CAP Talk

General Discussion => Uniforms & Awards => Topic started by: The CyBorg is destroyed on September 22, 2014, 08:10:53 PM

Title: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: The CyBorg is destroyed on September 22, 2014, 08:10:53 PM
Yesterday was Battle of Britain Day, which the RCAF used to largely undo the years of naval-style gold rank insignia with a return to pre-unification insignia...but not rank titles (Squadron Leader, Wing Commander, etc).  I can see that because in the modern RAF/RAAF/RNZAF a Wing Commander (O-5) usually commands a Squadron and a Squadron Leader (O-4) usually commands a Flight.

(http://www.montrealgazette.com/cms/binary/10223345.jpg)

How is this relevant to CAP?

The lowest rank is now called "Aviator" (or in French, "Aviateur").  Something maybe to replace "SMWOG?"
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: JeffDG on September 22, 2014, 08:54:10 PM
The left-most officer insignia is for an "Officer Cadet", the "Aviator" is the equivalent of Airman.
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: The CyBorg is destroyed on September 22, 2014, 09:13:33 PM
Quote from: JeffDG on September 22, 2014, 08:54:10 PM
The left-most officer insignia is for an "Officer Cadet", the "Aviator" is the equivalent of Airman.

I was a bit surprised they didn't resurrect Flight Sergeant...some older RCAF guys have told me that Flight Sergeants basically ran the RCAF but let the officers think they did.

RCAirC has an anomalous rank of Flight Corporal.

(http://754aircadets.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/rank_fcpl.gif)

I think that another reason they probably kept most rank titles as they are is that they are easier to pronounce in French (however, my French is severely limited, so I do not know that for sure).

After all, Major is just Major, while Squadron Leader is commandant d'aviation.

But, with the new two-tier NCO system in CAP, those pursuing NCO rank could be "Aviators" and those pursuing Officer grade could be "Officer Cadet/Candidate."
Title: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: Storm Chaser on September 22, 2014, 09:20:10 PM
Quote from: CyBorg on September 22, 2014, 09:13:33 PM
Quote from: JeffDG on September 22, 2014, 08:54:10 PM
The left-most officer insignia is for an "Officer Cadet", the "Aviator" is the equivalent of Airman.

I was a bit surprised they didn't resurrect Flight Sergeant...some older RCAF guys have told me that Flight Sergeants basically ran the RCAF but let the officers think they did.

RCAirC has an anomalous rank of Flight Corporal.

(http://754aircadets.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/rank_fcpl.gif)

I think that another reason they probably kept most rank titles as they are is that they are easier to pronounce in French (however, my French is severely limited, so I do not know that for sure).

After all, Major is just Major, while Squadron Leader is commandant d'aviation.

But, with the new two-tier NCO system in CAP, those pursuing NCO rank could be "Aviators" and those pursuing Officer grade could be "Officer Cadet/Candidate."

Since we share our grade names and insignias with the U.S. Air Force, I would prefer those pursing NCO grades be called "Airman" and those pursing officer grades be called "Officer Trainee". The only issue with these terms would be, what do we call those senior members who are not pursuing either?
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: Eclipse on September 22, 2014, 09:31:00 PM
Quote from: Storm Chaser on September 22, 2014, 09:20:10 PMThe only issue with these terms would be, what do we call those senior members who are not pursuing either?

Former members?
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: Private Investigator on September 23, 2014, 05:17:23 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on September 22, 2014, 09:31:00 PM
Quote from: Storm Chaser on September 22, 2014, 09:20:10 PMThe only issue with these terms would be, what do we call those senior members who are not pursuing either?

Former members?

:clap:
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: Panache on September 23, 2014, 05:50:15 AM
Quote from: Storm Chaser on September 22, 2014, 09:20:10 PM
The only issue with these terms would be, what do we call those senior members who are not pursuing either?

Cadet Sponsors?
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: The CyBorg is destroyed on September 23, 2014, 06:24:30 PM
Quote from: Storm Chaser on September 22, 2014, 09:20:10 PM
Since we share our grade names and insignias with the U.S. Air Force, I would prefer those pursing NCO grades be called "Airman" and those pursing officer grades be called "Officer Trainee". The only issue with these terms would be, what do we call those senior members who are not pursuing either?

Partial agreement...but what senior members are "not pursuing either?"

Aren't they already called "Patron?"
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: Storm Chaser on September 23, 2014, 08:04:13 PM

Quote from: CyBorg on September 23, 2014, 06:24:30 PM
Quote from: Storm Chaser on September 22, 2014, 09:20:10 PM
Since we share our grade names and insignias with the U.S. Air Force, I would prefer those pursing NCO grades be called "Airman" and those pursing officer grades be called "Officer Trainee". The only issue with these terms would be, what do we call those senior members who are not pursuing either?

Partial agreement...but what senior members are "not pursuing either?"

Aren't they already called "Patron?"

Patrons are not active members. There are many active senior members who do not wish to be promoted to 2d Lt or hold any grade. In fact, CAP doesn't require that active members advance in grade.

Quote from: CAPR 39-2, Para 3-1a. Active Member. A member who regularly attends meetings, performs a specific duty assignment, meets training requirements and participates in the activities of his or her unit. An active member may wear the CAP uniform and compete for grade advancement (see CAPR 35-1, Assignment and Duty Status). (emphasis mine)
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: AirAux on September 23, 2014, 08:25:03 PM
Our last inspection, we got our butt chewed because we have a couple of members that have been with us quite a while and enjoy working with the program and helping out for the cadets sake.  They are not interested in rank.  One could have jumped to 1Lt as she is an RN, but she said no.  Wing thinks we shoudl motivate them...  HOW????
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: JeffDG on September 23, 2014, 08:44:32 PM
Quote from: AirAux on September 23, 2014, 08:25:03 PM
Our last inspection, we got our butt chewed because we have a couple of members that have been with us quite a while and enjoy working with the program and helping out for the cadets sake.  They are not interested in rank.  One could have jumped to 1Lt as she is an RN, but she said no.  Wing thinks we shoudl motivate them...  HOW????

None of the inspector's business.  The inspection is to determine regulatory compliance.  No regulatory issue, no butt-chewing.
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: The CyBorg is destroyed on September 23, 2014, 10:01:59 PM
Quote from: AirAux on September 23, 2014, 08:25:03 PM
Our last inspection, we got our butt chewed because we have a couple of members that have been with us quite a while and enjoy working with the program and helping out for the cadets sake.  They are not interested in rank.  One could have jumped to 1Lt as she is an RN, but she said no.  Wing thinks we shoudl motivate them...  HOW????

Do they wear uniforms?
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: Майор Хаткевич on September 23, 2014, 10:58:16 PM
Quote from: CyBorg on September 23, 2014, 10:01:59 PM
Quote from: AirAux on September 23, 2014, 08:25:03 PM
Our last inspection, we got our butt chewed because we have a couple of members that have been with us quite a while and enjoy working with the program and helping out for the cadets sake.  They are not interested in rank.  One could have jumped to 1Lt as she is an RN, but she said no.  Wing thinks we shoudl motivate them...  HOW? ???

Do they wear uniforms?


Does that change the anything?
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: PHall on September 24, 2014, 12:26:59 AM
Ask the "inspector" which reg is being violated by them not promoting.
Should be interesting to hear their answer.
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: Storm Chaser on September 24, 2014, 12:48:46 AM
I know the answer to that one.  >:D
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: The CyBorg is destroyed on September 24, 2014, 04:33:21 PM
I wonder if an inspector would question the unit's PDO:

"Hey, why are these people not promoting and/or doing other things to advance their skills?"
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: AirAux on September 24, 2014, 04:38:40 PM
Yep, the PDo, the Commander and the deputy Commander.  Something about the levels not being completed, training tracks not being completed, you know, SOSDD...
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: NC Hokie on September 24, 2014, 04:39:33 PM
Quote from: CyBorg on September 24, 2014, 04:33:21 PM
I wonder if an inspector would question the unit's PDO:

"Hey, why are these people not promoting and/or doing other things to advance their skills?"

"There are no requirements to promote or participate in PD, but here is what I have done during the last year to encourage them..."
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: The CyBorg is destroyed on September 24, 2014, 04:57:43 PM
And, if they're working "for the cadets' sake," it could beg the question "why aren't they enrolled in the CP speciality track?"
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: Eclipse on September 24, 2014, 05:25:29 PM
Quote from: JeffDG on September 23, 2014, 08:44:32 PM
Quote from: AirAux on September 23, 2014, 08:25:03 PM
Our last inspection, we got our butt chewed because we have a couple of members that have been with us quite a while and enjoy working with the program and helping out for the cadets sake.  They are not interested in rank.  One could have jumped to 1Lt as she is an RN, but she said no.  Wing thinks we shoudl motivate them...  HOW????

None of the inspector's business.  The inspection is to determine regulatory compliance.  No regulatory issue, no butt-chewing.

+1 - Inspectors aren't supposed to try and command from the sidelines.

At most this should have been indicated as an AOC.  This issue is a legitimate point, but not for an inspector to
be directly trying to intevene on, much less "butt chew".
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: JeffDG on September 24, 2014, 05:56:40 PM
Quote from: CyBorg on September 24, 2014, 04:57:43 PM
And, if they're working "for the cadets' sake," it could beg the question "why aren't they enrolled in the CP speciality track?"

Enrollment in the specialty track is not mandatory.
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: Private Investigator on September 25, 2014, 12:57:17 PM
Quote from: NC Hokie on September 24, 2014, 04:39:33 PM
Quote from: CyBorg on September 24, 2014, 04:33:21 PM
I wonder if an inspector would question the unit's PDO:

"Hey, why are these people not promoting and/or doing other things to advance their skills?"

"There are no requirements to promote or participate in PD, but here is what I have done during the last year to encourage them..."

Being on Inspection Teams in the past; What about people who "pencil whip" or "fudge" on what they have done to get a Senior or Master rating? The most common rationale I have heard is if they pass the "Test" that proves they are Master worthy.  8)
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: Private Investigator on September 25, 2014, 01:04:52 PM
Quote from: JeffDG on September 24, 2014, 05:56:40 PM
Quote from: CyBorg on September 24, 2014, 04:57:43 PM
And, if they're working "for the cadets' sake," it could beg the question "why aren't they enrolled in the CP speciality track?"

Enrollment in the specialty track is not mandatory.

So the Unit's CP Officer does not have to be enrolled in the speciality track? How you know he is doing his assignment and doing it well?  8)

Title: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: Storm Chaser on September 25, 2014, 01:22:51 PM
A unit commander can enroll a member in a specialty track, but cannot force the member to complete it or progress in it. Furthermore, there are members who are active, have duty assignments, complete PD training, and participate in unit and wing activities, but still wish not to have grade or be promoted. As it stands now, the organization allows it.
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: JeffDG on September 25, 2014, 01:29:21 PM
Quote from: Private Investigator on September 25, 2014, 01:04:52 PM
Quote from: JeffDG on September 24, 2014, 05:56:40 PM
Quote from: CyBorg on September 24, 2014, 04:57:43 PM
And, if they're working "for the cadets' sake," it could beg the question "why aren't they enrolled in the CP speciality track?"

Enrollment in the specialty track is not mandatory.

So the Unit's CP Officer does not have to be enrolled in the speciality track? How you know he is doing his assignment and doing it well?  8)

Can you cite a regulation that requires such assignment?
Title: Re: New uniforms for the RCAF
Post by: The CyBorg is destroyed on September 26, 2014, 05:08:15 AM
It's not required by regulation; however, it is helpful, and that's the point I would make as an Inspector.

I have a Master rating in Administration and a Technician rating in Safety.

I could have probably learnt to push papers and tell people not to walk on black ice with slick-bottomed Bates low-quarters without being enrolled in either speciality track, but I would not have been as effective.

As soon as I joined CAP, before I even got my butter-barred berry boards, my squadron CC enrolled me in ECI 13 (known today as Officer Basic Course).  I was astonished when I hefted that package of books out of my mailbox.  Back in that day it was about as exciting as munching stale cardboard and the test was closed-book.  I never questioned my CC as to why she enrolled me in that; she was a Major and I was a brand-new Officer Aspirant (catchy title, huh?), so I figured she knew more than I did.

In retrospect, I think she did it to see how serious I was about CAP and though it was a PITA at the time I am glad she did it.