Direct channel to CAP brass

[RiverAux]

In his "From Your National Commander" column in the March/April Volunteer MG Pineda said this:

As your national commander, I encourage all CAP volunteers and our loyal supporters to communicate your suggestions and concerns.  Individuals with agenda items that have not been brought before the National Board or those wishing to share shining examples of outstanding performance and efficiency are encouarged to email the deputy chiefs of staff or CAP National Vice Commander Brig. Gen. Amy Courter.  Their contact information is available at www.cap.gov

FYI, the deputy chiefs of staff are:
Training: Col. David L. Mikelson
Support: Col. Eileen Parker
Operations: Col. Andrew Skiba
Strategic Missions:  Brig. Gen. Richard Anderson

So, a major problem in CAP appears to have been solved in that there is now a sanctioned way for any CAP member to directly contact high level CAP officer with their ideas and suggestions.  Granted, just because you can send them an email, doesn't mean they will act on it.  But, it has a better chance of at least being read than an email started off by 2LT Snuffy Smith in the Podunk Cadet Squadron does of getting up there. 

However, we should be careful in how we use this because if they get deluged with a bunch of really bad comments they will decide that they will need to have them "filtered" a bit by lower ranking CAP staff. 

So, put your thinking and writing caps on!

[JohnKachenmeister]

Well, this may solve one problem, (And in doing so may create others), but it doesn't solve the problem of "Top-down communications."  Other than the new name we have, we are still left without an understanding of the overall vison for our organization, and what goals the current National Command has set.

[Eagle400]

Well, this may solve one problem, (And in doing so may create others), but it doesn't solve the problem of "Top-down communications."

I agree.  I think modifying the system of quality assurance in CAP will help with the communication problem.

Other than the new name we have,

Which is not authorized according to both the CAP Constitution and USC.   

we are still left without an understanding of the overall vison for our organization, and what goals the current National Command has set.

Which is one reason why there are so many problems challenges in CAP today. 

[mikeylikey]

 

[Eagle400]

I wonder if this is designed to be something temporary, or permanent?  Does anyone know?   

However, we should be careful in how we use this because if they get deluged with a bunch of really bad comments they will decide that they will need to have them "filtered" a bit by lower ranking CAP staff.

I hope that doesn't happen.  This is a great opportunity for the folks at National to see what the membership feel about recent changes in the organization, and how CAP can improve.

[RiverAux]

I too agree that this is an extremely positive change.  Your guess is as good as mine if this will be officially codified anywhere or just remain a sort of unofficial official open-door policy. 

[DNall]

I don't think they are counting on a flood of member input, and I would still fully expect to get slammed by your Wg/CC for not going thru the chain (keep copy of this handy). Don't abuse it is all I'm going to say.

[SAR-EMT1]

I am very tempted to email BG Anderson and request a vision statment from NHQ /  MG TP

Chance of Success?
Level of Sensibility?

What say you....

[Al Sayre]

Chance of Success?

50-75% depending on how it's written.

Level of Sensibility?

Depends on your Chain of Command.  I always say don't ask me a question if you don't want to hear the answer. 

Your defense is that Maj Gen Pineda asked the question, so you supplied the answer using the channel as directed.

[JC004]

I am very tempted to email BG Anderson and request a vision statment from NHQ /  MG TP

Please do.  That was one of my first thoughts when I read this.  They need to make some goals and show the vision.  I think that would have a positive impact on morale and all that good stuff.

What are "strategic missions" anyway?

[dwb]

Maybe I'm just old fashioned, but I wouldn't be comfortable E-mailing those people with unsolicited comments about the organization.

I appreciate the open door policy, but I can't help but think it will just become a gripe hotline.

[Flying Pig]

Open door policies can be dangerous to those who dont understand it.   It doesnt mean that you should now e-mail every gripe and complaint.  After a while they will just be ignored.

[arajca]

I am very tempted to email BG Anderson and request a vision statment from NHQ /  MG TP

Chance of Success?
Level of Sensibility?

What say you....

It's been nice knowing you...

I think it's a great idea and long overdue.

I think what TP has been seeing is that members have concerns and the normal CoC is either unwilling or unable to address them. He may have figured out that this is causing some folks to leave CAP and is attempting to stem the outflow.

One other note is that he has specifically stated "suggestions and concerns", not just "concerns". Perhaps this is the chance to suggest National hold off on more uniform changes for a couple of years?

[RogueLeader]

I too agree that this is an extremely positive change.  Your guess is as good as mine if this will be officially codified anywhere or just remain a sort of unofficial official open-door policy. 

Who are they, and what did they do with the Top Brass?

Seriously, I too think that this is a great opportunity for information to move., but I hope that this is not temporary or we don't screw it up.  It could also be a way of screening people who have valuable skills and assets that could be used at HQ.

I'm being optimistic about NHQ at the moment.

[SAR-EMT1]

Minor roadblock: after a good 30 minutes of looking I havent been able to find said email links on the CAP website.

[DNall]

eServices has a corporate phone directory that I believe also lists email addresses. I'm almost positive in fact. It would be behind a password, cause oyu don't want to put people's contact info out in the open like that if you can avoid it.

[Chaplaindon]

I for one am pleased to see this open-door being offered.

The "brass" is ostensibly making itself accessible.  To wit, I say "thank you."

The question remains whether members will take appropriate advantage of this privilege and give respectful feedback or continue to "simmer" at home and/or on various websites or blogs.

As a former CC myself, I sure liked knowing what the members in the squadron thought and felt about "things." I believe any commander worth her/his "salt" (at whatever eschelon) would as well.

The senior command staff may not implement every suggestion or act on each bit of feedback, but they have expressed a willingness to listen. That is an invaluable virtue.

Perhaps it's time we communicated. It may not change CAP, but neither will complaint threads on CAPTAlk or CAPBlog. Nor will Quixotic bouts of "black-van-phobia."

I intend to share my concerns about Vanguard.

[Galahad]

eServices has a corporate phone directory that I believe also lists email addresses. I'm almost positive in fact.

Correct.  The NHQ directory was available in e-services last month.  It's gone now.  Very strange. It's almost as if the left hand at NHQ doesn't know what the right is doing.

Sad to say, in my wing it would be quite suicidal for someone to openly use this avenue of communication. Experience has shown that whistleblower protection is non-existent if your IG complaint (or privileged communication) is against anyone who is a favorite of the wing king or General Pineda.  The wing commander has even issued verbal directives that CAP internet forums are to be monitored for "evidence of insubordination".  When logical alternatives are suggested to questionable orders the standard reaction is to "shoot first, shoot some more, shoot later, and when everyone is dead ask a few questions."

Paranoia rules the chain of command, and anyone with any sense has learned to keep their head down. Or lose it.

[Eagle400]

I wonder what caused this direct channel to CAP brass to come about?  Does anyone know? 

Someone mentioned that NHQ may be using this to screen future employees, and that sounds plauisble.  But I would think that general Pineda would have stated the reason for creating this "opening" in the chain of command.

I think more people will feel comfortable taking advantage of this opening in the chain of command if they know why it exists. 

[arajca]

My personal opinion is that he has heard about many great ideas from members (SIMS anyone?) at the various conferences, however, nothing is coming up through channels because someone in the path doesn't like it.