Enforcement of Squadron/CAP Policies

[jpizzo127]

As a relatively new squadron commander, I was hoping I could get some input from other squadron's (Especially Seniors) on how they enforce CAP regs and squadron policies in this volunteer organization.

Example: I find the squadron is much more marketable to new recruits and promotes a sense of pride when everyone is properly in uniform, be it AF Blues, CAP Distinctive or even the golf shirt.

However, I always have some who refuse to wear a uniform, or wear it poorly.

Also, meeting attendance for some members is lacking.

Is a 2 week grounding too harsh for these offences?

How does your squadron motivate participation and proper uniform wear?

Thanks in advance for your input.

[Major Carrales]

As a relatively new squadron commander, I was hoping I could get some input from other squadron's (Especially Seniors) on how they enforce CAP regs and squadron policies in this volunteer organization.

Example: I find the squadron is much more marketable to new recruits and promotes a sense of pride when everyone is properly in uniform, be it AF Blues, CAP Distinctive or even the golf shirt.

However, I always have some who refuse to wear a uniform, or wear it poorly.

Also, meeting attendance for some members is lacking.

Is a 2 week grounding too harsh for these offences?

How does your squadron motivate participation and proper uniform wear?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Don't think so much of the "punitve" as much as creating a culture of service. 

Everyone has to "pull their weight."  Make them staff officers with clear duties.

If you have an aircraft, and there are those that will not participate in the running of the unit. The insititue Capt John Smith (of Jamestown fame) rule save instead of "Those that will not work, shall not eat,"  make it "Those that will not staff, shall not fly."

[notaNCO forever]

 I personally like using a big stick to keep order.
On a serious note, I think the best way to get people to do something is to make them believe what they are doing is important. Positive reinforcement also usually works good.

[jpizzo127]

I agree with positive reinforcement.

The problem comes from trying to keep these guys motivated to perform missions we rarely, if ever get called for.

Not alot of people or planes get lost on Long Island.

In my 5 years with CAP, I've been on about 15 ELT missions and 1 real missing Aircraft.

[Eclipse]

^ Then is might be time to look into what missions and needs there are and prepare for them.  Hurricane / storm relief and damage assessment are probably high on the list.

CAP's assertion that we can pick and choose our missions from the full menu no matter where we are just doesn't fly, but
with things as they are, local agencies, etc., are desperate for help, especially trained people with their own liability protection for the cost of fuel.  Its just a matter of finding what they need and seeing if we can be a fit.

Start doing a lot of real-world work and the members will want to look their best to maintain the relationship.

I'm sure it also goes without saying that you need to set the tone and example - making sure you and your key staff are always in a properly appointed uniform suitable for the duty.  I did that early on - making the effort to never let my members see me in a CAP-context out of some kind of uniform.  It goes to setting a tone of seriousness.

[jpizzo127]

Eclipse:

Thanks for your input.

My senior officers and I are always in proper uniform and subject ourselves to frequent uniform inspections, so that's not a problem.

The squadron would really pull together, like you said, if we had a real world goal/mission to work toward.

Can I reach out to Non-Cap Agencies or does that have to go through Group/Wing?

We are working on an MoU with one commission out here, and that's been bogged down with lawyers for well over a year.

Its appears MoU's can be a major sticking point.

[Pylon]

Eclipse:

Thanks for your input.

My senior officers and I are always in proper uniform and subject ourselves to frequent uniform inspections, so that's not a problem.

The squadron would really pull together, like you said, if we had a real world goal/mission to work toward.

Can I reach out to Non-Cap Agencies or does that have to go through Group/Wing?

We are working on an MoU with one commission out here, and that's been bogged down with lawyers for well over a year.

Its appears MoU's can be a major sticking point.

AFAIK: In the absence of an MOU, any agency can request CAP's services through the NOC.   

I would suggest checking out and using the CAPabilities Handbook for more information on how local, state and other agencies and organizations can request and use CAP's resources and services:  http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/Capabilities_Handbook_High_.pdf

[Eclipse]

Pylon's right, and most inter-agency support doesn't require an MOU, or can be done under existing state-level agreements.

One of the duties of the ESO is to be establishing relationships with local agencies, communities, etc.

Usually its unit-level interaction that gets the ball rolling and the only thing necessary is giving their leaders the 1-2-3 of calling the NOC (and teaching them how to shape the questions for maximum response). 

In far too many cases the NOC will not be interested in lighting up a DR mission, at which case your state staff can light up a corporate mission (which might have some state funds behind it, or might not).  Its usually the funding where an MOU might be needed because people paying for a service want to know what they are getting.

These are the kinds of questions you should start putting into an ops plans so when the time comes everyone knows the 1-2-3.  Just the process of creating the plan can start the cohesion in the unit as they see how much there is to be a professional volunteer agency.

You might also consider contacting your state and federal legislatures.  Not only are they always looking for a good photo op, but they may be able to bring you to the table in ways that move things forward faster than working from the outside. There are also missions specific to their needs that we can participate in as well (transporting them, area aerial surveys, etc.).

And of course, in the words of my SD "Undersell and overproduce!"

[gistek]

There's also school and youth group out-reach. If you double charter with Scouts as a Venture troop you can participate in some of their activities - like First Aid competitions and camping activities.

Think about coming down to Reading PA the first weekend in June to help out with the World War II re-enactment. http://www.squadron811.webs.com/

As far as working with other local or state agencies, I'd just pop an e-mail to Wing and ask if there would be any conflict regarding your unit working with a particular organization. That way you won't be stepping on any toes if there's something Wing is already working on. If the activity is a fund raiser, make sure you file the appropriate request with Wing.