Visiting other units

[star1151]

What's the protocol?  There are quite a few in my area and I'm thinking it might be time to look around for a different squadron.  I just don't want to step on any toes...how do I go about doing this?  Let someone know?  Just show up?

And if I DO decide to switch, what's the procedure for that?

[SarDragon]

Usually, I contact the unit commander and check in ahead of time. Most don't mind visitors. Some units require advance notice to get you on the security list, so you can get through "the gate".

[RiverAux]

Agree with SARDragon.  Be sure to have your id if you're going in uniform and if the squadron is on its toes they will actually ask to see it. 

[dwb]

As long as the commander of the visiting unit knows in advance, you're golden.

Of course, you should talk to your own commander as well, just to let him/her know what's going on.

Although I have never visited a unit with intent to transfer, I have visited a few other units in my travels for work.  All have been very welcoming and enjoyable.  I always contacted someone in the unit in advance of my visit.

[MIKE]

Although I have never visited a unit with intent to transfer...

I have, and I was up front with the CC about the possibility of my transferring when I called and asked if I could pop in on some meetings.  I was a guest of the unit for a month or so before we decided to cut the 2A.

Also, if you do intend to transfer it is a good idea to keep your current commander in the loop... less likely to have your transfer challenged, and end up RTU'ed..  As transfers are initiated by the gaining commander, but can be challenged by the losing commander.

[star1151]

Also, if you do intend to transfer it is a good idea to keep your current commander in the loop... less likely to have your transfer challenged, and end up RTU'ed..

Why would a current commander challenge the transfer?  Do they actually need a valid reason?

[CASH172]

Also, if you do intend to transfer it is a good idea to keep your current commander in the loop... less likely to have your transfer challenged, and end up RTU'ed..

Why would a current commander challenge the transfer?  Do they actually need a valid reason?

Sometimes there are internal political reasons that coincide with things like that. 

[SDF_Specialist]

If you decide to actually transfer, the receiving commander should initiate the paperwork, and the losing commander SHOULD approve it as well. As you said, don't step on toes. You never know who will start lurking, and what may happen. :angel:

[Cecil DP]

Also, if you do intend to transfer it is a good idea to keep your current commander in the loop... less likely to have your transfer challenged, and end up RTU'ed..

Why would a current commander challenge the transfer?  Do they actually need a valid reason?

A losing Commander can deny the transfer if the member owes money or has squadron property that needs to be returned. Also if there are any actions pending against the member.

[floridacyclist]

Sometimes there are internal political reasons that coincide with things like that. 

Anyone who lets politics interfere with what is best for the organization or it's members needs to be 2Bed on the spot, then staked out on an anthill at high noon with honey poured all over them and a leather thong that's been soaking in water overnight tied tightly around their forehead and bamboo splints shoved under their fingernails.

Not that I care mind you.

[star1151]

If you decide to actually transfer, the receiving commander should initiate the paperwork, and the losing commander SHOULD approve it as well.

Somehow I think I'm going to get hassled over wanting to leave, since he has no clue that I'm running into the issues that I am.

<rethinking this whole idea>

[SDF_Specialist]

If you decide to actually transfer, the receiving commander should initiate the paperwork, and the losing commander SHOULD approve it as well.

Somehow I think I'm going to get hassled over wanting to leave, since he has no clue that I'm running into the issues that I am.

<rethinking this whole idea>

Well if there's no legitimate reason for the outgoing squadron deny it, then you may have to take it up with the Group Commander. I wouldn't rethink anything. IF anything, I think that rethinking whether or not you want to transfer because of the outgoing commander is a good enough reason to transfer out of that unit. I had the problem where I felt that I wasn't being supported by my former command staff. I transferred, spoke to my former commander, and all was fine. I'm now in a unit where I haven't second guessed myself because I don't feel that my integrity has been put in harm's way. Like Cecil said, the only way your transfer would be denied is if you owed the unit money. I say visit other units, and see if one of them has something that is of interest to you. You can only go up in CAP, and no one needs negativity to bring them down.

[Cadet Tillett]

Sometimes there are internal political reasons that coincide with things like that. 

Anyone who lets politics interfere with what is best for the organization or it's members needs to be 2Bed on the spot, then staked out on an anthill at high noon with honey poured all over them and a leather thong that's been soaking in water overnight tied tightly around their forehead and bamboo splints shoved under their fingernails.

Not that I care mind you.

I move that we institute a Senior Member protection policy.   

[a2capt]

Somehow I think I'm going to get hassled over wanting to leave, since he has no clue that I'm running into the issues that I am.

<rethinking this whole idea>

Look, you get out of this program what you put into it. It's a necessary reality that many times you have to go beyond your unit for opportunities.

If you want to transfer, transfer, the longer you let this go on, the more time is wasted. Don't freaking worry about it. Go to another meeting or three, see whats different. If you see something you like, you want to be there instead, inquire, they'll start the process. You owe no one an explanation, "I would like to transfer, thank you."

[LtCol Hooligan]

Look, you get out of this program what you put into it. It's a necessary reality that many times you have to go beyond your unit for opportunities.

If you want to transfer, transfer, the longer you let this go on, the more time is wasted. Don't freaking worry about it. Go to another meeting or three, see whats different. If you see something you like, you want to be there instead, inquire, they'll start the process. You owe no one an explanation, "I would like to transfer, thank you."

a2capt, I concur completely.  Star you have been complaining about your unit since you joined.  I have a sneaky suspicion, they just plain won't care if you leave or not.  No matter how hard you try to hide your feelings, they most likely know.  People sense tension and there may be more of an affect than you realize when you come to meetings and are not happy.  I am a SQ/CC right now and if a member came to me and said they would be happier in the unit across town- I'll let them go.  They can have their file- see ya- might miss ya a little- but it is a volunteer organization after all and the decision is yours.  Honestly- make the move and get it done.  I am simply getting tired of hearing it.  Unless you are the master of the world- your current unit will go on without you.

[SDF_Specialist]

Look, you get out of this program what you put into it. It's a necessary reality that many times you have to go beyond your unit for opportunities.

If you want to transfer, transfer, the longer you let this go on, the more time is wasted. Don't freaking worry about it. Go to another meeting or three, see whats different. If you see something you like, you want to be there instead, inquire, they'll start the process. You owe no one an explanation, "I would like to transfer, thank you."

a2capt, I concur completely.  Star you have been complaining about your unit since you joined.  I have a sneaky suspicion, they just plain won't care if you leave or not.  No matter how hard you try to hide your feelings, they most likely know.  People sense tension and there may be more of an affect than you realize when you come to meetings and are not happy.  I am a SQ/CC right now and if a member came to me and said they would be happier in the unit across town- I'll let them go.  They can have their file- see ya- might miss ya a little- but it is a volunteer organization after all and the decision is yours.  Honestly- make the move and get it done.  I am simply getting tired of hearing it.  Unless you are the master of the world- your current unit will go on without you.

Colonel, I have to disagree on one aspect of your post. There are vindictive people out there who will try to argue that they made you what you are, and that you owe the unit your dedication to pay them back, or they will make your life hell. There's no easy way to say it, but it's true. The worse part about it is that when you try to take it up the chain, the higher-ups look at you like you have no clue what you are talking about. I've been in those situations, and I pity anyone who has to go through that. I've even been lied to, and told that the protocol for the personnel file was that the outgoing commander had to priority mail the file to the incoming commander. I wanted to call Bravo Sierra on it seeing as I'm a Senior rated Admin/Personnel Officer who reads regs constantly, but I'm in no position to challenge anyone. At least that's what I've been told. Star, I don't know you, and I don't know of your unit troubles if there are any. I suggest that you quickly get out of any situation that you don't need to be in, or feel uncomfortable in. Because of vindictive members, we lose dedicated members. I've been have tempted to do my own 2b countless times. But not since I've transferred. Do what YOU feel is best for YOU, not your UNIT.

[star1151]

a2capt, I concur completely.  Star you have been complaining about your unit since you joined.  I have a sneaky suspicion, they just plain won't care if you leave or not.  No matter how hard you try to hide your feelings, they most likely know.  People sense tension and there may be more of an affect than you realize when you come to meetings and are not happy.  I am a SQ/CC right now and if a member came to me and said they would be happier in the unit across town- I'll let them go.  They can have their file- see ya- might miss ya a little- but it is a volunteer organization after all and the decision is yours.  Honestly- make the move and get it done.  I am simply getting tired of hearing it.  Unless you are the master of the world- your current unit will go on without you.

I wasn't aware anyone was forcing you to read my posts.  My mistake.

And frankly, I hope they DO know I'm unhappy, because treating new members like I have been treated is a mistake...and still people wonder why CAP has a retention issue.  Don't get me wrong, most in my unit are great, but those who feel the need to keep others down to protect their own positions are doing a great disservice to everyone involved.  I didn't even tell anyone I was a CFI when I first joined and I'm not doing this to take anyone's position from them, I simply want to do something with my time.

Tags - MIKE

[Cecil DP]

a2capt, I concur completely.  Star you have been complaining about your unit since you joined.  I have a sneaky suspicion, they just plain won't care if you leave or not.  No matter how hard you try to hide your feelings, they most likely know.  People sense tension and there may be more of an affect than you realize when you come to meetings and are not happy.  I am a SQ/CC right now and if a member came to me and said they would be happier in the unit across town- I'll let them go.  They can have their file- see ya- might miss ya a little- but it is a volunteer organization after all and the decision is yours.  Honestly- make the move and get it done.  I am simply getting tired of hearing it.  Unless you are the master of the world- your current unit will go on without you.

I wasn't aware anyone was forcing you to read my posts.  My mistake.

And frankly, I hope they DO know I'm unhappy, because treating new members like I have been treated is a mistake...and still people wonder why CAP has a retention issue.  Don't get me wrong, most in my unit are great, but those who feel the need to keep others down to protect their own positions are doing a great disservice to everyone involved.  I didn't even tell anyone I was a CFI when I first joined and I'm not doing this to take anyone's position from them, I simply want to do something with my time.

Tags - MIKE

Star

If you find a unit that you like and which values you and your contributions to CAP, RUN do not walk to that unit. The transfer can be done thru e-services in a minute. If your former Commander doesn't like it, and there are no outstanding issues, money or property owed, he shouldn't veto it, and if he does the next higher Headquarters can approve it instead. I have gotten the impression that you haven't spoken to your present commander yet; Please do!!! Dissatisfaction is contagious, and I'm sure if there is a conflict they will be more than willing to let you go.

[SJFedor]

Absolutely agree. If you're choosing to invest your time (and money) into this organization, you deserve to do it somewhere that you're happy, comfortable, and able to work with the others around you. If you're not finding that in your present unit, move along to another one.

I went through something similar not too long ago. However, it wasn't dissatisfaction with my unit, it was the fact that I didn't feel like I was doing enough. I felt that I could be doing more productive things elsewhere, so I found myself a job at the next higher echelon, where I can do more productive things with the time I invest in CAP.

Find a place that makes you happy, that's what's important. Any commander should understand that, and any commander that doesn't, needs to reevaluate themselves.