Certain grade requirements for positions

[JArvey]

I looked in 52-16 and could not find it, but I heard from a Squadron Commander that the Cadet Commander and Deputy Commander have to be at least a C/Maj, is this true or is it a rumor? If you know where in the regs it says this please post, thanks.

[jimmydeanno]

Currently, the only position that has a "required grade" is the Cadet First Sergeant.  However, if you look at the cadet staff handbook or CAPR 52-16, they have "suggested" grade requirements for certain positions based off the leadership expectations outlined in 52-16.

[Eclipse]

There is no prescription as to grade for any cadet staff position except for First Shirt.

It is not uncommon for NCO's to serve as the Cadet Commander.
(Not necessarily a good idea, but also not uncommon).

[ol'fido]

The 52-16 presents what would be the theoretical "ideal" for a cadet chain of command. While everyone should aspire to the ideal, the reality is that, especially in new units, you go with who you have. In a very new unit, you may wish to not have a cadet chain of command until the pack has separated somewhat. OTOH, I have heard of units in the past not allowing cadets to test and promote because they had their "allotment" of  c/Majs or c/ Capts. Not kosher.

[JArvey]

The 52-16 presents what would be the theoretical "ideal" for a cadet chain of command. While everyone should aspire to the ideal, the reality is that, especially in new units, you go with who you have. In a very new unit, you may wish to not have a cadet chain of command until the pack has separated somewhat. OTOH, I have heard of units in the past not allowing cadets to test and promote because they had their "allotment" of  c/Majs or c/ Capts. Not kosher.

Ive heard of that before as well. And is it allowed to not have a CC until you have the suggested grade?

[DC]

The 52-16 presents what would be the theoretical "ideal" for a cadet chain of command. While everyone should aspire to the ideal, the reality is that, especially in new units, you go with who you have. In a very new unit, you may wish to not have a cadet chain of command until the pack has separated somewhat. OTOH, I have heard of units in the past not allowing cadets to test and promote because they had their "allotment" of  c/Majs or c/ Capts. Not kosher.

Ive heard of that before as well. And is it allowed to not have a CC until you have the suggested grade?

That's perfectly acceptable, and even encouraged. If you look at CAPP 52-15, the Cadet Staff Handbook, there are several sample organizational charts for squadrons of varying size and composition. Several of them omit certain positions because they do not have cadets of suitable rank and experience. Senior Members take care of the duties normally assigned to those cadets until a cadet is able to assume them.

[coudano]

the squadron commander can appoint anyone (or nobody) to any (or no) staff position regardless.

I haven't had a "cadet commander" per se, at my squadron in several years (despite having phase 3 cadets and a phase 4 cadet on and off).  Don't need one anyway, in my opinion, staff titles are distractions, so I don't do em.

the language authorizing the first sergeant (and wear of the diamond) and restricting it to C/SNCO's is missing from the new 52-16 that is about to take effect 1 Feb.

[manfredvonrichthofen]

the squadron commander can appoint anyone (or nobody) to any (or no) staff position regardless.

I haven't had a "cadet commander" per se, at my squadron in several years (despite having phase 3 cadets and a phase 4 cadet on and off).  Don't need one anyway, in my opinion, staff titles are distractions, so I don't do em.

the language authorizing the first sergeant (and wear of the diamond) and restricting it to C/SNCO's is missing from the new 52-16 that is about to take effect 1 Feb.

So you don't teach advanced responsibility?

[coudano]

i teach advanced responsibility appropriate to the cadet's phase in the program, possibly to a higher degree than many/most squadrons who do have cadet commanders, it just looks a little different than what you usually/traditionally see.

i'm much more interested in what a cadet actually *DOES* than what title they call themselves.
I have watched cadet after cadet (including myself wiwac) chase after a staff title, that meant nothing in terms of actual capability, responsibility, and accomplishment.  I consider that a fail.

[Ron1319]

I believe that you need a cadet capable of filling this description before you have someone with the title.  I can't imagine having someone (or multiple cadets) capable and then telling them that they could not have the duty, responsibility and title.

CADET COMMANDER

Synopsis

Cadet command is the ultimate challenge for a cadet officer. It is an
enormous test of leadership skill, especially one's ability to articulate a
vision and point all cadets toward meaningful goals. The position
stands at the epicenter of the squadron: The cadet commander is the
most visible cadet, a role model for the entire cadet corps, and the liaison between the senior staff and the cadet staff. The nature of this
position depends on the number of cadet officers and NCOs in the
squadron. Therefore, the position description must be flexible. In small
squadrons, the cadet commander may need to assume flight commander and even first sergeant duties. In large squadrons, the main
task is to direct and coordinate a team of cadet officers and NCOs.

Immediate Supervisor Typical Grades
Squadron Cmdr. or Deputy C/Capt through C/Col

Key Duties
Set Goals for the Squadron. The vision for the cadet corps must stem
from the cadet commander. Use your insight and experience to point
the squadron toward exciting and meaningful goals. Survey cadets'
interests to learn what activities they desire. Confer with the squadron
commander or deputy and propose short range (weekly), mid-range
(quarterly), and long range (yearly) goals for the squadron to achieve.
Establish Plans, Policies & Procedures. Keep the squadron focused on
its goals by setting short term training objectives for each weekly
meeting and special activity. Ensure all cadet activities are well
planned and successful. Continually evaluate the effectiveness of the
cadet staff's standard operating procedures.

Coordinate Cadet Staff Activities. Build a spirit of teamwork among
the cadet staff. Outline basic guidelines for how they will work together.
Hone and clarify the various cadet staff position descriptions. Convene
and chair cadet staff meetings on a regular basis. Serve as the primary
liaison between the senior member and cadet staffs.

Make Personnel Recommendations. Propose cadet duty assignments.
Mentor one or more cadets as your potential successor(s). Ensure
cadets receive meaningful feedback about their leadership performance through the CAPF 50 process.

Make promotion recommendations.
Direct the Cadet Corps. Cadet commander is the ultimate position in
the cadet corps' hierarchy. Supervise and mentor all cadets, especially
cadet officers, while working through the chain of command. Resolve
conflicts and disputes. Motivate and discipline cadets, working through
the flight commanders. Keep the senior staff informed of any issues
that may develop into serious problems, and all issues affecting the
general safety and welfare of the cadets.

Promote Excellence. Lead by example and motivate all cadets to live
the Core Values and meet or exceed CAP standards concerning the
fundamentals of cadet life. Lead the inspection party during squadronlevel uniform inspections. Ensure the cadet staff is aware of potential
safety hazards and takes steps to keep cadets safe, especially during
field activities.

Lead Drill & Ceremonies. Command all squadron-level cadet formations. Assist with cadet promotion and award ceremonies.
Plan for the Future: Senior Membership & Adulthood

Keep a journal of your experiences as cadet commander. Use the
journal to reflect on your decision-making processes, leadership
challenges, and lessons learned.

Learn what opportunities are available to adults in CAP. As a
longtime CAP member and a leader, CAP needs you to remain
active after you outgrow the Cadet Program. Investigate the
opportunities for service and continued leadership growth available to senior members.

Continue to pursue your personal goals in your education, career
aspirations, and life in general. Consider how you can apply what
you've learned as a cadet officer to the challenges you face as a
young adult.

To provide a more specific answer, if you have few cadets and no officers or capable cadet officers, you can easily have a flight sgt, an assistant flight sgt and some element leaders and be responsible for more of the duties above, but the goal should be to fill the cadet chain of command and have very, very little left to do as a senior member except oversee and provide mentoring.