Outlived my usefulness?

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

How do you know if/when you've outlived your usefulness to CAP?

I've been with my current unit some years now, and served in several different duty positions; some I volunteered for and some I was assigned to.  My results have been mixed.

Could it be that there is no longer a place for me in CAP?

[a2capt]

I've been in one unit since I joined. According to the date, it's 10 years and two weeks. It seems like it's getting busier than ever. New cadets come, old ones grow up, there's so much stuff coming up.

Start something new.  Breath some life into it.

[arajca]

Consider moving up the food chain. It helps to expose you new ideas and a different view point.

[lordmonar]

How do you know if/when you've outlived your usefulness to CAP?

I've been with my current unit some years now, and served in several different duty positions; some I volunteered for and some I was assigned to.  My results have been mixed.

Could it be that there is no longer a place for me in CAP?

If you are not having fun......It is time to take a break.
Train your replacement, return all your squadron equipment and go patron status for a year....or retire if you have the years.

[Dad2-4]

Short answer: No. There's always something else to do that needs doing.
I've been there, felt like that myself. I took a break for almost 2 years on Patron status. Now I'm back on active status.
Get more training. If you haven't completed Level 3, do so and move up to Major. I just recently had the opportunity to complete CLC myself and am waiting for my Lvl 3 to show up in e-services.
Consider a group or wing staff position.
Teach on SLS and/or CLC staff or other courses. 
Look at serving on encampment staff if you can make the time.
Review the list of specialty tracks and try something new that you may not have considered in the past.

[Extremepredjudice]

Can you come to my squadron? Please!

Give back to the wig,n create something like FLWG's Ultimate Cadet Challenge or ALWG's ironman.

Or a color guard type thing. Or honor guard.

Edit: doesn't look like you have an encampment ribbon, or a NCSA ribbon... That is something you could do.

[FARRIER]

Go work in Aerospace Education.

[flyboy53]

Been there more times than I care to admit. I've had two major breaks in CAP service. The first time was involuntary because I became a Reserve Assistance Program NCO and base liaison; the second time followed the Desert Storm and I was a little tired of the organizational dynamics -- if you get my drift.

I would tell you to take a step back and do a little self-evaluation. People join this organization to achieve a goal, seek some level of recognition or some sense of fulfillment through belonging. Sometimes the achievement of that goal is very rewarding, sometimes it exacts a terrible toll on a family, sometimes the dynamics of the organization change to the point where membership is no longer an option and you may consider taking a break.

If, at the end of your self-examination, you decide that it's worth it to continue, I would recommend that you start scoping out a higher level assignment that results in a change in scenery and level of responsibility. You may find that level of contribution very rewarding.

Otherwise, considering that you're an observer; you might want to throw yourself into that area and consider being a trainer or seeking other mission-related skills to your rating.

[Pylon]

There are always people who will need and appreciate your skills and contributions.  As was mentioned above, if you're just not "feeling it" at the squadron level, consider doing a special project (putting together an event, escorting an NCC team, working on Wing Conference, volunteering for encampment or an NCSA staff, etc.) or seeing what needs are at the Group or Wing level.  If none of that gives you the warm and fuzzies, I have some web projects you could work on for CAP

[Eclipse]

Time to expand your horizons and move past the unit, including working on that grade insignia.
Good leaders with real experience are hard to come by in CAP, especially those who can bring that to
larger activities and more indirect management and effects.

[Flying Pig]

I have had 2 major breaks.  Im in my second right now.  Dont know if there will ever be a third.  I would suggest moving to Wing or Region staff.  Sometimes getting out of the Sq level, not being required to attend meetings all the time.  In many wings, being assigned to wing staff can be like working from home. 
I was a SqCC of a pretty successful Sq in CAWG and tried getting into other programs like the Surrogate Pred program.  I was assigned as a wing CD/LE Liason Officer. I thought that would be a great way to get into the inner workings of CD, be able to do some instructing for other members, talk with LEO's about what CAP was in their language.  It just never happened. The politics were just unbelievable.    I worked active in CD and worked close with members who are on this site in the CD program, and we all decided CD was way to political and really had nothing to do with peoples expertise.  I sent in multiple apps to the Predator Program and never heard anything back.  And of course......after I leave CAP I get emails saying, "To bad you quite we really could have used you."

I had aspirations of really getting into Cadet Programs after it was blatantly obvious none of the other programs needed me. Ultimately my reason for leaving for good was when my son decided CAP wasnt for him.  He was more into his swimming and water polo, which is fine.  Couldnt really justify hanging out with other peoples kids while mine sat at home.  One of my biggest motivations was creating a Squadron for my son honestly.  When I left the Squadron was left in good hands and is still growing by leaps and bounds.

The time I used to devote to CAP, now goes towards paid flying off-duty and paid flight instructing.  I even have a deal worked out where I have started using a plane to teach my son and in exchange the owner gets my CFI services free of charge whenever he needs something.  Considering hes a brand new student pilot working on his PPL-Comm, its not too bad for either of us.

I think CAP is an excellent program, but sometimes you look at yourself in the mirror putting on your uniform and just decide its no longer worth the hassle.

[RiverAux]

Are you asking if you are still of use to the squadron or are you saying that you're no longer satisfied doing what you're doing in the squadron?  Two different questions. 

I'm sure you're still useful to the squadron if you're actively doing some sort of work.

If you're not satisfied, as others say, it may be time to take a break or move up in
CAP. 

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

Thanks all for some very thought-provoking and much-appreciated words of wisdom.

I think what it's come down to is that over the past couple of years, my unit has gone through so many changes that I'm a square peg in a round hole there (nothing new).  There are other units in the area.

Promote?  I'm just waiting out TIG.  I've got everything for Major except TIG.

Group/Wing staff?  Maybe...but logistics might be a problem with that.

Right now I'm going through a great deal of self-assessment.

Again, thanks all.

[Flying Pig]

maybe you need more ribbons  Ribbons make me smile

[James Shaw]

It is very difficult to make a decision on whether or not you should stay or transfer. I have on a few occasions taken short periods of time off and just left CAP on the back burner for a few months. I think that any member that has been in for 10 years or more gets to that point. One of the things I have tried to do is diversify my work. I have worked in all 3 mission areas and each one has its own challenges and benefits. This may be an avenue for you to consider like some of the other CAPTalk members have expressed.

If it comes right down to it I dont think I would quit all together, but maybe transfer to the Patron Squadron and take some timme off. After you feel that you "miss" the program go back to the squadron and see if that excitement is there again. If not you have a bigger decision to make.

I dont know about you, but sometimes I wonder if I would be missed at all!

I wish you well on that decision.

[Flying Pig]

I will offer this though...

If your just in a phase in your life, dont quit.  Either renew and take a leave or drop your status to patron.  At least stay in the system until you make a final choice.  I had a four year gap last time and pretty much had to start over.  Sometime knowing you can go back and knowing that YOU are just taking a break is nicer than just stopping cold turkey.  I have been out a year and I am thinking about just renewing as a patrol.  Life has filled in the gap CAP left pretty quick but I dont know that i am "done" with CAP necessarily.  Which I think is evident by me still spending an unhealthy amount of time on CAPTalk

[James Shaw]

maybe you need more ribbons  Ribbons make me smile

Which one you want, Ill send you one...

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

I dont know about you, but sometimes I wonder if I would be missed at all!

Kind of the same with me...I think a lot of the people in the unit (especially cadets) don't even know who I am.  It's a big unit, and when I'm there I'm usually in an office doing paperwork apart from everyone else.

maybe you need more ribbons  Ribbons make me smile

I like them too, but I'm not likely to get any more in my present circumstances.  My Commander's Commendation is from '06 (and another lifetime) and the others are at least a decade old.  I've gone on at length about SMWOG's and 2 LT's already having CommComms simply for sucking up to knowing the right people at Group/Wing.  Much of what I've done is being a "worker bee" behind the scenes.  I'm not one to put myself forward...call it the "tall poppy" syndrome.

If I wanted to push the envelope, there are always the "commemorative ribbons"...there are about five in this list (http://www.medalsofamerica.com/ItemList--Commemorative-Medals--m-599--page-3) that I'd "qualify" for, but I'd also feel a right goofball.

If your just in a phase in your life, dont quit. 

I don't plan to.  I've had breaks in service before and coming back is a PITA.  I definitely believe I've stagnated in my current unit, so thankfully there are other places to look.

Part of the problem is me being the "square peg."  The unit has changed a lot, and as I said, it's big, and most of the people have the "all CAP, all the time" mindset...that was good when I was younger and had fewer responsibilities, but now I'm older, married and HAVE responsibilities and I don't have the time to do the "all CAP, all the time" way of life.

Being in a big unit, one tends to get lost in the crowd, especially if you're as reserved as I am (though you wouldn't know it from my bloviating on CT!).  I'm kind of like Reg Barclay on Star Trek: The Next Generation... the guy who's kind of odd but tries really hard nonetheless.



In a couple of years, I'll have enough time to retire...maybe that will be an option, to leave honourably and not just quit.

[Eclipse]

You know, we've got plenty of room for the unsung operators who, for some reason, are treated as "less" if they don't have
a 20-1 title.

We need more "members" - people who are current, qualified, experienced, and willing to show up when needed, if you're hitting
those marks, you should not feel defensive if you're not a staffer or always having dinner after meetings with the Unit CC.

This is another symptom of our low numbers - fully staffed units would not have the pressure to hand people a clipboard the
day they walk into the front door.  In my perfect CAP, we give people at least a full year to just be "members" before they
could even qualify as any staff. 

Leaders need followers, and usually in a 10-1 ratio.

[NCRblues]

I like them too, but I'm not likely to get any more in my present circumstances.  My Commander's Commendation is from '06 (and another lifetime) and the others are at least a decade old.  I've gone on at length about SMWOG's and 2 LT's already having CommComms simply for sucking up to knowing the right people at Group/Wing.  Much of what I've done is being a "worker bee" behind the scenes.  I'm not one to put myself forward...call it the "tall poppy" syndrome.

^ this I love

I can no longer take the CommComm serious anymore. I have seen way to many 1st Lt. with a basic red service ribbon and a silver clasp (or more) on their CommComm. I am sure some earned them fair and square, but I mean come on, 5 CommComm's for a person who has been in less than 5 years is a bit much unless they are superman (and I doubt it). For CommComm's its not what you do most of the time, its who you know.

Then NHQ comes up with the achievement award in which I was informed was supposed to make that CommComm problem go away, yet it has not.

[Pylon]

I can no longer take the CommComm serious anymore. I have seen way to many 1st Lt. with a basic red service ribbon and a silver clasp (or more) on their CommComm. I am sure some earned them fair and square, but I mean come on, 5 CommComm's for a person who has been in less than 5 years is a bit much unless they are superman (and I doubt it). For CommComm's its not what you do most of the time, its who you know.

Indeed; this is my 14th year in CAP, with 7 encampments as staff, a dozen duty assignments at squadron and above, color guard comp. escort, started a new squadron, secured over $15k in donations for one unit, and have luckily managed to avoid getting a CommComm or anything higher yet.  Gotta keep the streak going!  I'm aiming to get my 20 without any decorations. 

[titanII]

Indeed; this is my 14th year in CAP, with 7 encampments as staff, a dozen duty assignments at squadron and above, color guard comp. escort, started a new squadron, secured over $15k in donations for one unit, and have luckily managed to avoid getting a CommComm or anything higher yet.  Gotta keep the streak going!  I'm aiming to get my 20 without any decorations. 

You, Sir, deserve an award. Or at least a hug.

[Eclipse]

Seriously, you really have to work pretty hard to be that much of an asset and not be decorated at all.  If nothing else, encampment staff
is certainly "above and beyond your peers", so that should have been good for something.

I've always been pretty tight on decs in that you need to do more than "your job", but it certainly sounds as if you've done more than your share.

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

We'll see what the future holds, whether at my current unit or at another.

I think a huge part of the problem is just me, period...in the mostly-extrovert (or at least being able to act like one) culture of America, ranging from the glitz of Hollyweird to the Vince Lombardi assertion that "winning is the only thing," being an introvert is a bit of a handicap.  I was pretty much the same way in school when I was a kid.  CAP has enough of a split-off from the Air Force "pilots are everything" culture that those who fly our colourful little birds and get the Find ribbons get much of the acclaim and just get noticed more.

Like Popeye always said, "I yam what I yam."

[flyboy53]

We'll see what the future holds, whether at my current unit or at another.

I think a huge part of the problem is just me, period...in the mostly-extrovert (or at least being able to act like one) culture of America, ranging from the glitz of Hollyweird to the Vince Lombardi assertion that "winning is the only thing," being an introvert is a bit of a handicap.  I was pretty much the same way in school when I was a kid.  CAP has enough of a split-off from the Air Force "pilots are everything" culture that those who fly our colourful little birds and get the Find ribbons get much of the acclaim and just get noticed more.

Like Popeye always said, "I yam what I yam."

You aren't alone. Do yourself a favor and let someone know where you stand. If it has no bearing on the local unit, than move up to that level of assignment where you can make a difference again.

Ribbons and plaques are nice, promotions are OK but at some point that recognition isn't enough if you start to burn out from you duties. Besides, there are some people who collect that stuff, which diminishes the value for everyone else.

Unfortunately, I've also seen that with promotions, too.

It's common knowledge that in any volunteer organization 10 percent of the members do 100 percent of the work while the rest sit back and enjoy those efforts. Perhaps it's time to find something else to do or train for a different speciality....especially one that nobody else may be doing. Make use of your connections and network. You may be pleasantly surprised when you do.

Ultimately, the measure of your efforts is how you feel about yourself. Take pride in what you've done, even when it seems you aren't noticed. I think that happens most of the time because certain worker bees are taken for granted. The real measure is what happens when you leave that assignment for something new. Don't look back and fell no guilt if it falls apart.

[ironputts]

I am in my 21st year of CAP. I have taken one break due to military duty. Every year our unit shuts down during the summer for unit meetings. Our cadets attend all summer activities. Those two months revitalizes me and gives me a new perspective for the next year in the Fall. A break can be a copuple of weeks or longer. Like everyone here you just need to find the next perspective!

[RADIOMAN015]

How do you know if/when you've outlived your usefulness to CAP?

I've been with my current unit some years now, and served in several different duty positions; some I volunteered for and some I was assigned to.  My results have been mixed.

Could it be that there is no longer a place for me in CAP?

The key issue in ANY volunteer membership organization is do you personally feel that you are contributing to the organization   Are you happy going to the meetings and other activities or is it more like being in a job that you hate
Also other factors such as the relationship with others in the volunteer organization as well as the direction that the organization is taking (even at the local level) might affect your view on continued membership.

After answering these, I'd suggest you get another perspective by looking at the potential of joining another volunteer organization in your community.   The local Emergency Management Director might have a CERT team or just need some help in the office.  There's the American Red Cross Chapter, maybe the Salvation Army, or a multitude of non profit organizations looking for high quality volunteers.   BTW it doesn't even have to do with emergency services but could be strictly administrative in nature.  You know what your strengths and limitations are and most non profit organizations do have a place for quality volunteers.  CAP is NOT the only game in town :angel:
RM