Flight Sgt @ Encampment

Started by yolo, July 03, 2019, 10:37:59 PM

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yolo

Hey guys,

I just found out I am going to be a Flight Sgt at encampment this year, and I was wondering if you guys had any tips! I'm pretty nervous, and I just want to do the best job I can.

Thanks,
TheMeepMan

Adam B

My 0.02...

- Remember that leaders, at all levels, exist because of their followers. Every action you take, should be for the good of those you're leading.

- Think about encampment. What is the mission (purpose) of encampment? How are you leading your cadets to complete that mission?

- As a C/CMSgt, you've read about the three basic leadership styles; remember that they all have their place, and that you'll need to use all of them throughout the week. 

- Listen to your officers.

- Remember that your cadet officers are at encampment to learn as well. One of them might make a dumb decision. That's how they learn. It's not your job to question orders.
At the same time, you have a responsibility to your cadets. If you think something is morally wrong or dangerous, bring to the attention of a Senior Member. Ignoring something that you know to be wrong is a breach of CAP's core values.

- Treat all of your cadets with respect, 100% of the time. You can be firm and authoritative while still being respectful.

- Bring sunscreen, bug spray, body powder, and a wash cloth or bandanna.
Adam

TheSkyHornet

Remember that as a Flight Sergeant, you're the front line/first face of leadership that your flight will see on a regular basis. You're their direct trainer for most of Encampment, and you're the one take needs to make sure that the flight is taken care of.

Teach them the way you would want to learn. And approach them periodically to check in and make sure they're doing alright. You don't have to be "nice" or "cute" with them. Just pop in. "How are we all doing today? Everyone good?" You're a cadet training instructor preparing them for life back at the home unit, not a Marine Corps drill instructor preparing them for the assault on Fallujah.

Castiel

You can yell at cadets at encampment a little , but do not go overboard with it.

Eclipse

If you're yelling you did something wrong.

New cadre would do well to read the encampment guides and curriculum.

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/activities/encampment/encampment-curriculum

"That Others May Zoom"

CAP9907

Quote from: xSpecialist on July 06, 2019, 11:40:26 PM
You can yell at cadets at encampment a little , but do not go overboard with it.

If you are resorting to yelling, you've failed as a Leader. A raised voice may possibly be needed to be heard or emphasize a point... but yelling 'at cadets' is not needed or effective. YMMV,

~9907
21 yrs of service

Our Members Code of Conduct can be found here:   http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=13.0

CAPCom

#6
1 - Be the slightly "friendlier" and more approachable (but still firm) version of the Flight Commander.

2 - Remain attentive and on top of things, always available and energetic, one step ahead and prepared at all times.

3 - First Sergeants are in the backseat and a shadow to the FC, but need to be ready to jump in to backup the FC at a moment's notice.  They make the FC's job easier.

4 - Take seriously and listen to the Training Officer/s if they have something to tell you about where your performance on the job can be improved or have a concern about a cadet.

5 - Never forget that you were once in the student cadets' shoes - remember to show compassion and empathy.  There will be tears, confusion, and fear of failure.  Be ready to help but not enable as well as support cadets in their endeavor, reminding them that perseverance and sometimes looking at the experience as one activity at a time is the key to repeated, daily, and then overall, success at encampment.

Color Guard Rifleman

Quote from: TheMeepMan on July 03, 2019, 10:37:59 PM
Hey guys,

I just found out I am going to be a Flight Sgt at encampment this year, and I was wondering if you guys had any tips! I'm pretty nervous, and I just want to do the best job I can.

Thanks,
TheMeepMan

1.  Ask your First Sergeant for help, one of the reasons they are there is to help Flight Sergeants

2.  Actually counsel/mentor cadets, don't push off the cadet who never listens, try and see how you can help them while still retaining respect

3.  If a cadet continues to be a problem, ask your Squadron Staff/Training Officer for help

4.  ALWAYS make sure that you haven't forgotten a cadet, do regular roll call for cadets in your flight, as soon as you get to a new location and right before you leave a location

5.  Make the cadet want to fill your shoes one day, not to be the boss of people, but to inspire the next possible encampment leaders
C/SMSgt Murphy Killeen, CAP
2019 MIWG Encampment Squadron 2 First Sergeant
Recruiting NCO

See the source image

TheSkyHornet

Curiosity—

Which Wing's Encampment is this, and since you "just found out" on July 3 (or around then), when is your Encampment date?