So my commander brought up the idea of me being the new PDO. I have an idea what this would mean but can I get someone to hold my hand a little and walk me through it and what exactly I would be expected to do and such?
There are a number of resources including CAPR50-17 which is the bible for professional development officers along with CAPP 204 with deals with the PDO specialty track. This pamphlet is grossly out of date but at least it'll give you a jump start. Also check "Best Practices" on the CAP website for some ideas. Be sure to attend the professional development seminars at your next group or wing conference. Complete both SLS and CLC and, if you've already done so, volunteer to assist as an instructor when the next course comes around in your area. If you're also serving as a testing officer (and many PDO's do) you'll want to study CAPR 50-4. There are a number of PDO's here on Captalk that I'm sure will share their thoughts and ideas as well. Good luck to you.
If you can explain the promotion procedures for Chaplains in CAP in 1,000 words or less then you have all you need to know!! ;D ;D
Learn the requirements for each PD level and let each of the members of your unit know what they need to do to complete their next level.
Find out where and when your local PD classes will be held and get that information to your unit. Update this as often as is needed.
Pursue your own PD aggressively; lead by example.
Encourage the others in your unit to pursue their own PD.
Quote from: DogCollar on December 10, 2008, 12:28:11 PM
If you can explain the promotion procedures for Chaplains in CAP in 1,000 words or less then you have all you need to know!! ;D ;D
If you can do that then see this post http://captalk.net/index.php?topic=6692.0;topicseen
As a PDO, I started by reviewing everyone's record to see where everyone was at. Then, I held personal interviews with each member to determine their goals and outline a plan for them, if they wanted. I submitted requests for PD courses up to group. Also, because it was a small squadron, I covered the officer records for the personnel officer and submitted paperwork for senior training awards, promotions, and the like. That was pretty much it in a nutshell.
Your Wing Director of Professional Development can be very helpful too.