CAP Talk

General Discussion => The Lobby => Topic started by: RADIOMAN015 on August 26, 2009, 10:26:28 PM

Title: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: RADIOMAN015 on August 26, 2009, 10:26:28 PM
Rumor has it changes are coming in northeast region with the selection of the new commander.
Staff assignments can be seen at:
http://www.ner.cap.gov/staff/staff.php

Also our understanding is the NER will be moving its' headquarters further north.  Rumor has it they are looking at Otis ANGB, Hanscom AFB, Westover ARB, and possibly Devens Training area.

Very interesting :o
RM
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: Spike on August 26, 2009, 10:54:49 PM
Moving from the location where the Liaison Region is located is an idiotic idea.  Honestly, DIX/McGuire have more resources, activities and support for CAP. 

They are there now, lets stay there.  Unless the AF tells them to leave, they are best situated there. 

Also, the Region Commander is a Jersey guy.....isn't he??   
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: dhon27 on August 26, 2009, 10:59:13 PM
The former NER/CC was from NJ.  The current CC, Col Hayden, is from Maine.
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: Spike on August 26, 2009, 11:04:00 PM
^ Got it..thanks. 
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: RiverAux on August 26, 2009, 11:10:32 PM
There are actual physical locations for Region Headquarters? Don't see much need for that since the staff is spread out over multiple states and there aren't any full-time employees. 
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: FW on August 27, 2009, 10:50:45 AM
Region HQ is more of a state of mind than an actual location.  ;)

NER HQ is not much more than a "mail drop".  Liason HQ is at McGuire, as is NERSC.  Region Staff usuall meets via teleconference or at wing conferences.  Things may change with the new commander though.

Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: jimmydeanno on August 27, 2009, 12:15:51 PM
Quote from: FW on August 27, 2009, 10:50:45 AM
Region HQ is more of a state of mind than an actual location.  ;)

NER HQ is not much more than a "mail drop".  Liason HQ is at McGuire, as is NERSC.  Region Staff usuall meets via teleconference or at wing conferences.  Things may change with the new commander though.

Not looking forward to meeting in Canada :)  Isn't he from Caribou, Maine?  That's pretty "out there."

Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: Spike on August 27, 2009, 04:14:50 PM
Quote from: FW on August 27, 2009, 10:50:45 AM
Region HQ is more of a state of mind than an actual location.  ;)

Then we should get rid of Regions altogether.  We could have Wing Commanders report directly to CAP HQ staff.  Eliminate one level. 

I know FW, you are in PA, that is pretty far away from the center of the "Region" in NER isn't it??

Pa should be lumped with the Mid Atlantic States or Great lakes states.  It is both a great lake state and a Mid Atlantic State. 

I know people will now tell me how stupid I am, but seriously, unless you serve on Region Staff, the regular members of a Region have no interaction except for special events.

NER is problematic as it stands now.  Most training and Cadet Activities are always top of NEW York or higher.

If we want to keep regions, lets make more regions by lumping fewer states together.   
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: Eclipse on August 27, 2009, 04:15:55 PM
Quote from: Spike on August 27, 2009, 04:14:50 PM
Pa should be lumped with the Mid Atlantic States or Great lakes states.  It is both a great lake state and a Mid Atlantic State. 

PA is a lot of things, but a Great Lake state it is not.

The "great" lakes are Michigan, Superior, and Huron (in that order).  Erie and Ontario at "Good" lakes at best.
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: FW on August 27, 2009, 04:36:33 PM
PA is "Philly in the East, Pittsburg in the West and Selma Alabama everywhere else"  ;D

The only reason (other than to bother wing/ccs) to have regions is for "span of control" issues.  It's easier to speak with 8 region/ccs than 52 wing/ccs all the time.  I understand it's hard enough for the "boss" to handle them all at NB meetings.....

BTW, region boundaries are not fixed.  They can be modified/changed by the NEC or BOG.  I doubt however, we will see any movement on this.....

Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: SarDragon on August 27, 2009, 11:03:57 PM
Quote from: Eclipse on August 27, 2009, 04:15:55 PM
Quote from: Spike on August 27, 2009, 04:14:50 PM
Pa should be lumped with the Mid Atlantic States or Great lakes states.  It is both a great lake state and a Mid Atlantic State. 

PA is a lot of things, but a Great Lake state it is not.

The "great" lakes are Michigan, Superior, and Huron (in that order).  Erie and Ontario at "Good" lakes at best.

This is a stretch at best, but PA does border on Lake Erie for about 44 miles, and NY borders on Lake Erie for about 70 miles, and Lake Ontario for about 202 miles, making it also a Great Lakes state.

[sarcasm noted from above; just clarifying a point here]
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: RADIOMAN015 on August 28, 2009, 03:17:53 AM
Quote from: FW on August 27, 2009, 10:50:45 AM
Region HQ is more of a state of mind than an actual location.  ;)

NER HQ is not much more than a "mail drop".  Liason HQ is at McGuire, as is NERSC.  Region Staff usuall meets via teleconference or at wing conferences.  Things may change with the new commander though.

Our vast sources of gossip & rumor control specialists  :D  are whispering to us that this regional commander will expect his staff to actually physically meet as a staff on a regular basis.  NER is looking for a permanent dedicated shared facility with a desk & chair for each staff member.   Maybe monthly or twice monthly.
RM 

Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: ZigZag911 on August 28, 2009, 05:24:29 AM
Quote from: SpikeThen we should get rid of Regions altogether.  We could have Wing Commanders report directly to CAP HQ staff.  Eliminate one level. 

Eliminate one level, and create an unbelievable span of control problem...
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: Spike on August 28, 2009, 06:12:58 PM
Quote from: RADIOMAN015 on August 28, 2009, 03:17:53 AM
Our vast sources of gossip & rumor control specialists  :D  are whispering to us that this regional commander will expect his staff to actually physically meet as a staff on a regular basis.  NER is looking for a permanent dedicated shared facility with a desk & chair for each staff member.   Maybe monthly or twice monthly.
RM

That is very impractical considering the size of the Region.  Only the wealthy will be able to afford to meet at a staff call.  How far from the top of Main to the Mason-Dixon Line?? 

This won't be liked by many.   
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: SarDragon on August 28, 2009, 09:46:13 PM
Quote from: Spike on August 28, 2009, 06:12:58 PM
Quote from: RADIOMAN015 on August 28, 2009, 03:17:53 AM
Our vast sources of gossip & rumor control specialists  :D  are whispering to us that this regional commander will expect his staff to actually physically meet as a staff on a regular basis.  NER is looking for a permanent dedicated shared facility with a desk & chair for each staff member.   Maybe monthly or twice monthly.
RM

That is very impractical considering the size of the Region.  Only the wealthy will be able to afford to meet at a staff call.  How far from the top of Main[e] to the Mason-Dixon Line?? 

This won't be liked by many.   

'Bout a 12 hour drive, less than going end to end of California.
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: FW on August 29, 2009, 04:39:10 AM
On a Sunday, it would take about 15 hours to get from the DE/PA boarder to the northern ME/NB boarder; provided you bypass NYC and Boston.  If you take I-95 all the way, it can take you 10 hours just to get past NYC.   Flying is the only way to go.

Back in the day when I was in NER, we had monthly (in person) staff meetings and quarterly commander's calls.  Region HQ was at Westover RAFB and, no one had a problem making the meetings.  I doubt there will be a problem if the HQ is relocated to a more central area.
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: RiverAux on August 30, 2009, 11:13:30 PM
Since Regions don't really do much of anything, I see no reason to waste CAP members time and CAP/AF money on region staff meetings more than maybe once or twice a year (if that).  Teleconferences should more than suffice.  Monthly wing staff meetings are barely worth having and they've got a lot more stuff to deal with. 
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: Spike on August 31, 2009, 12:08:49 AM
Quote from: FW on August 29, 2009, 04:39:10 AM
On a Sunday, it would take about 15 hours to get from the DE/PA boarder to the northern ME/NB boarder; provided you bypass NYC and Boston.  If you take I-95 all the way, it can take you 10 hours just to get past NYC.   Flying is the only way to go.

Back in the day when I was in NER, we had monthly (in person) staff meetings and quarterly commander's calls.  Region HQ was at Westover RAFB and, no one had a problem making the meetings.  I doubt there will be a problem if the HQ is relocated to a more central area.

How long ago was that?  Was that at the time that gas was $0.99 ??

So from Philadelphia to Westover it took you........ 4.5 hours??  That is what Google Maps is telling me.  Seems somewhat unfair to those that live west of you in PA.  Did you fly??  Did everyone fly in??
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: FW on August 31, 2009, 01:18:03 AM
When I drove to Westover, it took me about 4 hours (I live north of Philly).  Staff members who lived in Pittsburgh had to have a second residence in Mass. because it took 8-12 hours depending on traffic.  Needless to say, they flew in whenever possible.

I usually flew in the region 206 with 4 other staff members for meetings. If I remember correctly, AVGAS "back then" was only $1.85 for 100LL.  autogas was about $1.35  Most staff members drove in and stayed for the weekend in billiting (about $10/night).  (paid by the members participating or region budget).  Sometimes staff meetings coincided with Wing conferences.  Only the command staff attended every meeting (others came on an "as needed" basis).

Of course, this was before 9-11, the internet, blackberrys, cell phones in every ear....    Things are definately different today.
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: MIKE on August 31, 2009, 03:23:06 AM
Devens RFTA would be close for me if region needs someone in Cadet Programs.  I only went to Hanscom and Westover when I had to... and I live in MA.
Title: Re: Northeast Region Location & Staff Changes?
Post by: Thom on August 31, 2009, 03:53:11 AM
Quote from: RiverAux on August 30, 2009, 11:13:30 PM
Since Regions don't really do much of anything, I see no reason to waste CAP members time and CAP/AF money on region staff meetings more than maybe once or twice a year (if that).  Teleconferences should more than suffice.  Monthly wing staff meetings are barely worth having and they've got a lot more stuff to deal with.

Just as a point of reference, I recently ended a 14 year span of employment with a major Fortune 500 (maybe 100...) IT company.  During that time, I had not one, not two, but THREE different supervisors, each of whom was my supervisor for slightly more than 2 years, that I NEVER PHYSICALLY MET!  I mean, with email, phone calls, conference calls, NetMeeting/WebEx/Remote Whiteboard services, why do you really need to meet face to face?

If folks really want to meet face-to-face, that is fine, but don't tell me it is necessary, barring some obscure legal issues.

Thom Hamilton