Specialty Track Approval

[Eclipse]

My understanding is that, with a few caveats, the unit commander is the approving authority for Specialty Tracks (ES, Comms, AE, etc.),
but I've been getting some scuttle that my wing is asserting their authority for Senior and Master.

I know things like Safety Master require eval of an M/SE (but that's not necessarily outside the unit), and the communicator badge requires Wing DC endorsement and Wing CC approval (which seems a bit silly), but I'm really interested in a generic verbiage that says what echelon approves what PD level.

Considering that in the old days the unit CC just hand-wrote the new level on the MML, I still contend it is all at the unit level.

[davedove]

I agree.  Unless the Specialty Track Guide says otherwise, it is the unit commander.

[Angus]

With Saftey you are reviewed and an approval by someone of the higher rating.  However when it's entered in the system the Unit Commander still has approval there.   They also still have to sign off after the evaluatio, more of an aknowledgment that it has been completed than an aprroval.

[Phil Hirons, Jr.]

The unit CC's approval indicates that all requirements have been accomplished. So if the relevant CAPP indicates the King of Prussia needs to sign off on a track level the CC should know if it has happened before approving.

CAPR 50-17 still allows for the paper update and indicates unit CC approval.
Unless the wing has an approved supplement for 50-17 it's just rumor

[lordmonar]

It is always the wing's perogotive to make the regulation more restictive.

It should not be "getting some scuttle" but a clearly written supplement to the regulation.

Having said that....with a few exceptions....why would wing want to add to their burden?

[arajca]

If you're entering specialty track approvals through Eservices, it will require the appropriate approvals. Typically wing for Senior and Region for Master.

[Eclipse]

If you're entering specialty track approvals through Eservices, it will require the appropriate approvals. Typically wing for Senior and Region for Master.

Where do you find that?  This is the core of the question.

As far as I know, the local unit CC has the authority to click through at least Senior without outside intervention.

My issue here is that I can't find any generic verbiage that says the tech/senior/master approvals match any echelon, and even if they did, master would never reach Region as that would be the forth step.

[lordmonar]

Is this really a policy....or is it just rumor?

If you can go into E-services and click approve (which I know can be done)...then you are done.

If it is policy....then follow policy and challange it up your chain of command.

[arajca]

Is there a generic, not, but some tracks do require wing/region approval (Groups don't count since not every wing uses them) for senior/master levels.

[Phil Hirons, Jr.]

Is there a generic, not, but some tracks do require wing/region approval (Groups don't count since not every wing uses them) for senior/master levels.

Cite?

[lordmonar]

f. When a member achieves proficiency in all the requirements for the technician, senior, or master rating, the member and trainer coordinate with the PDO and the unit commander to enter the appropriate rating on both the member's master record, CAPF 45 and the unit's online PDR. The unit commander approves by initialing the CAPF 45. Progression in the Senior Member Professional Development Program completes eligibility requirements for duty-performance promotion, provided the member has met all requirements of CAPR 35-5.

bold added

As I said.....unless there is  local wing/regional supplement or policy letter reserving approval authority then the squadron CC approves.

[Eclipse]

Is there a generic, not, but some tracks do require wing/region approval (Groups don't count since not every wing uses them) for senior/master levels.

I'm leaning towards this being incorrect and a wives tail - I have no way to test this, but it does not appear eServices has this approval logic.

Some level require service at a Wing level, but not approval of the rating.

As I mention in the OP, comms has the weirdness of having the badge needing Wing CC approval, but not the rating, and Safety needing the review of an MSE, but that could be another SE at the unit.

[arajca]

Disregard

[lordmonar]

Disregard

Oh come on!  You know you want to say it! 

[Eclipse]

Saaayyyyy iiiiiitttttt.....

[DBlair]

Quick Question...

If someone is on Group Staff, what is the procedure for Specialty Tracks to be approved. I was told recently to fill out the form, but cannot figure out which form as this is not a promotion or award. Any help would be appreciated.

[Eclipse]

Quick Question...

If someone is on Group Staff, what is the procedure for Specialty Tracks to be approved. I was told recently to fill out the form, but cannot figure out which form as this is not a promotion or award. Any help would be appreciated.

It is approved online in eServices by whomever is the commander of record for that member - so if you are assigned to the group charter, its the Group CC.  If you are a member of a unit doing ADY at Group, its your unit cc.

[DBlair]

Quick Question...

If someone is on Group Staff, what is the procedure for Specialty Tracks to be approved. I was told recently to fill out the form, but cannot figure out which form as this is not a promotion or award. Any help would be appreciated.

It is approved online in eServices by whomever is the commander of record for that member - so if you are assigned to the group charter, its the Group CC.  If you are a member of a unit doing ADY at Group, its your unit cc.

That was my understanding as well. Perhaps I need to discuss this further with the CC. Thanks for your help.

[RiverAux]

Am I just spazzing out, but I thought there was a form to be filled out when requesting advancement in a specialty track (beyond turning in the page from the CAPP), but none seem to be appropriate.  Whats the current deal on this (obviously I haven't done much advancing lately). 

[Eclipse]

Am I just spazzing out, but I thought there was a form to be filled out when requesting advancement in a specialty track (beyond turning in the page from the CAPP), but none seem to be appropriate.  Whats the current deal on this (obviously I haven't done much advancing lately).

The only requirement is the commander check the box in eServices.  There are no forms or other substantiation required, however it's a good practice to bundle the substantiation into the member's file should anyone question it later.  Previous to eServices it was just
a handwritten note on the MML and mailed back to NHQ.  At least in my 10+ years there has been no form required.

[a2capt]

Yup, no 'form', just notes on the MML in red, mailed to NHQ and then it eventually appeared.

Now, it's eServices and entered by the CC or PD officer. (or other designee)

[Hawk200]

Am I just spazzing out, but I thought there was a form to be filled out when requesting advancement in a specialty track (beyond turning in the page from the CAPP), but none seem to be appropriate.  Whats the current deal on this (obviously I haven't done much advancing lately).

A Form 24 "APPLICATION FOR SENIOR MEMBER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARDS" exists. But there isn't one specifically for specialty track advancement.

[Camas]

Am I just spazzing out, but I thought there was a form to be filled out when requesting advancement in a specialty track (beyond turning in the page from the CAPP), but none seem to be appropriate.  Whats the current deal on this (obviously I haven't done much advancing lately).

Most, if not all, of the specialty track guides (CAPP 200 series) have a worksheet in the back. A member could fill that out, present that to his or her commander and then have that approved in eservices. It wouldn't hurt to include the unit PDO in this process.

[Eclipse]

Am I just spazzing out, but I thought there was a form to be filled out when requesting advancement in a specialty track (beyond turning in the page from the CAPP), but none seem to be appropriate.  Whats the current deal on this (obviously I haven't done much advancing lately).

Most, if not all, of the specialty track guides (CAPP 200 series) have a worksheet in the back. A member could fill that out, present that to his or her commander and then have that approved in eservices. It wouldn't hurt to include the unit PDO in this process.

This is basically what I expect from my people - substantiate the service, etc., answer the questions in writing, then you have something for the file.  I've had a couple give me the "you can't make me do that..." rap, which is true.  I also don't have to check the box.

Guaranteed anyone who has to answer the questions in writing learns something in the process.

[flyguync]

Just be glad you are not from NC. We now have specialty track SQTR's and have to have mentors that are SET to sign off on them, then send them to the WG PD&DA for approval. The drawback is you may have to go to the other end of the state to find a mentor to work with.

[tarheel gumby]

Just be glad you are not from NC. We now have specialty track SQTR's and have to have mentors that are SET to sign off on them, then send them to the WG PD&DA for approval. The drawback is you may have to go to the other end of the state to find a mentor to work with.

That is a problem for me - I am not sure that there is an active member in NC that is a Master rated Historian. There is only 1 Senior Rated Historian in the Wing 

[flyguync]

There was one master on the list but he is no longer active.  I heard grumblings about not as many PD awards being handed out well this is a major reason!!! One flaw with the SQTR is the SET mentor, there are a lot of quality mentors out there but they dont want to do the ES part for whatever reason and thus they cant sign off.

[tarheel gumby]

Well that awnsers one question that I had. Now I need to have my PDO consult with Wing HQ to see how I can be advanced. That almost sucks being the highest rated SM in my specialty track. Note that I said almost

[Eclipse]

Just be glad you are not from NC. We now have specialty track SQTR's and have to have mentors that are SET to sign off on them, then send them to the WG PD&DA for approval. The drawback is you may have to go to the other end of the state to find a mentor to work with.

Just as an FYI - its fun to make up your own rules, but the above contradicts the program and doesn't account for the fact that unit CC's still have the click power (though I suppose a wing-level WSA might be able to yank that).

Is this an approved supplement, because it's ridiculous.  The pamphlet is effectively the SQTR, and you're not allowed to add "extra" to this stuff downstream.

[flyguync]

 NC WING SUPPLEMENT 1
 
                 CAP REGULATION 50-17

               12 DECEMBER 2009

Specialty Track SQTR Usage

CAP SENIOR MEMBER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

CAP Regulation 50-17, dated 22 September 2009, is supplemented as follows:

4-2(c).  NC Wing procedures for enrollment in and submission for any rating for all listed specialty tracks, require the member to use the appropriate Specialty Track SQTR, available for download in the Professional Development section of the North Carolina Wing web-site.   The Specialty Track SQTR is a supplement to the Specialty Track Pamphlet.  The Specialty Track SQTR is intended as tool for the member to track his/her progress and for the "Specialty Track Mentor (STM)" to certify each required task.

4-2(c)(1) The Unit Commander or the Unit Professional Development Officer (PD) will assign the member a STM.  A copy of the PD-STM form will be sent to the Wing Director of Professional Development.

4-2(c)(1)(a).   The STM must be SET qualified.

4-2(c)(1)(b).   The STM must hold a higher rating than the candidate in the same Specialty Track.  If the candidate is seeking a Master Rating, the STM must have served with a Master Rating in a duty assignment requiring that Specialty Track.  The STM must certify that the candidate has achieved all the requirements of the Rating being sought.  The ultimate responsibility falls to the Unit Commander to approve the Rating prior to entering the new Rating into the member's records.

4-2(c)(1)(c).  Each Specialty Track Rating SQTR, carries a North Carolina Wing Supplement designation of:  NCPD-numerical designation-numerical rating (ie:  the Personnel – Technician Rating would be  ---  NCPD-200-1, the Senior Rating --- NCPD-200-2, and the Master Rating --- NCPD-200-3 ).

4-6(b)(2).  Submission of ALL Professional Development forms (CAPFs 2a, 11, 12, 17, 23, 24, and 46) MUST be submitted in MS-WORD format that can be electronically signed.  PDFs and scanned documents will not be accepted.  It is the responsibility of the originating member to submit the form in the proper format and it is the responsibility of the member's Commanding Officer to insure compliance with this regulation.  Substantiating documentation accompanying PD forms may be submitted as PDFs and/or scanned documents, but the CAP Form MUST be submitted in MS-WORD format
_____________________________________________________________________
Distribution:  Each Unit (2),  MER/CC (1),  WING PD (1)   MER DA (1)         OPR:  PD
                                                                                                     Approved by:  NCWG/CC
(*.doc or *.docx).  Forms improperly submitted will be rejected and notification provided to the originating member.

4-6(b)(3).   NOTE:  The unit PD enrolls a member in a specialty track via e-Services and the individual unit CC approves the enrollment via e-Services.  The same process is used for assigning Specialty Track Ratings.  The ST-SQTR is sent to the NC Wing PD for record-keeping only.

Form of Submission:  All Specialty Track STM designation forms and Specialty Track SQTR forms must be submitted in MS Word format (.doc) which can be electronically filled out and signed.  PDFs and scanned documents will no longer be accepted.




Certified 12 December 2009,  1ST LT Jim Thomasson, PD

[tarheel gumby]

And now the fun begins

[Eclipse]

And now the fun begins

Sadly, no fun at all.

A: Ridiculous

B: The amount of unnecessary administrative overheard required to maintain this is even more ridiculous.

C:  Someone needs to show them how to sign a PDF - I don't send my signature up or downstream in a way that makes
it simple to cut and paste it out.  That's why you use .PDF's.

It's indicated that it is approved by the NCWG, but there is nothing about it being approved by NHQ, which I believe would be required.

[tarheel gumby]

And now the fun begins

Sadly, no fun at all.

A: Ridiculous

B: The amount of unnecessary administrative overheard required to maintain this is even more ridiculous.

C:  Someone needs to show them how to sign a PDF - I don't send my signature up or downstream in a way that makes
it simple to cut and paste it out.  That's why you use .PDF's.

It's indicated that it is approved by the NCWG, but there is nothing about it being approved by NHQ, which I believe would be required.

I did not mean to imply any joyous of funfilled activities would be connected with this matter. Quite the opposite, I was being sarcastic.

[Eclipse]

I understand - but in this case its not even "fun" to have at it.

Clearly someone in NCWG felt there was some "problem" that this fixed, so they decided that rather than addressing the
issue head-on (i.e pencil whipping, lack of progression, lack of understanding, whatever...), they add a level of bureaucracy to
the process that is likely in violation of the spirit, if not also the letter of the regs, and very likely doesn't fix anything other than
making one or a few people the gateways to everything in the wing, which in the process probably stifles participation and progression.

I have lived through this type of thing myself. and not only it is a PITA, the ramifications live in people's minds for years, even when
things are put back they way they should be.

Why our members feel they can't just work the program instead of inventing a new one is beyond me, but BTDT and it never makes things
"better".

[Short Field]

I can see where some squadrons will have a hard time getting people advanced in their specialty track.  The supplement reads like if you can't work for a mentor with the rating level you want to achieve, you can not get that rating.  I think most of us trust our Squadron Commanders to check the specialty track pamphlets to see that they are progressing properly before signing them off.

[tarheel gumby]

It can be a problem for SM's that have a specialty track that is not as used such as Historian. But as the highest rated historian in NCWG I am always ready to help mentor other historians within NCWG. To date I have only been asked to memtor my own assistant. He is teaching me just as much as I am supposed to teach him, which is good for me
If there are any historians within NCWG that need a mentor feel free to contact me.