Have any of you group or wing staff members involved with the Subordinate Unit Inspection program of squadrons ever seen an SUI actually prompt a turn-around in what most people would consider a poorly-run squadron?
We spend a fair amount of volunteer time and money on getting people to do these inspections and wonder if it is really worth it. Any group or Wing commander worth his/her salt is going to have a fair idea of which are their strong and weak units and my impression is that the SUI program just confirms what everyone probably already knows anyway.
Are they really worth it?
They are worth it simply for the fact that they make less aware unit commander's aware of their units short comings.
I know very well which of my units and commander's are weak in whatever area's. This is simply a tool to help them see how they can better help me as a group commander.
I have seen units turn their operations to the point where they are meeting the bare minimum requirements which is all we can really require.
I have served on Wing Inspection teams and do believe that if used correctly is a powerful tool. We were able to show subordinate units how to do things, make corrections in their day to day operations, and find problems which were previously unknown.
In my last unit, I haven't seen or heard from the Group Headquarters since I came back from Iraq three years ago. When we had our squadron-CC decided to resign and got no response from Group on the person who volunteered to be his replacement (not me), I decided that if the Group didn't care about subordinate units, than it was time to retire after 40 years of CAP service.
Yeah, I've seen them make a difference. The squadron totally bombed their SUI and the Squadron Commander was relieved.
The new Squadron Commander took things a bit more seriously and they were much improved on the reinspection.
So yeah, the SUI did make a difference.
We just had our SUI. Having just stepped into the role of ES Officer, it gave me a chance to sit down with the Wing ES Officer and discuss expectations, hints and pointers, etc. On a whole, it makes the unit look that much closer at exactly what it takes to be above the bar in the Wing. Would it help a squadron with a poor attitude, probably not, but as was stated earlier, a change in command might be in order to remedy that.
I believe SUI's are meant to be taken seriously. If the Unit Commander doesn't then the unit doesn't. It needs to be determined by the higher levels if the SUI is just a case of going through the motions or expectations for the unit to approve. I would rather not waste my time but I will give my absolute best for the sake of the unit.
I can't speak for wing or group staff, as originally asked. At the squadron level, I've seen the SUI used as a tool to improve performance. We just completed an SUI, and compliance was dramatically better than two years ago.
We held workshops to prepare members for the inspection. For those new to their duty assignments, the SUI planning sheets presented the "Readers Digest" version of which regulations apply.
If you don't have an SUI scheduled, a self assessment might be a good idea. It would offer an objective view of how things are going.
SUI's can be a very powerful learning tool or a very destructive tool, depending on the inspector(s). I can think of at least 2 units that folded after a bad experience with an SUI. Notice that I didn't say they got a BAD SUI, big difference.
New units and/or new CCs, or really inexperienced sqdn staff, have found SUIs very helpful when used as a teaching tool rather than a club.
Got any advice for a 3 year old unit with a command staff that has less time in service than the unit? ;D We should be having our first SUI this summer.
Inform the newbees. Give them a copy of the SUI guide and tell them to have answers to all the questions in their section. Put together a simple continuity book with pertinent regs to look impressive. Have copies of Press Releases, for PAO. Have notes of specific Cadet or squadron activities for the DCC. Have a detailed finance report, for Finance. Have specifics on Supply items and who has possession. Show anything you can in any area that is over and above.
Most of all explain the process to the newbees and connect them with Group or Wing counterparts ahead of time.
Don't leave them in the dark to sink or swim.
Quote from: GoofyOne on April 14, 2009, 11:16:45 AM
Inform the newbees. Give them a copy of the SUI guide and tell them to have answers to all the questions in their section. Put together a simple continuity book with pertinent regs to look impressive. Have copies of Press Releases, for PAO. Have notes of specific Cadet or squadron activities for the DCC. Have a detailed finance report, for Finance. Have specifics on Supply items and who has possession. Show anything you can in any area that is over and above.
Most of all explain the process to the newbees and connect them with Group or Wing counterparts ahead of time.
Don't leave them in the dark to sink or swim.
We are all newbies. We get little to no support from wing and group is doing it's best to help us but is understaffed.
I have grown up in my squadron. been in it since 84 sans my college years and my timeon active duty and you know what? I dont remember ever having a unit inspection. I wish we did have one so we could see what is wrong with us and fix it. But we tend to get ignored by Wing.
I'm REALLY hoping my squadron gets a SUI soon. We have some problem areas that need to be addressed from a higher level. We have some bottlenecks with certain key personnel positions and for the life of me, can't get them to address the problems appropriately. Plus, my squadron hasn't been inspected in a long while apparently. I think it would be beneficial for all of us to get a perspective from outside our squadron. As the AE Officer, I can't wait to have a face to face meeting with the Wing DAE, as e-mails do have their limitations. Constructive criticism is almost always beneficial IMHO.
Quote from: flyguy06 on April 14, 2009, 12:09:18 PMI have grown up in my squadron. been in it since 84 sans my college years and my timeon active duty and you know what? I dont remember ever having a unit inspection. I wish we did have one so we could see what is wrong with us and fix it. But we tend to get ignored by Wing.
All squadrons are required to be inspected every 36 months. If it's been longer than 39 months, you're not allowed to conduct unit activities, including weekly meetings, until the SUI is completed (ref. CAPR 123-3 para 12b.)
I would check with the Wing IG. Maybe the SUI took place without your knowing (although as a member of the senior staff, you should have been informed).
If the Wing IG brushes you off, report it to the National IG. Seriously.
Quote from: dwb on April 14, 2009, 12:25:16 PM
All squadrons are required to be inspected every 36 months. If it's been longer than 39 months, you're not allowed to conduct unit activities, including weekly meetings, until the SUI is completed (ref. CAPR 123-3 para 12b.)
Yeah, because we should shut down a squadron because the wing fails to do its job... ::)
That's right up there with "Squadron has a charter." If they didn't, why would the inspection team be there?
Quote from: jimmydeanno on April 14, 2009, 01:54:19 PMYeah, because we should shut down a squadron because the wing fails to do its job... ::)
There are several scenarios where a subordinate unit would be stopped from conducting its business because of actions of the Wing. Grounding the aircraft fleet is an example; even the subordinate units that were doing the right thing have to stop flying.
For better or worse, when it comes to corporate responsibility, a lot of times the buck stops at the Wing CC. From a corporate perspective, the Wing CC, via his IG, must positively establish that a squadron is maintaining compliance with CAP regulations. That is why SUIs are required, and that is why a squadron's operations can be put on hold for noncompliance.
Honestly, at the squadron level, no they don't make a difference, or at least that has been my experience. Groups yes, Wing yes but squadron no.
The process is normally get ready for the inspection, get inspection and then forget it and go back to the norm...........
Quote from: dwb on April 14, 2009, 12:25:16 PM
Quote from: flyguy06 on April 14, 2009, 12:09:18 PMI have grown up in my squadron. been in it since 84 sans my college years and my timeon active duty and you know what? I dont remember ever having a unit inspection. I wish we did have one so we could see what is wrong with us and fix it. But we tend to get ignored by Wing.
All squadrons are required to be inspected every 36 months. If it's been longer than 39 months, you're not allowed to conduct unit activities, including weekly meetings, until the SUI is completed (ref. CAPR 123-3 para 12b.)
I would check with the Wing IG. Maybe the SUI took place without your knowing (although as a member of the senior staff, you should have been informed).
If the Wing IG brushes you off, report it to the National IG. Seriously.
After reading this thread, i talked to my Squadron CC and he told me we had one years ago withthelast Commander. that must have ben the tine when I was deployed. But he is not interested in having another one. I think we should to tell us where our shortcomings are. but agan i am not the CC. He says let laying dogs lie. So oh well