May NEC meeting webstream

[RiverAux]

The May meeting of the NEC is today.  Here is a link to the agenda:
http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/NEC_2009_May_agenda_1B7100325199A.pdf

It will be streamed on CAPChannel starting at 8:30 MDT:

The only item of consequence seems to be Item 3:  A REQUIRED monthly ONLINE safety briefing and quiz that everyone will have to complete.   

While the number is shrinking, we've still got a fair percentage of folks without computers or internet and while you can get them through online requirements with special efforts, having to do it every month will not be feasible. 

Not even sure why they're bothering to have the meeting with so few things to talk about.  Might be something interesting in the briefings though. 

[Big_Ed]

Item 3 -

I could see unit commanders and/or safety officers doing this.  Rank & file might have difficulty with this one. 

My $ .02

[RiverAux]

First thing I notice is the almost universal wear of the CSU rather than the AF style.  Did see one member in the AF-style who really should make the switch. 

Did a change of command for PCR.  Wonder if it was the PCR flag that they used and who took it through airport security. 

[Spike]

Gen Courter is also wearing something on her lapel.  It looks like a tri-prop.   

[RiverAux]

Rowland remarks:
Membership up 1%
34498 adult
22314 cadet

537K in aircraft damage costs so far this fy
Accident rate/100,000 hours: FY07: 3.87  FY08: 2.84

Bodily injury accidents doubled

ARCHER trianing up 300%.  Except to have 6 training sesions this year.

[FlyingTerp]

Gen Courter is also wearing something on her lapel.  It looks like a tri-prop.

This is what she is wearing:  http://www.vanguardmil.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6_1969&products_id=14313

Saw them last week at the MER Conference. 

[AlphaSigOU]

First thing I notice is the almost universal wear of the CSU rather than the AF style.  Did see one member in the AF-style who really should make the switch. 

Did a change of command for PCR.  Wonder if it was the PCR flag that they used and who took it through airport security.

Gen Chitwood's wearing AF-style, while Gen Courter is wearing blazer combo.

[RiverAux]

CAP-USAF moving to the same part of AETC as ROTC is in. 

[AlphaSigOU]

On schmooze break til 10:15 MDT.

[Cecil DP]

The May meeting of the NEC is today.  Here is a link to the agenda:
http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/NEC_2009_May_agenda_1B7100325199A.pdf ... 

Not even sure why they're bothering to have the meeting with so few things to talk about.  Might be something interesting in the briefings though.

Officially, because it's mandated by the Constitution and By-Laws. The NEC is where the dirty jobs are done. The National Board is where tthe cosmetic things are done.

[RiverAux]

Agenda Item 2: referred back to the committee that originated it.  4/7 members of the committee hadn't bothered to participate.  Lot of interest in safety there.

[RiverAux]

Agenda Item 3 -- apparently was being pushed by CAP-USAF since he was the one who presented it even though it was under MG Courter's sponsorship. 

Col. Skiba (OPS): Predicted severe impact on members.  Recommends quarterly rather than monthly.  Recommends focus it towards those involved in operations with increased risks rather than low-risk people. 

Support Section concerns: 1. "Major and disastorous impact" on nonoperational members (AE, spousal members, for example).  Could be 5-10K members.  2.  Very dependent on local units keeping track and won't be easy.  3.  Flights and Small Squadrons might need more tools to allow them to give meaningful presentations. 

Col. Charles: Says everyone needs to participate in safety program not just operational folks.

Col. Jensen: Maybe do online quiz for each Safety Sentinel. 

Maj. Hamm  CAPUSAF Safety Officer: Disagrees that there would be a severe impact and that program should address everyone.  Says there will be a huge database of prepared presentations available.

Amendment approved to say that if don't do briefing would have to review them before participating in next month. 

Col. Vasquez.  Thinks may be biting off too much at once. 

Sent to a committee for further review and to bring up at Summer Board but to have draft ready for comment by 1 July.  Courter wanted to do it right now. 

[RiverAux]

I've got to say that the CAP-USAF folks were being just a little too googly-eyed about "taking the next step" in developing a safety culture.  I'm not sure that this particular proposal is a bridge to far, but they seem a little too unrealistic about working with volunteers.  For one thing they offered absolutely no evidence that this step would make any significant difference to what we have now. 

We have to be really careful about adding mandatory things and we should only do so when we know they will make a difference.

Whats next?  Well, if a monthly online briefing is good, wouldn't a weekly required online briefing be even better?

[cnitas]

Why no mention of the impact on cadet programs to require these online safety briefings?

[RiverAux]

Very surprised that no one mentioned limited internet access either. 

Putting this sort of mandatory requirement on cadets would also be something challenging as you suggest.

[PA Guy]

Why no mention of the impact on cadet programs to require these online safety briefings?

That's a rhetorical question, right?   Just another example of the NEC's attitude that cadets are just the Kiddie Korps.  If it doesn't have a prop attached to it, it can't possibly be that important.

[RADIOMAN015]

Interesting the camera can't seem to point at any of the financial slides.  Isn't a staff member suppose to be pointing the camera   So much for tranparency
RM

[RiverAux]

Looking at making Wings put their accounts in more secure banks.  Said that one wing had a CD in a bank that failed already. 

[Spike]

Using a commercial  system to evaluate banks and give ratings.  This whole issue is stupid. 

[RADIOMAN015]

Financial Travel Reimbursement -- Wouldn't it make sense to determine the location board based upon the least expensive travel costs overall to the corporation, rather than restrict reimbursement to wings that get state funding?

Also wouldn't it be possible to run a meeting via video conference with current software to possibly even avoid the travel?
RM 

[RiverAux]

Seems like thats what they talked about doing for the NEC in 2010. 

[RADIOMAN015]

Buying a new software System to track members -- On one hand they are complaining about not having enough money than they recommend approving a $300K software system.  In this economy, this is a avoidable cost, what is it going to do that the current system doesn't?
RM

[RiverAux]

Looks like they're going to start having the paid CAP members at the Wings (Wing Financial Analysts) doing logistical and supply inventory audits, inspections, etc.  Guess its been in sort of a testing phase for a year and want it put in the regulations.

More direct corporate control of Wing activities.  ES next? 

Are they finding out that they just don't have enough to do to justify the positions?

On lunch break until 1330L

[RADIOMAN015]

Wing Financial Analysts to do Logistics Audits -- I guess they will randomly pick units within the wings and than go visit.  Question came up on pre notifications versus no notification.

Hmm, the last time we had an audit that looked at everything including comm inventories, was an NCO from the CAP-USAF region headquarters that was preannounced.

I wonder how they are going to get around not paying the wing financial analysts overtime pay for doing these logistics audits? (most units meet at nights or weekends not during the normal work day).  Looks to me like again this is going to be more cost to CAP and ultimately the taxpayers in an economy which requires everyone to look at ways to save money.

Perhaps the various Region & Wing IG "volunteer" staff's could perform some of these type of "internal control audits/inspections?

RM   

[Short Field]

Item 3:  A REQUIRED monthly ONLINE safety briefing and quiz that everyone will have to complete.   

Beatings will continue until morale improves. 

If you want a safety culture, then you penalize unsafe actions.  What I have seen is one guy screws up due to pure inattention to detail and everyone is grounded until we all get a 1/2 day safety briefing.   I believe in making safety a part of everything we do - but repeditive briefings start to become just noise in the background. 

[MIKE]

What happens when you don't do it... they gonna kick you out?  Plus, it is pretty meaningless to those of us who are members but don't participate... and I think there are more of us than the NEC etc realizes.

[RiverAux]

The penalty is that you can't do anything in CAP until you comply with the safety requirement.  The NHQ support guy did bring up that there were folks that just write a check. 

While that discussion was going on Col. Jensen (SWR) brought up the fact that this issue speaks to the larger problem of defining "active" CAP members.  Didn't offer any solutions.

[SarDragon]

Item 4 - National Boards in Sandy Eggo in 2010!

[AlphaSigOU]

What happens when you don't do it... they gonna kick you out?  Plus, it is pretty meaningless to those of us who are members but don't participate... and I think there are more of us than the NEC etc realizes.

They were beating that point to death during the meeting - it appears they've established a committee to study that to get it ready for submission for the NB in San Antonio.

Personally, unless you are active in ES and/or in an aircrew a quarterly safety briefing is fine with me for the general membership. If you fall in the former category then I can justify monthly safety briefings.

Patrons and those who do not participate (WG-000 refugees) should not have to go through the briefings unless they choose to do so.

[RiverAux]

Apparently the IGs have developed their own uniform to wear during Compliance Inspection.  Supposedly they didn't stand out enough.  khaki pants, blue shirts.  Paid for by grant from Exxon.  Why in the world are we asking for grants for stuff like this instead of more useful items?  Where is this authorized?

[RADIOMAN015]

Apparently the IGs have developed their own uniform to wear during Compliance Inspection.  Supposedly they didn't stand out enough.  khaki pants, blue shirts.  Paid for by grant from Exxon.  Why in the world are we asking for grants for stuff like this instead of more useful items?  Where is this authorized?

Actually the uniform is "high tech" it includes knee pads  for crawling around.  They did mention about dirt/dirty, well those khaki pants sure as heck will get dirty quick   Frankly they could just use the Blue BDU pants and that would work fine.  yes I was taken aback a bit on the grant money for this
RM 

[RiverAux]

Whole lot of discussion of assesments against CAP members for damages to equipment.  The fact that the NEC has so many questions about this process doesn't bode well for this policy being carried out fairly which I've been worried about since they started it. 

[Spike]

Now members are responsible for laptops when they "crash".  So if you signed for it, you get to buy a new one when it breaks?

I am confused!

[JoeTomasone]

unless you are active in ES and/or in an aircrew

Define "active".


Qualified, but never called?

Called once in a while?

Called all the time?


That's a pretty subjective standard to throw a requirement on.

I'd be willing to do quarterly briefings - but only just.   A monthly online quiz that I have to do every month or I can just stay home?   No thanks.   I'm all for safety, but that's excessive.     And what if you fail?  Can you retest?  What happens if you don't retest (or don't pass) before next month?  Do you try again with the new month's material, or do you have now 2 months to pass?   

<head><desk>

[BrandonKea]

A "You break it, you bought it" policy seems a little ridiculous unless some gross negligence caused the damage.

[RiverAux]

CAP Chaplain Chief to be member of top board of AF chaplains.  Might be renamed CAP Command Chaplain to more closely match similar AF chaplains and to distinguish between him and top AF Chaplain.  MOU between CAP and AF regarding Chaplain use being re-worked. 

[Spike]

CAP Chaplian Chief is now part of the USAF Chaplain Corps Council, representing Cap's Chaplain Corps Officers as a Command Element (i.e. Active Duty Chaplains, Reserve Chaplains, Guard Chaplains and now CAP Chaplains)

A Memo of understanding between CAP and AF Chaplain Corps is under review.....first drafted in 2001, should be ready soon. 

[RiverAux]

Legal officers working on a policy on intellectural property rights regarding CAP stuff (photos, etc.). 

National Legal College cancelled this year due to lack of interest. 

[AlphaSigOU]

unless you are active in ES and/or in an aircrew

Define "active".


Qualified, but never called?

Called once in a while?

Called all the time?


That's a pretty subjective standard to throw a requirement on.

I'd be willing to do quarterly briefings - but only just.   A monthly online quiz that I have to do every month or I can just stay home?   No thanks.   I'm all for safety, but that's excessive.     And what if you fail?  Can you retest?  What happens if you don't retest (or don't pass) before next month?  Do you try again with the new month's material, or do you have now 2 months to pass?   

<head><desk>

Exactimundo... they haven't defined what "active" is.  My take on 'active' would be one who is current on their ES/aircrew quals (with further onus on pilots to be FAA and Form 5/91 current) and have participated in the squadron safety briefing (minimum quarterly) and current safety brief when checking in to a mission/SAREX.

They're throwing in way too much 'mandatory fun' into the mix...

[RiverAux]

Ops briefing (Skiba):
Advanced Tech Group being reconstituted - role not to find neat gadgets to figure out how to use them, but to find the tech to provide the support for the missions that we already have or are contemplating. 

ARCHER program reviewed.  Really need standardized program that is meaningful and productive. 

Appointed National Flight Review Board.  Didn't really say what it was for.

C-4s being dissolved.  Decided that NOC could really cover most of what the C4s were supposed to do.  Going to provide augmentees to NOC to support multi-wing disasters instead. 

Working on combining the CD regulation into 60-3. 

CAP Call Signs:  Working with FAA to get CAP call sign for all of the fleet.  CAP vs CAP Flight.  Said some small FBO with 2 planes "owns" one of them (I think CAP Flight) so might just be CAP. 

Working on standardized national glider program

ND testing FLIR.  Ultra80000FW system.  Getting funded by a local agency. 

Have CAP reps working monthly with each FEMA region.  Increasing CAP visibility.

Working on obtaining security clearances for some folks who need them. 

Possibly create a program to train non-pilot flight crews in emergency procedures.  Like Pinch Hitter.  Still in early stages (I've been advocating for this for years).   

Working to make Nat Check pilot school to online course. 

[RiverAux]

Support briefing:
Looking for a new National PAO, marketing person.

Basic Officer Course under review

Plan to add aircraft scheduling module to WMIRS by end Sept.

fly a teacher pamphlet in work

RC Model Air and Robotics program for AE program in works

CAPP 215 should be ready by Sept NB

Will not use outside vendor to sell ads for Volunteer.  Don't expect anything new in that area. 

Awards being processed within 1 month.  Will work to help weak applications when possible.

National Uniform Team working.  working to update 39-1.  working to resolve leftover issues from Winter NB.  Developing process to use web to get input from members in the field.

Working on MOU with US Army Cadets. 

A bodysurfing NCSA?  Did I hear that right?

DDR activity reports not being done very well.  50% under-reporting.  Affects funding.

Might establish a Spaatz Cadet patron squadron.

Working on issue of cadet CFIs.

Evaluating urban program.  Report under review. 

[Spike]

 CAP-USAF is moving from Air University to AETC??  I wonder why.  Will that be more beneficial?

[PHall]

CAP-USAF is moving from Air University to AETC??  I wonder why.  Will that be more beneficial?

Cleans up the chain of command by eliminating a whole layer.

[flyguy06]

Very surprised that no one mentioned limited internet access either. 

Putting this sort of mandatory requirement on cadets would also be something challenging as you suggest.

How do you mandate something to volunteers? Quarterly online safety briefs? CAP will become an exclusive organization if this sort of stuff continues.

[RiverAux]

Mandating that it be done is easy.  Actually getting it done is hard. 

[FW]

Wing Financial Analysts to do Logistics Audits -- I guess they will randomly pick units within the wings and than go visit.  Question came up on pre notifications versus no notification.

Hmm, the last time we had an audit that looked at everything including comm inventories, was an NCO from the CAP-USAF region headquarters that was preannounced.

I wonder how they are going to get around not paying the wing financial analysts overtime pay for doing these logistics audits? (most units meet at nights or weekends not during the normal work day).  Looks to me like again this is going to be more cost to CAP and ultimately the taxpayers in an economy which requires everyone to look at ways to save money.

Perhaps the various Region & Wing IG "volunteer" staff's could perform some of these type of "internal control audits/inspections?

RM

WFA's check a sample of inventory supplies at Wing HQ.  Eventually they will be "sampling" inventories of selected units in the wing.  Inventory control is our responsibility however, it is CAP-USAF's responsibility to audit  our inventory and real property. 
The goal is to be as good with our "equipment" as with our money.

WFA's are on salary.   The inventory sampling does not take much extra time.  There is no extra costs to CAP incurred from this process.

IF this works as well as the Wing Banker Program, we will be saving the taxpayers money.   CAP-USAF won't need to worry about extra logistics personnel.

[Spike]

^ We should get rid of Wing Administrators....let the WFA's do it all.  That would save taxpayer dollars!