Okay, so my newest question is: is it possible to have a staff job at the Group and Wing level....even as a Flight/CC? I know it is for the group position and CC, but I'm unsure about all three. Obviously, that'd be a ton of work, but I feel like it'd be fun! (Yes, I'll be checking with my Chain to see their opinions and stuff!) Try not to be too harsh! >:D
Not gonna be harsh.
Bottom line it is up to your chain of command.
Some wing/group commanders don't want squadron or flight commanders to also hold staff positions....some do.
I'm currently in 1 squadron, assigned duties with an other, and serve as Group staff.
The CAP way is to take good people and pile jobs on them until they run screaming into the night. At my peak I was squadron safety officer and deputy commander, wing chief of staff and director of safety, wing assistant director of ops, on the wing finance committee, ICing missions, and a few more I've forgotten, all at the same time. It was completely untenable, it still is, but it's the CAP way, and good people step up to take all they work they are handed, because otherwise the planes don't fly, the cadets don't march, the ELTs aren't found, etc. etc.
If I could do it again, I'd learn to say NO. Actually, I have. If the system is broke and the people aren't there to sustain it, it needs to fail and be remolded into something that doesn't chew up and spit out volunteers like a lawnmower.
Quote from: AirDX on December 02, 2015, 02:19:44 PM
The CAP way is to take good people and pile jobs on them until they run screaming into the night. At my peak I was squadron safety officer and deputy commander, wing chief of staff and director of safety, wing assistant director of ops, on the wing finance committee, ICing missions, and a few more I've forgotten, all at the same time. It was completely untenable, it still is, but it's the CAP way, and good people step up to take all they work they are handed, because otherwise the planes don't fly, the cadets don't march, the ELTs aren't found, etc. etc.
If I could do it again, I'd learn to say NO. Actually, I have. If the system is broke and the people aren't there to sustain it, it needs to fail and be remolded into something that doesn't chew up and spit out volunteers like a lawnmower.
And you're still sane (I presume)? >:D
Quote from: AirDX on December 02, 2015, 02:19:44 PM
The CAP way is to take good people and pile jobs on them until they run screaming into the night. At my peak I was squadron safety officer and deputy commander, wing chief of staff and director of safety, wing assistant director of ops, on the wing finance committee, ICing missions, and a few more I've forgotten, all at the same time. It was completely untenable, it still is, but it's the CAP way, and good people step up to take all they work they are handed, because otherwise the planes don't fly, the cadets don't march, the ELTs aren't found, etc. etc.
If I could do it again, I'd learn to say NO. Actually, I have. If the system is broke and the people aren't there to sustain it, it needs to fail and be remolded into something that doesn't chew up and spit out volunteers like a lawnmower.
Liked AirDX I have learned to say the word "no". Even so, I have four hats currently, three at the squadron level and one at group. In addition to these formal hats, I support the Operations group at Wing level with some WMIRS things, and am qualified as Air Crew for missions. Oh, and am training to be a Mission Staff Assistant!! ;D
Just imagine how many things I said "no" to! >:D
Quote from: AirDX on December 02, 2015, 02:19:44 PM
The CAP way is to take good people and pile jobs on them until they run screaming into the night. At my peak I was squadron safety officer and deputy commander, wing chief of staff and director of safety, wing assistant director of ops, on the wing finance committee, ICing missions, and a few more I've forgotten, all at the same time. It was completely untenable, it still is, but it's the CAP way, and good people step up to take all they work they are handed, because otherwise the planes don't fly, the cadets don't march, the ELTs aren't found, etc. etc.
If I could do it again, I'd learn to say NO. Actually, I have. If the system is broke and the people aren't there to sustain it, it needs to fail and be remolded into something that doesn't chew up and spit out volunteers like a lawnmower.
I think most units (and their personnel) are already there. It's very seldom that you have someone who says "I have so much free time to do more!" You realize that as you take on more work, it isn't adding on an extra task; you're adding on a whole list of new responsibilities and deadlines.
Just at the squadron level, I'm having to turn down extra work that's going on. I've made it clear that I have a primary role in our unit, and unless it's something directly related to the immediate operation and management of my primary area of responsibility, I can't take on side projects right now. I'm someone usually considered to be very hands-on and involved in a lot of simultaneous activities, but I'm also very blunt, and when I say I can't do any more with the resources and time I have, I think people accept that as cutting myself off from more unnecessary work.
Quote from: AirDX on December 02, 2015, 02:19:44 PM
The CAP way is to take good people and pile jobs on them until they run screaming into the night. At my peak I was squadron safety officer and deputy commander, wing chief of staff and director of safety, wing assistant director of ops, on the wing finance committee, ICing missions, and a few more I've forgotten, all at the same time. It was completely untenable, it still is, but it's the CAP way, and good people step up to take all they work they are handed, because otherwise the planes don't fly, the cadets don't march, the ELTs aren't found, etc. etc.
If I could do it again, I'd learn to say NO. Actually, I have. If the system is broke and the people aren't there to sustain it, it needs to fail and be remolded into something that doesn't chew up and spit out volunteers like a lawnmower.
Hats off to you for that statement, good sir.
Saying "no" is difficult when your friends ask for help. At one point I was a squadron commander, deputy commander of a group, wing ES training, FEMA Liaison, my wife at the time was wing CP so you know that I had to be involved in that, and I would help out at a local squadron when asked. (Mother of pearl...when did I go to work?!!?)
One thing that you have to do from time to time is take a walk. Remember, the organization was here before you and it will be here after you.
It can be difficult, when you're sitting at the meeting and a new project comes up, and the CC asks for a project officer and the whole room falls silent. I always feel bound to speak up when no one else does, but then you have to realize that taking on a project you don't have time for won't do you, the Squadron, or the project any good. A half hearted project or a burned out senior won't help in the unit's overall success.
Quote from: THRAWN on December 03, 2015, 03:26:17 PM
Saying "no" is difficult when your friends ask for help.
It gets easier with practice.
CC: "Hey, guys, we have to have our annual sock hop and cat wash. I need a project officer."
Jeff: "Oh, look over there. Is that a reason to leave?" *exits*
Abed: "I'd do it, but I just peed my pants."
Troy: "Yeah, he peed my pants too. We have to go."
Britta: "I...ummm..got a thing. You know, that thing. That people do. When they're not here."
Pierce: "Jeez, ya bunch of pansies. I'll do it. What day is it?"
CC: "Two months from today."
Pierce: "Oh, I see. I'm having my teeth rotated that day. I'm out!"
Annie: "Well, seeing as I have no life, dry pants and my own teeth, I'll do it."
Shirley: "Can I help? I just loooooooooooove to help!"
Everyone: "Thanks for stepping up, guys!"
CC: Shakes his head and goes to his office.
Quote from: Garibaldi on December 03, 2015, 05:31:22 PM
CC: "Hey, guys, we have to have our annual sock hop and cat wash. I need a project officer."
Jeff: "Oh, look over there. Is that a reason to leave?" *exits*
Abed: "I'd do it, but I just peed my pants."
Troy: "Yeah, he peed my pants too. We have to go."
Britta: "I...ummm..got a thing. You know, that thing. That people do. When they're not here."
Pierce: "Jeez, ya bunch of pansies. I'll do it. What day is it?"
CC: "Two months from today."
Pierce: "Oh, I see. I'm having my teeth rotated that day. I'm out!"
Annie: "Well, seeing as I have no life, dry pants and my own teeth, I'll do it."
Shirley: "Can I help? I just loooooooooooove to help!"
Everyone: "Thanks for stepping up, guys!"
CC: Shakes his head and goes to his office.
SkyHornet: "It was your idea. How about you do it?"
*Article 15'd*
Quote from: 1st Lt Thompson on December 03, 2015, 03:50:23 PM
It can be difficult, when you're sitting at the meeting and a new project comes up, and the CC asks for a project officer and the whole room falls silent. I always feel bound to speak up when no one else does, but then you have to realize that taking on a project you don't have time for won't do you, the Squadron, or the project any good. A half hearted project or a burned out senior won't help in the unit's overall success.
Frankly, I appreciate someone telling me "No, I am unable to fulfill this role/perform this task", than to have what Lt Thompson aptly described above as a "half-hearted" project or burned out senior overseeing the project. Saying "Yes" means you have thought through the process and are welling to invest the time, energy and resources into the project. I have been disappointed and frustrated by those who were quick to say "yes" (for one reason or another ranging from possible guilt feelings that no one else stepped up to the plate and their heart wasn't in it or from those that thought it might look good on their CAP resume -- loved the title but hated the task and did nothing with it) and dropped the ball.
I think some of you misinterpreted what I was thinking, and that's okay! This would have been more of me volunteering for more at the Wing level to gain some broader experience! As I already "work" for both my local Unit, and my Group, I was just asking about maybe doing all three.
...I think it'd be fun!
Quote from: kcebnaes on December 10, 2015, 05:29:20 PM
I think some of you misinterpreted what I was thinking, and that's okay! This would have been more of me volunteering for more at the Wing level to gain some broader experience! As I already "work" for both my local Unit, and my Group, I was just asking about maybe doing all three.
...I think it'd be fun!
Some people can handle multiple roles. Good luck!
Quote from: kcebnaes on December 10, 2015, 05:29:20 PM
I think some of you misinterpreted what I was thinking, and that's okay! This would have been more of me volunteering for more at the Wing level to gain some broader experience! As I already "work" for both my local Unit, and my Group, I was just asking about maybe doing all three.
...I think it'd be fun!
Thanks for the clarification. Only you know what all is on your plate and what you can/can't handle. Gaining new experience/perspective in CAP is definitely a good thing.