I'm thinking about starting a squadron a little closer to home, for a better reason than it is close to my home. The nearest squadron away is an hour away, that leaves out quite a few potential cadets and senior members. There are quite a few people that I have ran into here and they have said they wouldcnsider joining if there was a squadron in the area, but an houraay is too far to go once or twice a week. It's also too far for me. So I want to try to get a squadron up and running here, I have read the regulations and they are not much help other than the number of people you have to have to start a squadron . How does one go about starting?
Well, from what I understand, it's a process. You have to make Wing aware of a need for a new unit. Then, you have to see if you can get enough people interested to MAKE a unit, at least 15, of which 3 must be senior members. Then, you have to get meeting space, a charter...CAPR 20-3 outlines what goes on with chartering a new unit.
How do I make wing aware of the need? Is there a certain individual, or do I bring it up to the wing king.? And since I currently belong to a squadron, do I have to get the squadron commanders approval?
Well, I'd thought about reactivating the old Fayetteville unit a few years ago, but it would have caused bad feelings with my current unit because there were several people who would have defected to the new one, messing with their numbers. I think if you made your unit CC aware and if he was agreeable, THEN have him bring it up to the wing king. I don't remember where you live exactly but your unit is a ways away from anything. It's a dicey, tricky bit of business. I don't think I'd ask the Colonel YET. See if you can get enough interest FIRST; that would show a need for a new unit. Try to see about lining up meeting space and whatnot, so when you present your idea you have most, if not all, your ducks in a row. The less questions you have to fumble around answering, the better.
Also...If it's more convenient it might be easier starting out as a flight until you build up your membership. I think as a flight your primary mission should be recruiting all while going through the Chartering Process. Send the request through your current commander to see is he/she is willing to support a flight, then all the way to the wing commander with the intent of chartering a new unit.
Good Luck.
The Wing CC will be the ultimate authority - I would check with him or one of his high-level staff such as the CV or CS.
If you have groups, the Group CC will likely have an opinion and a say about the matter, especially if the new unit's AOR would fall outside his jurisdiction.
Demographics and proximity to other units will be a factor - few Wing CC's are going to allow a new unit too close to another one.
Quote from: SARDOC on November 09, 2012, 01:01:26 AMI think as a flight your primary mission should be recruiting all while going through the Chartering Process.
You'll need to have signed applications or letters of intent to transfer for at least the minimum contingent for the charter type you pick before NHQ will consider the charter request.
You could certainly light up a "working group" (vs. calling them a flight) of members to start a squadron and begin meeting in a new place (with your unit cc's permission), but an actual "flight" is a charter just like a squadron, and you'd have to have the minimums for that as well.
So you can branch a squadron to another location?
So far as location goes, the nearest squadron to us is an hour away in Texarkana, and there are three towns that could easilymeet here is foreman AR, even though it's a small town, there are lots of youth, and plenty of potential senior members. I have talked to the superintendent about recruiting here, and he said he would love it, please do, but his only concern is how far away we are.he is sure we would have quite a few bite at it right away, and many more as time goes on.
They have heard of CAP here, but don't really know anything about it yet... Not to mention the huge number of vets in the area.
Also, outside of Texarkana, the nearest squadron is two hours north in Little Rock, other than that, four hours. So we're not congested with units by any means.
Quote from: manfredvonrichthofen on November 09, 2012, 02:44:54 AM
So you can branch a squadron to another location?
You're not really "branching" them, it's a seed group of members from a unit who meet in hopes to grow big enough
to get their own Charter. It has to have the overt approval of the unit CC, etc. Someone would need to be the
appointed head of the group, and they'ed still be reporting into their commander for all their sign-offs, approvals,
etc., until such time as they transfer to a new charter.
I've also seen unit who have separated meetings for various reasons, ES/CP, seniors/cadets,etc. That's really
all up to the Unit CC as to how he runs his schedule and squadron.
What you can't do, and I've seen this more then once, is just "decide" to start meeting somewhere on your
on recon. That's not allowed.
What you might do is discuss this with your unit CC, and draw some circles on a map - "Anyone from here would go to us,
anyone from there would go to you." Etc.
It sounds to me like you may have a good chance. Certainly ARWG isn't top-heavy with units.
The only thing I really know about Texarkana is that there is beer there for the thirsty folks in Atlanta...
What I want to figure out is why the typical requirements for a Squadron commander (at a minimum) are so low. There have been a few vacancies come up in our group, and I'm amazed that I am "qualified" to apply (and I guess get a position if there are no better candidates). Personally, having been exposed to CAP as a cadet and only a short time as a SM, I would probably be terrified to try and run a unit, I really have no idea how a "off the street" SM would do.
Quote from: usafaux2004 on November 09, 2012, 02:56:47 AM
What I want to figure out is why the typical requirements for a Squadron commander (at a minimum) are so low.
Because the
quantities of Squadron Commanders are equally low, and in terms of career progression, its considered a
company-level job, and that's a Captain's job.
The fact that we have eagles in the job, some with a decade of tenure, is an anomaly in CAP's "Up and around" instead of "up and out" paradigm.
I'm not a captain, and the requirements that have been going out are:
QuoteMinimum Requirements:
● A member in good standing with no disciplinary action in the last calendar year.
● Completion of level 1, CPPT, EO, and all other applicable online training
Of course the preferred requirements are a little more reasonable:
QuoteSuggested Prerequisites:
● 1-2 year CAP membership with at least one year active staff service.
● Completed Level II or higher.
● Operational experience as a member in either ground or air operations
● Management or team leader experience either inside or outside of CAP
● Active participation both within and outside the squadron in CP, ES, AE, and squadron activities.
● Completion of UCC (Unit Commanders Course) is a plus, as it will be expected in your first 12 months of command.
I have level 2 done, not the staff service, not the ops experience. Management is up to the interpretation of every individual. Active participation is subjective again. UCC makes sense.
I meant that Captain should really be the top-end for Unit CC's, with First Lieutenant being the sweet spot.
The level of training and presumed experience for most 1st Lts and Capts is about right to be a unit CC, and of course in the real world you would
rarely have Field Grade officers (or even generals) reporting to Captains. Promotions would normally be based on an open billet or manning table and you simply would not get promoted if there wasn't an appropriate job opening.
CAP is top-heavy with Captains because of all the pilots - one of the arguments against conferring the grade based only on the ticket.
Military professionals who are conferred advanced grade have to at least complete "salutin' school", and their education would normally
imply the requisite baseline management ability.
The practical reality is that you're looking as the bare-minimum expectations, with the hope someone with more experience would step up.
You have to draw the line somewhere.
A "Company" is usually 26-50 people, which is where the average unit falls, and which is probably where it should fall. Units larger then that are anomalies of the shrinkage of the program. When our wing had literally 2-3 times as many units, they were much smaller by design.
In your case, based on my personal knowledge of your experience, I'd say you'd probably do pretty well as a commander, or certainly a CD as preparation. Without the time you took away, you'd likely be even better prepared.
Quote from: Eclipse on November 09, 2012, 03:30:17 AM
I meant that Captain should really be the top-end for Unit CC's, with First Lieutenant being the sweet spot.
The level of training and presumed experience for most 1st Lts and Capts is about right to be a unit CC, and of course in the real world you would
rarely have Field Grade officers (or even generals) reporting to Captains.
The promotions would be based on an open billet or manning table and you simply would not get promoted if there wasn't an appropriate job opening.
The practical reality is that you're looking as the bare-minimum expectations, with the hope someone with more experience would step up.
You have to draw the line somewhere.
A "Company" is usually 26-50 people, which is where the average unit falls, and which is probably where it should fall. Units larger then that are anomalies of the shrinkage of the program. When our wing had literally 2-3 times as many units, they were much smaller by design.
In your case, based on my personal knowledge of your experience, I'd say you'd probably do pretty well as a commander, or certainly a CD as preparation. Without the time you took away, you'd likely be even better prepared.
But, in the real world, you wouldn't find 1st Lts as Squadron Commanders. That's really a Lt Col position in Big Blue. 1st Lts are usually OICs of a work center and Captains are flight commanders. Squadron deputies end up being Majors and Commanders are usually picked from the Lt Col pool or someone who is about to pin on Lt Col.
My old squadron has a commander who came into CAP, and one yearish later he was the CC. I don't think they could have gotten a better guy for the job. He is an amazing leader.
Quote from: jimmydeanno on November 09, 2012, 03:39:37 AMBut, in the real world, you wouldn't find 1st Lts as Squadron Commanders. That's really a Lt Col position in Big Blue. 1st Lts are usually OICs of a work center and Captains are flight commanders. Squadron deputies end up being Majors and Commanders are usually picked from the Lt Col pool or someone who is about to pin on Lt Col.
Well, I'd agree, but part of the "problem" is how we define our units and echelons.
We use "company" and "field" grade as the terms, but they don't match up to their Army definitions.
A "squadron" is supposed to have "plane
s". Rarely does a CAP unit have more then one plane, most
don't even have one.
Company = 25-50
Battalion = 3-500
Regiment = 3000+
(ish)
In the real world a Wing CC would be a 1-star (this argument has been made recently, even to the point where it was proposed that the NAT/CC be a 3-star, Regions 2-star, and Wings 1 star), at least based on the job title, but based on the scope of those in the command,
an eagle is probably appropriate.
Quote from: Eclipse on November 09, 2012, 03:43:31 AM
Quote from: jimmydeanno on November 09, 2012, 03:39:37 AMBut, in the real world, you wouldn't find 1st Lts as Squadron Commanders. That's really a Lt Col position in Big Blue. 1st Lts are usually OICs of a work center and Captains are flight commanders. Squadron deputies end up being Majors and Commanders are usually picked from the Lt Col pool or someone who is about to pin on Lt Col.
Well, I'd agree, but part of the "problem" is how we define our units and echelons.
We use "company" and "field" grade as the terms, but the don't match up to their Army definitions.
A "squadron" is supposed to have "planes". Rarely does a CAP unit have more then one plane, most
don't even have one.
Company = 25-50
Battalion = 3-500
Regiment = 3000+
In the real world a Wing CC would be a 1-star at the least based on the job title, but based on the scope of those in the command,
an eagle is generally appropriate.
Even the Air Force doesn't use the term squadron to denote a unit with planes. "Communications Squadron," "Support Squadron," "Intelligence Squadron," etc. Even the size of the squadron is organic. A Communications Squadron could have 200, or the "ACOMS" could have 20. In our case, a squadron has 15+.
I think it would be a waste to have a Lt Col in command of a 15 member squadron, unless it was to make some drastic changes and increase its size over a given period (special project, etc). In cases where that's about as large a pool, we could make it a flight and have a 1st Lt or Capt in command, who reports to the nearest squadron commander.
I think that having someone with oak leaves on their collar would be far more beneficial than having someone with new silver bars - if we are looking at grade as someone normally would. Ideally, I'd want someone with 5+ years of CAP experience, coming from one or more of our mission specialty tracks, and has completed at least Level III.
Quote from: jimmydeanno on November 09, 2012, 03:56:07 AMI think that having someone with oak leaves on their collar would be far more beneficial than having someone with new silver bars - if we are looking at grade as someone normally would. Ideally, I'd want someone with 5+ years of CAP experience, coming from one or more of our mission specialty tracks, and has completed at least Level III.
I wouldn't disagree. Do you know where we can buy more of them?
What I've seen in the last few go-rounds for unit CC's is most of the oaks have done at least one tour and moved on, up,
or out. That or simply sideways to be a "member" for a while without additional responsibilities. Speaking only for the
guys in my "class", that seems to be a mantra lately. It's looking attractive to me as well.
This is also another symptom of the program shrinkage and unit stagnating - a gap between the old farts and the FNGs with
no one in between, so you're either entrenched, or still drying your level 1.
There's also the issue that, at least in my Region, if you want oaks you almost have to be moving up. There's been a lot of emphasis
in the last few years on your career showing "increased responsibility" especially up into the silver ones.
In some of your earlier posts when you first moved to AR, at least I sensed some contention with the unit you found/joined. By branching out on your own, you may cause friction with your current unit, too.
The boys are bored in Foreman and there's CAP in Texarkana, and we'll bring it back no matter what it takes!
Quote from: Eclipse on November 09, 2012, 03:30:17 AM
In your case, based on my personal knowledge of your experience, I'd say you'd probably do pretty well as a commander, or certainly a CD as preparation. Without the time you took away, you'd likely be even better prepared.
No doubt having an additional 4 years on, almost two as a SM would have helped.
But being "fresh" on the scene also gives me a great perspective on where most members are post-lvl1 and even completing lvl2.
I've been under (I think I got the math right) three commanders in one unit, and four (partially) in another. I've seen good commanders and I've seen some bad commanders. Even the good guys, with years of experience prior to taking command would call it a tough job, and certainly one that requires some guidance from above at times. A new guy, someone like me or a SM in for 1-2 years would probably have the higher echelon commander on speed-dial and nightly calls.
I've gotten glimpses into what a good run unit has going for a commander, and it's a lot of work. I can only imagine what it is like in a unit that is understaffed or lacking in quality staff overall. Can't be easy which is why some commanders fail/burn out well before their term is over. Thinking this over, I can see why some units are so focused on the cadet program and fail/don't meet the standard in the other missions. While CP is certainly not easy, it's the easiest way to run a unit - everyone works for the success of the CP, and darn anything else.
Quote from: usafaux2004 on November 09, 2012, 05:10:14 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on November 09, 2012, 03:30:17 AM
In your case, based on my personal knowledge of your experience, I'd say you'd probably do pretty well as a commander, or certainly a CD as preparation. Without the time you took away, you'd likely be even better prepared.
No doubt having an additional 4 years on, almost two as a SM would have helped.
But being "fresh" on the scene also gives me a great perspective on where most members are post-lvl1 and even completing lvl2.
I've been under (I think I got the math right) three commanders in one unit, and four (partially) in another. I've seen good commanders and I've seen some bad commanders. Even the good guys, with years of experience prior to taking command would call it a tough job, and certainly one that requires some guidance from above at times. A new guy, someone like me or a SM in for 1-2 years would probably have the higher echelon commander on speed-dial and nightly calls.
I've gotten glimpses into what a good run unit has going for a commander, and it's a lot of work. I can only imagine what it is like in a unit that is understaffed or lacking in quality staff overall. Can't be easy which is why some commanders fail/burn out well before their term is over. Thinking this over, I can see why some units are so focused on the cadet program and fail/don't meet the standard in the other missions. While CP is certainly not easy, it's the easiest way to run a unit - everyone works for the success of the CP, and darn anything else.
I would kill for a full staff. It doesn't help that at least 3 (out of my 7 active seniors) are also on Wing staff. The workload is immense. So far the biggest thing I am thankful for is how dedicated my staff really are, especially since we've been undertaking a very agressive Wreaths Across America fundraiser for the first time, Cyber Patriot (2nd go round, trying to repeat our trip to nationals), and a multitude of other activities and community outreach. We have been very very busy.
We are accomplishing the mission, but I fear that as soon as we wrap up our fundraising efforts for WAA, we will have to deal with some "burnout", just strictly because of how much work it was spread out on so few people.
I had thought that I had an idea of the workload when I was the CDC,
I was very wrong.
I would caution that anyone trying to start a new unit, or anyone about to take command make sure that you have all the people you need. 3 seniors may be the minimum, but it is no where near what needs to be accomplished.
Quote from: Eclipse on November 09, 2012, 02:56:07 AM
It sounds to me like you may have a good chance. Certainly ARWG isn't top-heavy with units.
The only thing I really know about Texarkana is that there is beer there for the thirsty folks in Atlanta...
Yeah, there might be a good chance, especially that far south. Up here in my neck of Arkansas, if we tried to set up another unit, my current one could lose around 30% of its members to the new one based on location alone. Not everyone likes making a 35 mile one-way trip weekly for a 2 hour meeting, and some drive upwards of 45 miles one way.
And about the beer, it's Texarkana, Texas. Texarkana, Arkansas does not have a Coors distributor. And there is always the possibility of a new civil war starting in Texarkana based on what side of the state line you live on.
Quote from: jimmydeanno on November 09, 2012, 03:39:37 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on November 09, 2012, 03:30:17 AM
I meant that Captain should really be the top-end for Unit CC's, with First Lieutenant being the sweet spot.
The level of training and presumed experience for most 1st Lts and Capts is about right to be a unit CC, and of course in the real world you would
rarely have Field Grade officers (or even generals) reporting to Captains.
The promotions would be based on an open billet or manning table and you simply would not get promoted if there wasn't an appropriate job opening.
The practical reality is that you're looking as the bare-minimum expectations, with the hope someone with more experience would step up.
You have to draw the line somewhere.
A "Company" is usually 26-50 people, which is where the average unit falls, and which is probably where it should fall. Units larger then that are anomalies of the shrinkage of the program. When our wing had literally 2-3 times as many units, they were much smaller by design.
In your case, based on my personal knowledge of your experience, I'd say you'd probably do pretty well as a commander, or certainly a CD as preparation. Without the time you took away, you'd likely be even better prepared.
But, in the real world, you wouldn't find 1st Lts as Squadron Commanders. That's really a Lt Col position in Big Blue. 1st Lts are usually OICs of a work center and Captains are flight commanders. Squadron deputies end up being Majors and Commanders are usually picked from the Lt Col pool or someone who is about to pin on Lt Col.
As I mentioned in a previous post, a former commander we had was a 2LT for a while and resisted getting promoted to LTC, which he would have gotten due to his Navy grade of Commander when he retired. He wanted to go through the program the right way. When he was installed as CC, he finally relented to popular pressure and allowed us to "pin on" his silver oak leaves. Realistically, he would have done fine as a 2LT squadron commander; he surely had the experience and the staff to lean on, but it was felt by others that he should be a LTC due to the reasons you outlined above.
Quote from: a2capt on November 09, 2012, 04:54:31 AM
In some of your earlier posts when you first moved to AR, at least I sensed some contention with the unit you found/joined. By branching out on your own, you may cause friction with your current unit, too.
The boys are bored in Foreman and there's CAP in Texarkana, and we'll bring it back no matter what it takes!
God, please STOP with the Smokey and the Bandit references! We have a bad enough reputation from that durn movie. ;D
A2, I'm not sure what you mean, I have found that sometimes what I say comes across differently than I intend it to, but I like the unit I'm with, it's just really far away, and really hard for me to make, as well as some that I have talked to. When I started trying to recruit here in foreman I got a lot of positive feedback, except for the distance. I told them that the distance for the meeting was a bit far, but it could be farther if they get involved with ES, but they didn't mind that. My current unit, while small, is full of great people. Plenty of motivation, just not for ground ops. If I Were to start a unit here, I don't think they would lose any of there membership, the line would likely be drawn somewhere around new Boston Texas, and there are no members in new Boston. So I doubt I would cause much friction, other than not being a part of their unit, however I would love to meet with them as often as once a month to teach GSAR.
Quote from: a2capt on November 09, 2012, 04:54:31 AM
In some of your earlier posts when you first moved to AR, at least I sensed some contention with the unit you found/joined. By branching out on your own, you may cause friction with your current unit, too.
The boys are bored in Foreman and there's CAP in Texarkana, and we'll bring it back no matter what it takes!
ROFLMAO
Youngsters will not know that ;)
Quote from: manfredvonrichthofen on November 09, 2012, 02:44:54 AM
So you can branch a squadron to another location?
We did that once, ran a Flight to see if interest existed. Great for 90 days and then the people just went away. Besides you making that commute, anyone else in your current Squadron make that commute. You may really just stay where you at and tough it out. No interest is no interest no matter how you spin it.
Quote from: Garibaldi on November 09, 2012, 06:20:23 AMRealistically, he would have done fine as a 2LT squadron commander;
All CAP Squadron Commanders are promoted to 1st Lt. I was a 2nd Lt when I first became a SQCC and a week or two later I got a 1st Lt ID card in the mail.
Quote from: Private Investigator on November 10, 2012, 10:38:25 PM
Quote from: Garibaldi on November 09, 2012, 06:20:23 AMRealistically, he would have done fine as a 2LT squadron commander;
All CAP Squadron Commanders are promoted to 1st Lt.
It's not automatic - someone submitted that for you. You can be a SMWOG, or a member wearing the NCO stripes from another service and still be a Unit CC.
Quote from: Private Investigator on November 10, 2012, 10:38:25 PM
All CAP Squadron Commanders are promoted to 1st Lt. I was a 2nd Lt when I first became a SQCC and a week or two later I got a 1st Lt ID card in the mail.
That is up to the Wing Commander and is not automatic.
EDIT: Posted at the same time as above post.
As a long-time member, with time reviving a struggling unit, who is currently developing a new unit (11 months into the process), I wanted to show you a few things to consider.
I'll use my new unit as a case study.
Jenks-Riverside Composite Flight
PROS:
- Demographic area: We're in a middle-class to upper middle-class community which is a suburb of Tulsa, the perfect target for what we do. (My experience has been that the upper class buys their charity and the lower class is usually the benefactor in some way, there are always exceptions, but this is generally true)
- 10th Busiest Airport in terms of take offs and landings: We have more GA airplanes based here than any other ONE airport in the wing and more than most GA airports nationwide.
- We Meet at a LARGE regional flying technical college: Plenty of warm bodies looking for cheap hours
- The other Tulsa area units are on opposite sides of town: The closest unit to us is a solid 20+ minute drive in a city with 1m metro wide, two units are on the far north side and the other is in an eastern suburb
- Tons of Support: The aviation community at this airport has welcomed us with open arms. We've secured discounts with all the FBOs (they're hoping we do some flying activities out here) and we're being offered plenty of AE opportunities. Our US Senator and Congressional Squadron member has his hangar and three airplanes on the field.
- AFJROTC in our backyard: One of the state's largest AFJROTC units is at the high school less than 2 miles from the airport
- We're a satellite unit: The Big cadet squadron in town is our parent unit. They handle everything for us administratively so we can concentrate on growth.
CONS:
- Nucleus: We have struggled to build a sizable foundation of cadets. We've had plenty of tire-kickers, a couple who have stuck around and 3 great, top-performing cadets from the big area unit to get us started. But it's not been enough.
- Perception: The college kids either A) Don't have enough time to dedicate to the program with their full load of college courses for what they think is required of them or B) Most of their experience with CAP has been not so good, we're fighting that perception but it's an uphill climb.
- AFJROTC NCO: He's road blocked us from the gate. He doesn't like CAP but won't tell us why. He has virtually eliminated our access to his cadets. I have been in contact with the JROTC HQ at Maxwell and they are working to help marry the two programs, but that takes time.
- Sister Squadron Activities: Our sister squadron sports 40+ cadet members and with that comes a couple of exclusive annual activities that you must be a member of that unit to participate in. Unfortunately, this may be stealing 2 of the 3 cadet staff that I currently have, leaving me with a VERRRY green Senior NCO and a soon to be senior member who is currently a cadet. We're working on training the NCO, but again, it's a challenge.
- Sister Squadron Handles Everything Administratively: This in some cases is a pro, but in others its a BIG con. They have a fullll roster of members with constant need for approvals and they have enough to deal with trying to plan everything they have going on throughout the year. This creates a lag in getting things done. Plus, I have to share finances with them until we get a charter.
- No Vehicle: No charter = No vehicle = Hard to get active cadets to outside activities = even harder to keep them interested.
- Local Media Doesn't Seem Interested: We've struggled to get noticed. Most of the senior level activities gets plenty of love from the local media, but they seem to be less than curious about a new unit who hasn't done much yet. Kind of backward from what I hear in most places.
SIDENOTES:
Again, we've been able to get tons of support from the local aviation community but that doesn't always equal new bodies. We have a thorough recruiting and retention plan in place and we have been consistently tossing ideas around on NEW ways to recruit bodies. We've been credited with 2 finds in the last couple of months, both non-distress and on the airport property, but it's been a great opportunity for the newbies to stand back and observe the kinds of things we do operationally and a great thing for them to see and know it's something they can do too. We have a pretty fool proof calendar and plan, but it's hard when you only have a couple of people coming around. We were given a defined territory in which each unit was allowed to recruit, with the understanding that cherry picking existing members was not allowed under any circumstances. If they chose to come to the unit on their own, so be it. And the funny thing is that we have enough members from the other units living within our territory to make our unit successful, but as was mentioned in a previous post, if we took ALL of them the other units would lose significant people. Its just plain, tough.
I would caution you with this -- GO GET BODIES. Meet and talk about short term goals and long term goals. Explain the expectations of CAP. Start to meet regularly. Once you have a couple of people who show up for several meetings in a row, you have a case to go become something. My suggestion would be to conduct yourselves as a sub-unit FIRST. In my wing that's a requirement for at least one calendar year before getting a charter. The sister squadron can handle your affairs from a regulatory and approval perspective so you can concentrate on spinning up the folks you've gotten interested in CAP. It's great to have a room full of 20 brand new recruits, but if you don't have something for them to do, QUICKLY, that number will shrink 10x as fast.
For anyone else who is reading this who may have some experience in starting a new unit, I'm always looking for ideas and best practices; PM me, I could use the help.