CAP Talk

Operations => Aerospace Education => Topic started by: wmackirdy on January 22, 2018, 04:51:32 AM

Title: Just been assigned AE Officer position...HELP!
Post by: wmackirdy on January 22, 2018, 04:51:32 AM
I am new to CAP...and have just been asked to take on the AE Officer position.

Since I am new, I am struggling a bit with getting my arms around the job.

What are some suggestions on getting started?
Title: Re: Just been assigned AE Officer position...HELP!
Post by: TheSkyHornet on January 22, 2018, 03:31:35 PM
What part are you struggling with?

You know what the job is, right?
Title: Re: Just been assigned AE Officer position...HELP!
Post by: MacGruff on January 22, 2018, 04:24:54 PM
It can be a lot of fun and there are lots of resources available to you. Spend some time in the Aerospace Education area of e-services. Look in the downloads section. Send PM if you want more advice. But, first and foremost, read the Aerospace Education Pamphlet to see what you should be doing!

Title: Re: Just been assigned AE Officer position...HELP!
Post by: wmackirdy on January 25, 2018, 03:32:45 AM
I have read the pam's, searched the e-services website...just looking for tips on the practical stuff...i.e., projects and meeting tips.

Thanks folks!!
Title: Re: Just been assigned AE Officer position...HELP!
Post by: TheSkyHornet on January 25, 2018, 01:44:27 PM
One of the areas I often see to be a struggle is the age gap---cadets who are 16 don't enjoy the activities that the cadets who are 12 enjoy. That really goes for any class. I think one of the best things you can do is talk to your cadets and ask them what they find interesting, what they would like to do, and what they would like to learn more about. Gauge their knowledge and see what they know already. Add to it; expound on it.

I'm a STEM junkie. I love the hydraulic-powered level/pulley system stuff. I love flight simulation and air traffic control. I fully realize that 15-year-olds might not like what I like, or may not even know about it. So if I ave an idea for an activity, and it sounds "neat" because everyone is just willing to go with the flow, and it turns out to be a really bad idea or just wasn't that great, I need to never take that personal. And that's huge: don't ever make it personal, and don't make it about you. It's a cadet program, not the what-seniors-like-most program.

I strongly encourage staying away from lectures and videos. If they can't get hands on, or they can't get up to the board and write/draw, or they can't engage in a discussion that seems to peek interest, try something else.