CG Aux Public Affairs Specialist Program - something CAP should copy

[RiverAux]

While the CAP public affairs specialty track is one of the more difficult ones, that is primarily because of the extensive time-in-position requirements which are some of, if not the, longest of any CAP specialty track.  I recently took a look at the CG Aux's Public Affairs Specialist program (http://www.auxpa.org/parecog.html) and find it much, much better than CAP's program. 

It too is a three-stage program, but rather than primarily depending on time-in-position and a single online (that NHQ says is to be implemented in the imediate future) course, it incorporates multiple online courses that actually seem relevant and a Personnel Qualification System (like our ES task guide) that gets more difficult the higher you go, and also requires oral boards made up of other qualified people at each level. 

There is just no comparison between the two programs, but you want to know the ironic thing?  CG Aux public affairs folks are EXTREMELY restricted in putting out news releases.  Other than routine announcements about boating education classes and a few other things, they can't make a move without CG approval.  While on the other hand, a CAP member appointed yesterday can be sending out releases to statewide newspapers and tv stations today if they can bamboozle their commander into letting them. 

Going a step beyond just public affairs, I think the CG Aux is onto something by incorporating specific tasks into their version of a PD system.  We've done the same for our ES work and I think it has tremendously improved the program.  Perhaps we need to consider doing the same over in PD. 

[Gunner C]

I just looked at the download of requirements for the program.  It looks like it's pretty well thought out.  One of the things that caught my eye was the requirement for the oral board by a panel of PA types. 

I corporating this sort of thing into our PD would be an improvement.  There's no requirement for any specialty that I'm aware of, to articulate what you've learned.  It doesn't sound like a "gotcha" type of board, but it would ensure that, in this case PA, those who are already in the specialty would keep a type of QA attitude, rather than having the commander, who may or may not know much about the specialty, sign it off.

[isuhawkeye]

Dint forget that this program is recognised by the active duty.  Many PQS qualified auxiliarists augment the active duty in these roles.  there is a lot of active duty involvement and mentour-ship that goes into making this successfully.

[RiverAux]

Dint forget that this program is recognised by the active duty.  Many PQS qualified auxiliarists augment the active duty in these roles.  there is a lot of active duty involvement and mentour-ship that goes into making this successfully.

Technically possible, but seems to be rare.  According to AuxInfo, here are the numbers of those currently qualified:
PA Specialist I: 39
PA Specialist II: 5
PA Specialist III: 15

Obviously an absurdly small number given that CG Aux is about the same size as CAP's senior membership, but as I said earlier, Aux PA folks are so limited in what they can do, that probably not many see the point of following this program, which isn't mandatory (just like you can be a PAO in CAP without being in the PAO specialty track). 

[RADIOMAN015]

I just looked at the download of requirements for the program.  It looks like it's pretty well thought out.  One of the things that caught my eye was the requirement for the oral board by a panel of PA types. 

I corporating this sort of thing into our PD would be an improvement.  There's no requirement for any specialty that I'm aware of, to articulate what you've learned.  It doesn't sound like a "gotcha" type of board, but it would ensure that, in this case PA, those who are already in the specialty would keep a type of QA attitude, rather than having the commander, who may or may not know much about the specialty, sign it off.

I don't think we need any oral boards.  Perhaps the Wing PAO just needs to be aware of what the squadron PAO's are doing and be a supporter of anyone's skills upgrade application (no reason why a command can't ask any functional expert in the chain of command for their evaluation/comments on a members' upgrade).  News release copies (basically emails now with attached pictures), successes (normally just a web url whether TV stations or news media), squadron website, etc.   

It's not what you KNOW but what you DO (for CAP) that is more important in ANY CAP position.  Even if you aren't the most knowlegeable in all public affairs areas, professional people even outside of CAP (e.g. print news editors & TV news producers) will help you, if you just ask nicely.  I've found that the TV news people (which now may be just a reporter who sets up her own camera on a tripod and interviews, shoots the video, edits the video, and writes the story), don't need guidance (from us) to do their job.   

I keep our wing PAO informed, and when he asks me for something I provide it and assist.   I also helped the region by writing and article on one activity using our squadron's facilities.   Also the PAO folks at National Headquarters are very helpful in their editing skills and it's good training to see what ones' article looks like after editing & I'm keeping those as a sample.

I'm having fun doing this, it isn't like my day pay job -- lets make this easy for people who volunteer, NOT throw up road blocks and mumble jumbo things just for the sake of doing that.

RM

[RiverAux]

You know, there are a lot of CAP specialty tracks where a laid back approach toward qualification is probably okay. 

But, there are a couple where it is absolutely essential to keep people out if they don't really know what they're doing.  Public affairs is one of them.  An imcompetent public affairs officer is much more likely to hurt the organization than help it and I'd rather have no PAO in a squadron than one that doesn't know the job. 

In this case, if you don't KNOW how to write a press release without having to depend on the newspaper (or NHQ) to edit it so that it makes sense, you shouldn't be in the job.  DOING a bad job at public affairs is not an option. 

[RADIOMAN015]

You know, there are a lot of CAP specialty tracks where a laid back approach toward qualification is probably okay. 

But, there are a couple where it is absolutely essential to keep people out if they don't really know what they're doing.  Public affairs is one of them.  An imcompetent public affairs officer is much more likely to hurt the organization than help it and I'd rather have no PAO in a squadron than one that doesn't know the job. 

In this case, if you don't KNOW how to write a press release without having to depend on the newspaper (or NHQ) to edit it so that it makes sense, you shouldn't be in the job.  DOING a bad job at public affairs is not an option.

Most press releases/stories are going to get edited no matter who submits them.  Edits are done because of space limitations, but also might have to be done because of the time that has elapsed since the activity occurred and was able to be fit into the newspaper and/or on line type web page news.

I agree with you that everyone can't be a PAO, but you need to give the adult leaders (commanders) credit for picking the right people to do this job.  I primarily volunteered to do the PAO job, because we weren't getting any external media exposure -- I want to see our squadron (and ultimately CAP) get recognized for the good things we do, especially anything involving the cadet program.   (However, since we are a composite squadron there will be some senior member stories also published).

Hopefully, we (I have an assistant that recently joined CAP that has an interest in PAO) will be able to progress and get all areas of the PAO function working well.
RM 

[capchiro]

Gentlemen, in case you have not been informed. the current PAO training program goes away 1 July 2010, so you might watch to see what is coming out..

[RiverAux]

You mean the current correspondence course is going away and being replaced with a different one.  Of course it is possible that they are releasing a totally new PAO professional development pamphlet, which you would hope would have gone up in draft form for member comment as do regulations.  So long as the pamphlet remains the same, I wouldn't hold out much hope for a revised course being that much of a change. 

[Eagle400]

You see, this is one of the reasons why I will join the Coast Guard Auxiliary first, then transition back into CAP.

Continuity and all that jazz.. 

[O-Rex]

You see, this is one of the reasons why I will join the Coast Guard Auxiliary first, then transition back into CAP.

Continuity and all that jazz..

If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would be at this juncture, I **NEVER** would have believed it, but I'm right there with you, brother......

[PWK-GT]

You mean the current correspondence course is going away and being replaced with a different one.  Of course it is possible that they are releasing a totally new PAO professional development pamphlet, which you would hope would have gone up in draft form for member comment as do regulations.  So long as the pamphlet remains the same, I wouldn't hold out much hope for a revised course being that much of a change.

As it was told to me, via a PAO conference call last month, it not only will eliminate the way-obsolete AFIADL /AU 2010 course...but create a whole new criteria. The 'check boxes' will reflect more current practices (like EGAD - using the internet), and will also include a new online Track rating exam, much like the ones that already exist for CP, AE, IT, etc. So, goodbye old program, and hello new one! Anything will be progress over that 'learn-it-and-forget-it' former process.

[Eagle400]

You see, this is one of the reasons why I will join the Coast Guard Auxiliary first, then transition back into CAP.

Continuity and all that jazz..

If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would be at this juncture, I **NEVER** would have believed it, but I'm right there with you, brother......

Thanks O-Rex.  Good to know I'm not the only one! 

Even though I'm prior cadet, going from the CG Aux to CAP would prove far more beneficial than going back into CAP first.

Some may ask why, and I'm more than happy to answer inquiries via PM.



Anywho... Yes, the CG Aux Public Affairs Specialist Program is something CAP should adopt, as is the case with most CG Aux programs. 

There's still a bit of a 'trust gap' between CAP and the AF.  It's time to fill it (or what's left of it)... especially with the VSAF program.  CAP has made leaps and bounds forward; continuing the good momentum is imperative.