Recruiting a former member

[davidsinn]

I'm trying to recruit a new cadet's dad who is a former member of CAP back in the seventies and eighties. He was also a MSgt in the USAF before his discharge in the early nineties. He is also a Nurse Practitioner. What grade can we try and push for? The interesting thing is I have a F2 from the seventies that appoints him to the unofficial grade of CWO4. The way I interpret 35-5 I can go for 1st Lt on the nurse. I can't find the cite but isn't a former E7 good for Capt? Under 35-5 a RM CWO4 is good for Major. Can I use the F2 that shows CWO4(CAP) and send a F2 up for consideration for Major? Looking at this gentleman's personnel folder I'm very impressed and want him to join. Besides the appointment as medical officer what carrots can I dangle in front of him? Before you ask why we have his folder if he's not considering joining I don't have the answer for that.

[Eclipse]

I'd say either 1st Lt as  nurse, or whatever the equivalent would be for his USAF NCO grade.  You can't use an "unofficial" CAP promotion from 20 years ago for something today.

FWIW, his contributions to the cause, and what he will garner from the participation should be the carrot, not grade, especially for someone who's been around the block with CAP before. Recruiting him as an NP sets up the same dynamic we were speaking about before, he's getting grade credit for skills he can never us in CAP.

His regular military experience and former CAP days will help with general areas like uniform, bearing, etc., but this is not your grandfather's CAP (despite the fact that your grandfather might still be a member).   

[RiverAux]

I tend to agree with Eclipse here.  I probably would barely mention what his rank would be if he came back in unless he specifically asked about it.  Whats more important are the thing(s) that are making him consider re-joining and whether what he wants to do matches with what your unit is doing.  Also, would spend some time discussing all the changes that have happened in CAP since then and that he is going to have to start at the bottom again in terms of ES (assuming he is interested in that). 

[davidsinn]

Also, would spend some time discussing all the changes that have happened in CAP since then and that he is going to have to start at the bottom again in terms of ES (assuming he is interested in that). 

There's my problem. I'm only 24 and only just earned my red service so I really don't know what has changed. I think I can get him into ES since he does have Observer wings. But the nearest aircraft are almost 2 hours away so that's a problem.

[Eclipse]

You may not know what's changed, but you can walk him through the state of CAP today, which will raise questions from him about how things have changed.

[jimmydeanno]

I think I can get him into ES since he does have Observer wings. But the nearest aircraft are almost 2 hours away so that's a problem.

First thing I can think of is that pesky computer thing...

There are several things - there are standardized qualification requirements.
Those requirements have introduced tasks and such that weren't part of the training beforehand.
Technology has changed in the cockpit, becker DFs, glass, etc.
NIMs compliance is a big part.

There are many, many things that have changed, so it would be better to start from square 1 again.

[davidsinn]

I think I can get him into ES since he does have Observer wings. But the nearest aircraft are almost 2 hours away so that's a problem.

First thing I can think of is that pesky computer thing...

I don't think that will bother him he seems to be a bit of a geek. He was aircrew on NEACP and Looking Glass.

There are many, many things that have changed, so it would be better to start from square 1 again.

Agreed.

[pixelwonk]

FWIW, his contributions to the cause, and what he will garner from the participation should be the carrot, not grade, especially for someone who's been around the block with CAP before. Recruiting him as an NP sets up the same dynamic we were speaking about before, he's getting grade credit for skills he can never us in CAP.

Thank you for mentioning that.  Grade should never ever be a carrot.  It would be great if we could change that mindset.  The moment you start down the "well, you could come in as a insert grade here" you've just implied to the prospective member that CAP is a hard sell, and you can't take that back.

Appointment as a nurse (not medical) officer should not be the carrot either.
Picture if you will: Lt Bedpan gets the shiny new grade and the nifty badge and is pumped to contribute.  Three months down the line he comes to realize that his nursing skills mean about as much as nunchuck skills in CAP, and feels kinda jaded.

Talk about what we do.  Talk about the support he can offer the cadet program. (and indirectly, his cadet child) Talk about what the squadron's goals are and how you feel he can help achieve them.  Paint a picture of the prospective member contributing and fitting in with the group, and they will want to be a part of it.

[notaNCO forever]

 You haven't heard of CAPs new nunchuck rating. They even have a badge. I agree with you grade in CAP shouldn't be handed out like candy when you join CAP.

[MIKE]

What Tedda said... If CAP wasn't gonna get rid of "Special Promotions" all together, I'd favor a mandatory probationary period as an SM (without grade)... maybe a whole year before any advanced grade can be applied for.