CAP Talk

General Discussion => Membership => Topic started by: DMinick on September 04, 2013, 02:17:15 PM

Title: Question for commanders
Post by: DMinick on September 04, 2013, 02:17:15 PM
So last night was our meeting. Two major things happened. First I got my 1st LT promotion. Secondly is my question. Our current commander mentioned that I should take over as commander. This is not the first time she, nor other SM, have said this. Over the past few months, there has been a noticeable decline in her performance, please don't take that to mean that she's doing a bad job!! She just doesn't want this position any longer, but no body has stepped up to take it. After the meeting I approached her to ask her if she was really serious about me taking it. She was. I did ask for a few months to think about it before making a decision, which she has gladly given me. My biggest concern is the time commitment. I am a full time wife, mom, and student. I also am quite active with our church. So how much time do you guys devote to commander responsibilies? Currently I do an hour or so a day and I am only in personnel, admin, and finance. What are your thoughts about someone with my rank being Commander? I am working towards that next promotion which I should be able to finish next summer but not able to get until March 2015 due to time. I hope this rambling makes some sort of sense!! I appreciate all the help you can give me!

Debby Minick, 1st LT
Title: Re: Question for commanders
Post by: FlyTiger77 on September 04, 2013, 02:26:08 PM
When I was a squadron commander, I probably averaged 15-20 hours per week on CAP stuff, but we were just founding the squadron, too. (And I might not be the brightest light in Lite Brite set).

Now, in my present gig, I probably spend 10-15 hours a week (which includes traveling to visit squadrons).

Your mileage may vary (considerably!).

Good luck on whatever you decide and congratulations on your promotion.
Title: Re: Question for commanders
Post by: Eclipse on September 04, 2013, 02:49:02 PM
Well, the very first thing you should do is find out what your wing's process is for appointing commanders.  Some leave it to chance
or allow CC's to appoint their successors, but increasingly many are doing selection and application processes, and a lot of times
bringing in new blood from outside the unit to help struggling units.  So if she does step down, there might not be a guarantee
its your job.  The only thing worse then getting stuck with a job you don't want, is to not get a job you expected.

There's no issue with a 1st Lt being a Commander, in fact it's pretty common.  ~10% of the commanders below wing are 1st Lt or lower.
Coming in the door a 1st Lt and leaving a Captain is probably about where we'd want members if our PD and grade functioned as originally intended.

The next question would be what her current deputies think of the idea, and why they are deputies if they aren't interested in
succeeding her.  Contingency and continuity plans should be in place for both expected and unexpected succession, but far too often we
have deputies (and other staff), who like the business card, but wouldn't consider the actual job.  Something to consider if you are appointed
as CC.

In terms of time, that's something to seriously consider.  You don't say how big the squadron is, but if it's reasonably sized, expect your time commitment
to at least double or triple, especially in the beginning.  In addition to weekly meetings, there will be staff meetings, contact with Group and/or wing, PD activities, and
weekly/quarterly/annual planning, not to mention inspections and related administrivia.  And of course there's the internal politics with being the decision
maker and local representative of the "Court of Solomon".

You don't have to >do< it all, but you do need to be involved and aware of everything.  Delegation and a good staff is key to CAP not taking over your
world.

The other thing to consider is that nothing will happen unless you make it a priority and put it on the calendar.  The commander sets the tone and timbre
of a unit, and the members look to the CC for what they should feel is "important".  If you are lax in your attendance, unwilling to research the regulations,
don't participate in PD, and generally just check the boxes, then that is what your membership will do as well. If you grouse about higher HQ and place blame
for issues everywhere but your desk, that's the tone they will adopt.

However if you are the first one there and the last one out, are invested in the organization, and lead from the front by example, then your members
will follow suit.

Squadron Command is the best, hardest job in CAP.  Everything of consequence from success to failure at every level is dependent on successful squadrons.
Take it seriously with time to enjoy it and have some fun, and it'll be your fondest memory, not to mention having an impact on your members and the organization as
a whole.

I might suggest that your CC appoint you as CD and allow you to run things for those months you want to consider things, that should give you a handle on
whether this is a good idea.  Also, walking in the door, the best piece of intel you can give yourself is an SUI self-assessment, which will tell you exactly
how "good" or "bad" things are and what needs t be addressed day-1.  Plan to do that within the first 90 days of assuming command.
Title: Re: Question for commanders
Post by: jimmydeanno on September 04, 2013, 08:57:50 PM
Being a squadron commander is a tough job, especially for someone who is relatively new to CAP.

From my experience as a squadron commander, and even as a deputy, to "do it right" you are going to spend a significant amount of time.  As a Deputy Commander for Cadets in almost failing units (bringing them out of the brink of despair), I've had weeks where I spent 50 hours doing CAP stuff.  My time as a Squadron Commander was about 20-25 hours a week.  Since we only had squadron meetings for 2.5 hours a week, you can surmise that a significant amount of my job was done outside the squadron meetings.  Of course, a lot of this is going to be dependent on what kind of support you already have.

In a smaller unit, you'll find yourself delving into a lot of lower level stuff that a larger unit would have individual people assigned to do.  You'll be doing hands-on training for new people, talking to parents for potential cadets, running squadron activities, etc.  A squadron commander that finds themselves in the situation where they have to issue uniforms to new people is going to find themselves with a lot more work than one that has a logistics officer.

In your original post, you note that you are doing administration, personnel, and finance.  That is actually a considerable amount of titles to hold for one person.  It indicates that there is a shortage of adult leadership in your unit.  This, to me, indicates that you'll be spending more time than you probably think to "do it right."  If you don't have anyone to assume those roles now, you'll find yourself being squadron commander and doing personnel and administration (since you can't be the finance officer).

You'll need to be the point of the spear in your unit, drive recruiting efforts, keep the schedule full, make sure the people are taken care of, ensure community relationships are developed, ensure that CAP's goals are being accomplished, deal with the bureaucratic stuff from higher-headquarters, etc., etc.. 

Once you find yourself in a unit with more support, the position changes a little in that you actually get to focus on higher-level things, but still have to devote a significant amount of time.  Doing the "nice to have" things is a lot better than scrambling to do the "must do" things.  Of course, most people don't turn a unit around in a year or two, but you can at least lay the stones for success.

Sometimes you also have to remember that changing things can be hard, but someone has to do it.  I like to do some housecleaning when I take over a new position.  I'm always the guy to get rid of the junk laying around that nobody wanted to deal with.  As a squadron commander, stuff like that will end up falling onto you if others don't have the same sentiment. 

Just be prepared.  It's a thankless job, but the most rewarding at the end of the day.
Title: Re: Question for commanders
Post by: ProdigalJim on September 04, 2013, 11:54:56 PM
Debby,

+1 to everything you've read above. Read and heed!

I assumed my role as CC this past February; I was a 1st Lt., and had just come back into CAP a year earlier after leaving the program in 1983 as a cadet. I'm spending about 20 hours a week on command duties; I'm spending probably another 3-5 on my non-command stuff (progression in the ES specialty, learning new stuff for AOBD, working on what I need for Level III...I finished Level II and am just waiting time-in-grade for Captain next month...I hope!).

We were lucky at VA-102 in that we had a large and active membership and I have a terrific, terrific staff. In fact, I told my predecessor that I would not accept command in the absence of a strong staff, simply because my work commitments are pretty high-level and onerous.

A few things that I think have helped me so far:

1) Take the Unit Commander's Course; good, solid CAP-specific information and, if you do the in-person version, a great way to network with others who will soon be doing what you'll be doing. It's a built-in support network.

2) Get to know your neighboring squadron commanders; I've got a great group around me (Matt, Al, Pete, if you're out there, take a bow!) and it's helpful to be able to support each other's units and activities.

3) Do not keep your multiple hats; find someone you can tap to take those jobs. It sounds as if it will be hard where you are because reading between the lines, you appear a bit thinly staffed. If you really do have a few months' wiggle room, start recruiting *now*, bring folks in who can help.

4) In my first 90 days, I did these things in order: a) got a copy of the last full Subordinate Unit Inspection (SUI) report, which was fairly recent and quite helpful; b) talked to the existing staff, one on one, to get their views on what they felt was working and what wasn't; c) formulated near-term, medium-term and long-term goals, with measurements for each and d) presented those goals to the staff and then the membership.

5) Delegate, delegate, delegate. If you have a small staff/small squadron, then pare down to the bare essential activities until you can recruit to grow into other activities. Better to do a few things well than many things poorly.

6) Be positive, receptive and open to other points of view.

7) Be willing to surround yourself with experts and to rely on their advice.

We've got a great squadron, with great folks. We're growing, retaining new members at twice the national average, and participating in real missions more than ever. All of this is because we set some goals, stuck to them, and let people use their strengths to contribute in their best possible way. And it doesn't hurt that I've got great deputies, both on the senior and cadet side, and a strong Ops, ES and Comms group.

Best of luck!

Title: Re: Question for commanders
Post by: DMinick on September 05, 2013, 02:53:38 AM
I greatly appreciate all the advice you have given! It was very helpful!! I did have a couple of questions though. First of all, we are a very small squadron. We currently have 10 SM and 11 cadets. We are shrinking actually. When our current commander took over there was no other person to keep the squadron going so she really didn't want the job. To be perfectly honest, she is only commander in name. Currently I am the one that is basically running things. She signs off on whatever it is that I want. I'm not knocking her at all. I really think she has done the best she knows how for being just thrown in the middle of this. I would love to see our squadron soar and become active in many different things. But I know I need to get everyone working together as a team and communicating with each other! I have been chatting with another commander over the past few days, but his squadron is also very new! One thing ours is very blessed to have, is our wing vice commander attends our meeting weekly. She is an amazing lady!!

My questions-it was mentioned to ask what our current commanders deputies think. I'm not sure what is meant by deputies. Is that just the other SM? Most of us have 2-3 hats that we wear. And what is CD? I'm sure I know this one, just not real familiar with all the letters yet! I'm working on that!

Some of the other concerns that was mentioned was the support of the other members. Currently there's not a lot of support for our commander, well I don't feel that there is. There was an issue that was brought to my attention last week. There was a problem between 3 of our SM. They did not take it to our commander as I suggested. I just dont' feel that they have the respect for her so I'm not sure if I would have their support. I know enough to realize that if I don't have the support of the others then this is not going to work! We recently got 2 new SM and one of them does a fantastic job in the civilian world with public affairs and recruiting. I'm hoping that she will be able to bring in new members and help keep them! Again I thank you all for your input! All the information I can get, both positive and negative, will be a big help in making this decision!
Title: Re: Question for commanders
Post by: Eclipse on September 05, 2013, 03:10:20 AM
21 members is about the average size of a squadron these days, though it should be at least twice that to really be effective.

Quote from: DMinick on September 05, 2013, 02:53:38 AMMy questions-it was mentioned to ask what our current commanders deputies think.
Every unit should have at least one person formally assigned as the Deputy Commander "CD" to insure there is no doubt as to who is in charge in the absence of the commander.

Deputy Commander = CD
Deputy Commander / Cadets = CDC
Deputy Commander / Seniors = CDS

Quote from: DMinick on September 05, 2013, 02:53:38 AM
Some of the other concerns that was mentioned was the support of the other members. Currently there's not a lot of support for our commander, well I don't feel that there is. There was an issue that was brought to my attention last week. There was a problem between 3 of our SM. They did not take it to our commander as I suggested. I just dont' feel that they have the respect for her so I'm not sure if I would have their support. I know enough to realize that if I don't have the support of the others then this is not going to work!

Lack of respect for the commander is a death sentence for any echelon, however in those cases, the proper adjustment is the attitude of the other seniors, not the commander.  However if she has already
disengaged, then the best course is to replace her ASAP before things get worse.  Then your chart >your< course day one and lead.   The members can follow, or not, but you don't wait for them to
accept you as a CC".

Also, having the Wing CV at your meetings is either a boon or a bust.  Early on she should be able to give you good advice, and know the pulse of the wing, and a good CV will be
able to sit quietly and let you run your squadron.   Just be careful about having your authority usurped without even realizing it.

Quote from: DMinick on September 05, 2013, 02:53:38 AM
We recently got 2 new SM and one of them does a fantastic job in the civilian world with public affairs and recruiting. I'm hoping that she will be able to bring in new members and help keep them! Again I thank you all for your input!
It'll be great if this person can help, but don't fall into the "savior" trap.  Too many CC's sit and wait for someone to walk in the door and "save them", when the truth is it takes 6-months to a year before the average new member understands CAP enough to be of much use, and in the mean time, that new guy wants to be actively engaged and the clock is ticking on his churn.  I can't tell you how many times
I've shown up to a meeting at struggling squadron and the only plane is for some FNG to "save" the unit.
Title: Re: Question for commanders
Post by: a2capt on September 05, 2013, 03:23:57 AM
Your staff will be a huge factor in your ability to lead.

If you've got a dynamic staff, you can do anything and you'll find command allows you to participate as well.

Followed by parents support, the "Mom Squad".

With an average attendance of 60-70 and sometimes 100+ people in the meeting room, particularly when parents hang around for promotions. We'd be sunk without our Mom Squad. :)

Title: Re: Question for commanders
Post by: Private Investigator on September 05, 2013, 06:55:40 AM
Everyone has good points. If you take it one day at a time. It is easy. After the first year it gets real easy because the 2nd and 3rd years are repeat of the first. i.e., getting Cadets ready for Encampment, annual banquet, annual holiday part, annual bbq, report submissions, etc, etc. BTW, three years is long enough because you will get burnt out.

I have had a great variety of jobs in CAP at Squadron, Group and Wing level. My favorite? Squadron Commander of course! Seeing Cadets grow and mature is pretty satisfying.   8)