If I were Wing Commander my top priority would be....

[RiverAux]

If through some freak accident you suddenly became Wing Commander....
1.  What would your top priority issue be that you could address inside your wing using your Wing Commander authority and influence?  What would you do to address it?
2.  What national level issue would be your top priority to address as a member of the National Board? 

Yes, yes, safety is job 1, yada, yada, yada... but beyond that were would you spend as much of your time and "political capital" as possible?

[Big_Ed]

1.  Funding - To address funding I would form a committee charged with seeking corporate donations to help members attend activities such as encampments and flight training.

2. National level?  Look into possibly revising the ICS 300 requirement for Communications Unit Leaders and Mission Safety Officers.  I've seen a number of, well experienced, members lose their ratings because they couldn't take off of work to attend the three day training events.

my $.02

[Flying Pig]

An oversized leather chair with a giant Marine Corps emblem embossed into the head rest!

[flyerthom]

An oversized leather chair with a giant Marine Corps emblem embossed into the head rest!

Launching an air raid on Fresno CA.

In all due seriousness my first priority would be to interface with experienced wing commanders and wing members with military command experience so I'd have a clue as to what I'm doing.

[jimmydeanno]

In all due seriousness my first priority would be to interface with experienced wing commanders and wing members with military command experience so I'd have a clue as to what I'm doing.

But I thought that everyone on here knew how to run the organization better than who's in charge currently...

[a2capt]

Consistency, and thanking the members who serve under you.

Thats the only pay they get, and it doesn't cost management anything.

Trust the training, allow people to do the job. If they can't, find out why, if the training is bad, fix it. This whole mentality of "no one can do it better than I can" just plain sucks.

[Eclipse]

Recruiting.

Numbers bring resources, fixed attitudes, and extra hands.  Spend a calendar year maintaining current ops, and focusing on recruiting.

Year two is training the new folks, year three is identifying the new leaders, doers, and dead weight (from the new and the old).

Until we bring our numbers up, most wings and units are so short-handed than check-box water-treading is their only option.

[Johnny Yuma]

1.  Funding - To address funding I would form a committee charged with seeking corporate donations to help members attend activities such as encampments and flight training.

This is actually pretty easy to do, especially when you wave the cadets around.

2. National level?  Look into possibly revising the ICS 300 requirement for Communications Unit Leaders and Mission Safety Officers.  I've seen a number of, well experienced, members lose their ratings because they couldn't take off of work to attend the three day training events.

First, never happen. ICS 300 for CUL is driven by the HLS domain, not CAP.

Secondly, this is a copout. How did these  folks become well experienced without taking some time off for missions? Missions don't just happen on weekends, holidays or on vacation days when you're lounging at home.

ICS 300 is not only mandatory, it's not bad training. It's actually a 40 hour course that's getting condensed into 3 days. Most of the trainier are professionals who are giving up their weekend to train when they're usually off.



my $.02
[/quote]

[Eclipse]

2. National level?  Look into possibly revising the ICS 300 requirement for Communications Unit Leaders and Mission Safety Officers.  I've seen a number of, well experienced, members lose their ratings because they couldn't take off of work to attend the three day training events.

There's plenty of ICS 300 / 400 classes offered on weekends, you just have to be motivated about finding them.

[Fubar]

This is actually pretty easy to do, especially when you wave the cadets around.

Wouldn't you feel obligated to earmark funds raised by promoting the cadet program specifically to the cadets? The Red Cross got into a major trouble when they raised money during one disaster and then used it elsewhere.

[Fubar]

Numbers bring resources, fixed attitudes, and extra hands.  Spend a calendar year maintaining current ops, and focusing on recruiting.

I don't disagree that membership numbers need to grow, but if you dedicate a year to generating numbers and they all leave for the same reasons we're currently losing members throughout the country, isn't that a wasted year?

Issues like morale, funding, and training would need to be addressed before any recruiting efforts can be successful. Once your wing is in order, then pound the pavement focusing on recruiting, get some good folks into the program with a lower chance that they'll leave.

(Of course this assumes you're wing isn't a perfect utopia of morale, funding, and training    )

[flynd94]

Recruiting.

Numbers bring resources, fixed attitudes, and extra hands.  Spend a calendar year maintaining current ops, and focusing on recruiting.

Year two is training the new folks, year three is identifying the new leaders, doers, and dead weight (from the new and the old).

Until we bring our numbers up, most wings and units are so short-handed than check-box water-treading is their only option.

To bad you come to a new wing (ILWG) and, told by the local squadron commander that your previous experience doesn't mean anything.  Your told you have to go to Chicago (and you live in the Scott AFB area, half a state away)  to take a F5/91 check ride, all on your own dime. 

If squadrons are as short staffed as you say they are, why are they turning down people with 12+yrs of experience in CAP?

[Eclipse]

To bad you come to a new wing (ILWG) and, told by the local squadron commander that your previous experience doesn't mean anything.  Your told you have to go to Chicago (and you live in the Scott AFB area, half a state away)  to take a F5/91 check ride, all on your own dime. 

Well, since that information is incorrect, either the Squadron CC is misinformed, or you misunderstood.

[flynd94]

To bad you come to a new wing (ILWG) and, told by the local squadron commander that your previous experience doesn't mean anything.  Your told you have to go to Chicago (and you live in the Scott AFB area, half a state away)  to take a F5/91 check ride, all on your own dime. 

Well, since that information is incorrect, either the Squadron CC is misinformed, or you misunderstood.

Since I am the one involved in coming to ILWG, I guess I am wrong.  I guess the email from wing staffers regarding my 5/91 were incorrect, when they stated that I had to go to Chicago for my ride (I am a check airman and, no one in Southern IL can do my ride).  That's fine, I still pay my dues but, don't participate, its a shame.  I had a lot to offer ILWG, just ask my 2 previous wings (TX/CA).

[Eclipse]

Since I am the one involved in coming to ILWG, I guess I am wrong.  I guess the email from wing staffers regarding my 5/91 were incorrect, when they stated that I had to go to Chicago for my ride (I am a check airman and, no one in Southern IL can do my ride).  That's fine, I still pay my dues but, don't participate, its a shame.  I had a lot to offer ILWG, just ask my 2 previous wings (TX/CA).

It is, but you've already ground that ax here, and apparently moved on, so what else is left to do?  If you worked the problem, you would find there are alternatives.

[flynd94]

Since I am the one involved in coming to ILWG, I guess I am wrong.  I guess the email from wing staffers regarding my 5/91 were incorrect, when they stated that I had to go to Chicago for my ride (I am a check airman and, no one in Southern IL can do my ride).  That's fine, I still pay my dues but, don't participate, its a shame.  I had a lot to offer ILWG, just ask my 2 previous wings (TX/CA).

It is, but you've already ground that ax here, and apparently moved on, so what else is left to do?  If you worked the problem, you would find there are alternatives.

I would still like to be an active participant, considering the time I put into CAP.  When you hit your head up against the brickwall enough, you give up

[Eclipse]

I would still like to be an active participant, considering the time I put into CAP.  When you hit your head up against the brickwall enough, you give up

CAP does a lot more than fly.  Far be it for me, but if you're that interested in being active, you'd be much better off transferring in somewhere and jumping in than sitting on the sidelines.  I can assure you there are closer check pilots than Chicago, and if you're flexible, these things can be worked out, meet someone 1/2-way, etc.

If its more comfortable to just sit and say "I shouldn't have to...", well, you shouldn't, but you do.  As a Major you should know how CAP works.

In a state that large, with the population center primarily in one place, what do you expect?  Its not like you can force people to move just to distribute the resources, better.

Also, to be fair, you're not just looking for a 5/91, as I recall, you're looking to restore your mission check pilot status, which is fine, but a different conversation.  You should have a lot less challenge with a 5/91 and could worry about being a check pilot later.

[CadetProgramGuy]

Since I am the one involved in coming to ILWG, I guess I am wrong.  I guess the email from wing staffers regarding my 5/91 were incorrect, when they stated that I had to go to Chicago for my ride (I am a check airman and, no one in Southern IL can do my ride).  That's fine, I still pay my dues but, don't participate, its a shame.  I had a lot to offer ILWG, just ask my 2 previous wings (TX/CA).

It is, but you've already ground that ax here, and apparently moved on, so what else is left to do?  If you worked the problem, you would find there are alternatives.

I would still like to be an active participant, considering the time I put into CAP.  When you hit your head up against the brickwall enough, you give up

PM sent

[flyguy06]

My top priorities would be building relationships with outside organizations (Young eagles, state EMA, National Guard, etc) to let them know about CAP and interact with them. I would also focus on recruiting quality members that share the ideals of CAP and want to make it a better organization and I would develop relationships with the state government to try and get laws that will allow members to be excused from work on real missions.

Nationally, I would develop a senior member training program that would be the model for national to train new senior members.

[lordmonar]

I too would make establishing a relationship with my local customers a priority.  Followed by working MOAs with all the surrounding wings.

As for national objectives....I would start holding national to the fire about updateing all the regulations as changes are adopted.

[dwb]

I would load up my staff with cronies and yes men, and immediately begin to parlay my influence on the NB into a cushy national-level slot. 

[flyguy06]

I would load up my staff with cronies and yes men, and immediately begin to parlay my influence on the NB into a cushy national-level slot. 

I know you're kidding but I have seen that for some people that is really a big deal to them to be on the National staff? why? You dont get any more money. you are away from the actual day to day fun stuff in CAP. What is the lure to be a national level volunteer?

[Майор Хаткевич]

I would load up my staff with cronies and yes men, and immediately begin to parlay my influence on the NB into a cushy national-level slot. 

I know you're kidding but I have seen that for some people that is really a big deal to them to be on the National staff? why? You dont get any more money. you are away from the actual day to day fun stuff in CAP. What is the lure to be a national level volunteer?

Something to brag about at your upcoming high school reunion? Gotta outmatch that Gunny Colonel somehow!

[lordmonar]

I know you're kidding but I have seen that for some people that is really a big deal to them to be on the National staff? why? You dont get any more money. you are away from the actual day to day fun stuff in CAP. What is the lure to be a national level volunteer?

How about the opportunity to make changes for the better?

[a2capt]

I would still like to be an active participant, considering the time I put into CAP.  When you hit your head up against the brickwall enough, you give up

Been there, close to doing that, too with respect to ES. Sensationalized closing traffic that reflects differently than the actual events and featured in the Volunteer magazine, no less.

Enough.

[FW]

I know you're kidding but I have seen that for some people that is really a big deal to them to be on the National staff? why? You don't get any more money. you are away from the actual day to day fun stuff in CAP. What is the lure to be a national level volunteer?

How about the opportunity to make changes for the better?

Who said you don't deal with the fun of CAP anymore.  There is nothing that stops a national officer from performing any mission.  I've done O'Flights, worked at missions bases, done CD work, etc.  I've had lots of "fun".  It's the work as a national officer which was a bit on the dull side.... except for the travel, meeting new friends and, of course, making a difference. 

[dwb]

I know you're kidding but I have seen that for some people that is really a big deal to them to be on the National staff? why? You dont get any more money. you are away from the actual day to day fun stuff in CAP. What is the lure to be a national level volunteer?

Power, of course.  And influence.

National-level advisors have an opportunity to not only shape policy, but also influence how the current and up-and-coming corporate leaders think.  That kind of access, wielded responsibly, could be of great benefit to the organization.

To use the distinguished Ned as an example, he not only has the ear of the CAP/CC, but he's present when CAP's governing bodies are deliberating.  Lucky for us, he also has a very firm grasp on the "big picture" of cadet programs, and he has the right experience and temperament to represent CP well.

---

I actually have no desire to be a Wing CC, or a national-level advisor for that matter.  To play the game of this thread, if I did happen to be Wing CC, my first internal focus would be on securing state funding for CAP operations, and my first focus as a corporate officer would be to create an external study group to review our Constitution, Bylaws, and corporate governance structure, and make recommendations to change it.

[Chappie]

I would load up my staff with cronies and yes men, and immediately begin to parlay my influence on the NB into a cushy national-level slot. 

I know you're kidding but I have seen that for some people that is really a big deal to them to be on the National staff? why? You dont get any more money. you are away from the actual day to day fun stuff in CAP. What is the lure to be a national level volunteer?

Having now served at all levels of CAP...I can't speak of the lure to be a national level volunteer.  In my experience it just happened over time...didn't seek it out but when the opportunities were affored to participate in a project or serve in a position, I didn't pass it up.  While it is true that at the squadron level you get to do fun day-to-day stuff, at the Wing, Region, and National levels I have found that I am involved in determining policies or participatining in events that have year-to-year implications for our membership -- sometimes even further out than that.   

As for what I would do if I were a Wing Commander, I would select an outstanding Wing Chaplain...but then again, that is just me 

[flyguy06]

I would load up my staff with cronies and yes men, and immediately begin to parlay my influence on the NB into a cushy national-level slot. 

I know you're kidding but I have seen that for some people that is really a big deal to them to be on the National staff? why? You dont get any more money. you are away from the actual day to day fun stuff in CAP. What is the lure to be a national level volunteer?

Something to brag about at your upcoming high school reunion? Gotta outmatch that Gunny Colonel somehow!

lol. A CAP friend of mine told me something similar to that.

[SarDragon]

Retention.

We already recruit enough members each year to grow about 5% a year. But, we don't keep them around.

I can't find my SM numbers, but on the cadet side, we have a 50% turnover every year. That's right, half of our cadet membership has been in the organization less than a year. The SM numbers are better, but on the whole, if we kept as few as half the new folks every year, we wold still grow.

[flyguy06]

Retention.

We already recruit enough members each year to grow about 5% a year. But, we don't keep them around.

I can't find my SM numbers, but on the cadet side, we have a 50% turnover every year. That's right, half of our cadet membership has been in the organization less than a year. The SM numbers are better, but on the whole, if we kept as few as half the new folks every year, we wold still grow.

To be honest with you and Iknow people arent gonna like this statement but I have talked to cadets. Many cadets leave before their first year or dont renew because the programis not what they thought it was going to be. A lot of young people join CAP becaue they want that military "in your face" type stuff. but then when they see how watered down it is "you cant yell" "you cant do push ups" "you cant do this" "you cant do that" that leave. i know folks dont like that but that is what i am being told.

[Eclipse]

Many cadets leave before their first year or dont renew because the programis not what they thought it was going to be.

Then the failure is at the first recruiting contact, or during those initial contact meetings at the unit, not with the organization itself.

This is akin to the "come and fly for free" offers still being made by commanders at Air Shows, etc.

Better to be honest and not have them join, then snow them and have them quit.

[lordmonar]

Understandable......but I don't think we need to change our polcies based on those feelings.

I know there are a lot of cadets (and Senior Members) who would just love that......but there is too much chance for abuse and we would loose just as many cadets because "they were yelling at me all the time".

[flyguy06]

Many cadets leave before their first year or dont renew because the programis not what they thought it was going to be.

Then the failure is at the first recruiting contact, or during those initial contact meetings at the unit, not with the organization itself.

This is akin to the "come and fly for free" offers still being made by commanders at Air Shows, etc.

Better to be honest and not have them join, then snow them and have them quit.

I agree with you. be honest and up front at the beginning.

[flyguy06]

Understandable......but I don't think we need to change our polcies based on those feelings.

I know there are a lot of cadets (and Senior Members) who would just love that......but there is too much chance for abuse and we would loose just as many cadets because "they were yelling at me all the time".

If you teach cadets how to discipline you wont have those issues. I think thats how the hole hazing stuff started. We as cadet programs senios just sat back and let cadets do what they wanted how they wanted. we said "Its their program, let them run it" We didnt train them effectiely and it went amuck.

So I dont think you'd have the "they are yelling at me all the time" because they wouldnt be yelling at them all the time. there is a time a place for everything and we should have been more vigilant in teaching our cadets that. But its a mute point now because the policies are in place and there is nothing we can do abou tit but go by them which is what I do.

But I think young people will continue to join groups like the USACC or Young marines because that isthe type of organization that they are seeking. This is what I am told. I dont know for sure though.

[lordmonar]

That is true....but if they want that....let them go there to get it.  I have no problem giving up a perspective cadet to other organisation that better fit their wants and needs.

We need to focus on our program and ensure all our units are following and providing the program as it is spelled out in the regulations.

[CAP_truth]

To bad you come to a new wing (ILWG) and, told by the local squadron commander that your previous experience doesn't mean anything.  Your told you have to go to Chicago (and you live in the Scott AFB area, half a state away)  to take a F5/91 check ride, all on your own dime. 
[/quote]

ILWG CS and VC also live in you area why don't you fly up with them and do your 5/91 and then we will have a qualified person in the southern part of the state.

[CAP_truth]

Seriously Recruiting, training of new and current members, recruiting, safety,recruiting, more training, and finally more recruiting. With recruiting of new members, then training them as well as the current members this will take the burden off of the members that are at every mission, at every meeting, and makes there outside of CAP a lot better.

[Nolan Teel]

Find a way to stop the bleeding of new members! 

After that keep it simple Recruit, Train and give the people in the field what they need to make the mission work!  If it takes away from that, then Im failing as the CC.

[Short Field]

I know there are a lot of cadets (and Senior Members) who would just love that......but there is too much chance for abuse and we would loose just as many cadets because "they were yelling at me all the time".

What makes people think that US military officer training programs are into having their cadets yell at other cadets?  CAP is NOT military basic training - if it was our cadets would bypass Basic and go straight to tech school.   

I have talked to prospective senior members at air shows and got really nervious as they get all excited about coming out and "teaching cadets about discipline and marching".  Especially when the prospective senior member had never been in the military.   

[Eclipse]

^ movies.

[SarDragon]

Seriously Recruiting, training of new and current members, recruiting, safety,recruiting, more training, and finally more recruiting. With recruiting of new members, then training them as well as the current members this will take the burden off of the members that are at every mission, at every meeting, and makes there outside of CAP a lot better.

As I stated above, our recruiting effort is essentially successful. Our retention sucks. Why spend a lot of time and money pulling people through the door, to have them bail a year later for whatever reason?

[flyguy06]

I know there are a lot of cadets (and Senior Members) who would just love that......but there is too much chance for abuse and we would loose just as many cadets because "they were yelling at me all the time".

What makes people think that US military officer training programs are into having their cadets yell at other cadets?  CAP is NOT military basic training - if it was our cadets would bypass Basic and go straight to tech school.   

I have talked to prospective senior members at air shows and got really nervious as they get all excited about coming out and "teaching cadets about discipline and marching".  Especially when the prospective senior member had never been in the military.   

I agree with you. Military officer is not all about yelling at each other. It is about stressing someone and evalutaing how they operate in that stress.

CAP cadets are NOT basic trainees, but they are teens that have chosen to participate i activities thatcan get very stressul at times. Cadets are not the typical teenager. We have 16 year olds flying airplanes by themselves. It would be nice to know that when (not if) that engine goes out during cruise flight, that the 16 or 17 year old cadet can operate calmly and get himself to the ground safely. When that ground team made up mostly of cadrts comes upon that crash site,it would be nice to know that they have the disciplne and maturity to start working to save lives and not go off somewhee and play catch.

Do I think we need to treat cadets like SEAL trainees? of course not, but I would like to find some way to help them get used to operating in stressful situations.

[Short Field]

There are a lot of ways to build confidence other than yelling at and abusing people.  I never had a flight instructor raise his voice with me and I sure never had a CFI make me drop and give him 50 at the end of a flight.   

Confidence in flying comes from having practiced your emergency procedures so often that you know you can handle it.  Confidence in a medical emergency comes from having practiced first aid procedures so you know what to expect and how to deal with it.   I just fail to see how you can "stress" cadets to prepare them to handle a stressful situtation.     

[flyguy06]

There are a lot of ways to build confidence other than yelling at and abusing people.  I never had a flight instructor raise his voice with me and I sure never had a CFI make me drop and give him 50 at the end of a flight.   

Confidence in flying comes from having practiced your emergency procedures so often that you know you can handle it.  Confidence in a medical emergency comes from having practiced first aid procedures so you know what to expect and how to deal with it.   I just fail to see how you can "stress" cadets to prepare them to handle a stressful situtation.     

I am not suggesting yelling or abusing anyone. As you said, thats not whats it about. cant explain it. All I know is the military has a way of turning out exellent pilots and leaders

[CS]

First, making sure that every unit has an effective membership board, that only allows individuals  (senior) to join that are interested in what they can do for CAP, not what CAP can do for them.  State up front that you won't be promoted to any rank until you have contributed your skills and performed in an exemplary manner. For cadets be very clear on the expectations of achievement and participation, don't sugar coat it.  Second, make sure that everyone is in fact contributing and being mentored and the retention issue will fix itself.  I'd rather have 100 people that make the program work than a 1000 that sit on the butts and do nothing or take from the program.  The reality is it is the 100 that are doing all the work anyway so why pump up the numbers!

[RAZOR]

TAKE OUT THE TRASH :clap:

[DG]

1. Air Ops

2. Refer to No. 1

[Short Field]

1.  Integrity -  in conducting CAP buisness by being open and transparent in all dealings
2.  Integrity - in conducting CAP training programs by embracing the intent as well as the letter of the governing regulations.  Whipping out a training program just so you can say you conducted one and got some people signed off does not mean you actually trained anyone.
3.  Integrity - in advancing people by making sure they actually meet the requirements and are fully qualified if you sign them off as fully qualified.
4.  Integrity - in using requested funding to actually do what you requested the funding to do.
5.  Integrity - in conducting operations by making sure that people actually fly the missions they way they were briefed to fly.

[JC004]

I'd do the usual - communicate ineffectively, implement burdensome and ineffective requirements, keep the status quo comfortable.  Of course I would also constantly repeat the magic words "recruiting and retention" to my minions who would immediately go off to recruit and retain simply because I uttered the magic words.  Also, I'd make sure all of my wing staff officers are close to death in age and ignore cadets so that new ideas do not get into the system and mess stuff up.  Those are my initial thoughts at least. 

Later in my term, I would propose nonsensical regulation changes to the National Board, including costly and senseless uniform changes.  The importance of my legacy in the new uniform item will surely outweigh the significance of the cost to the members in the midst of a global economic crisis. 

   

[Johnny Yuma]

This is actually pretty easy to do, especially when you wave the cadets around.

Wouldn't you feel obligated to earmark funds raised by promoting the cadet program specifically to the cadets? The Red Cross got into a major trouble when they raised money during one disaster and then used it elsewhere.

Spend money raised for cadets on cadets, absoutely. However this should free up money that would have gone to CP that can be used elsewhere.

[flyguy06]

Do regions and Wings get a certain amount of money set aside for cadet programs?  And are there any stipulations on how they can be used? for instance so much for O flights, so much for encampment,etc?

[w7sar]

I'd ensure I have a good vice commander who can become the next commander and I'd have a great chief of staff with a vision that it all happens in the squadrons and the wing supports the squadron commanders.   Other than that, I'd visit squadrons, shake hands and tell people thanks for service to others.

[Gunner C]

I'd ensure I have a good vice commander who can become the next commander and I'd have a great chief of staff with a vision that it all happens in the squadrons and the wing supports the squadron commanders.   Other than that, I'd visit squadrons, shake hands and tell people thanks for service to others.

If you just visited your squadrons, you'd be better than most wing commanders just by doing that.  So much of leadership is showing the flag.  Now, if you could learn the names of all the cadet officers, heck, you'd be a hero.

Your command section line-up is critical unless you want a 60-90 hour a week non-paying job!  Chief of staff to keep the staff actions moving.  Vice commander to take care of command issues and keep the group commanders talking to you.

[Cecil DP]

To bad you come to a new wing (ILWG) and, told by the local squadron commander that your previous experience doesn't mean anything.  Your told you have to go to Chicago (and you live in the Scott AFB area, half a state away)  to take a F5/91 check ride, all on your own dime. 

Well, since that information is incorrect, either the Squadron CC is misinformed, or you misunderstood.

Since I am the one involved in coming to ILWG, I guess I am wrong.  I guess the email from wing staffers regarding my 5/91 were incorrect, when they stated that I had to go to Chicago for my ride (I am a check airman and, no one in Southern IL can do my ride).  That's fine, I still pay my dues but, don't participate, its a shame.  I had a lot to offer ILWG, just ask my 2 previous wings (TX/CA).

This may be an aftermath of a lawsuit in NER about 15 years ago when a pilot failed their check ride several times and then went to another Wing to take it. When she came back she sued over the fact that her home wing still considered her unsafe and refused to let her fly, despite the certification by the other wing.

[Nathan]

Uniforms. Every day.

Duh.

[DG]

To bad you come to a new wing (ILWG) and, told by the local squadron commander that your previous experience doesn't mean anything.  Your told you have to go to Chicago (and you live in the Scott AFB area, half a state away)  to take a F5/91 check ride, all on your own dime. 

Well, since that information is incorrect, either the Squadron CC is misinformed, or you misunderstood.

Since I am the one involved in coming to ILWG, I guess I am wrong.  I guess the email from wing staffers regarding my 5/91 were incorrect, when they stated that I had to go to Chicago for my ride (I am a check airman and, no one in Southern IL can do my ride).  That's fine, I still pay my dues but, don't participate, its a shame.  I had a lot to offer ILWG, just ask my 2 previous wings (TX/CA).

This may be an aftermath of a lawsuit in NER about 15 years ago when a pilot failed their check ride several times and then went to another Wing to take it. When she came back she sued over the fact that her home wing still considered her unsafe and refused to let her fly, despite the certification by the other wing.

I don't think it was because of shrewdness such as all that.

Rather, I would assume it was because it was to be a "check airman" ride, and the Wing DOV would want to give the check out personally.

That is not all that unusual.  In fact, it is common.

It would be naive not to expect that.

[raivo]

What makes people think that US military officer training programs are into having their cadets yell at other cadets?

That is a fairly accurate summary of my first few weeks at OTS, actually.

I would load up my staff with cronies and yes men, and immediately begin to parlay my influence on the NB into a cushy national-level slot. 

Ah, you must be from Florida Wing!