CAP Talk

General Discussion => Membership => Topic started by: flyboy_x on December 27, 2017, 07:44:21 AM

Title: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: flyboy_x on December 27, 2017, 07:44:21 AM
I am torn  as to what I think about the professional development required of seniors.  As I slog through Levels 2 and 3, the following are my observations.  Maybe others can chime in.

Since I ranked up to 1st Lt in 2014 after the rule change, it turns out that was my Grandfathered freebee.  Now to obtain Captain, I Have to take SLS, OBC, and am working on CLC and have attended and presented at 2 conferences.  I'm doing the work and will be rewarded with Level 3 and captain after CLC.  I'm wondering if others share my thoughts after my experience. 

Opinion:  This is a lot to ask a volunteer with a full time job that has been in the program for many years and puts in extra time on weekends.   If the courses are 12 hours of classroom time (this is an underestimation) this amounts to 36 hours of training .  My problem is that the curriculum overlaps so each course teaches a majority of the same thing and you end up reviewing the SAME topics utilizing the same regulations and forms etc. If CAP is requiring this of it's seniors then the curriculum needs to be improved to encourage timely or any senior promotions.  Don't get me wrong, the content is marginally useful but it gets REALLY old after seeing it so many times. Since I have vowed to not take another online CAP course because they drag on for weeks, I am now waiting for another CLC to come around that doesn't happen on the same weekend as a CyberPatriot round. With SLS and CLC being key to Level 2 and 3, why aren't these being held at least once a quarter at a location that is reasonable?  No, I'm not going to travel 6 hours for a class.  More instructors need to step up and teach these locally to their seniors and invite others to them. 

All this being said, please don't take this as me complaining.  There has got to be a better way.  I don't know if rank matters for a lot of people but for a volunteer organization that is struggling with retention at all levels, the amount of training required per rank and T&G is mind boggling. 
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: SarDragon on December 27, 2017, 08:06:16 AM
If you are getting "repeated" info from SLS in CLC, someone's doing it wrong. I teach both, and CLC is supposed to build on SLS.

Here are the lesson titles from both courses:
SLS
2.1 Officership and the Public Trust
2.2 Introduction to Professional Development
3.1 Squadrons: The Heart of CAP
3.2 Squadron Staff Officers
3.3 Individualized Training in Staff Specialties
4.1 Introduction to Leadership
4.2 The Staff Officer as Communicator
4.3 Creative Thinking & Problem Solving

CLC
Lesson   2.1  Why CAP
Lesson   2.2  Core Values in Action
Lesson   2.3  Resources at Work
Lesson   2.4  Structure, Purpose &  Procedures
Lesson   2.5  The CAP/USAF Relationship
Lesson   3.1  Broadening Horizons
Lesson   3.2  Introduction to Teamwork
Lesson   3.3  The Heart of a Volunteer
Lesson   3.4  Management Principles
Lesson   3.5  Planning & Decision Making
Lesson   3.6  Best Practices
Lesson   3.7  Mentoring

I'm not seeing any duplication there.

If there is duplication, the instructors either aren't using the lesson guides, or are adding material (not always a bad thing, within reason) above and beyond the lesson content (which usually makes the lessons run long).


Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: flyboy_x on December 27, 2017, 08:09:59 AM
The specific area I'm referring to is the SLS and OBC.  I took SLS first as OBC wasn't required in legacy level 2.  The course I took was 3 modules online and covered a lot of material the SLS did. 

Like I said, I haven't taken CLC as of yet.  If it's as you say then I'm looking forward to it.

Regards
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: SarDragon on December 27, 2017, 08:14:24 AM
Quote from: flyboy_x on December 27, 2017, 08:09:59 AM
The specific area I'm referring to is the SLS and OBC.  I took SLS first as OBC wasn't required in legacy level 2.  The course I took was 3 modules online and covered a lot of material the SLS did. 

Like I said, I haven't taken CLC as of yet.  If it's as you say then I'm looking forward to it.

Regards

OK, It's midnight here. As fos OBC and SLS duplication, I can't help you there. I took the olde (excruciatingly boring) ECI/AFIADL correspondence course 14 years ago, and do not have access to the new OBC, since I have "already completed" it. Sorry.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: Holding Pattern on December 27, 2017, 08:28:08 AM
Same boat and time schedule, except I just need to get the 2 conferences out of the way. I'll therefore be going to 2 wing conferences in 2018, one in a neighboring wing to do external networking.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: Holding Pattern on December 27, 2017, 08:30:03 AM
I'll also mention that my current commander has seriously gone to bat for my squadron on classes; the last 2 years we've hosted both an SLS and CLC course locally.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: OldGuy on December 27, 2017, 09:06:22 AM
OBC / CLC / SLS were repetitive and borderline sophomoric. Frankly Cadet Officer's School was far more substantial. That said, I (sort of) get it. To be an effective part of the organizational cadre, we need to have a level of institutional knowledge. Frankly I am certain there are other, better ways, but this is what we have. I do hope the Gen X/Gen Y leaders get involved and become part of the future so that these programs can be made more relevant, efficient and effective.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: SarDragon on December 27, 2017, 09:34:38 AM
Quote from: Cicero on December 27, 2017, 09:06:22 AM
OBC / CLC / SLS were repetitive and borderline sophomoric. Frankly Cadet Officer's School was far more substantial. That said, I (sort of) get it. To be an effective part of the organizational cadre, we need to have a level of institutional knowledge. Frankly I am certain there are other, better ways, but this is what we have. I do hope the Gen X/Gen Y leaders get involved and become part of the future so that these programs van be made more relevant, efficient and effective.

How long ago did you take SLS and CLC. I've found the curricula for the current versions to be much better that what I sat through back in 1989.

How do you find them sophomoric? They are written in an attempt to achieve a happy medium among all the different military and business experience levels. I don't expect them to totally suit every single student. I try to get my more experienced students involved to share their wisdom, no matter the source, to improve the course content. Almost half of each lesson I teach is discussion based, to build on the "Death by PowerPoint" portion. Engaging the students is an essential part of each of the courses.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: AWACS-Guy on December 27, 2017, 10:42:12 AM
I guess I missed something about CAP over the years. Just exactly why do we "need" to advance in rank? I joined to serve with my piloting abilities as an emergency service aircrew member. Not to be a squadron historian, not to be the finance officer, not to be checking to see that there were property tags on every table and chair owned by the squadron, but to be part of an emergency service aircrew. Phony CAP rank is just that - phony CAP rank. I will put in all the hours needed to serve as an ES aircrew member - and help out with whatever support tasks are needed, but to advance in "rank"? I see not the point.

AWACS-Guy, 2dLt CAP (retired)
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: EMT-83 on December 27, 2017, 02:02:12 PM
There's nothing wrong with the course content, but delivery varies widely. The unfortunate requirement for members to lead or teach a Professional Development course almost guarantees that unqualified personnel will be standing in front of a class, doing it wrong.

Properly lead with dynamic instructors who are real SMEs, you won't want the course to end after only two days.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: OldGuy on December 27, 2017, 02:49:17 PM
Quote from: AWACS-Guy on December 27, 2017, 10:42:12 AM
I guess I missed something about CAP over the years. Just exactly why do we "need" to advance in rank? I joined to serve with my piloting abilities as an emergency service aircrew member. Not to be a squadron historian, not to be the finance officer, not to be checking to see that there were property tags on every table and chair owned by the squadron, but to be part of an emergency service aircrew. Phony CAP rank is just that - phony CAP rank. I will put in all the hours needed to serve as an ES aircrew member - and help out with whatever support tasks are needed, but to advance in "rank"? I see not the point.

AWACS-Guy, 2dLt CAP (retired)
In ES "rank" (grade) means very little. In some specialty tracks, Cadet Programs, Command, PAO as examples, they impact public perception. BTW, not "phony" - very real and today more difficult to earn. Just like the ribbons and drill and ceremonies play little direct role in ES (and is a big reason for Senior Squadrons in places where there is an active ES program and members feel as you do) and a much bigger role in other specialties. BTW absent all those other specialties, especially logistics, finance, command, etc - ES would not function. We all play a role.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: OldGuy on December 27, 2017, 02:50:51 PM
Quote from: EMT-83 on December 27, 2017, 02:02:12 PM
There's nothing wrong with the course content, but delivery varies widely. The unfortunate requirement for members to lead or teach a Professional Development course almost guarantees that unqualified personnel will be standing in front of a class, doing it wrong.

Properly lead with dynamic instructors who are real SMEs, you won't want the course to end after only two days.
Agreed.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: Eclipse on December 27, 2017, 02:58:10 PM
Quote from: EMT-83 on December 27, 2017, 02:02:12 PM
There's nothing wrong with the course content, but delivery varies widely. The unfortunate requirement for members to lead or teach a Professional Development course almost guarantees that unqualified personnel will be standing in front of a class, doing it wrong.

Properly lead with dynamic instructors who are real SMEs, you won't want the course to end after only two days.

+1 - Also, the new promotion requirements virtually guarantee that far fewer members will ever promote above
Captain, which is clearly by design.

I know that's a grumble point for a lot of my peers who joined with one program and had the rules changed on them,
but cards on the table, for at least most of them, is that even RSC is too long a row, let alone NSC, so Lt Col was
going to be a "maybe someday", regardless.

The dawning of that realization as the last 1-click year approaches isn't "fueling member spirit", though, in
the very people CAP can ill-afford to lose - the 10-year crowd with the real experience and knowledgebase.

Let's look at this objectively - promotion into the field grades should be for those members who accept
and execute higher then their peers - there's no "longevity guarantees" in life, the military, or civilian
jobs, and there shouldn't be for CAP.

You don't join the USAF as a butter bar with the "knowledge that if I just check the boxes I can be a
Lt Col someday", yet serve in a non-leadership role and place a bunch of caveats on what you will and won't do.

Nor do you get a job at Dunder-Mifflin, perform your duties well, and automatically become a manager.

Members are going to have to get used to the idea that those that serve dutifully and to do their best, but
never, or rarely, venture out of the unit, won't "drive that 6 hours" to a PD seminar, wing conference, or
NCSA, will serve and retire as Captains at most and that is absolutely not only fine, but the expectation.

It's referred to as a "company grade" for a reason - the scope of experience.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: Panzerbjorn on December 27, 2017, 03:54:31 PM
Quote from: flyboy_x on December 27, 2017, 07:44:21 AM
Opinion:  This is a lot to ask a volunteer with a full time job that has been in the program for many years and puts in extra time on weekends.   If the courses are 12 hours of classroom time (this is an underestimation) this amounts to 36 hours of training .  My problem is that the curriculum overlaps so each course teaches a majority of the same thing and you end up reviewing the SAME topics utilizing the same regulations and forms etc. If CAP is requiring this of it's seniors then the curriculum needs to be improved to encourage timely or any senior promotions.  Don't get me wrong, the content is marginally useful but it gets REALLY old after seeing it so many times. Since I have vowed to not take another online CAP course because they drag on for weeks, I am now waiting for another CLC to come around that doesn't happen on the same weekend as a CyberPatriot round. With SLS and CLC being key to Level 2 and 3, why aren't these being held at least once a quarter at a location that is reasonable?  No, I'm not going to travel 6 hours for a class.  More instructors need to step up and teach these locally to their seniors and invite others to them.   

- So you wont do an online class because they stretch out for weeks, but you'll wait weeks or even months for an in person class to be available?  Kind of six in one half dozen in the other.  May as well do the online course if youre going to wait just as long for an in-person course.  It's how I did CLC.  I am in agreement that the online version could have been condensed into probably half the time, but I competed it long before another in-person CLC was available in the area.

- "...a lot to ask a volunteer with a full time job...", yet you're asking for local instructors to step up and invite others to them.  These instructors too have full time jobs and it takes A LOT of coordination to out on an in-person course.  This is why TLC, SLS, and CLC in person courses are often few and far between and why they're available in an online format.

I don't blame you for not wanting to travel 6 hours for a weekend class.  When it starts getting to even a three hour drive, I start looking for means to fly to the course and offer seats in the plane to those who want to attend the training too.  I'm not unique in that approach and it may only take an email out to your fellow senior membrs in your squadron to see if there are any seats on a CAP aircraft availble going out to a distant training event.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: OldGuy on December 27, 2017, 04:02:14 PM
Quote from: SarDragon on December 27, 2017, 08:06:16 AM
If you are getting "repeated" info from SLS in CLC, someone's doing it wrong. I teach both, and CLC is supposed to build on SLS.

Here are the lesson titles from both courses:
SLS
2.1 Officership and the Public Trust
2.2 Introduction to Professional Development
3.1 Squadrons: The Heart of CAP
3.2 Squadron Staff Officers
3.3 Individualized Training in Staff Specialties
4.1 Introduction to Leadership
4.2 The Staff Officer as Communicator
4.3 Creative Thinking & Problem Solving

CLC
Lesson   2.1  Why CAP
Lesson   2.2  Core Values in Action
Lesson   2.3  Resources at Work
Lesson   2.4  Structure, Purpose &  Procedures
Lesson   2.5  The CAP/USAF Relationship
Lesson   3.1  Broadening Horizons
Lesson   3.2  Introduction to Teamwork
Lesson   3.3  The Heart of a Volunteer
Lesson   3.4  Management Principles
Lesson   3.5  Planning & Decision Making
Lesson   3.6  Best Practices
Lesson   3.7  Mentoring

I'm not seeing any duplication there.

If there is duplication, the instructors either aren't using the lesson guides, or are adding material (not always a bad thing, within reason) above and beyond the lesson content (which usually makes the lessons run long).

Add OBC:

OBC Block 1 Lessons
Intro to Followership   Leadership Traits & Styles   Group Dynamics   Team Building
Counseling   Conflict Management   Problem Solving   Implementing Change
Effective Decisions   Effective Communication   Intro to Mentoring   


OBC Block 2 Lessons
Professionalism   CAP Core Values   CAP Ethics   CAP Chain of Command
CAP Uniform Wear   Grade   Standards   PD of Senior Members
PD of Cadets   Specialty Training Tracks   AF Style Correspondence   AF Style Briefing
CAP Chaplain Corps   Diversity   Discipline Versus Abuse   Cadet Protection
Resource Accountability    Safety       


OBC Block 3 Lessons
CAP Vision & Mission   CAP & USAF History   Legal Basis for CAP   Organization of CAP
Membership Categories   Accomplishing Mission   Support to Civil & Military   Inspector General System
CAP Insurance & Benefits   Recruiting & Retention   Nondiscrimination Policy    

Again, to me (and admittedly "off the cuff") the three courses had the appearance of being repetitive. Further the analysis and discussion ended up being very much a reflection of the volunteer instructor - some extraordinary - others average - and at least a couple really bright folks who probably are not cut out to teach. 
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: OldGuy on December 27, 2017, 04:13:26 PM
Quote from: flyboy_x on December 27, 2017, 07:44:21 AM
I am torn  as to what I think about the professional development required of seniors.  As I slog through Levels 2 and 3, the following are my observations.  Maybe others can chime in.

One of the reasons I am reasonably satisfied with what has transpired is a had a great mentor who was able to keep me:
1 - focused on what my goals are,
2 - how those goals synced with the local unit goals,
3 - what courses to take in what order,
4 - how to find opportunities for live courses when needed.

I suspect that the role of PDO is often relegated to the CC and may, because of the incredible work required by that position, suffer neglect. Just my, very possibly uninformed (as I have very little recent experience outside my own squadron)  opinion.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: NIN on December 27, 2017, 04:49:16 PM
Quote from: Cicero on December 27, 2017, 04:02:14 PM
Again, to me (and admittedly "off the cuff") the three courses had the appearance of being repetitive. Further the analysis and discussion ended up being very much a reflection of the volunteer instructor - some extraordinary - others average - and at least a couple really bright folks who probably are not cut out to teach.

The variability of senior training between units is not unusual. Its been an ongoing challenge for many, many years.

I was an adult leader in the Venturing/Exploring/BSA programs off and on for years.  Back when I commanded a dual-chartered unit in the Detroit Area Council, the local district training people held their weekend "leader orientation" (aka "Level I") at the IBM building in Southfield, MI. One of the district muckety-mucks was a bigwig at IBM and secured the use of the building, training space, and even got IBM to "contribute" the coffee & muffins/bagels.   They ran that training in a way that CAP senior training could aspire to. It was 4 hrs, no fooling around. Show up, sign in, get a bagel & coffee, get in the room, 4 45 minute blocks with a legit 15 minute break each hour and we were done at noon.  I remarked to my other members at the time (some of whom were also BSA members) "CAP could learn a lot from how BSA runs training!"

After a few years "off" as a scouting leader, I came back in to BSA to run my son's Cub Pack, and I signed up for the local district's fall leader training. The training was a few weeks after the start of the school year at a local HS.  Expecting a similar BSA experience to what I'd run into 15 years before, I showed up at the appointed time & place to find people milling around, nobody knew who was going where, there were no bagels or coffee, it was absolute chaos.  Nobody was there to greet and sign in participants, the instructors were ill prepared, etc.  I was stunned.

So even within an organization that (supposedly) has their "professional development" training down pat, there's a huge disparity.  (plus, BSA has paid employees down to the Council level, meaning that less than  20 miles away there are paid people whose jobs it is to coordinate and manage these training events in each of the districts, and it was *still* a flaming trainwreck)

I do know that the PD folks nationally are trying to move to a training model that is different than one we've had before, in that we're doing some blended or hybridized training (some online component, and then an in-person component that is geared toward reinforcing the lessons of the online component, but not "death by Powerpoint" for people). I know that Unit Commander's Course is on this model, and I've heard very positive instructor and student reports from it.

Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: Eclipse on December 27, 2017, 05:47:36 PM
Quote from: NIN on December 27, 2017, 04:49:16 PM
I do know that the PD folks nationally are trying to move to a training model that is different than one we've had before, in that we're doing some blended or hybridized training (some online component, and then an in-person component that is geared toward reinforcing the lessons of the online component, but not "death by Powerpoint" for people). I know that Unit Commander's Course is on this model, and I've heard very positive instructor and student reports from it.

The major whine comment about the new UCC was all the pre-course requirements - I was just an instructor
at one - "requirement" being a subjective term in CAP, that always leaves the option to simply not do them.

The single biggest problem is the timing - CAP needs to move to a model similar to the BSA for unit leaders - i.e.
you >must< get trained before or within "x" of assuming command.

Since quite literally nothing but CPT is really "required", per se in CAP (heck you can fly and never get a Level 1)
a lot of PD is done, as discussed here, not as a tool towards increased knowledge and proficiency, but as a checkbox
to get promoted or a PD Level.

Having a roomful of former CC's in a UCC, 5+ year members in an SLS, or similar probably serves very little other
then to >maybe< correct an occasional wives tale, and / or expose poor trainers and generally ill-informed members
who are too fully-cooked to change bad habits.

Even RSC and NSC seem generally to be just re-hashs and insurance-company check boxes.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: MacGruff on December 27, 2017, 08:24:37 PM
One more set of comments on the offered PD courses. I'm one of those who is a PDO and have found that even holding an annual SLS in my corner of the state is a problem. There are six squadrons in my group. For this past year, I knew that there were 39 people who needed SLS for their Level 2. I organize a weekend SLS and place it so that it is a maximum of two hour's drive from the furthest squadron.

I barely get 8 to 10 people registered from the group. Since one or two will ALWAYS fail to show up, that places the whole thing at risk. Yes, I open it up to other Groups, and even other Wings --- Last one I organized we ended up with 11 students. One was from a different state, and thee others were from other groups.... and remember! ... this was for the "once a year" offering, meaning that without it you could not get your Level 2 for at least another 12 months (if that was the only thing remaining for you to do).

Yes, I advertised it to everyone, including personal emails to each member who required it.

Got support from the Wing level and had a high quality cadre of instructors. Wing even paid for the breakfast, lunch, coffee and snacks throughout the day.

Oh, and finally - We did a hybrid version where you took some online training during the month before the event and held the event in one single 8 hour day!


Bottom line, only 7 of 39 members were willing to do some preliminary work and then attend an 8 hour training that did not require an overnight stay...


[By the way, this is not supposed to be a whiny complaint, merely my sharing my experiences. Previous years worked out about the same...]
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: abdsp51 on December 27, 2017, 08:43:39 PM
One thing to point out is that being military or prior you can get for CAP PD Courses for PME completion. Not to mention that there are some aspects that can be completed online similar to many college courses.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: Eclipse on December 27, 2017, 08:49:18 PM
Quote from: MacGruff on December 27, 2017, 08:24:37 PM
Bottom line, only 7 of 39 members were willing to do some preliminary work and then attend an 8 hour training that did not require an overnight stay...

Between the hyperengaged and the apathetic, it's getting harder and harder to get people to these classes, and if the
first / only one they finally go to is a clinker (bad instructors, poor venue, too far, whatever) good
luck getting them to anything else.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: Holding Pattern on December 27, 2017, 08:49:31 PM
Quote from: MacGruff on December 27, 2017, 08:24:37 PM
One more set of comments on the offered PD courses. I'm one of those who is a PDO and have found that even holding an annual SLS in my corner of the state is a problem. There are six squadrons in my group. For this past year, I knew that there were 39 people who needed SLS for their Level 2. I organize a weekend SLS and place it so that it is a maximum of two hour's drive from the furthest squadron.

I barely get 8 to 10 people registered from the group. Since one or two will ALWAYS fail to show up, that places the whole thing at risk. Yes, I open it up to other Groups, and even other Wings --- Last one I organized we ended up with 11 students. One was from a different state, and thee others were from other groups.... and remember! ... this was for the "once a year" offering, meaning that without it you could not get your Level 2 for at least another 12 months (if that was the only thing remaining for you to do).

Yes, I advertised it to everyone, including personal emails to each member who required it.

Got support from the Wing level and had a high quality cadre of instructors. Wing even paid for the breakfast, lunch, coffee and snacks throughout the day.

Oh, and finally - We did a hybrid version where you took some online training during the month before the event and held the event in one single 8 hour day!


Bottom line, only 7 of 39 members were willing to do some preliminary work and then attend an 8 hour training that did not require an overnight stay...


[By the way, this is not supposed to be a whiny complaint, merely my sharing my experiences. Previous years worked out about the same...]

You should try flipping it over and creating a class waitlist where the class isn't scheduled until the interest is noted.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: Alaric on December 28, 2017, 12:23:41 AM
Quote from: abdsp51 on December 27, 2017, 08:43:39 PM
One thing to point out is that being military or prior you can get for CAP PD Courses for PME completion. Not to mention that there are some aspects that can be completed online similar to many college courses.

SLS and CLC cannot be waived regardless of the amount of PME you have

Thanks

Alaric
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: N6RVT on December 28, 2017, 01:00:19 PM
Quote from: Mordecai on December 27, 2017, 08:28:08 AM
Same boat and time schedule, except I just need to get the 2 conferences out of the way. I'll therefore be going to 2 wing conferences in 2018, one in a neighboring wing to do external networking.

The two conferences held up my level 3 for - wait for it - 32 years
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: Larry Mangum on December 28, 2017, 02:45:48 PM
Quote from: abdsp51 on December 27, 2017, 08:43:39 PM
One thing to point out is that being military or prior you can get for CAP PD Courses for PME completion. Not to mention that there are some aspects that can be completed online similar to many college courses.

While, prior service military service or current military service can be valuable to CAP, it can also be a stumbling block for new members. Especially, when new members decide that based upon their experiences, they already know the intricacies of operating in CAP and do not spend the time to learn how CAP operates.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: TheSkyHornet on December 28, 2017, 08:32:26 PM
I don't think the lessons are duplicated. I think it's, during the training itself, the conversations are duplicated.

I've taken SLS, CLC, and TLC (and even taught TLC). A lot of the conversations in all three of those are redundant, despite the differences in the subject matter and intent in the training curricula.

So I think it's less of repeating the same training and more of repeating the same experience, which falls to the individual(s) facilitating the classes. I'm a very heavy note taker in these classes, however, and the notes I have seem to be very different in respect to the course content.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: Eclipse on December 28, 2017, 10:07:28 PM
Quote from: TheSkyHornet on December 28, 2017, 08:32:26 PM
I don't think the lessons are duplicated. I think it's, during the training itself, the conversations are duplicated.

I've taken SLS, CLC, and TLC (and even taught TLC). A lot of the conversations in all three of those are redundant, despite the differences in the subject matter and intent in the training curricula.

So I think it's less of repeating the same training and more of repeating the same experience, which falls to the individual(s) facilitating the classes. I'm a very heavy note taker in these classes, however, and the notes I have seem to be very different in respect to the course content.

Part of it is an assumption that members take these classes in advance of actually doing the jobs, and in different times
in their CAP careers, so their understanding and questions regarding the same subject should be from different perspectives.

Unfortunately a lot of members just cram them in a cluster to "get rid of them" meaning it sound repetitive, and may not even be
applicable.  This is due in large part to the inconsistency of both the quantity and quality of classes offered.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: skyhawkcdr on December 28, 2017, 11:16:20 PM
I will be so happy to make Captain. I think 2 years to go. Why?? because its one rank higher then my first time around. Had to start at the bottom again
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: MacGruff on December 29, 2017, 01:08:58 AM
Quote from: Mordecai on December 27, 2017, 08:49:31 PM
You should try flipping it over and creating a class waitlist where the class isn't scheduled until the interest is noted.

Thanks, Mordecai, I thought of doing just that. However, I think that in a volunteer organization it's important to offer the training needed in a timely basis and encourage those who need it to attend. If I adopt your suggestion, I am afraid it might be two or three years between sessions and it will hold back those who are dedicated and want to progress. I do not want to create a situation where I am contributing to someone deciding to leave the organization just because they cannot become a 1st Lt....

Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: TheSkyHornet on December 30, 2017, 09:09:07 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on December 28, 2017, 10:07:28 PM
Quote from: TheSkyHornet on December 28, 2017, 08:32:26 PM
I don't think the lessons are duplicated. I think it's, during the training itself, the conversations are duplicated.

I've taken SLS, CLC, and TLC (and even taught TLC). A lot of the conversations in all three of those are redundant, despite the differences in the subject matter and intent in the training curricula.

So I think it's less of repeating the same training and more of repeating the same experience, which falls to the individual(s) facilitating the classes. I'm a very heavy note taker in these classes, however, and the notes I have seem to be very different in respect to the course content.

Part of it is an assumption that members take these classes in advance of actually doing the jobs, and in different times
in their CAP careers, so their understanding and questions regarding the same subject should be from different perspectives.

Unfortunately a lot of members just cram them in a cluster to "get rid of them" meaning it sound repetitive, and may not even be
applicable.  This is due in large part to the inconsistency of both the quantity and quality of classes offered.

That's why I give props with not being able to take TLC Intermediate over the same weekend as TLC Basic. The logic is "Go back to your unit and see if you learned anything from class that applies. Then come back for the next level course and let's talk about what we learned over the past 6 months." It does establish a timeline, or rather stretch the timeline out. But we have to get away from this mindset of cramming in everything, as you said, and trying to rank up as fast as possible. People who do that don't understand the subject matter from a practical side, no matter how many books they read.

I joined in 2015. I'll be at my 3-year mark in Spring. I'm in no rush. Am I "on time," as in on track with the minimum time in grade? Absolutely. I would have liked to have walked in the door and made Captain after two months. But that's not how it works, and it shouldn't work that way. Gotta be consistent in my philosophy: patience; learn the job.

I will say that while I find the discussions to often be on a similar line of thought from class to class, you'll always have different opinions and different examples. That's what makes the classes worth while to me, whether I'm sharing insight, asking for it, or just listening.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: jeders on January 02, 2018, 02:37:17 PM
Quote from: TheSkyHornet on December 30, 2017, 09:09:07 PM
That's why I give props with not being able to take TLC Intermediate over the same weekend as TLC Basic. The logic is "Go back to your unit and see if you learned anything from class that applies. Then come back for the next level course and let's talk about what we learned over the past 6 months."

I know of no requirement that there be a "break" between TLC Basic and Intermediate, can you cite that?
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: TheSkyHornet on January 02, 2018, 04:07:01 PM
Quote from: jeders on January 02, 2018, 02:37:17 PM
Quote from: TheSkyHornet on December 30, 2017, 09:09:07 PM
That's why I give props with not being able to take TLC Intermediate over the same weekend as TLC Basic. The logic is "Go back to your unit and see if you learned anything from class that applies. Then come back for the next level course and let's talk about what we learned over the past 6 months."

I know of no requirement that there be a "break" between TLC Basic and Intermediate, can you cite that?

It's not a regulation. Our Wing, basically, won't permit you to during the sign-up process. If you take a TLC Basic on a Saturday, they do not want you to take the TLC Intermediate on the Sunday after; or they'll plan to run the classes at the same time (if different instructors are available).

The target of TLC Basic is someone new to the cadet program, whereas TLC Intermediate is targeted more to Commanders and CDC. Wings are required to host the courses annually; however, they can choose, at their discretion, to host them on separate weekends if preferred. That's right out of the Program Guide.

So I absolutely see why a Wing would encourage not taking Basic and Intermediate back-to-back. It all goes back to how fast people are jumping through the hoops and what they're actually learning along the way.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: Toad1168 on January 02, 2018, 04:08:07 PM
Quote from: jeders on January 02, 2018, 02:37:17 PM
Quote from: TheSkyHornet on December 30, 2017, 09:09:07 PM
That's why I give props with not being able to take TLC Intermediate over the same weekend as TLC Basic. The logic is "Go back to your unit and see if you learned anything from class that applies. Then come back for the next level course and let's talk about what we learned over the past 6 months."

I know of no requirement that there be a "break" between TLC Basic and Intermediate, can you cite that?

There is no restriction to taking the courses back to back in one weekend.  I personally have taught both TLC B & I in one weekend.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: jeders on January 02, 2018, 04:19:45 PM
Quote from: TheSkyHornet on January 02, 2018, 04:07:01 PM
Quote from: jeders on January 02, 2018, 02:37:17 PM
Quote from: TheSkyHornet on December 30, 2017, 09:09:07 PM
That's why I give props with not being able to take TLC Intermediate over the same weekend as TLC Basic. The logic is "Go back to your unit and see if you learned anything from class that applies. Then come back for the next level course and let's talk about what we learned over the past 6 months."

I know of no requirement that there be a "break" between TLC Basic and Intermediate, can you cite that?

It's not a regulation. Our Wing, basically, won't permit you to during the sign-up process. If you take a TLC Basic on a Saturday, they do not want you to take the TLC Intermediate on the Sunday after; or they'll plan to run the classes at the same time (if different instructors are available).

The target of TLC Basic is someone new to the cadet program, whereas TLC Intermediate is targeted more to Commanders and CDC. Wings are required to host the courses annually; however, they can choose, at their discretion, to host them on separate weekends if preferred. That's right out of the Program Guide.

So I absolutely see why a Wing would encourage not taking Basic and Intermediate back-to-back. It all goes back to how fast people are jumping through the hoops and what they're actually learning along the way.

Ok, I can see that. I wouldn't do it that way because it seems pointless, but I can see why your wing might do it that way.

QuoteWings are required to host the courses annually...

I know that this is the minimum required, but if a wing isn't doing TLC B&I at least semi-annually, they are doing their members a huge disservice. Texas does a minimum of 3 a year; 1 in the fall, 1 in the spring (both concurrent with our CTEP program) and one at the wing conference. The two done at CTEP are done just like the old TLC, a full weekend event; the one at conference you can sign up for either basic, intermediate, or both. We also have TLC held at the group level as needed to get people trained. It works well for us, just as I'm sure (or at least I really hope) your set up works well for the members of your wing.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: TheSkyHornet on January 02, 2018, 07:46:49 PM
Quote from: jeders on January 02, 2018, 04:19:45 PM
Quote from: TheSkyHornet on January 02, 2018, 04:07:01 PM
Wings are required to host the courses annually...

I know that this is the minimum required, but if a wing isn't doing TLC B&I at least semi-annually, they are doing their members a huge disservice. Texas does a minimum of 3 a year; 1 in the fall, 1 in the spring (both concurrent with our CTEP program) and one at the wing conference. The two done at CTEP are done just like the old TLC, a full weekend event; the one at conference you can sign up for either basic, intermediate, or both. We also have TLC held at the group level as needed to get people trained. It works well for us, just as I'm sure (or at least I really hope) your set up works well for the members of your wing.

Oh, zero disagreement there. And I absolutely think not hosting these courses semi-annually hurts because it's a loss for those who can't attend one.

That whole volunteerism thing comes with the fact that the incentives need to be there. And while we can't always make everything in the universe happen, professional development/training opportunities are key to advancement in this organization, and without them, we lose people.

I don't care much for the cancellation of classes when "there aren't enough sign-ups to make it worth while." False. Do with what you've got. You wanted a class of 10, but only 5 signed up? Run it with 5. I'd rather have 5 people who learned something (or at least had the opportunity to) than 10 people who didn't learn anything because they didn't go. Lack of training and retraining is a detriment.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: kwe1009 on January 02, 2018, 08:58:24 PM
My wing has done classes with as few as 2 people.  They needed the training so we held the class.  We also hold both TLC courses on the same weekend so people can take both in one shot.  People's time is very valuable and I wouldn't want someone to give up half of 2 weekends just for this.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: TheSkyHornet on January 02, 2018, 09:28:18 PM
One of my peeves was the possibility of cancelling cadet training classes. We try so hard to encourage cadets to not only attend cadet-specific training but to instruct as well, and then discuss dropping the training because there's not a big class. Oh well. Those that committed made the effort and dedicated themselves to either learn or help others learn (isn't that the core of the program?).

I think sometimes it ties in with the wearing of multiple hats. You get some people that want to oversee three different courses, and then you have an instructor issue, and now the person has to juggle around. It's becomes a problem because of the instructor, not the students; it's not a fault necessarily, but needs to be addressed early on in the planning (develop contingencies, or don't schedule what you can't cover).

I see some of these courses can be held at the squadron level with Wing approval as an open-invite event (with certain standards that have to go along). Maybe that's something to try out more often. If you can get the right trainers, why not run them locally? I hate seeing someone have to miss two years worth of training opportunities just because the training weekend literally didn't line up with their availability just by coincidence.
Title: Re: My legacy level 2 (1st Lt) to level 3 (Capt) experience so far
Post by: West MI-CAP-Ret on January 06, 2018, 02:57:21 AM
Quote from: AWACS-Guy on December 27, 2017, 10:42:12 AM
I guess I missed something about CAP over the years. Just exactly why do we "need" to advance in rank? I joined to serve with my piloting abilities as an emergency service aircrew member. Not to be a squadron historian, not to be the finance officer, not to be checking to see that there were property tags on every table and chair owned by the squadron, but to be part of an emergency service aircrew. Phony CAP rank is just that - phony CAP rank. I will put in all the hours needed to serve as an ES aircrew member - and help out with whatever support tasks are needed, but to advance in "rank"? I see not the point.

AWACS-Guy, 2dLt CAP (retired)


As I retire, I'm leaving an organization that ignored your experiences until you earned some grade.  On a personal level I believe a lot of training can be achieved via online. On a corporate level, the new requirements for promotion will make for better leaders; maybe.  Still, we are a volunteer force. Better use of online resources would help.