I am trying to help out a new member who joined a few months ago and has completed Level 1. His Specialty Track is Communications.
Here is my question: I am going to suggest that he put in for promotion to 1st Lt based on the fact that he is both an instrument rated pilot, and he also holds a General Radio Operators License. Both of these certifications make him eligible for 1st Lt. pending Commander's approval.
Does it matter which certification he uses for the promotion? I am only asking because if the promotion is based on Mission Related Skills (CAPR 035-5 Section D), our Squadron does not have an aircraft, but he is enrolled in the Communications Specialty track and is the Squadron's Assistant Communications Officer.
As always, thanks in advance for all opinions.
I would suggest writing it up for both with details of how he will be or is using both skills for the benefit of CAP.
In these parts you generally have to demonstrate participation before putting in for the MRS promotion.
(i.e a pilot with a form 5, comm guy with a radio card, etc.)
If there is proof that the member has these qualifications (which obviously there is ;)) Then write up both of the qualifications. Never hurts to let NHQ know who is joining where with what qualifications!
..and that these skills are being used for CAP. Just having them does not give an automatic right. From the sounding of it, I doesn't seem like you're going down that road anyway, but worth a second mention when people search for the topic in the future, too.
Though these missions skills related promotions are kinda a sticky wicket too, since you can't fly for CAP before you are rated, and the ratings can take as long as the time in grade in some units/groups/wings if the activity just isn't there, or it's all hoarded. So just to say "the member will", doesn't usually cut it.
Pursuing it with Communications would be in theory, simpler. Though I've never heard of a communications mission related promotion in passing, or spotted it when looking the stuff up. Now I'm curious too.
Possibly because the comms manual says that persons with a general radio operatir licence(not general class ham) can service CAP radios.
Which begins to approach the ludicrous since Johnson radios must now be returned to the NTC for service when required, and don't even think about touching the new repeaters....
A ham is much more valuable to the Communications program due to all of the operating theory and (with luck) emergency communications experience that hams usually possess.
But I digress...
It's a hold-over.
Some hams have good operating theory and knowledge, but not all. Few have good emergency comm experience. This is based solely on my dealings with them.
Many have a serious chip on their shoulders because they can't use their equipment in CAP.
I think you are selling hams as a group short, but the main point is accurate -- not every ham would be a good fit for CAP or bring much more than a license to the table.
However, these "holdovers" should be addressed.