Helping a new unit?

[C/Martin]

My friend in school who takes JROTC with me and  showed me CAP is opening a new unit closer to me. He is ranked at C/2Lt. He has asked me to help. But, I am a member of Virginia Wing and not North Carolina Wing. His meetings are on different nights and has only 1 cadet experienced besides himself. He may have 10+ cadets new to CAP. But, I do not want to leave my squadron cause of the people and I already hold the position of First Sergeant.

Even though I am a member of a different wing, would it be alright for me help him out? Also, if I do, should I make sure my name and CAP ID do not show up on paperwork?

[MIKE]

If both his squadron commander and your squadron commander are cool with it... it shouldn't be a problem.  Make sure your CC knows where you are and what you will be doing.  When I attended some meetings up in NH WIWAC, I just went through the squadron like I was a typical guest rather than going through the wing and everything.

I would not expect you to be filling out CAPF 50 series for somebody else's unit, but helping to train where you can should not be a problem.

[lordmonar]

First.....stop!

Second....if the new squadron needs help (and by your discription it probably does) then have their CC call your CC and ask for assitance.

There is nothing wrong with loaning out cadets to another squadron.  Letting you go to their meetings for a few months to help them get on their feed sounds like a great idea.

However, you need to make sure that everyone is on board.

You don't want to blindside the new commander (way is XYZ squadron sending me this guy?) nor do you want to blind sid your command (You have been doing what?!?!).

So....go to your commander, explain what you want to do and then let him work it out with the new squadron's commander.

On a side note....your commander may still want to help but you may not be the best person to send.  Being the First Sergeant he may not be able to afford to let you go away for six months....just keep that in mind.

[mynetdude]

If both his squadron commander and your squadron commander are cool with it... it shouldn't be a problem.  Make sure your CC knows where you are and what you will be doing.  When I attended some meetings up in NH WIWAC, I just went through the squadron like I was a typical guest rather than going through the wing and everything.

I would not expect you to be filling out CAPF 50 series for somebody else's unit, but helping to train where you can should not be a problem.

I did not know that there were protocols to follow when visiting a squadron outside of your wing as a CAP member.  Attending an activity/training outside of your wing as a CAP member, yes but a meeting??

[a2capt]

Gawd, I hope not- or I'm in serious violation as I've dropped in on meetings all over the place, and given advice, helped with issues, etc.

[davedove]

You just have to be careful you don't step on anyone's toes.  Some commanders may get their panties in a bunch if they haven't authorized something and find out about it later.

[Eclipse]

Gawd, I hope not- or I'm in serious violation as I've dropped in on meetings all over the place, and given advice, helped with issues, etc.

I am not particularly fond of members from other units showing up without prior notification, especially from higher HQ.

Cadets need explicit permission to go to any activity, and just because a cadet from unit "a" asks for help from a cadet from unit "b", doesn't mean the commander is interested in that "help".  It also doesn't mean the unit "b" cadet is actually qualified to provide that help.

Explicit approval by both commanders, and possibly the group cc avoids any misunderstandings.

[davidsinn]

Gawd, I hope not- or I'm in serious violation as I've dropped in on meetings all over the place, and given advice, helped with issues, etc.

I am not particularly fond of members from other units showing up without prior notification, especially from higher HQ.

Cadets need explicit permission to go to any activity, and just because a cadet from unit "a" asks for help from a cadet from unit "b", doesn't mean the commander is interested in that "help".  It also doesn't mean the unit "b" cadet is actually qualified to provide that help.

Explicit approval by both commanders, and possibly the group cc avoids any misunderstandings.

This gets even more interesting because it's across wing boundaries.

[C/Martin]

Me and my Commander have talked about this a whole lot previous to this post. Since we both live in North Carolina and attend a Squadron in Virginia we have been talked to by this cadet starting the squadron. We  both said that we would love to help. But, my main question is will there be any conflict if my Name and CAP ID are on their paper work. Like Safety briefing.  I do not plan on testing through them. Me and my Squadron Commander even tried to check in to sponsoring them and flying air craft down to them for O-rides. So my Squadron Commander is fine with me helping, just will wing or national flip if my name appears on paper work?

[Eclipse]

^ No - but that unit will not be able to do any approvals or enter anything for you.  If both commanders are working together, then there should be no issue with giving you credit for things done in the other state.

You could also just transfer.

[JC004]

Me and my Commander
...

*cringe*  *cries*   

[a2capt]

Let me add, I don't go in with the intention, but members.. talking to other members, and by the end, and during the debrief session after, it usually turns into, helping out with stuff, too. OTOH, I have been asked back for the very reason a few times, too.

I wouldn't get into anyones stuff without the chain of command being aware, on the receiving end. IE, ES asking for advice, UDF assistance training assistance, etc- without their CC being in the loop. But do I need it from my end? That just seems absurd. We're all part of the same organization.

[Eclipse]

I wouldn't get into anyones stuff without the chain of command being aware, on the receiving end. IE, ES asking for advice, UDF assistance training assistance, etc- without their CC being in the loop. But do I need it from my end? That just seems absurd. We're all part of the same organization.

Yes - unless you have a staff job at a higher HQ and the concurrence of your commander, wandering around "helping" people is not how our program works.  At a minimum you should have the approval of both your commander and the commander of the units you are helping, and possibly the group CC's.

Even staffers from higher HQ have to be careful, because its a fine line between "helping" and "meddling" or usurping local authority.

[mynetdude]

There is a big difference between helping and being involved that can significantly affect a squadron, this is where I would get the consent from those who need to know and should be aware.

Visiting a squadron, even out of state does this still apply? Especially of higher HQ? From time to time our wing vice commander comes the squadron meeting of the unit he used to be a commander at and does not do anything unless asked by the unit CCif there is a need (taught some classes).

[brasda91]

I did not know that there were protocols to follow when visiting a squadron outside of your wing as a CAP member.  Attending an activity/training outside of your wing as a CAP member, yes but a meeting??

Nope, no big deal.  I went to FL for vacation earlier in the year.  Looked up a local unit and touched base with him on stopping by, only because they meet on an AF base and needed to follow the rules on getting on base.

If a member from another Wing is in my hometown for whatever reason, I wouldn't have a problem at all if they stopped by without contacting me first.  Actually I would be pleased to meet a fellow member.

[JoeTomasone]

At a minimum, the Commanders involved should be aware and approve, and in some Wings (FL, for example), the Wing Commander requires notification of members participating out-of-Wing.  However, that is the responsibility of the Commanders to determine what is required from higher HQ.

[JoeTomasone]

I wouldn't get into anyones stuff without the chain of command being aware, on the receiving end. IE, ES asking for advice, UDF assistance training assistance, etc- without their CC being in the loop. But do I need it from my end? That just seems absurd. We're all part of the same organization.

But you are an "asset" of your unit, so yes, your Commander should be aware of anything you are doing that is not part of your assigned responsibilities. 

As a Group ES Officer, I was asked to attend another Group's FTX and conduct some training.   I made sure that my Commander was aware for a few reasons: 

1.  The Commander would know that I was not available for any taskings in my AOR - or at least would need to be recalled.

2.  If I managed to do something dumb that generated a complaint, my Commander would not be blindsided by the fact that I was there.

3.  If I brought any Group assets (say an L-Per), it would be known that it was unavailable.

[EMT-83]

Wow, it's a cadet helping a new squadron. How about a massive prescription for chill pills for some of the forum members?

Make sure both squadron commanders are on board, and go for it. Thanks for taking the initiative.

[C/Martin]

Thanks for the help. I wouldnt mind transfering, but I like the people at my current squadron and do not wish to leave. VA-023 > AFJROTC buddies starting a squadron. I get enough oughta them 6 days a week. xD

[Pylon]

Good luck!

Having recently been part of establishing a new squadron, I can say that having three or four experienced cadets "on loan" for meetings and training activities from two other squadrons helped immensely.  I was in touch with the cadets' squadron commanders (and made the request for help to their commanders) and it was no problem.  Just an e-mail or two to clear it with the powers that be.  But it certainly is a great thing to help out a new unit like that.  It can make the difference between a quality, sustainable standup or a unit that continues to struggle after its inception.