CAP Talk

Cadet Programs => Encampments & NCSAs => Topic started by: Pulsar on December 10, 2015, 06:10:10 PM

Title: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Pulsar on December 10, 2015, 06:10:10 PM
Does anyone know why NCSAs have been pushed back twice this year or why they have not posted any new information on the NCSA site?
thanks
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Ned on December 10, 2015, 07:53:31 PM
We expect to go live with the 2016 page on the website tomorrow (Friday).  All dates and info will be current.


Ned Lee
Col, CAP
National Cadet Program Manager
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Noloblock on December 11, 2015, 03:40:00 PM
What time today will the website be updated?
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Garibaldi on December 11, 2015, 03:45:09 PM
Quote from: Noloblock on December 11, 2015, 03:40:00 PM
What time today will the website be updated?

Today. Which means anywhere from right now to midnight. Top men are working on it. Top. Men.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: THRAWN on December 11, 2015, 03:52:53 PM
Quote from: Garibaldi on December 11, 2015, 03:45:09 PM
Quote from: Noloblock on December 11, 2015, 03:40:00 PM
What time today will the website be updated?

Today. Which means anywhere from right now to midnight. Top men are working on it. Top. Men.

Thank you, Red Six.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Garibaldi on December 11, 2015, 03:59:40 PM
Quote from: THRAWN on December 11, 2015, 03:52:53 PM
Quote from: Garibaldi on December 11, 2015, 03:45:09 PM
Quote from: Noloblock on December 11, 2015, 03:40:00 PM
What time today will the website be updated?

Today. Which means anywhere from right now to midnight. Top men are working on it. Top. Men.

Thank you, Red Six.

Shhhh  :-X remember the other thread? Top Secret Delta information about my code name can get both of us killed. Or worse.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: THRAWN on December 11, 2015, 04:03:23 PM
Quote from: Garibaldi on December 11, 2015, 03:59:40 PM
Quote from: THRAWN on December 11, 2015, 03:52:53 PM
Quote from: Garibaldi on December 11, 2015, 03:45:09 PM
Quote from: Noloblock on December 11, 2015, 03:40:00 PM
What time today will the website be updated?

Today. Which means anywhere from right now to midnight. Top men are working on it. Top. Men.

Thank you, Red Six.



Shhhh  :-X remember the other thread? Top Secret Delta information about my code name can get both of us killed. Or worse.

Have a sandwich, Porkins. You get all Major Eaton-y when you're hungry...
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Alaric on December 11, 2015, 04:15:19 PM
Quote from: Garibaldi on December 11, 2015, 03:45:09 PM
Quote from: Noloblock on December 11, 2015, 03:40:00 PM
What time today will the website be updated?

Today. Which means anywhere from right now to midnight. Top men are working on it. Top. Men.

According to the site, the time it will open is 1700 Central
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: xray328 on December 11, 2015, 06:32:45 PM
Does it matter?  Not trying to sound like a jerk, just wondering if there's any advantage to being the first one to submit an application?
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: lordmonar on December 11, 2015, 06:45:26 PM
No just don't wait till the last day
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: PHall on December 11, 2015, 06:52:12 PM
Quote from: xray328 on December 11, 2015, 06:32:45 PM
Does it matter?  Not trying to sound like a jerk, just wondering if there's any advantage to being the first one to submit an application?

No advantage what-so-ever.  The list that is given to your Wing National Cadet Special Activities Selection Board does not show when the app was submitted.
So as long as you get the app in before the application period closes, you're good.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Pulsar on December 11, 2015, 11:22:43 PM
Quote from: xray328 on December 11, 2015, 06:32:45 PM
Does it matter?  Not trying to sound like a jerk, just wondering if there's any advantage to being the first one to submit an application?

Some of us are just really excited and can't wait...  ; ;)
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Shutterbug on December 12, 2015, 01:54:42 AM
Quote from: Pulsar on December 11, 2015, 11:22:43 PM
Some of us are just really excited and can't wait...  ; ;)

Ditto. Unfortunately, the application module still doesn't seem to be working. The winter NCSAs are still listed.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Pulsar on December 12, 2015, 03:57:14 AM
Quote from: Shutterbug on December 12, 2015, 01:54:42 AM
Quote from: Pulsar on December 11, 2015, 11:22:43 PM
Some of us are just really excited and can't wait...  ; ;)

Ditto. Unfortunately, the application module still doesn't seem to be working. The winter NCSAs are still listed.

Yeah, its almost 2300 est and still not up and application not opened for summer activities...
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: thebeggerpie on December 12, 2015, 01:59:18 PM
It is the 12th of December.


And we still can't apply for NCSAs.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Alaric on December 12, 2015, 04:11:56 PM
Don't mind the delay, I do wish they would update the site once they have passed the deadline
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Buckle Up Buckaroo on December 13, 2015, 07:38:09 AM
Now 13 full days. I hope NHQ gives an announcement or something at least. I have a lot of cadets seriously getting concerned/anxious.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: apache on December 13, 2015, 08:33:24 PM
Have the attendees for the 2016 Civic Leadership Academy been announced yet?
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Pulsar on December 13, 2015, 08:42:52 PM
aaaah! All the summer ncsas are gone from the website!   ;)
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: thebeggerpie on December 14, 2015, 02:40:13 AM
Quote from: apache on December 13, 2015, 08:33:24 PM
Have the attendees for the 2016 Civic Leadership Academy been announced yet?

NOPE! I would know, I applied, I am watching like a hawk.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Buckle Up Buckaroo on December 14, 2015, 05:16:15 AM
Any cadets out there see any of the summer activities for 2016 in the Eservices application yet??? Not the NCSA site... in the Eservices application. Like any of the flight academies??? All I see is the 3 winter NCSA... so let me know if anyone sees something for summer.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: MSG Mac on December 14, 2015, 03:43:58 PM
PJOC and the SWR Powered Flight Academy are showing 2016 dates under the NCSA tab in Cadet Programs page. Didn't see it on the Registration and Payment page in E-Services page.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Pulsar on December 17, 2015, 04:09:43 PM
So, will the deadline for ncsa applications be extended then?
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Garibaldi on December 17, 2015, 04:30:33 PM
According to my wing vice CC..no one knows yet.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Ned on December 17, 2015, 04:35:33 PM
Just got off the phone with the corporate CP crew and it looks like the main activities are up and current, and the flight academies should go up tomorrow.

This will allow the cadets a full four weeks to apply by the January 15th deadline, which we believe is adequate.

If we push the application deadline, we would begin to interfere with the wings' part of the selection process.

Thank you all for your patience in this process.


Ned Lee
Col, CAP
National Cadet Program Manager
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Offutteer on December 18, 2015, 03:30:13 AM
Still not up, unless there are only 2 summer activities this year (excluding flight academies). 
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: dwb on December 18, 2015, 12:02:52 PM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 18, 2015, 03:30:13 AM
Still not up, unless there are only 2 summer activities this year (excluding flight academies).

They're working on it. They are behind because of the gap between when the last program manager left and the new one was hired/brought up to speed.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: CAPs1 on December 18, 2015, 02:33:27 PM
Quote from: dwb on December 18, 2015, 12:02:52 PM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 18, 2015, 03:30:13 AM
Still not up, unless there are only 2 summer activities this year (excluding flight academies).

They're working on it. They are behind because of the gap between when the last program manager left and the new one was hired/brought up to speed.

An awesome task for anyone to take over.
Surely, business continuance is at least on the same rung with publication reengineering in CAP. Now.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Offutteer on December 19, 2015, 12:14:17 AM
Quote from: dwb on December 18, 2015, 12:02:52 PM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 18, 2015, 03:30:13 AM
Still not up, unless there are only 2 summer activities this year (excluding flight academies).

They're working on it. They are behind because of the gap between when the last program manager left and the new one was hired/brought up to speed.

They still have Ned, the NCSA volunteer manager and the Activity Directors, along with adding Donna in the spring.  That should be enough people to update a web site.  They had enough time to create the graphic for the "new flight program" on Facebook. 
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Holding Pattern on December 19, 2015, 01:31:45 AM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 19, 2015, 12:14:17 AM
Quote from: dwb on December 18, 2015, 12:02:52 PM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 18, 2015, 03:30:13 AM
Still not up, unless there are only 2 summer activities this year (excluding flight academies).

They're working on it. They are behind because of the gap between when the last program manager left and the new one was hired/brought up to speed.

They still have Ned, the NCSA volunteer manager and the Activity Directors, along with adding Donna in the spring.  That should be enough people to update a web site.  They had enough time to create the graphic for the "new flight program" on Facebook.

Just remember that people have lives they need to execute alongside their jobs AND their volunteer work.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Alaric on December 19, 2015, 01:34:09 AM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 19, 2015, 12:14:17 AM
Quote from: dwb on December 18, 2015, 12:02:52 PM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 18, 2015, 03:30:13 AM
Still not up, unless there are only 2 summer activities this year (excluding flight academies).

They're working on it. They are behind because of the gap between when the last program manager left and the new one was hired/brought up to speed.

They still have Ned, the NCSA volunteer manager and the Activity Directors, along with adding Donna in the spring.  That should be enough people to update a web site.  They had enough time to create the graphic for the "new flight program" on Facebook.

If you think you can do a better job, step up and volunteer.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: lordmonar on December 19, 2015, 01:43:40 AM
Quote from: Alaric on December 19, 2015, 01:34:09 AM
If you think you can do a better job, step up and volunteer.
Then he won't be able to complain about NHQ!  :)
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: dwb on December 19, 2015, 11:24:09 AM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 19, 2015, 12:14:17 AM
Quote from: dwb on December 18, 2015, 12:02:52 PM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 18, 2015, 03:30:13 AM
Still not up, unless there are only 2 summer activities this year (excluding flight academies).

They're working on it. They are behind because of the gap between when the last program manager left and the new one was hired/brought up to speed.

They still have Ned, the NCSA volunteer manager and the Activity Directors, along with adding Donna in the spring.  That should be enough people to update a web site.  They had enough time to create the graphic for the "new flight program" on Facebook.

You know as well as I do that it's more than just updating a web site. It's also chasing down two dozen activity directors to get their dates and locations confirmed so the whole web site isn't "TBD", and collecting all of the information for the Region activities that get NCSA award status.

Although there is a paid person at NHQ to do that, they're working almost exclusively with volunteers (you know how responsive volunteers can be), and that person is a fairly new employee and they're getting this launched while also planning for the first NCC under the new rules.

So, you know, stop poking them with a stick.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Chappie on December 19, 2015, 07:35:24 PM
Quote from: dwb on December 19, 2015, 11:24:09 AM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 19, 2015, 12:14:17 AM
Quote from: dwb on December 18, 2015, 12:02:52 PM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 18, 2015, 03:30:13 AM
Still not up, unless there are only 2 summer activities this year (excluding flight academies).

They're working on it. They are behind because of the gap between when the last program manager left and the new one was hired/brought up to speed.

They still have Ned, the NCSA volunteer manager and the Activity Directors, along with adding Donna in the spring.  That should be enough people to update a web site.  They had enough time to create the graphic for the "new flight program" on Facebook.

You know as well as I do that it's more than just updating a web site. It's also chasing down two dozen activity directors to get their dates and locations confirmed so the whole web site isn't "TBD", and collecting all of the information for the Region activities that get NCSA award status.

Although there is a paid person at NHQ to do that, they're working almost exclusively with volunteers (you know how responsive volunteers can be), and that person is a fairly new employee and they're getting this launched while also planning for the first NCC under the new rules.

So, you know, stop poking them with a stick.

Couldn't have said it better...NHQ has a very small staff (compared to the way it was in the late 1990's through 2006).   There have been numerous downsizings of staff in recent history....and then add to the volunteers they need to deal with.   I am currently working with a volunteer who was supposed to have had their part of a project that we are working on due the 1st of June 2015.....still waiting.   Wanted to have it in place for the 2015 National Conference....oh well...maybe in time for the 2016 National Conference...or the 2017.   Drives me crazy...but often we have no control over what transpires -- we just move ahead and go forward.   Maybe at a snail's pace...but it is ahead.
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: THRAWN on December 19, 2015, 07:45:10 PM
Quote from: Chappie on December 19, 2015, 07:35:24 PM
Quote from: dwb on December 19, 2015, 11:24:09 AM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 19, 2015, 12:14:17 AM
Quote from: dwb on December 18, 2015, 12:02:52 PM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 18, 2015, 03:30:13 AM
Still not up, unless there are only 2 summer activities this year (excluding flight academies).

They're working on it. They are behind because of the gap between when the last program manager left and the new one was hired/brought up to speed.

They still have Ned, the NCSA volunteer manager and the Activity Directors, along with adding Donna in the spring.  That should be enough people to update a web site.  They had enough time to create the graphic for the "new flight program" on Facebook.

You know as well as I do that it's more than just updating a web site. It's also chasing down two dozen activity directors to get their dates and locations confirmed so the whole web site isn't "TBD", and collecting all of the information for the Region activities that get NCSA award status.

Although there is a paid person at NHQ to do that, they're working almost exclusively with volunteers (you know how responsive volunteers can be), and that person is a fairly new employee and they're getting this launched while also planning for the first NCC under the new rules.

So, you know, stop poking them with a stick.

Couldn't have said it better...NHQ has a very small staff (compared to the way it was in the late 1990's through 2006).   There have been numerous downsizings of staff in recent history....and then add to the volunteers they need to deal with.   I am currently working with a volunteer who was supposed to have had their part of a project that we are working on due the 1st of June 2015.....still waiting.   Wanted to have it in place for the 2015 National Conference....oh well...maybe in time for the 2016 National Conference...or the 2017.   Drives me crazy...but often we have no control over what transpires -- we just move ahead and go forward.   Maybe at a snail's pace...but it is ahead.

Lots of good points here. I do have a question though, and it has to do with your "small staff" comment. It seems like the volunteers that are supposed to be supporting the paid staff are not doing what they agreed to. Lose them. Get new volunteers. Is there no consequence of not meeting suspense dates? The whole "just a volunteer" excuse is just that, an excuse. You wouldn't accept it from a volunteer fire department that let your house burn down and it should not be accepted by CAP either. Do the job, or find another. What's next?
Title: Re: NCSA applications postponed
Post by: Chappie on December 19, 2015, 07:59:34 PM
Quote from: THRAWN on December 19, 2015, 07:45:10 PM
Quote from: Chappie on December 19, 2015, 07:35:24 PM
Quote from: dwb on December 19, 2015, 11:24:09 AM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 19, 2015, 12:14:17 AM
Quote from: dwb on December 18, 2015, 12:02:52 PM
Quote from: Offutteer on December 18, 2015, 03:30:13 AM
Still not up, unless there are only 2 summer activities this year (excluding flight academies).

They're working on it. They are behind because of the gap between when the last program manager left and the new one was hired/brought up to speed.

They still have Ned, the NCSA volunteer manager and the Activity Directors, along with adding Donna in the spring.  That should be enough people to update a web site.  They had enough time to create the graphic for the "new flight program" on Facebook.

You know as well as I do that it's more than just updating a web site. It's also chasing down two dozen activity directors to get their dates and locations confirmed so the whole web site isn't "TBD", and collecting all of the information for the Region activities that get NCSA award status.

Although there is a paid person at NHQ to do that, they're working almost exclusively with volunteers (you know how responsive volunteers can be), and that person is a fairly new employee and they're getting this launched while also planning for the first NCC under the new rules.

So, you know, stop poking them with a stick.

Couldn't have said it better...NHQ has a very small staff (compared to the way it was in the late 1990's through 2006).   There have been numerous downsizings of staff in recent history....and then add to the volunteers they need to deal with.   I am currently working with a volunteer who was supposed to have had their part of a project that we are working on due the 1st of June 2015.....still waiting.   Wanted to have it in place for the 2015 National Conference....oh well...maybe in time for the 2016 National Conference...or the 2017.   Drives me crazy...but often we have no control over what transpires -- we just move ahead and go forward.   Maybe at a snail's pace...but it is ahead.

Lots of good points here. I do have a question though, and it has to do with your "small staff" comment. It seems like the volunteers that are supposed to be supporting the paid staff are not doing what they agreed to. Lose them. Get new volunteers. Is there no consequence of not meeting suspense dates? The whole "just a volunteer" excuse is just that, an excuse. You wouldn't accept it from a volunteer fire department that let your house burn down and it should not be accepted by CAP either. Do the job, or find another. What's next?

Thrawn...totally concur with the "just a volunteer" comment.   As one of my commanders has stated, "we are professional volunteers" -- translated...we should act in a professional manner even though we volunteer our time, energy and money.  Unfortunately in some situations it not as easy to jettison a volunteer and enlist another.  In the situation I just described -- which is often the case with others -- the volunteer I am working with has a major chunk of the project which a great deal of time has been invested.   To bring someone else on board at this juncture is not possible.   We just need to get it done.  All I know is that it will be looooong time before I enlist this person's help again.