Going from not knowing to should have known better...

When a person joins a squadron, completes level 1 and chooses a specialty track, WHEN that person errs in their track (we all err), when should a mistake go from transitioning from being a skill problem to a will problem?

The way I see it, a technician rating takes 6 months and my personal opinion is that this time also functions as a "grace" timeframe for them to try to do things, fail, and then do better next time. I don't expect perfect regulatory compliance in that timeframe. I do assume however that when a person puts in for their technician rating to be codified that they have become familiar with all aspects of the squadron level functions of their job.

I am interested in general thoughts on this (SMs through Cols thoughts as well, and any NCOs of course) and everyone's general experience with mistakes and moving forward.

"With experience comes wisdom..."  To date, I have not developed the wisdom to answer such a question.  I expect to make (some) mistakes, and err in judgement from time to time; it's normal.  I just do the best possible, and be accountable for my actions.  Now if you're talking about willfully breaking a regulation, or not learning from these mistakes, I would give a different answer. 

Mordecai,

There should be a mentor working with that Senior Member to allow them to ask questions as well as get someone to look over their work. In some Specialty Tracks, there is also an examination that needs to be passed to get the TECH rating. The squadron Professional Development Officer should be consulted if there is no one with a higher rating available in that specialty track. Failing all of the above, there should be a Deputy Commander for Seniors to assist or the Squadron Commanders themselves.

Maybe you do not have access to all of those resources, but some of them should be available.

It is situational leadership.

Between the leader and the follower there should be clear communications about what and when something should be mastered.

Once a member get his technician rating.....well....he should be competent on the skills and knowledge listed in the specialty track for that level.

If it is a technician level task.....and he/she is a technician.....he should not be able to say "I was not trained on it or it was outside the scope of my certification".

As a supervisor.....there are no hard and fast rules on where to draw the line about when you should be dropping the hammer on someone for screwing up.
You should be providing feed back and counseling each and every time he/she screws up....and the whole point of progressive discipline is that you ramp up the "ass chewing" based on the situation.