How did it feel when you first got promoted in Civil Air Patrol? I was just promoted for the first time yesterday and I was so motivated that I completed all my tests (except for my drill test and PT) that I needed to promote again today! So im very curious about how you felt when you first got promoted. Let me know!
I earned my first stripe in June...13 years ago. It's starting to get fuzzy, but I remember how cool it felt to be called up in front of the squadron to be pinned by the Commander (Scott Rummings if I remember correctly), and how excited I was. We didn't have online testing, so I couldn't get the ball rolling, but I was hooked and reading the L2K Leadership book the very next day.
I always love seeing new cadets get their Curry, because it allows me to get the same warm and fuzzy feelings from all the way back then.
We all have an idea where we fit in the world, and how awesome we are, but living up to someone else's standard,
especially along with your peers, brings a special kind of validation. People try to deny it with humility, but
it's always nice to be recognized by an organization with objective standards.
For cadets, especially, it shows them they can do things they might not have thought within their reach.
It'll just get better from here.
Quote from: if3isawesome on June 29, 2016, 12:13:29 PM
How did it feel when you first got promoted in Civil Air Patrol? I was just promoted for the first time yesterday and I was so motivated that I completed all my tests (except for my drill test and PT) that I needed to promote again today! So im very curious about how you felt when you first got promoted. Let me know!
Pretty awesome, actually. I was a flight officer who couldn't fly! It felt good to know I was learning and doing the right things, and eventually sharing that knowledge with other people so they can progress as well.
I eventually became a lieutenant colonel. Still can't fly, though.
They lay it all out for you. Learn and do the right things and you're on your way. Remember that people are investing time and patience in you, and it's on you to pay it forward one day. Good luck!
I earned my first stripe in late 2004... and it was awesome! Prior to joining CAP at 12 years old, I was never in Cub Scouts / Boy Scouts or anything of the sort, so it was definitely a good feeling... not just for the sense of personal accomplishment, but also to solidify the feeling that "I belonged" somewhere. Having progressed up through Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, been out for 3 years, and started the process to rejoin as a Senior Member... I would certainly do it all over again in a heartbeat!
You would think that being promoted for the first time (C/Amn and SM 2LT) would be more memorable. I know where I was, when it was, but that's about it. I vividly remember being promoted to C/Sgt (C/SrA now) after being held back due to my attitude, trying to keep the smile off my face as I sat in front of a board of cadet officers and senior NCOs. And I remember my reinstatement to Major after a 6 year absence.
But not my first one.
Quote from: Garibaldi on June 30, 2016, 11:35:08 PM
You would think that being promoted for the first time (C/Amn and SM 2LT) would be more memorable. I know where I was, when it was, but that's about it. I vividly remember being promoted to C/Sgt (C/SrA now) after being held back due to my attitude, trying to keep the smile off my face as I sat in front of a board of cadet officers and senior NCOs. And I remember my reinstatement to Major after a 6 year absence.
But not my first one.
My first time was to SM Flight Officer. I was the very first person in my unit to be promoted. It was a big deal. Wing and group commanders were both there. It's been over 20 years and I can still remember how it felt....
A long, long time ago, in a place far, far away, specifically West Palm Beach, Florida, at a Valentine's Day Dance for Group 5, after 6 months in CAP, my wife pinned my Second Lieutenant bars and Observer Wings on me. Does it get any better than that? I think not...
It was back in 1967 or 68. And it was anticlimactic.
I had earned the General John F. Curry Award. In those days, it was a ribbon - no stripe. The first stripe came after completing the next achievement.
At closing formation one night, an announcement was made: National Headquarters had made an adjustment in the program. The Curry Award would now result in awarding the first stripe as well. Therefore, we could buy stripes and sew them on, effective immediately. Followed by a hearty "Dismissed!"
I changed from SM to 2nd LT automatically when 6 months rolled around. I didn't even realize it until 3-4 weeks later when I logged into eServices and saw it by my name. None had mentioned it, no fanfare, no big deal. I'm more interested in finishing up the SQTR list for Mission Pilot than whatever grade/rank I am.
Quote from: etodd on July 02, 2016, 09:35:35 PM
I changed from SM to 2nd LT automatically when 6 months rolled around.
No, you didn't.
Quote from: Eclipse on July 02, 2016, 11:02:28 PM
Quote from: etodd on July 02, 2016, 09:35:35 PM
I changed from SM to 2nd LT automatically when 6 months rolled around.
No, you didn't.
Don't spoil the narrative.
Quote from: Капитан Хаткевич on July 02, 2016, 11:03:27 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 02, 2016, 11:02:28 PM
Quote from: etodd on July 02, 2016, 09:35:35 PM
I changed from SM to 2nd LT automatically when 6 months rolled around.
No, you didn't.
Don't spoil the narrative.
The things I needed to pass off as a new SM, I did the first month I joined. All that was left was to simply let the next 5 months roll by and then yes, I automatically got the 2nd LT. I didn't ask for it, or even expect it. It just 'happened'. I was fine just being a SM.
First of all congrats on the promotion! Welcome to the group of enlisted and NCO cadets in Idaho! You've joined the dark side and there is no going back >:D ;)
I remember my first promotion pretty well, and I always love the feeling of being promoted! But wait until you get your first Milestone Award... You'll absolutely love it!
Quote from: etodd on July 02, 2016, 11:11:37 PMwas to simply let the next 5 months roll by and then yes, I automatically got the 2nd LT. I didn't ask for it, or even expect it. It just 'happened'.
It didn't just "happen" your commander or his designate had to take the time to not only look up when you were due,
but specifically approve it. If your unit is compliant with the regulations, they were to have a promotion board as well.
Why you want to downplay or purposely mischaracterize the situation to humblebrag about how it means nothing is beyond me,
but others reading this might think things are "automatic" and then expect it.
Quote from: Eclipse on July 02, 2016, 11:59:22 PM
Quote from: etodd on July 02, 2016, 11:11:37 PMwas to simply let the next 5 months roll by and then yes, I automatically got the 2nd LT. I didn't ask for it, or even expect it. It just 'happened'.
It didn't just "happen" your commander or his designate had to take the time to not only look up when you were due,
but specifically approve it. If your unit is compliant with the regulations, they were to have a promotion board as well.
Why you want to downplay or purposely mischaracterize the situation to humblebrag about how it means nothing is beyond me,
but others reading this might think things are "automatic" and then expect it.
He isn't the first SM I've heard this happen to, nor will he likely be the last.
It isn't right, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen.
Quote from: Starfleet Auxiliary on July 03, 2016, 02:14:52 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 02, 2016, 11:59:22 PM
Quote from: etodd on July 02, 2016, 11:11:37 PMwas to simply let the next 5 months roll by and then yes, I automatically got the 2nd LT. I didn't ask for it, or even expect it. It just 'happened'.
It didn't just "happen" your commander or his designate had to take the time to not only look up when you were due,
but specifically approve it. If your unit is compliant with the regulations, they were to have a promotion board as well.
Why you want to downplay or purposely mischaracterize the situation to humblebrag about how it means nothing is beyond me,
but others reading this might think things are "automatic" and then expect it.
He isn't the first SM I've heard this happen to, nor will he likely be the last.
It isn't right, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen.
Promotions aren't automatic. Someone has to click it.
Quote from: Капитан Хаткевич on July 03, 2016, 02:16:07 AM
Quote from: Starfleet Auxiliary on July 03, 2016, 02:14:52 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 02, 2016, 11:59:22 PM
Quote from: etodd on July 02, 2016, 11:11:37 PMwas to simply let the next 5 months roll by and then yes, I automatically got the 2nd LT. I didn't ask for it, or even expect it. It just 'happened'.
It didn't just "happen" your commander or his designate had to take the time to not only look up when you were due,
but specifically approve it. If your unit is compliant with the regulations, they were to have a promotion board as well.
Why you want to downplay or purposely mischaracterize the situation to humblebrag about how it means nothing is beyond me,
but others reading this might think things are "automatic" and then expect it.
He isn't the first SM I've heard this happen to, nor will he likely be the last.
It isn't right, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen.
Promotions aren't automatic. Someone has to click it.
Correct. That doesn't mean a promotion and lack of notification or board didn't occur.
That's not the argument.
Quote from: Капитан Хаткевич on July 03, 2016, 02:16:07 AM
Promotions aren't automatic. Someone has to click it.
Of course. The point was ... I was sitting there minding my own business, going about being a volunteer with CAP ... and no one asked if I wanted the position. No one said "Hey, your time is coming up. Want me to put you in for it?". The system just happened without me, hence my using the term 'automatic' whether technically accurate or not. And a few weeks later I noticed it.
Its no big deal. I was just answering the question in the subject line of the thread, and giving an example of how things are not always as expected. LOL
.
Quote from: etodd on July 03, 2016, 02:43:56 AM
Quote from: Капитан Хаткевич on July 03, 2016, 02:16:07 AM
Promotions aren't automatic. Someone has to click it.
Of course. The point was ... I was sitting there minding my own business, going about being a volunteer with CAP ... and no one asked if I wanted the position. No one said "Hey, your time is coming up. Want me to put you in for it?". The system just happened without me, hence my using the term 'automatic' whether technically accurate or not. And a few weeks later I noticed it.
Its no big deal. I was just answering the question in the subject line of the thread, and giving an example of how things are not always as expected. LOL
.
The point was that
if you had pissed off your squadron commander, they may not been inclined to promote you.
The promotion is neither guaranteed or automatic. You're just
eligible to be promoted to 2d Lt at 6 months.
Quote from: Eclipse on July 02, 2016, 11:02:28 PM
Quote from: etodd on July 02, 2016, 09:35:35 PM
I changed from SM to 2nd LT automatically when 6 months rolled around.
No, you didn't.
This led to, what? Nine or ten posts which were, ultimately, about NOTHING important or even interesting. Why, Eclipse, why do you keep doing this?
Quote from: Mitchell 1969 on July 03, 2016, 06:52:26 PM
Why, Eclipse, why do you keep doing this?
Correcting peoples misstatements?
Quote from: Mitchell 1969 on July 03, 2016, 06:52:26 PM
Why, Eclipse, why do you keep doing this?
Eclipse has well over TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND posts. I can't even begin to think of how many hours someone would spend in any forum in order to wind up writing that many, if you consider that most folks spend more time reading than writing. He has dedicated a large percentage of his life to this forum, so I'll not criticize and respect that he knows more about CAP than me.
Quote from: etodd on July 03, 2016, 10:00:37 PM
Quote from: Mitchell 1969 on July 03, 2016, 06:52:26 PM
Why, Eclipse, why do you keep doing this?
Eclipse has well over TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND posts. I can't even begin to think of how many hours someone would spend in any forum in order to wind up writing that many, if you consider that most folks spend more time reading than writing. He has dedicated a large percentage of his life to this forum, so I'll not criticize and respect that he knows more about CAP than me.
Considering that this forum has been around for a LONG time it's not unheard of.
Quote from: Eclipse on July 03, 2016, 09:51:19 PM
Quote from: Mitchell 1969 on July 03, 2016, 06:52:26 PM
Why, Eclipse, why do you keep doing this?
Correcting peoples misstatements?
I do get what you're saying Eclipse, but from the member's perspective, it was automatic. He didn't do anything to request the promotion and wasn't involved in the process. It just happened. That would certainly appear automatic to me if I were in his shoes.
My first promotion back in 2013 was a very memorable one. First off, I "joined" in August, although this was during the government shutdown, so national didn't process my application until October. Officially, my join date is Oct 21, 2013. Secondly, I had finished all of the requirements for my first promotion (leadership test, CD, etc.) and was taking my promotion board. I walk into the building before the meeting starts, and my squadron commander looks at me, puts his face in his hands, and shakes his head. ALL of my patches were backwards. My name tape was where my Civil Air Patrol tape should have been, and vice versa. My wing patch was where my flag patch should have been, and vice versa. Fortunately, I passed my promotion board, though I was very nervous because I was 12 and it was my first time in front of people. Almost 3 years later, I'm working on Achievement 10. I can remember when the Mitchell seemed so far away.
My promotions have all been the same. I hit time in grade, inform the commander that i have hit my time in grade, they inform me if and when they put in paper work, i watch eservices and then put on new rank when it pops up. I have not seen one Senior member officer or nco promotion ceremony at my squadron. Cadet promotions yes, but not Officers/NCO's. Kind of makes me jealous.
Quote from: Fubar on July 03, 2016, 11:00:36 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 03, 2016, 09:51:19 PM
Quote from: Mitchell 1969 on July 03, 2016, 06:52:26 PM
Why, Eclipse, why do you keep doing this?
Correcting peoples misstatements?
I do get what you're saying Eclipse, but from the member's perspective, it was automatic. He didn't do anything to request the promotion and wasn't involved in the process. It just happened. That would certainly appear automatic to me if I were in his shoes.
Understood, but then the understanding should be corrected "It wasn't automatic - very little in CAP is...", it's not a good idea to propagate the notion, because at some point
they stop being "automatic", whether that is at 2d Lt or Major, it shouldn't be a surprise, nor should people in units where things aren't "automatic" be able to point here and
see otherwise. It's just setting people up for a disappointment or worse down the road.
Quote from: Eclipse on July 04, 2016, 09:11:24 PM
Quote from: Fubar on July 03, 2016, 11:00:36 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 03, 2016, 09:51:19 PM
Quote from: Mitchell 1969 on July 03, 2016, 06:52:26 PM
Why, Eclipse, why do you keep doing this?
Correcting peoples misstatements?
I do get what you're saying Eclipse, but from the member's perspective, it was automatic. He didn't do anything to request the promotion and wasn't involved in the process. It just happened. That would certainly appear automatic to me if I were in his shoes.
Understood, but then the understanding should be corrected "It wasn't automatic - very little in CAP is...", it's not a good idea to propagate the notion, because at some point
they stop being "automatic", whether that is at 2d Lt or Major, it shouldn't be a surprise, nor should people in units where things aren't "automatic" be able to point here and
see otherwise. It's just setting people up for a disappointment or worse down the road.
There is a difference between correcting the understanding and accusing someone of trying to "downplay or purposely mischaracterize the situation to humblebrag."
Quote from: Starfleet Auxiliary on July 04, 2016, 09:21:31 PM
There is a difference between correcting the understanding and accusing someone of trying to "downplay or purposely mischaracterize the situation to humblebrag."
Sometimes, others it's a 2-fer.
Quote from: Eclipse on July 04, 2016, 11:09:02 PM
Quote from: Starfleet Auxiliary on July 04, 2016, 09:21:31 PM
There is a difference between correcting the understanding and accusing someone of trying to "downplay or purposely mischaracterize the situation to humblebrag."
Sometimes, others it's a 2-fer.
Geez. I thought this thread, by the title and OP, was going to be more casual in nature and just folks posting their stories of first promotion. I'm sorry I even mentioned mine. Some folks just have to get all serious with everything. The same type of folks we see on Facebook that will sidetrack a thread in order to correct someone's grammar or spelling, as if it is part of the discussion. LOL
.
Quote from: etodd on July 05, 2016, 03:05:34 AM
Quote from: Eclipse on July 04, 2016, 11:09:02 PM
Quote from: Starfleet Auxiliary on July 04, 2016, 09:21:31 PM
There is a difference between correcting the understanding and accusing someone of trying to "downplay or purposely mischaracterize the situation to humblebrag."
Sometimes, others it's a 2-fer.
Geez. I thought this thread, by the title and OP, was going to be more casual in nature and just folks posting their stories of first promotion. I'm sorry I even mentioned mine. Some folks just have to get all serious with everything.
And some people aren't serious about anything, or try to make points about "they are just in it for the flying, or the kids, or the whatever" with a tone that belittles those who
are members of the whole of the CAP experience - that's the issue I have. I know plenty of people in CAP who
actually don't care about grade and PD and they literally
never mention it.
Quote from: etodd on July 05, 2016, 03:05:34 AM
The same type of folks we see on Facebook that will sidetrack a thread in order to correct someone's grammar or spelling, as if it is part of the discussion. LOL
And some folks end every message with "LOL". Grammar and spelling are
always a part of the conversion.
Quote from: Eclipse on July 05, 2016, 03:45:42 AM
Grammar and spelling are always a part of the conversion.
Conversion? ;)
Hah! Awesome. Hoisted with my own petard!
That first promotion is a milestone that should be celebrated. We do it whether that promotion is bestowed on a cadet ... or a senior member!!!
On the cadet side, there is an expectation of very explicitly working on fulfilling the requirements for getting to pin on that first stripe. After all, they have to pass an online test, get a drill test, promotion board, PT, and so forth. So, they know what is happening every step of the way and are being firmly guided along the path so it's impossible to get surprised.
On the SM side, the guidance is there, but it is much more subtle. As a PDO, I guide the new members through their Level 1. While I view myself as their mentor, I am not hesitant to push the new members along and prod them when needed. The last part of Level 1 includes the summary conversation with the Squadron commander and their assignment to a staff position. By the time six months have passed, they are typically well on their way to their Level 2, and are productive members of the squadron - or have fallen off the roster. In the first case, the Personnel Officer watches over their TIG; we hold a Senior Member Promotion Board; recommend advancement to the Squadron Commander; and if he or she agrees, the appropriate buttons in e-services are clicked.
In both cases, the promotion takes place with all ceremony on the next "blues" night at the squadron. Promotions are NOT processed in e-services by the Squadron Commander until AFTER we've pinned on the new strips, or slid on the butter bars. Everyone is recognized and everyone is happy about it - whether they admit it or not ... even those who try to be stoic walk more proudly after it happened...
:-)
Quote from: MacGruff on July 05, 2016, 01:57:00 PM
That first promotion is a milestone that should be celebrated. We do it whether that promotion is bestowed on a cadet ... or a senior member!!!
On the cadet side, there is an expectation of very explicitly working on fulfilling the requirements for getting to pin on that first stripe. After all, they have to pass an online test, get a drill test, promotion board, PT, and so forth. So, they know what is happening every step of the way and are being firmly guided along the path so it's impossible to get surprised.
On the SM side, the guidance is there, but it is much more subtle. As a PDO, I guide the new members through their Level 1. While I view myself as their mentor, I am not hesitant to push the new members along and prod them when needed. The last part of Level 1 includes the summary conversation with the Squadron commander and their assignment to a staff position. By the time six months have passed, they are typically well on their way to their Level 2, and are productive members of the squadron - or have fallen off the roster. In the first case, the Personnel Officer watches over their TIG; we hold a Senior Member Promotion Board; recommend advancement to the Squadron Commander; and if he or she agrees, the appropriate buttons in e-services are clicked.
In both cases, the promotion takes place with all ceremony on the next "blues" night at the squadron. Promotions are NOT processed in e-services by the Squadron Commander until AFTER we've pinned on the new strips, or slid on the butter bars. Everyone is recognized and everyone is happy about it - whether they admit it or not ... even those who try to be stoic walk more proudly after it happened...
:-)
^^^^ This. My squadron needs this. I've been a member nearly a year now and have never met the PDO in person. One 3 minute phone call in the beginning and maybe an email. His schedule changed such that he isn't able to make any meetings. No one taking his place or doing any of the above you mention. I was just left to figure out eServices and the online learning stuff by searching online until I figured it out. My CAP cfi has been helpful on the flying side of things, but I'm on my own for most all else. I really like my squadron folks, but think this is its weakest link. New members come in the door and no one is there to mentor/guide them.
.
Quote from: if3isawesome on June 29, 2016, 12:13:29 PMHow did it feel when you first got promoted in Civil Air Patrol? I was just promoted for the first time yesterday and I was so motivated that I completed all my tests (except for my drill test and PT) that I needed to promote again today! So im very curious about how you felt when you first got promoted.
About the same here... the realization I'd have to wait two months before I could do it again was the worst part of each promotion. (Until I hit C/2Lt, and then for some reason I stopped caring.)
Also, for my Curry, a slight sense of pride at promoting just before my younger brother who joined around the same time I did... >:D
The first time I was promoted was 1960 when I was a cadet in the Maryland Wing's Glen Burnie Composite Squadron. In those days we had to take "book" tests and as I remember there were 8 of them. Unlike the ranks that CAP uses today, we used the 1960s Air Force ranks which started at Airman Basic, Airman Third Class (A3C), Airman Second Class (A2C), and Airman First Class (A1C). I started off as a Cadet Basic and was promoted to Cadet Third Class when I finished my first book. That first promotion is something that I still remember as a stood in from of the squadron commander and along with my new rank he gave me a promotion certificate. To think that I was no longer a Cadet Basic was really a thrill. The next time I had the same thrill was when I received my commission as Field Artillery 2Lt and thought how far I had come since the day I was promoted to Cadet first Class.
As an added note when I was an Army Captain stationed in Washington D.C. I actually had an opportunity to command the Glen Burnie Composite Squadron. The best part of being a squadron commander there was to be able to promote my cadets and seeing how thrilled they were. :)
While it may not be a big deal going from SM to 2Lt as there's not very many requirements to satisfy, it still felt good. Was kind of a surprise. I knew I had my stuff in order and my time in, but found out by logging in and seeing my rank had changed. :-) We had a small ceremony the next meeting. Just a dozen of us in the unit and most of us started at the same time, so the majority were promoted at the same time.
Starting to think I should have gone for the communications officer position. Appears I can be bumped to 1Lt for contributions, since I'll have my GROL as soon as the FCC gets around to processing the paperwork (just sent it in end of June). :-)
I still remember my first promotion really well. There was only a C/CMSgt, a C/1st Lt, a few C/Amn, and a bunch of C/AB in my squadron when I joined. So even promoting to C/Amn meant that you were pretty high ranking (later, I was actually left in charge of the cadets for a meeting for the first time as a C/A1C). In one of my first meetings as an official cadet, a senior member showed me and another new cadet all of the cadet grade insignia and told us how we could promote. He asked us what our goals were for our first promotion. I said that my goal was to get my Curry in two weeks. He said that it was an ambitious goal.
I was a really shy, awkward 13 year old at the time, so I got really nervous during my first CAP tests. I was even more nervous during my first promotion board. But that just made the moment when I was promoted to C/Amn, two weeks after that conversation with the senior member, even better. Standing in front of the squadron, getting that insignia pinned on was so awesome.
Took 4 months for my Curry - solely because I was on the fence about the program, rather, I was on my way out but it was suggested I stick to it.
I did for five more years with one left in the cadet program now.
Not much was shared with me early on and when I was asked (via email) if I wanted to go to 'O'-flight I thought "[darn], this is a much bigger squadron than has been showing up - I'm in 'B' Flight now maybe I made someone mad and I am being sent to a flight I never see at the meetings."
Then I was told what an o-flight was: 4 months in.
CAP has offered me so many opportunities, taught me so much that I will be grateful forever to the people that helped me along the way and that were alongside for the ride, many cadets and SMs.
A nostalgic look back, it is amazing.
"Back in my day".....we still wore CAP cutouts, after I was promoted and the meeting was over I remembered them so i tracked down the sq CC and asked for them back since I had purchased them (this is why you should ask if your unit can issue items instead of shelling out money for everything)...
In the car on the way home my dad asked me why I needed to get them back, and I explained how i would need them for my service coat once I promoted to C/2d Lt...
I just thought about that the other day and high-fived myself for reaching one of my first goals in CAP :)