Starting a new unit

kcebnaes · July 08, 2014, 08:16:09 PM

So as the title says, I'm in the process of starting a new unit in Ohio. There seems to be a very strong interest, which is good! Anyways, are there any tips for a soon to be new Commander?

THRAWN · July 08, 2014, 08:39:04 PM

Scotch helps.

Take small bites of the elephant. There is a lot that goes into starting up a new unit. How big is the cadre that you're stealing...I mean...utilizing the talents of...from an older unit? Do you have a core of experienced mentors? There are plenty of people that you could use to bounce ideas off of here, if you don't mind getting some very clear and sometimes unwelcome feedback.

Good luck...If I can do anything on this end, let me know.

kcebnaes · July 08, 2014, 08:50:03 PM

I can do that! Haha!

Well...I don't think we're stealing any from any other units(the nearest is about an hour away) but with that being said, no one is going to have any CAP experience. Luckily though, my group commander has offered to send some cadets to help train my new cadets. I am totally fine with welcome AND unwelcome feedback..it all helps!
thank you so much for your offer! I may take you up on that once we get official approval for a unit!

Alaric · July 08, 2014, 08:53:45 PM

Where in Ohio, I just moved to the Cincinnati area myself, what night are you meeting on?

kcebnaes · July 08, 2014, 08:57:11 PM

I'm actually in Ada(about two hours north of Cinci!) But I think we're going start meeting on Thursdays from 1800-2000 at Ohio Northern University.

GroundHawg · July 08, 2014, 10:12:52 PM

Quote from: Alaric on July 08, 2014, 08:53:45 PM
Where in Ohio, I just moved to the Cincinnati area myself, what night are you meeting on?

I grew up there (NKY) and will be moving back in three weeks. I know almost all the local squadrons on both sides of the river and can point you in the right direction if you need any advice.

The CyBorg is destroyed · July 09, 2014, 05:28:31 PM

Quote from: kcebnaes on July 08, 2014, 08:57:11 PM
I'm actually in Ada(about two hours north of Cinci!) But I think we're going start meeting on Thursdays from 1800-2000 at Ohio Northern University.

Are you anywhere near Middletown? My brother-in-law lives there.

Angus · July 09, 2014, 06:58:43 PM

Quote from: kcebnaes on July 08, 2014, 08:16:09 PM
So as the title says, I'm in the process of starting a new unit in Ohio. There seems to be a very strong interest, which is good! Anyways, are there any tips for a soon to be new Commander?

1. Tums

2. Good Admin Officer
3. Good Safety Officer
4. Scotch

But seriously though numbers 2 and 3 are at the top of my list. Definitely work with some local groups to build up both the Cadet and Senior members. One place to look for help go to a local fraternal like the Knights of Columbus, they may have kids or grandkids who are the correct age and in general groups like that are very much in line with our program.

BFreemanMA · July 09, 2014, 10:36:39 PM

I've never been a commander, so I don't have any first-hand advice to offer you, but best of luck in your endeavor! If I had advice to give, it would be this: work with and trust your staff. A commander's plate is full-to-heaping with tasks to accomplish and consider. Keeping your staff in the loop with communication, delegating when necessary, and, ultimately, working as a team can make the command not only easier, but more rewarding.

Garibaldi · July 09, 2014, 10:41:48 PM

Hair dye. I've seen way too many commanders turn gray over the course of their tenure.

jimmydeanno · July 10, 2014, 02:18:50 AM

A new unit needs to be honest with the new members. It is important to let the people that are going to be helping start the unit that not everything is going to be available all at once, and that everyone is going to be in a steep learning curve together. There isn't going to be a deep institutional knowledge and people who have been around the block available at all times.

The honesty will go a long way in establishing your credibility, and kind of push people to do some of the heavy lifting through their own motivation. Dive into the regulations, dive into the program descriptions, set things up, and get things rolling.

Develop a road map of milestones over the course of a year so that by the end you have a fully functional unit that can participate in nearly everything available.

kcebnaes · July 10, 2014, 06:44:23 PM

Thank you all for your help and support! It would seem I need to go buy some scotch(unless my single barrel Jack is good enough!) Seriously though, I truly appreciate all the advice! I'll keep everyone posted as this process keeps moving along!

MSG Mac · July 10, 2014, 08:11:06 PM

Don"t be hesitant in asking your Group and neighboring units for help.

Eclipse · July 10, 2014, 08:20:35 PM

Are you currently or formerly a member?

kcebnaes · July 10, 2014, 11:24:29 PM

I was a cadet. Now I'm an engaged, full time student. Don't worry though, I will have enough time for CAP!

Eclipse · July 10, 2014, 11:45:30 PM

So OHWG is open to someone who is not even currently a member, and was never a senior starting a unit?

kcebnaes · July 11, 2014, 12:13:57 AM

Is there something wrong with that? I was a Cadet before, and I'm very active in other volunteer organizations.

Eclipse · July 11, 2014, 02:11:42 AM

Yes, good intentions aside.

Running a unit is a challenging proposition for an experienced member with an established support system
in place, starting one from scratch is a daunting proposition for anyone, let alone someone who has no
idea what it takes to actually run a CAP squadron. Being a cadet gives you insight into the cadet side of being
a member, it does nothing to prepare the average cadet for being a staffer, let alone a commander.

Your best bet would be to rejoin CAP and spend a year or two getting your bearings as a senior member
and then reconsider if starting a new unit is a good idea.

OHWG has had some "challenges" in the past few years, and may be looking to grow into underserved
areas, but honestly, the Wing CC who would consider a new unit under the command of someone who
isn't even a member when the request is made is rare.

kcebnaes · July 11, 2014, 02:25:05 AM

I did forget to mention that 1) the nearest unit is an hour away and 2) I was technically a Senior Member after high school, then I moved even further away from the unit I was with. I did forget about that one! Sorry about that!
Also, I feel like I'm at least qualified to lead the unit for awhile, until the unit is more formed!
Sorry if this seems like I'm snipping or ticked, I truly don't mean to sound it!

SARDOC · July 11, 2014, 03:06:51 AM

Quote from: Eclipse on July 10, 2014, 11:45:30 PM
So OHWG is open to someone who is not even currently a member, and was never a senior starting a unit?

It happens more often than you think. Especially, when the proposed meeting location is more than an Hour away from the next closest Squadron.

We have a new "Flight" that is about 2.5-3 hours away from it's parent Squadron. When they meet the criteria necessary they will apply for a Charter as a new squadron. None of the members have been in for more than 3 months. Seniors and Cadets included.