Two Ribbons For One Recruit

[L Cid]

I'm the Recruiting Officer for my Cadet Squadron. 

Tons of cadets bring in visitors and potential recruits. 

I hand out a prepared "packet" that I designed to each visitor and their parent(s) for three meeting visits that include checkoff lists, FAQs, Guidelines, P/T requirements, etc. depending on the meeting visit they attend.

After the materials are handed out and discussed, I talk with the parent and the potential cadet about "life" in CAP.  They are given a tour and encouraged to observe our meetings activities.

The cadet that brought them in is used as an "escort" while they are there for any cadet questions they may have.

I make sure I meet with the prospective cadet and his parent(s) each visit and answer their questions about the Squadron and the materials they may have.

I have been instrumental in identifying and recruiting good cadets and "discouraging" visitors not appropriate for CAP.

When the prospective cadet joins CAP the cadet that referred him receives the recruitment credit and eventually a ribbon.  Even if he did not participate in the recruitment process at the Squadron.

CAPR 39-3, regarding the Criteria for Award of Service Ribbons says, "Recruiter Ribbons. Awarded by the unit commander to cadets and senior members in recognition of outstanding efforts to recruit new members for CAP."

Can I interpret this to mean that the Squadron Commander could award the Recruiter Ribbon to two people for recruiting one person?  In other words, if I assist or am instrumental in recruiting seven new qualified cadets or senior members to my Squadron, can I earn the Recruiter Ribbon for that effort? 

Otherwise, I will never earn a Recruiting Ribbon based on "finding" new recruits even though I am the Recruiting Officer.

Thanks.

[jimmydeanno]

If a cadet refers the recruit and they put them down on the application as the member most responsible, that's an easy answer. 

However, what you are talking about is an exercise in team recruiting.  Something that I advocate.  It is incredibly difficult to get someone that you don't really know or have ever met to join CAP without the help of others in the squadron.

In my squadron, we tackle recruiting together and "share credit" in large recruiting drives.  I'd say go for it - the spirit of the regulation is to recognize those who take an active effort in bringing in new family members.  I'm sure others here will disagree with me, but - oh well, those are the dice.

[MIKE]

I interpret it as the person most responsible (if any) as noted on the CAPF 12 and 15 respectively.

I've previously brought up the possibility of unit CCs or Recruiting Officers taking credit for "walk-ins" before 'cause it didn't seem like this was the intent of the award.

[Hawk200]

I interpret it as the person most responsible (if any) as noted on the CAPF 12 and 15 respectively.

I've previously brought up the possibility of unit CCs or Recruiting Officers taking credit for "walk-ins" before 'cause it didn't seem like this was the intent of the award.

I agree on the "most responsible" part. Had a unit where one cadet brought someone from school. The individual came for a month to "check things out", and then didn't come back. Almost ten months later, another cadet in the unit got the person to come back and even join. The first individual wasn't even present for a few weeks when they did, but got a little miffed that the person who manage to bring them back got the ribbon. Told him "Sorry, they didn't join when you brought them. They did when so-and-so got them here."

As for walk-ins, I never felt it was appropriate that anyone got the credit. If they just saw the sign on the door, or happen to see a meeting when they pass the unit when leaving the airport one night, and come back with a kid or grandkid the following week, then noone talked them into it. It's different if I (or anyone else) spend a month actively talking to someone about joining, and they do, then there's  a definite involvement.

[lordmonar]

I think that it would be okay to give two cadets credit for the same recruit.

As jimmydeano said...sometimes it is a team effort.

That is not to say that everyone who worked a recruit booth over a week end (or some other event) should get credit for all the recruits generated by that booth.

But say two cadets both worked on their friend to join....it would be appropriate.

It would definitely be a case by case situation and only the unit commander or his designee can make that call.

[Eclipse]

As for walk-ins, I never felt it was appropriate that anyone got the credit. If they just saw the sign on the door, or happen to see a meeting when they pass the unit when leaving the airport one night, and come back with a kid or grandkid the following week, then noone talked them into it.

That's a real pet peeve of mine - members asking if "anybody got credit for so-an-so", just because you were standing in the room when they joined.

I know unit CC's that take a recruit hit for every new member. I personally don't think that's right, either.

[Hawk200]

As for walk-ins, I never felt it was appropriate that anyone got the credit. If they just saw the sign on the door, or happen to see a meeting when they pass the unit when leaving the airport one night, and come back with a kid or grandkid the following week, then noone talked them into it.

That's a real pet peeve of mine - members asking if "anybody got credit for so-an-so", just because you were standing in the room when they joined.

I know unit CC's that take a recruit hit for every new member. I personally don't think that's right, either.

Unless the CC is directly responsible for someone joining, I feel they should be the last person getting recruiting credit. Same for recruiting officers. May not be to other people, but I feel it's a bit of an integrity issue. Taking credit for work you didn't do is only the beginning, where does that attitude end?

[DrDave]

There's only room for ONE NAME on the application form for who's most responsible for a new member joining.

'nuff said.

Dr. Dave

[Flying Pig]

I dont see how one could earn an award because they gave a tour of the squadron and handed mom and dad recruiting material.  The ribbon goes to the cadet who got the person to show up at the meeting.  Once they show up, its everyones responsibility to sell the program.