CAPF 120 Online

[RogueLeader]

NHQ has released the new online CAPF 120 awards system, and allows for old awards to be input as well. 

[JC004]

I just used it.  I recommended myself for a Lifesaving and a National Commander's Commendation.  I hope I get them.      (kidding....I put in my historical awards, and uploaded copies of those 2 certificates, so we'll see how it works).  I'm guessing someone has to look at those 2 certificates along the line, somewhere.

Here's the box people need to use for historical awards, like mine:


It looks like this:

[Garibaldi]

I just used it.  I recommended myself for a Lifesaving and a National Commander's Commendation.  I hope I get them.      (kidding....I put in my historical awards, and uploaded copies of those 2 certificates, so we'll see how it works).  I'm guessing someone has to look at those 2 certificates along the line, somewhere.

It would only have passed if you had directed traffic at little to no peril to yourself.

[JC004]

My certificate was like 2.5 MB.  It was kind of a pain to reduce it. 

Perhaps they should raise the limit a little because people lacking the computer skills will have problems. 

There's no reason the certificates can't be deleted for people like me after they are reviewed and input is done, so size shouldn't be a huge factor. 

[AlphaSigOU]

Uploaded the 120s and documentation for my two wing Com-Comms, my National Com-Comm and an Achievement Award. Gotta do some historical digging for my two SER Green Weenies - ahem - unit citations from when I was a cadink.

[James Shaw]

I submitted one (historical) and will be curious as to where it shows up in my eservices after approval.

[JC004]

Uploaded the 120s and documentation for my two wing Com-Comms, my National Com-Comm and an Achievement Award. Gotta do some historical digging for my two SER Green Weenies - ahem - unit citations from when I was a cadink.

I'm not sure yet if they are tracking Unit Citations on individuals' records.  It doesn't specify. 

[MSG Mac]

I would assume that UCs would only be input if you have a by-name listing.
Now I have to find my Exceptionals, 3MSA, 8 ComComs, and a Lifesaving Award

[NCRblues]

So, what happens if we can't find old supporting paperwork?

For instance, my Disaster relief with V, awarded by Brg. Gen. Glasgow after Katrina, I have no documents, the unit I was in is  gone and the commander of the unit and the awarding party is (obviously) not real active in cap anymore.

I have a feeling I'm not the only one in this boat.

[JC004]

I would assume that UCs would only be input if you have a by-name listing.
Now I have to find my Exceptionals, 3MSA, 8 ComComs, and a Lifesaving Award

Mine was done first in MER, so they could test it and check out how it works at region HQ level.      Take your time.  It may take a little to get them processed. 

So, what happens if we can't find old supporting paperwork?

For instance, my Disaster relief with V, awarded by Brg. Gen. Glasgow after Katrina, I have no documents, the unit I was in is  gone and the commander of the unit and the awarding party is (obviously) not real active in cap anymore.

I have a feeling I'm not the only one in this boat.

Don't worry about that because DR with V is not a personal decoration, done on a Form 120.  It isn't going in eServices anyway.  But to update your file, you could get a memo from an on-site supervisor who was there.  Get your wing CC to sign a CAPF 2a and show them your memo.  Updating old records is a challenge.  I've been doing mission records (and others) for myself and another SM recently.  It's been ongoing for a few months. 

You should also make yourself a spreadsheet like this.  We have these for all personnel in the unit, all actual and training missions.  It helps with ES qualifications, find ribbons, SAR ribbons, CD ribbons, HLS ribbons, etc.  I made you a sample with the appropriate information so it's easy to figure out:

[Jaison009]

No you are not the only one in that situation.

So, what happens if we can't find old supporting paperwork?

For instance, my Disaster relief with V, awarded by Brg. Gen. Glasgow after Katrina, I have no documents, the unit I was in is  gone and the commander of the unit and the awarding party is (obviously) not real active in cap anymore.

I have a feeling I'm not the only one in this boat.

[Luis R. Ramos]

Why didnt youy keep copies of the document?

I still have a copy of the support documentation for my DR with V awarded at a Wing conference for Sept 11...

As a matter of fact, have copies of documentation for all awards I got...

[arajca]

Why didnt youy keep copies of the document?

I still have a copy of the support documentation for my DR with V awarded at a Wing conference for Sept 11...

As a matter of fact, have copies of documentation for all awards I got...

That is possible IF you get a copy of the documentation. Most of my awards, I have the certificate. I never received a copy of the supporting documentation.

[NCRblues]

Why didnt youy keep copies of the document?

I still have a copy of the support documentation for my DR with V awarded at a Wing conference for Sept 11...

As a matter of fact, have copies of documentation for all awards I got...

I was never given any supporting documentation for any of the awards I have. The certificates in lovely frames, yes, paperwork? No.

[Paul Creed III]

Why didnt youy keep copies of the document?

I still have a copy of the support documentation for my DR with V awarded at a Wing conference for Sept 11...

As a matter of fact, have copies of documentation for all awards I got...

I was never given any supporting documentation for any of the awards I have. The certificates in lovely frames, yes, paperwork? No.

Same here.

[Chappie]

Same here -- certificates but no documentation.    Don't plan to take all the items off the "love me" wall to take a pic of all the awards received during the past 19 years -- just to have them listed in e-Services.  The framed items and the ribbons are sufficient for me.

[Luis R. Ramos]

Duh!

Any certificates, if they have your names should be proof enough ya got the award. Make a photocopy of it. If it is mounted on a wall or framed take a photo with your cell and submit it with the electronic 120.

[JC004]

In many, many cases, the 120 disappears - especially when they are presented at wing or higher levels.  Conferences are a lot of work.  A taping the 120s to the back of the frame is a commonly skipped step.  A certificate is sufficient.

For my personnel, they have electronic records.  Certificates are kept in PDF, cleaned up with any background from the certificate paper removed.  That way, the unit also has them.  I photograph them with a DSLR in RAW format, correct problems with the image, have the background removed, and make a PDF. 

There can be solutions for people with unusual situations too.  I helped a member who had a house fire.  We got evidence of the certificates he was missing from old wing newsletters, then asked his wing to re-make the certificates for him, which they gladly did. 

I also helped someone who had a bunch of items stolen (why they'd steal CAP stuff, we couldn't figure out - the thief might have thought there was something important in the box).  He was most upset about his old plastic cadet ribbons, so I arranged with someone to send me replacements for him.  The guy gave a lot to this country in the military, and gave a lot to CAP - it's the least I could have done. 

I just arranged this year for Bronze Medal of Valor replacement.

These record restorations just required some critical thinking, asking around, and a little strategy.  I'd be glad to help with advice (or contacts, if I have them) for people who are in unusual situations.  I learned from the masters of personnel and admin.   

[Chappie]

Duh!

Any certificates, if they have your names should be proof enough ya got the award. Make a photocopy of it. If it is mounted on a wall or framed take a photo with your cell and submit it with the electronic 120.

It would take time that I don't want to take for some multiple awards.   For the ESA/MSA/CommComms, I have one showing in the frame and the others stacked up behind them in the same frame.  I swear that CAP produces so many awards/certificates that one could wall paper 3 houses or more if they were to display every single one of them

[Storm Chaser]

I'm the same way. I don't have a single one displayed.

[kwe1009]

Any ideas on where you can see the approved awards in eServices using this new system?

[AlphaSigOU]

Any ideas on where you can see the approved awards in eServices using this new system?

I'm guessing that it will be in the 'Awards' section of the member report.

[disamuel]

This should be expanded to include find ribbons.

[kwe1009]

This should be expanded to include find ribbons.

Baby steps I guess.  This is a module that should have been implemented a long time ago.  Hopefully they will have all ribbons added at some point soon.

[jeders]

This should be expanded to include find ribbons.

Find ribbons are submitted on a Form 2A, not a Form 120. Now that they've got the F120 awards approval in eServices, hopefully they'll start on the 2A awards. Like kwe said, baby steps.

[Phil Hirons, Jr.]

I would have recommended they do the 120 and 2a based awards at the same time. A lot of the code should be reusable but if you don't think about the differences from the start you end up re-writing the common code or hacking it to work for the new part.  Oh well.

[JC004]

2a awards are going to be more difficult.  I have a spreadsheet for tracking finds, mission time (SAR, CD, HLS), and DR credit, for each member of the unit.  Hours, sorties, and finds are standard in the Participation Letters.  CAP doesn't have anything like that as a standard. 

I discovered recently, in doing a very comprehensive check-through of my records and filling in anything that was missing in the folder (like a couple encampment PLs).  In doing that, I discovered that UNIT records were used to determine my eligibility for a couple things like my Recruiter.  In other words, the CC looked at our recruiting sheets (local form), verified I had the required number, and signed the 2a.  But those unit records are gone IAW CAP regulations on file retention.  I'm working on reconstructing things. 

[Jaison009]

Care to share?

2a awards are going to be more difficult.  I have a spreadsheet for tracking finds, mission time (SAR, CD, HLS), and DR credit, for each member of the unit.  Hours, sorties, and finds are standard in the Participation Letters.  CAP doesn't have anything like that as a standard. 

I discovered recently, in doing a very comprehensive check-through of my records and filling in anything that was missing in the folder (like a couple encampment PLs).  In doing that, I discovered that UNIT records were used to determine my eligibility for a couple things like my Recruiter.  In other words, the CC looked at our recruiting sheets (local form), verified I had the required number, and signed the 2a.  But those unit records are gone IAW CAP regulations on file retention.  I'm working on reconstructing things.

[JC004]

Care to share?

Which?

[JC004]

There is a new section under the Training tab called Decorations.

It lists the Decoration, Date of Decoration, and Approval Date.

[kwe1009]

2a awards are going to be more difficult.  I have a spreadsheet for tracking finds, mission time (SAR, CD, HLS), and DR credit, for each member of the unit.  Hours, sorties, and finds are standard in the Participation Letters.  CAP doesn't have anything like that as a standard. 

I discovered recently, in doing a very comprehensive check-through of my records and filling in anything that was missing in the folder (like a couple encampment PLs).  In doing that, I discovered that UNIT records were used to determine my eligibility for a couple things like my Recruiter.  In other words, the CC looked at our recruiting sheets (local form), verified I had the required number, and signed the 2a.  But those unit records are gone IAW CAP regulations on file retention.  I'm working on reconstructing things.

If you have the signed 2A then you shouldn't need the supporting documentation, right?  The commander signs the 2A verifying that the member did indeed earn the award.

[JC004]

2a awards are going to be more difficult.  I have a spreadsheet for tracking finds, mission time (SAR, CD, HLS), and DR credit, for each member of the unit.  Hours, sorties, and finds are standard in the Participation Letters.  CAP doesn't have anything like that as a standard. 

I discovered recently, in doing a very comprehensive check-through of my records and filling in anything that was missing in the folder (like a couple encampment PLs).  In doing that, I discovered that UNIT records were used to determine my eligibility for a couple things like my Recruiter.  In other words, the CC looked at our recruiting sheets (local form), verified I had the required number, and signed the 2a.  But those unit records are gone IAW CAP regulations on file retention.  I'm working on reconstructing things.

If you have the signed 2A then you shouldn't need the supporting documentation, right?  The commander signs the 2A verifying that the member did indeed earn the award.

In my case, one or two 2As were missing.  I'm trying to make sure I have one for everything.  I don't have the exact count now on mission hours, sorties, recruits, etc. because those were in unit records and logs.  I just have estimates based on what was awarded.  I'm trying to do a complete Mission Participation record (local form), but lots of those records went away.  SAR was done based on unit records showing the minimum hours/sorties...but I'm trying to get a complete accounting.  I have a Personnel Authorization for one person for SAR, but can't complete the Mission Participation record because a lot of that is gone.  Some 2As were done on paper - some in WMU...it's all very confusing.

[Jaison009]

Your spreadsheet you use to track "finds, mission time (SAR, CD, HLS), and DR credit"

Care to share?

Which?

[Luis R. Ramos]

Kwe-

Everyone in the approval chain wants to see the supporting documentation, and the regs say to "submit the 2a with supporting documentation through the chain."

Why don't you read the regs before posting?

Read CAPR 39-3, Award of CAP Ribbonsd, Medals, and Certificates.

[kwe1009]

Kwe-

Everyone in the approval chain wants to see the supporting documentation, and the regs say to "submit the 2a with supporting documentation through the chain."

Why don't you read the regs before posting?

Read CAPR 39-3, Award of CAP Ribbonsd, Medals, and Certificates.

I'm talking about an signed and approved 2A.  I do read regs before posting.  I didn't see where the supporting documentation had to stay with an approved 2A.  Can you point that out to me in the regs?

[CAP_truth]

As of today my 2 CCA, 1 CofLS, and AA was approved and posted in e-services in new section called Decorations.

[JC004]

Your spreadsheet you use to track "finds, mission time (SAR, CD, HLS), and DR credit"

Care to share?

Which?

I can show you what we currently have (posted above).  These forms are all under review and revision.  At the moment, we use the Notes box to include the exact mission type, location, and anything related to award credits.  I usually include things like the aircraft/watercraft information, etc.:
http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=20398.msg374395#msg374395

[Bullpup95]

I have an issue with the CAPF 120 online as the awards are approved and updated in members records, there seem to be no notifications going out to the CC or the DP's to indicate this.  I find it odd that at least the CC isn't at least notified if one of his members, especially cadets, has been awarded an decorations and the member is left to find it on his/her own and wonder why the CC isn't recognizing them for their achievement.  I would have to assume as well that if a recommendation for award is initiated from outside a members unit, the one making the recommendation isn't being notified as either.  He/she should in case it is denied and further justifications may be needed.  If anyone else is seeing notifications being pushed out please share.

[RogueLeader]

Really?

Each time I have had one come in, and each that is approved- I get an email, and a notice in E-services that there is an approval for me.

[Toad1168]

As of today my 2 CCA, 1 CofLS, and AA was approved and posted in e-services in new section called Decorations.

Where is the decorations section?

[kwe1009]

I have an issue with the CAPF 120 online as the awards are approved and updated in members records, there seem to be no notifications going out to the CC or the DP's to indicate this.  I find it odd that at least the CC isn't at least notified if one of his members, especially cadets, has been awarded an decorations and the member is left to find it on his/her own and wonder why the CC isn't recognizing them for their achievement.  I would have to assume as well that if a recommendation for award is initiated from outside a members unit, the one making the recommendation isn't being notified as either.  He/she should in case it is denied and further justifications may be needed.  If anyone else is seeing notifications being pushed out please share.

I talked with NHQ about this a few weeks ago and believe it or not that is how the system is designed to work.  They said that they would consider adding notifications.

[NCRblues]

Necro thread

While taking a look at my training tab on eServices, I noticed I had a Commanders Commendation on the awards section that I had absolutely no idea I had back from 2012.

Question for you more tech savvy, can you read the citation for the awards anyplace?

I am sort of confused on how this new awards system is supposed to work. I was under the impression that a notification was supposed to be sent to both the awardee and the member nominating them. I suppose I was incorrect?

[Garibaldi]

Necro thread

While taking a look at my training tab on eServices, I noticed I had a Commanders Commendation on the awards section that I had absolutely no idea I had back from 2012.

Question for you more tech savvy, can you read the citation for the awards anyplace?

I am sort of confused on how this new awards system is supposed to work. I was under the impression that a notification was supposed to be sent to both the awardee and the member nominating them. I suppose I was incorrect?

There should be a section on the actual form for color, why the award was given, etc. Unless they uploaded a physical copy, it may not be included in the online form.

[RogueLeader]

Necro thread

While taking a look at my training tab on eServices, I noticed I had a Commanders Commendation on the awards section that I had absolutely no idea I had back from 2012.

Question for you more tech savvy, can you read the citation for the awards anyplace?

I am sort of confused on how this new awards system is supposed to work. I was under the impression that a notification was supposed to be sent to both the awardee and the member nominating them. I suppose I was incorrect?

If you go to the Recommendation for Decoration module, and look up the Check Status sub-module, you can pull the details up as to the Justification.

[Pace]

Necro thread

While taking a look at my training tab on eServices, I noticed I had a Commanders Commendation on the awards section that I had absolutely no idea I had back from 2012.

Question for you more tech savvy, can you read the citation for the awards anyplace?

I am sort of confused on how this new awards system is supposed to work. I was under the impression that a notification was supposed to be sent to both the awardee and the member nominating them. I suppose I was incorrect?

If you go to the Recommendation for Decoration module, and look up the Check Status sub-module, you can pull the details up as to the Justification.

That doesn't work for me. I can only see awards I have recommended for other members. I can't see either of my historical awards entered by my group commander.

[JeffDG]

Necro thread

While taking a look at my training tab on eServices, I noticed I had a Commanders Commendation on the awards section that I had absolutely no idea I had back from 2012.

Question for you more tech savvy, can you read the citation for the awards anyplace?

I am sort of confused on how this new awards system is supposed to work. I was under the impression that a notification was supposed to be sent to both the awardee and the member nominating them. I suppose I was incorrect?

If you go to the Recommendation for Decoration module, and look up the Check Status sub-module, you can pull the details up as to the Justification.

That doesn't work for me. I can only see awards I have recommended for other members. I can't see either of my historical awards entered by my group commander.

You can only see awards that you have personally been involved with, either as a submitter, or as an approve.  BTW, that does not include as a recipient.

[Pace]

That's what I figured. I wonder if IT can somehow fix that for the user/recipient.

[kwe1009]

That's what I figured. I wonder if IT can somehow fix that for the user/recipient.

They should be able to add that feature.  The information is there and they just need to enable the recipient to have access to it.  They have been very responsive to me whenever I have asked questions or made suggestions regarding the awards module.

[JeffDG]

That's what I figured. I wonder if IT can somehow fix that for the user/recipient.

They should be able to add that feature.  The information is there and they just need to enable the recipient to have access to it.  They have been very responsive to me whenever I have asked questions or made suggestions regarding the awards module.

I made the suggestion when the module was in it's 1+ year "beta" test phase.  I'm glad someone else has better success.

This module could have been so much better.  It could have automatically included the ability of Awards Boards to provide their input (these are now appointed in eServices).  As it stands now, we have to go and pull any awards that come in, basically print them off (PDF), circulate them by e-mail, wait for responses, then deliver a reco to the commander, all outside the system.

Instead, it just took the paper form and made an e-signature option for it.  Could have coded that in Sertifi in <1 hour honestly.

[kwe1009]

That's what I figured. I wonder if IT can somehow fix that for the user/recipient.

They should be able to add that feature.  The information is there and they just need to enable the recipient to have access to it.  They have been very responsive to me whenever I have asked questions or made suggestions regarding the awards module.

I made the suggestion when the module was in it's 1+ year "beta" test phase.  I'm glad someone else has better success.

This module could have been so much better.  It could have automatically included the ability of Awards Boards to provide their input (these are now appointed in eServices).  As it stands now, we have to go and pull any awards that come in, basically print them off (PDF), circulate them by e-mail, wait for responses, then deliver a reco to the commander, all outside the system.

Instead, it just took the paper form and made an e-signature option for it.  Could have coded that in Sertifi in <1 hour honestly.

I agree it could be a lot better and I'm constantly pushing to get changes made.

Sertifi isn't a great help either.  We were using Sertifi with the committee members as 1st level signers and the Wing CC as the 2nd signer.  Sertifi made a change to how things work and now when the minimum number of 1st level signers has signed the document, it is closed out as complete. It used to push it up to the 2nd level signer (which makes sense) but that is no longer the case.  We have stopped using the voting option which just adds more manual interaction that shouldn't be necessary.

Here is how my Wing is doing this now:

• Wing Director of Personnel gets notification of award submission via email
• DP saves the award submission page as a PDF and uploads to Sertifi for board review
• Once the board makes a decision, the Wing CC is informed and given a copy of the signed PDF
• Wing CC approves/rejects award based on the board's recommendation
• DP notifies award submitter and chain of commander of the decision. Provides certificate or recommendation for improvement if award was rejected

To make matters worse, my Region will not even accept award recommendations via eServices (they say the system doesn't work).  So for any award requiring their approval a CAPF120 needs to be generated and submitted to them and once approved we have to put it into eServices as an historical award so that it will be recorded there.

This isn't much better than the previous system where the CAPF120 was just emailed to the Wing DP for processing. The only positive is that the award is in the member's record in eServices.