Are Seniors starting to lack imagination?

[RogueLeader]

In another topic, a very unrealistic idea was tossed out in order to stimulate some imaginative thinking.  To be sure, the topic had nothing related specifically towards CAP- other than us in the larger context of the US population.  There was a bit of debate, which fell to uniforms.  Then, right before it was locked, a member called that the whole thing was "stupid" and not even worth thinking of.

This lead me to ask that: Are Senior Members CAP Officers begging to show a lack of imagination?

Really, if we never continually imagined potential threats to our nation- whether likely or not- how could we implement new policies that keep us safe.  Remember, no one thought of using our own planes against us, or that the Japs never believed that the Home Islands could be bombed.  All it took was a few people to come up with brilliant plans, and look what it did.  Terrorists destroyed WTC, and a sub captain led to the Japs being bombed by Doolittle.

Another question: If we can not imagine what is possible, how can we ever get there?

[mikeylikey]

I do not believe CAP Officers are lacking in imagination, we have a huge pool of very bright and imaginative people to draw from.  Our Organization is too political in terms of Corporate Vs. AF AUX and individualistic goals ahead of everything else. 
   I seriously doubt those individuals running the volunteer side of the house at Region and National levels are thinking "what great ideas have my fellow volunteers thought of, and how can we best implement them".  They more than not think "how much higher can I move myself up the chain", or "where is the next corporate donation coming from. 

The whole organization needs.....well........reorganized.  There is no reason the general membership should not be electing it's leaders.  Political appointees (like we have now) do not best represent the CAP membership population.  Why does the National Commander get to appoint anyone than his or her immediate staff?  Should the Wings pick who the Wing Commander should be?  Absolutely.  Should the wings in each region pick the Region Commander?  Yes. 

If we reorganize in that manner, our voices would be heard far better than they are currently.  If you are not a friend of the Wing Commander, do you really think he or she will allow your ideas move past his or her desk?  Heck no.

I think there are tons of great ideas here just at CAPTALK.  In fact, I and a few others have actually been contacted by NHQ employees and volunteers after reading what we have written.  This forum is one of the only places where our voices can be heard and recognized by the leadership in general. 

There are no comment boxes at my Wing HQ.....is there a comment box in YOUR Wing HQ?  Most likely NO!

RogueLeader.....what do you want me to imagine in terms of possibilities?  Give me something to start pondering and I will give you some fresh ideas.  Off the top of my head, lets talk about military base augmentation.  Don't like that one, perhaps we can start discussing getting CAP members into FEMA training courses on a free cost base.  I could go on and on, but I have way too many. 

That is what is great about this forum, there are many different discussions to jump into.  When was the last time we (as a general membership) had to chance to all sit together and brain-storm (other than at a national conference, which by the way they refused to broadcast the town hall meeting on the internet, HUGE mistake on their part). 

The stagnation is sitting at the top of our organization, not at the middle and bottom depths.

[biZarre]

This is a very good question...  and after thinking about a response for a time, perhaps the best I can think of is - Not really, but the CAP does not generally foster a lot of imagination.  

New ideas and change can be very unnerving, especially when done with out gaining support of the membership.   We can see some imagination turned to reality in the recent flurry of uniform creations, and as we see, the membership response has at best, been mixed.  

Thinking of and responding to potential threats is something that CAP may not be in the best position for...  People who get paid to do that kind of thing would better be able to explain what role CAP could play.  Perhaps the best way CAP can remain vigilant is to simply prepare for the things we know, do them well, so that when the time calls, we can improvise as necessary then.

But, as was asked, if we can not imagine what is possible, how can we get there?  I would ask, what do you think CAP will look like in 2020?   What roles does CAP fill then?

[mikeylikey]

But, as was asked, if we can not imagine what is possible, how can we get there?  I would ask, what do you think CAP will look like in 2020?   What roles does CAP fill then?

I would love to see CAP as a full-time AF Auxiliary.  With it's Officers receiving Auxiliary Officer Commissions from the AF.  HUGE change to current laws, but reading what the President proposed a while back (military reserves, but not true reservists) would be one way for CAP to go.  Almost like the type of thing the UK has going on with it's programs similar to CAP.

[NIN]

I don't think we're beginning to show a lack of imagination.

I think its always been there.

Like when I was a cadet.

[Major Carrales]

But, as was asked, if we can not imagine what is possible, how can we get there?  I would ask, what do you think CAP will look like in 2020?   What roles does CAP fill then?

I would love to see CAP as a full-time AF Auxiliary.  With it's Officers receiving Auxiliary Officer Commissions from the AF.  HUGE change to current laws, but reading what the President proposed a while back (military reserves, but not true reservists) would be one way for CAP to go.  Almost like the type of thing the UK has going on with it's programs similar to CAP.

Careful, someone might think that idea is "STUPID."  Then get the thread locked.

[jimmydeanno]

It's not so much that we're "lacking imagination," but our personality types.  CAP by its very nature attracts people who like boundaries, regulations and rules.  So I think it is in the very nature of most senior members in the first place.  The rules are the rules and that's what we do.

This lends itself to an evironment of compliance and complacancy, which in some ways is a good thing.  We just need to balance our organization with people who aren't of the "SJ" arena.

[mikeylikey]

But, as was asked, if we can not imagine what is possible, how can we get there?  I would ask, what do you think CAP will look like in 2020?   What roles does CAP fill then?

I would love to see CAP as a full-time AF Auxiliary.  With it's Officers receiving Auxiliary Officer Commissions from the AF.  HUGE change to current laws, but reading what the President proposed a while back (military reserves, but not true reservists) would be one way for CAP to go.  Almost like the type of thing the UK has going on with it's programs similar to CAP.

Careful, someone might think that idea is "STUPID."  Then get the thread locked.

Just waiting for MIKE or Pylon to come on and say "there is another thread that discusses that, move on"   

[O-Rex]

CAP members are as imaginative as any other group; I've seen some interesting things on CAPTALK.

Unfortunately, beauracracies, by their very nature, are not usually quick to move forward with innovative ideas..

[dwb]

Most people lack imagination.  It's why not everyone becomes an astronaut, or works at Pixar, or invents Facebook.

[SDF_Specialist]

I don't think it's a lack of imagination. To me, it's more like a lack of motivation. Of course this does not apply to all officer. There are a lot of opportunities out there, and it seems that there are very few people who want to take advantage of them, but then they want to complain that nothing ever happens in the organization.

[Falshrmjgr]

Interesting.  Auxiliary Commissions?  I can think of a couple of suitable comparisons.

Firstly, there is the IMA precedent.  Individual Mobilization Augmentees, are Reservists who, rather than belonging to "Active" Reserve/National Guard Units, hold positions which only exist during Mobilization.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/ar-perscom.htm

They drill for retirement points.

Secondly, the special class of Commissions for the Merchant Marine, US Naval Reserve. 

The United States Merchant Marine is the fleet of the nation's civilian-owned merchant ships- operated by either the government or the private sector- that are engaged in commerce or transportation of goods and services in and out of the navigable waters of the United States. The merchant marine is responsible for transporting cargo and passengers during peace time. In time of war, the merchant marine[1] is an auxiliary to the Navy, and can be called upon to deliver troops and supplies for the military.

Hmmmmm sounds familiar.  It seems to me that a number of problems could be resolved by Offering Qualified CAP Members something like a concurrent commission as "2LT, USAFR-CAP."

In which case, when activated, CAP Members in this category would be members of the US Armed Forces, subject to the UCMJ, and available worldwide for DOD Directed missions.  Conversely, acceptance of this commission would in no way preclude participation in CAP in a non-UCMJ position, nor promotion.

Further, this would require that members would hold TWO ranks.  One, their normal CAP, and secondly their rank in the USAF Reserve.

Thinking this through a bit further,  I think we could devise some checkpoints for accession into the Air Force, and Minimum Requirements.

I mean, while not widely known, there are some excellent precedents for such a move.  See also Uniformed members of the NOAA and Public Health Service.

As a former Officer (US Army) I understand that there are a number of issues that hinder proper integration with the Military, among which is perceived rank disparity.  Frankly, I don't that as insurmountable.  By having a dual rank structure, we could assure the BIG Air Force, that our members when acting in their capacity as Reserve Officers have the training and have met the requirements that they would expect of a person holding the rank that they have.

Further, when acting in their activated capacity as members of the Air Force Reserve, they wouldn't even wear "CAP" uniforms.

This would open up opportunities to have CAP members attend actual Air Force (and other) schools, serve liaison functions, fill manpower shortages, and frankly bridge the gap between the two services.

Anyhow, food for thought.

[MIKE]

^ Sounds kinda sorta similar to what the Royal Air Force does for their Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training) Officers who lead their Air Cadet units...  IIRC these officers hold the substantive rank of Flying Officer (1st Lt) for contingency purposes.

[lordmonar]

Problem 1.

You would immediately loose all Active Duty Members.

You cannot be both AD and a reservist at the same time.  Many member (such as me) are AD members.....and enlisted to boot.  There is no way that I could be both an AD MSgt and a USAFR-CAP 2nd Lt.....talk about muddying the waters for UCMJ purposes.

Problem 2.

You would loose a large percentage of our members for being ineligible for USAFR-CAP commissions due to age, disability, citizenship, weight standards, education standards, etc.

Problem 3.

If you can be activated.....then you can be activated.  Many of our members cannot afford to be called up and put on the AF dime.  They would loose money.  This hardship exists right now with traditional reservists.  Even with job protection, we would find it hard to recruit quality individuals because they can't commit to the possibility of being called up.

Problem 4 (or more or less non-problem).

Why?  We do a pretty good job as it is with our current status.  Changing our status may open some doors....but we could find ways of opening those doors with out changing our status.  There is no bar to any military training just because we are "civilians".  Contractors go through military training all the time.  We could even go to formal PME courses if CAP can figure a way to pay for them (they are not cheap!).

As for lack of imagination.....I think we have a lot of imagination...but as someone pointed out...we have no motivation to brainstorm solutions to problems that don't really exist.  If you through out a hypothetical situation that has no bearing to CAP on a CAP forum....you are going to get a lot of people who don't care.  If you don't control the focus of your group it WILL fade off onto tangents that interest the participants (such as uniforms).  Basic leadership skills you use to control a discussion group in face to face situations still apply on on-line forums.

It is not a lack of imagination that gets these thread drifts and lock down...but lack of leadership on the part of the discussion facilitator.

[Viper QA]

But, as was asked, if we can not imagine what is possible, how can we get there?  I would ask, what do you think CAP will look like in 2020?   What roles does CAP fill then?

I would love to see CAP as a full-time AF Auxiliary.  With it's Officers receiving Auxiliary Officer Commissions from the AF.  HUGE change to current laws, but reading what the President proposed a while back (military reserves, but not true reservists) would be one way for CAP to go.  Almost like the type of thing the UK has going on with it's programs similar to CAP.

Careful, someone might think that idea is "STUPID."  Then get the thread locked.

Let it go!

This thread is far more of an exercise in thought & at least has the potential to generate some meaningful discussion.

RogueLeader has brought up some good points that will hopefully generate some well thoughtout responses. I might have asked the question different, but I understand where he is going with it.

I'm all for CAP members exchanging meaningful ideas, but I'd prefer that they have some basis in reality.

Your thread was just STUPID & a total waste of time.

I'm surprised that you did not start a thread the next day asking CAP members what they would do if their town was invaded & occupied by aliens.

Return the Red Dawn DVD to the video store & let it go!

[ZigZag911]

Am I correct inn envisioning these "Auxiliary commissions in USAF Reserve" would be an option, rather than required?

In other words, qualified individuals could apply for/be invited to apply for such a commission.

Those not qualified (for whatever reason, which could include already holding AD/Reserve status in RM) would not be selected, nor, one expects, would they apply.

In other words, some officers could pursue dual status, but no one would be required to do so.

That ought to address most of the objections raised.

Now, what exactly our officers bring to the table that would interest USAF is another issue, one I'd like to so discussed.

As for the initial question of the thread, sometimes it indeed seems that the fancy the costume jewelry on the epaulets, the more limited the powers of creativity!

Sometimes....but then you get a Gen Courter or a Col, Greenhut, two extremely innovative individuals....so in the end, I guess it comes down to the individual's personality and the working environment.

I think it is fair to say that the working environment in CAP can be reluctant at times to accept new ideas.

[O-Rex]

I'm surprised that you did not start a thread the next day asking CAP members what they would do if their town was invaded & occupied by aliens.

Return the Red Dawn DVD to the video store & let it go!

Umm. . . . . . there is a recent thread called "Would you burn your Uniform?"

Also need to return "Mars Attacks!" because the soldier with the M-14 at the beginning of the movie reminds me of ALOT of CAP members I know.

Don't get offended: the purpose of blogs is to vent, rant & rave, and as an outlet for some Walter Mitty-like fantasies.

Oh yeah, folks gotta return Independence Day too: "All our pilots are dead: can you fly a 172? great! here's an F-16, go get 'em, tiger!"   That certainly fired the imagination of a segment of our CAP population.

Blogs: you gotta enjoy the good ideas, and filter-out the fluff, or at least laugh at it.....

Fantasies are harmless: you just gotta know where to compartmentalize them.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot: WOLVERINES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Major Carrales]

Am I correct inn envisioning these "Auxiliary commissions in USAF Reserve" would be an option, rather than required?

In other words, qualified individuals could apply for/be invited to apply for such a commission.

Those not qualified (for whatever reason, which could include already holding AD/Reserve status in RM) would not be selected, nor, one expects, would they apply.

In other words, some officers could pursue dual status, but no one would be required to do so.

That ought to address most of the objections raised.

Now, what exactly our officers bring to the table that would interest USAF is another issue, one I'd like to so discussed.

As for the initial question of the thread, sometimes it indeed seems that the fancy the costume jewelry on the epaulets, the more limited the powers of creativity!

Sometimes....but then you get a Gen Courter or a Col, Greenhut, two extremely innovative individuals....so in the end, I guess it comes down to the individual's personality and the working environment.

I think it is fair to say that the working environment in CAP can be reluctant at times to accept new ideas.

Why not just join the USAFR? As I have seen of the majority of CAP officers in my area, CAP is more for those who are civilians and want to serve in their communities.

The "One CAP" idea has been challenged here on this forum this week, I am beginning to think that we are more LOCAL than we would like to think.

ALL CAP is LOCAL?  Maybe.

[ZigZag911]

Actually, Major Carrales, I tend to agree with you....someone who wants to be in AF Reserve should join!

However, I wanted to point out possible answers to some problems raised about the Aux. commission concept.

I don't think those objections are insurmountable.

However, I am also not yet convinced there is a need for such a program in CAP.

[Major Carrales]

Actually, Major Carrales, I tend to agree with you....someone who wants to be in AF Reserve should join!

However, I wanted to point out possible answers to some problems raised about the Aux. commission concept.

I don't think those objections are insurmountable.

However, I am also not yet convinced there is a need for such a program in CAP.

Zig,

I meant no disrespect.  I, a while back, envisioned an "inner corps" of CAP Officers that would do CD,Homeland Security and the other sensative parts of CAP.  These would apply for Higher Security Clearances and the like.

The idea was dismissed as "playing soldier," so I dropped it.

Still, one might better offer their service to the USAFR than to CAP, that occasion.  CAP utilizes elements of the citizenry that would otherwise not have a chance.