Senior v. Cadet Development

[SAR-EMT1]

The this is that I all but fell asleep in SLS etc.
(having been a cadet)

The only bad thing about it is that Ive never worked up the courage to enter the O-Club during the Courses...Not sure how I would be recieved, or how much it would cost.

[Flying Pig]

Im going to SLS in Nov here in Ca.  I am getting off work at 0200 and reporting in at 0700 then sitting in class all day.   I think Im going to bring a case Mt Dew with me.

As far as the O-club......ouch......I think I'd steer clear.

[SDF_Specialist]

Im going to SLS in Nov here in Ca.  I am getting off work at 0200 and reporting in at 0700 then sitting in class all day.   I think Im going to bring a case Mt Dew with me.

Better suggestion. Get the new Coke (Pepsi?) that has twice the caffeine and more gensing. It does wonders. Also hot tea will keep you awake.

[Pace]

Im going to SLS in Nov here in Ca.  I am getting off work at 0200 and reporting in at 0700 then sitting in class all day.   I think Im going to bring a case Mt Dew with me.

Better suggestion. Get the new Coke (Pepsi?) that has twice the caffeine and more gensing. It does wonders. Also hot tea will keep you awake.

In extreme situations, so will dipping coffee granules.

[SDF_Specialist]

Im going to SLS in Nov here in Ca.  I am getting off work at 0200 and reporting in at 0700 then sitting in class all day.   I think Im going to bring a case Mt Dew with me.

Better suggestion. Get the new Coke (Pepsi?) that has twice the caffeine and more gensing. It does wonders. Also hot tea will keep you awake.

In extreme situations, so will dipping coffee granules.

I actually knew a guy who would do that. It seemed to have worked for him.

[Pace]

Im going to SLS in Nov here in Ca.  I am getting off work at 0200 and reporting in at 0700 then sitting in class all day.   I think Im going to bring a case Mt Dew with me.

Better suggestion. Get the new Coke (Pepsi?) that has twice the caffeine and more gensing. It does wonders. Also hot tea will keep you awake.

In extreme situations, so will dipping coffee granules.

I actually knew a guy who would do that. It seemed to have worked for him.

Hey, it kept me awake during many a AFROTC "briefings".

*Sorry for getting off topic folks - I'll take it to PM if I need to respond again.*

Back to your regularly scheduled "what the hell is wrong with CAP SMs" discussion...

[SDF_Specialist]

Back to your regularly scheduled "what the hell is wrong with CAP SMs" discussion...

I'll tell you what's wrong with SMs. They aren't like me

[Eclipse]

One thing I don't understand is the requirement to instruct or direct an SLS, CLC etc. Isn't that a PDO thing? There are a lot of people who are uncomfortable with speaking in front of large crowds.

SLS & CLC >is< professional development, which is why they are required for progression - the reasoning being that we are trying to help people become "professionals".  The effectiveness, or lack thereof, of a particular Wing's program not withstanding the point.

You've answered your own question - its about "development" - which is why many members cite CAP as a turning point in their "real" professional lives because they were "forced" to work outside their comfort zone, but in a benevolent environment.

[SDF_Specialist]

Good point sir. As I've stated in a previous post, I never seem to actually get out what I'm trying to say. This is my fault, no one elses. What I want to know is if this is a requirement for progression, why isn't it directed and instructed by the Wing PDO?

[Eclipse]

Good point sir. As I've stated in a previous post, I never seem to actually get out what I'm trying to say. This is my fault, no one elses. What I want to know is if this is a requirement for progression, why isn't it directed and instructed by the Wing PDO?

In many cases they are, but why would you expect them to do all the work?

>A< staffer doesn't mean >the< staffer.

By design, SLS & CLC are Wing functions, equiring the Wing CC or designate to approve the activity and
the Form 11.

Like everything else in CAP, the nuts and bolts of the activity itself are delegated to various personnel throughout the wing.

In many cases the Wing PDO will be the PIC of the event, with a separate dir for each side of the house, and then a number of instructors for the classes.

[Camas]

   

Why isn't it directed and instructed by the Wing PDO?

    Our wing recently held an SLS and I was privileged to assist as an instructor.  Once I completed my obligation I went home, got out of the way and let my course director take it from there.

    We just completed a CLC a week ago and I didn't even make an appearance.  My course director had it all together and, with a master rating in professional development, he isn't new to doing courses of this nature. He sure didn't need me around to get in the way.  My job was done ensuring that these courses were properly set up, that they "happened", and that the paperwork was completed; getting all the students accredited and that sort of thing.

     In addition my two course directors will now get credit for a Level V requirement in directing a course of this nature and a bunch of people who stepped up to the plate in assisting by signing on as instructors will get credit for meeting a Level IV requirement.

    As my wing DPD, this is how I see my obligation; ensuring that all this happens.

[Eclipse]

    As my wing DPD, this is how I see my obligation; ensuring that all this happens.

Beautiful answer...

It's also interesting to see how simple getting to level V can be if you are moderately active and engaged in the program. It all flows together and just happens with regular participation.

The only two real "hurdles" are ECI13 and RSC.

[LeoBurke]

Couple of things....

1.  SLS & CLC - In the great State of Michigan, we have held SLS's and CLC's at the same time since their
     inception.  Not every time, but often enough.  They are held when there is a demand, but at least 3-4
     times a year across Michigan.  (Michigan is #22 in size by area - More coast line than any state but
     Alaska. - From the most Southeastern to the most Northwestern city, roughly a 16 hour drive in good weather)

     We also have a "Senior Basic Flight" at the GLR-North encampment and at previous MI Wing Encampments.   
     At various times we have included ECI-13 and AEPSM courses.  We usually take the opprtunity to teach them
     a little Drill & ceremonies. 

     A big chunk of these people return in future years to staff the encampment. 

2.  With regard to Pilots, (or doctors or chaplains or any special promos):  If you've only seen three types you haven't
     looked closely enough.  Lots of SENIORS join CAP for one reason and stay for other reasons.  Sure we attract pilots
     and sure they want to fly cheap or for free.  But that is not the sole driver.   I know one CFII in particular who joined
     to do something for his country.  Spent some time working the Mission Pilot path and discovered he could give dual
     to cadets (no money for him).  That has been his fav activity for some time now.  Lots of other pilots have spent time
     on the ground (GTM/GTL) or Mission Base staff and Incident Commanders. 

     Their not all "Maverick" wannabees or time-builders or polo-shirt slackers.

3.  Polo shirt slackers.  I have a couple thoughts.
     
     a.  Michigan's motto is:  If you seek a pleasant peninsula look around you.  I know its lame but follow my logic. 
          "If you seek a better senior member, look around you"  Then along time ago I learned "Leadership is the art
          of influencing others to achieve a common goal or objective."  Combine them and you get to be a leader by
          influencing the actions of those seniors that you look down on. 

     b.  It's been my experience that a lot of seniors are influenced or recruited by the flying club types.  But deep
          down they really want to be part of the other CAP.  There just hasn't been anyone offering to help them
          to be a part of the other side of CAP.

     c.  Many of the best pilots, mission staff and ICs in Michigan Wing come from a single most Outstanding Senior
          Squadron.  In fact, I would challenge you to look at them and discern a difference between them and many 
          active duty USAF squadrons.  No kidding.  What makes the difference? Leadership and Esprit de Corp. 

You can stand there and complain about others or you can jump in and do something about it.  Your call. 

[Eclipse]

     b.  It's been my experience that a lot of seniors are influenced or recruited by the flying club types.  But deep
          down they really want to be part of the other CAP.  There just hasn't been anyone offering to help them
          to be a part of the other side of CAP.

[Capt M. Sherrod]

Well said, Leo.  I think that you hit the nail on the head as far as getting people involved and motivated.

[Capt Rivera]

One thing I don't understand is the requirement to instruct or direct an SLS, CLC etc. Isn't that a PDO thing? There are a lot of people who are uncomfortable with speaking in front of large crowds. I use to be one until I became a Comms instructor, but that's just me. What about eveyone else?

Think about that for a moment. To the public higher rank means more experience/professionalism/knowledge etc....

How would you feel if your wing CC is briefing state officials and fails at getting what you need because the people who should be listening only notice how nervous he is, how many times he says "Umm", how hes dancing across the presentation area because he cant keep himself still.

It might not be a persons preference but you need to be capable of representing cap in a good way to hold high rank. Barring physical/mental defects which MIGHT be apparent to someone talking to a member at random [press, general public]

Yes I know a good CC who realizes that he/she can't public speak SHOULD get someone who can to represent him/ speak for CAP....

Part of being in a professional organization if looking to improve it AND yourself. If someone isn't even willing to try something once to meet the public speaking requirements of the professional development program... I don't think they should progress....

[Short Field]

Level IV="staff member" (i.e. instructor, though I suppose "donut guy" would technically qualify as well),

Yes, the donut guy does qualify as staff - although I would hope he did more than just drop off the donuts.  But providing admin and facilities support ("gofer duty") can help make a SLS or CLC a success. 

The biggest thing holding most of our seniors back (we have about 100 seniors in the squadron) is lack of progression in a specialty track.  This is followed by not completing ECI 13, then not attending two Conferences.