national template  Structure to ensure inclusion of needed planning  Flexibility to address local environment

Comm Strategic Plan  Regs refer to national Comm strategic plan, but have little detail  Previous strategic plan approved transition to NTIA compliance  Triggered $30+ million in new communications equipment, including new repeaters and narrowband transition  NHQ developing comprehensive strategic planning process;  May not be a separate Comm strategic plan in future

Planning in ACC Environment  Transition to Air Combat Command likely leads to new missions and changing expectations  The “what” we need to do from ACC will lead to the “how” in future strategic planning  Initiatives may begin in 2016, but expect it to be systematic and evidence-based  In the interim, the most recent national communications plan describes directions and current initiatives

Leadership Development  New introduces idea of “Training our own replacements”  Too often wing Comm managers end up being “lone wolves”  Try to do everything  Sometimes “don’t share well”  Burn-out cycle Failed program Next guy rebuilds  We succeed by helping our subordinates succeed  Always encourage, support, and include members interested in Communications!

Communication about Communications  CAP-DC Listserv  Membership limited to DC plus six comm staff  Many wing DCs do not subscribe the maximum allowed – contact yours  CAP-COMM Listserv  For any interested member  Subscribe at:  CAP-COMM Facebook Page  Voice of Command Blog at capmembers.com

Questions? Feedback? 2015 Comm Manager’s Meeting

Civil Air Patrol …Citizens Serving Communities!