Deputy commanders?

[RiverAux]

While it is pretty clear that both deputies are equal, should there be a "Squadron Executive Officer" Or "Vice Commander"  in composite squadrons that is the official second in command? 

It would make it slightly easier figure out who to contact if the squadron commander isn't available and perhaps allow for a more orderly transition. 

[Eclipse]

While it is pretty clear that both deputies are equal, should there be a "Squadron Executive Officer" Or "Vice Commander"  in composite squadrons that is the official second in command? 

It would make it slightly easier figure out who to contact if the squadron commander isn't available and perhaps allow for a more orderly transition.

I would say "no", if only because the times it would ever be needed would approach zero for the majority of units.

There should never be a question as to who's "in charge", so if anyone in the chain, especially the CD's are ever hazy about that,
they should ask before it becomes an issue.  Any CD asserting made-up authority over another is likely to already have "control issues",
and maybe shouldn't be a CD at all.

In the unexpected absence of a Unit CC, both sides of the program should be structured enough so there's no need to worry about
either side being "in charge" both the CDC and CDS should have all the rights they need to get their jobs done, and since we're not talking
about authenticator cards or simultaneously turning keys, there's very little that "has to be done NOW", in a typical squadron that could not
wait until the Unit CC is back.  (Plus, absent illness, who's ever "gone" anymore?  You can do approvals from an airplane these days,
so no one should ever be "gone".)

In a case where there is unexpected longer-term abcense, then either the Unit CC or wing CC should appoint someone as interim / temp CC.
In the case where a unit CC is removed, it's the Wing CC's call, as someone has to be in the Unit CC slot.  But again, if two adults can't
find a way to work together at that level without causing dissension or drama, then it's time to change them as well.

[RogueLeader]

(Plus, absent illness, who's ever "gone" anymore?  You can do approvals from an airplane these days,
so no one should ever be "gone".)

Those CAP members who deploy or PCS. . .

That's why I'm likely to become the CC in the next 6 months.

[Eclipse]

(Plus, absent illness, who's ever "gone" anymore?  You can do approvals from an airplane these days,
so no one should ever be "gone".)

Those CAP members who deploy or PCS. . .

A PCS or deployment is probably justification for permanent change of command.  Though with that said, as long as there is
internet, you can do CAP business (assuming you'd want to).

I've had members who were part of SUI teams and did the entire inspection remotely while on USAF TDY (in CONUS).

[Private Investigator]

While it is pretty clear that both deputies are equal, should there be a "Squadron Executive Officer" Or "Vice Commander"  in composite squadrons that is the official second in command? 

It would make it slightly easier figure out who to contact if the squadron commander isn't available and perhaps allow for a more orderly transition.

No. Why create new positions? But I do know Squadrons that have XOs, Vices, Deputies and Assistant Commanders. Sad thing about that is none wants to step up and be the CC.   

[Eclipse]

While it is pretty clear that both deputies are equal, should there be a "Squadron Executive Officer" Or "Vice Commander"  in composite squadrons that is the official second in command? 

It would make it slightly easier figure out who to contact if the squadron commander isn't available and perhaps allow for a more orderly transition.

No. Why create new positions? But I do know Squadrons that have XOs, Vices, Deputies and Assistant Commanders. Sad thing about that is none wants to step up and be the CC.   

Everyone wants authority, few will accept responsibility.

[Майор Хаткевич]

Authority or "prestige"...

[lordmonar]

While it is pretty clear that both deputies are equal, should there be a "Squadron Executive Officer" Or "Vice Commander"  in composite squadrons that is the official second in command? 

It would make it slightly easier figure out who to contact if the squadron commander isn't available and perhaps allow for a more orderly transition.

No. Why create new positions? But I do know Squadrons that have XOs, Vices, Deputies and Assistant Commanders. Sad thing about that is none wants to step up and be the CC.   

Well....it depends on how you organise your squadron.

In an AD Flying squadron you have the Commander and the DO (deputy for operations) as the number one and number two guys in the squadron...but then you have XO who bosses over the admin, finance, personnel, support functions of the squadron.

My current CAP squadron if organised that way.

The Commander has two deputys and one XO.
CDC owns all the cadet functions.   CDS owns all the operations.  XO owns all the admin, support, supply, personnel, Professional Develpment functions.

So the two deputies have clear operational lines that they rule over....and the support functions that help both operations is under another branch of the organisation.

[RiverAux]

The Commander has two deputys and one XO.

Uh, just how is this possible given the mandated organization charts we have that have no allowance for an XO? 

[SarDragon]

The Commander has two deputys and one XO.

Uh, just how is this possible given the mandated organization charts we have that have no allowance for an XO?

Mandated? I've only ever seen them as strong suggestions. Two of the units I've been have modified the structure, due to needs, and the inspectors have never even blinked.

[JeffDG]

The Commander has two deputys and one XO.

Uh, just how is this possible given the mandated organization charts we have that have no allowance for an XO?

Mandated? I've only ever seen them as strong suggestions. Two of the units I've been have modified the structure, due to needs, and the inspectors have never even blinked.

CAPR 20-1:

21.  Field Organization:
a. Headquarters  organizational  structures for each
level of command throughout CAP are depicted in part II.
This basic organizational structure has been determined to
be the most workable structure for all CAP units, and
deviations are not authorized, except to expand particular
staff  elements as required to accomplish the unit's
mission

Sounds like they're "Mandated" to me.

[Eclipse]

Yep.  The creation of made up, local titles and authority was prohibited several years ago.

There's no such thing as an XO in a CAP unit, nor a Vice any thing or Chief Of Staff below wing.

[Cool Mace]

Jeff,

Quote
21.  Field Organization:
a. Headquarters  organizational  structures for each
level of command throughout CAP are depicted in part II.
This basic organizational structure has been determined to
be the most workable structure for all CAP units, and
deviations are not authorized, except to expand particular
staff  elements as required to accomplish the unit's
mission


Now it says you can expand to accomplish the units mission. Since we have Sr's on Exec. staff, could you not place in XO over them?
It makes sense that you can expand to have an XO to accomplish the units mission.

[SARDOC]

^^^^Oh see...you weren't supposed to read the whole sentence...Just the Bold Highlighted section.

[JeffDG]

Jeff,

Quote
21.  Field Organization:
a. Headquarters  organizational  structures for each
level of command throughout CAP are depicted in part II.
This basic organizational structure has been determined to
be the most workable structure for all CAP units, and
deviations are not authorized, except to expand particular
staff  elements as required to accomplish the unit's
mission


Now it says you can expand to accomplish the units mission. Since we have Sr's on Exec. staff, could you not place in XO over them?
It makes sense that you can expand to have an XO to accomplish the units mission.

Except there's no "XO" staff element to expand...it doesn't exist in the senior organization.

[EMT-83]

Advisor to Commander, CC assigns duties consistent with XO. It's worked for us for many years.

[RiverAux]

Keep in mind that I am in favor of having an XO position for composite squadrons, but don't believe that there is enough wiggle room in 20-1 to do it right now. 

[Private Investigator]

The Commander has two deputys and one XO.

Uh, just how is this possible given the mandated organization charts we have that have no allowance for an XO?

Mandated? I've only ever seen them as strong suggestions. Two of the units I've been have modified the structure, due to needs, and the inspectors have never even blinked.

Most Inspectors let you "rationalize" anything. It does not make it right. i.e. Squadrons with "Commander Emeritus", Chief of Staff and a Deputy Chief of Staff? Advisor to the Commander? Especially if it is the Commander's spouse and that person has never been a Commander in CAP.

[Private Investigator]

Advisor to Commander, CC assigns duties consistent with XO. It's worked for us for many years.

At the Wing level yes. At the Squadron level it does not make sense for an "Advisor to the Commander". That is why I have a CDs, CDC, Admin Officer, Pers Ofcr, Finance Ofcr, Supply Ofcr, etc,etc, AKA "Staff".

In some Squadrons you may have several former Squadron and/or Group Commanders who are on the Staff and are team players. Other Squadrons the former Commanders want to have a title and/or prestige and are not content with just being one of the guys. JMHO   

[SARDOC]

Advisor to the Commander in my squadron is used for Former Unit Commanders who just go burnt out and aren't participating at a level enough to hold a staff position.  Keeping the two that I have on my roles has been very helpful because both have much more time back in CAP then I do...so I use them as Advisor's Not XO's

I also see a role for an XO but even with the 80+ members in my squadron, it's easily managed by the CDC and CDS without any problems.