Can you prove that?

[SDF_Specialist]

Unit commanders, I have a question for you. When you are forced to reprimand a member for some sort of misconduct, do you keep a record of it? I don't mean mental notes. God knows that being a commander can be a stressful duty in CAP today. Do you keep a personal journal listing the members name, rank, and what the reprimand was in regards to?

I have never taken the Unit Commander's Course. This is something that I do intend on taking when it is next available in my Wing. I have no clue if this sort of thing is discussed. I was thinking about this today, and I feel that it would be a great idea. It kinda falls in that category of "CYA". This way, if you ever have to go to a more extreme punishment for that member, you have a documented history of misconduct by a member. Unfortunately, I won't have the opportunity to become a commander until the age of 25. This policy was set in my Wing by the previous Wing Commander. Now that I look at everything going on, I can see where this was a great idea, and fortunately, the new Wing Commander hasn't lifted this policy.

What are some of the measures you do to take the "CYA" road? What do you suggest? Are your suggestions within the regulations? I'm curious because I do aspire to become a Commander some day, and I'd like to be a good leader for a unit. Everyone has learned through mentorship. Maybe this is a good way to get a start. Thank you all.

[Hawk200]

Personally, I would fill out a letter of reprimand. Have them sign it in front of a trusted witness. If they refuse, have the witness sign to attest to the individual's refusal. Keep a copy in their personnel folder, one in your own private file, and one someplace where no one would ever think to look.

Whatever you do, document it. If you decide to terminate them at a later date, you'll have a paper trail.

[Pylon]

The Letter of Reprimand and the lesser version, Letter of Counseling, are both effective tools at documenting progressive disciplinary actions.  Copies should go into the individuals personnel record, and maybe place a copy in a file of personnel or disciplinary actions for the unit.

[PHall]

Rule # 1 To Save Your Butt As A Commander - Document Everything!

You have a sit-down with a troop that you need to counsel/correct/etc., document it on a Memo For Record.
Make sure you record the time, place, names of all present and what you talked about.
This will come in very handy later if there are any questions/disputes.

[SDF_Specialist]

Excellent suggestions. Keep them coming! Now, if you choose to reprimand a member in both writing, and verbally, would it be wise to have someone like a deputy commander, and another trusted official sit in on the verbal reprimand, just so you can say that there was a witness to the member's reaction?

One additional question. If you are a member being reprimanded by a commander, or higher authority, Would it be advisable to also keep a personal record of the date, time, and reason for the reprimand? I was thinking about this, and feel that it would be a good idea to do. You can not only have this as a "CYA" deal if something ever comes up, but to also personally improve your attitude over the course of your CAP career. I know that there have been times that I have been reprimanded twice for the same issue. Once by a commander, then by higher up a few months later. I couldn't prove that I had already "talked" to my unit commander because I didn't have the record.

[NEBoom]

<snip>
I have never taken the Unit Commander's Course. This is something that I do intend on taking when it is next available in my Wing. I have no clue if this sort of thing is discussed.
<snip>

Yes, it is discussed.  There is a whole section among the required classes on "Adverse Member Actions."  I recommend everyone take the UCC, whether you think you'll ever be a commander or not!  I had already served my term as a unit commander (before the course even existed) when I took it, and I learned a lot from it.