Starting to lose faith/ interest......

[esilassy]

It seems that I keep doing more and more, but getting less and less.  Does this make sense?  We have a great group at our squadron and the cadets are great, just seems to be "missing" something or sloppy on some levels.  Sorry, I can't find the right words.  I'm thinking of slowing down a bit, pulling back etc.  I haven't missed a meeting since I joined except for 3 because of work and one because of vacation.  Just looking for something, I guess.  Maybe I'm nuts, who knows.

[Hawk200]

It happens. You've pretty much got to evalute what your priorities are. CAP isn't a lifestyle commitment. Some people do it for a time, then they move on.

If you love CAP, then find something in it that's fulfilling. A new specialty track can shake things up sometime and renew your interest. Or maybe try an ES qualification that seems interesting.

Maybe it's time to think about moving up your chain. I moved from squadron to group and I've enjoyed the new challenges. Think about group or wing.

[Spike]

What exactly are you doing more of, and what seems to be less and less??  Are your returns on investment (time verses reward) not what you think it should be?

It is OK to vent here, but in order for us to help out each other we need more information!

I felt the way you do a few years back.  I was a Commander and "fired" the entire staff.  Some quit, others decided to stay.  However my situation was different in that we had 4 active Senior Members and 2 active Cadets and my task was to either rebuild or shut down the unit. 

I sat everyone down and explained that I am going to invest so many hours in CAP, and I expect each of them to invest half that amount.  I also made it clear that coming to a CAP meeting is WORK.  Sure we have fun at CAP, and enjoy it, but it is dedicated work that is required from each of us.  The members that BS all night, never do anything but complain and hurt the Squadron are not welcome.  I also do not accept "heroes" Wannabe Drill Sergeant Cadets, or Spotlight seeking individuals.  They are politely shown the door.

CAP is the AIR FORCE AUXILIARY.  We need to conduct ourselves as though we are the Auxiliary, and if we happen to have fun in the process great, if not.....well we will feel a sense of contribution to our community, state and nation at the end of the day instead!!

So please, vent, but vent in more Detail.  This can be a real interesting thread/ subject!!

[esilassy]

Ok. I picked up the Aerospace officer position.  I completed the AEX program for the squadron, which was neat, and I enjoy doing that.  I guess my main concern right now is it seems like you have to pull teeth/kill someone to get a sign off on any SQTR.  I know it is a serious thing and not everyone should get a sign off, but I've actually studied the material outside of meetings, and get the "not now, or you have to wait until we cover it in a class" lecture.  For example:  I have most of my ground team 3 stuff done except for first aid and radio stuff, can't get an answer on that.  I also don't have some of the very basic stuff signed off, like prepare a refit, use a compass etc.  I know how to do these things and have studied them, but no one will sign me off. They did have a class on some of it last week, but I was asked to do cadet PT and no one wanted to discuss what I missed.  Same thing with scanner/observer.  It is almost like they are saying "You're learning too fast and we woun't sign off until we think you have enough time into it."  Maybe I lean faster than others.   Hell, at work, I end up teaching the instructors things about the software we use because I move faster than everybody else.  And yes, I do retain it.

Now, we are a relatively new squadron, so we don't have mentors or anything like that.  It just seems too relaxed for what we are supposed to be doing.  For example:  I passed my level one months ago, still no certificate or acknowledgement, so I bought my own membership ribbon and haven't said anything.  I know that is kinda childish, but if you want to keep volunteers, you need to at least say, good job or whatever. 


WOW, alot more ranting than I thought.

[davedove]

It's also possible you're just getting burned out.  If you put lots of time into CAP you're probably neglecting other parts of your life.

You must find balance.

[esilassy]

You might be right, I don't put in as much time as I used to though.... 

[davedove]

All of us also change over time.  What was important to us a year ago may not have the same importance today, but it might be just as important a year from now.

Stepping back might just be the break you need to come back to CAP with new vigor.

[Eclipse]

You should be able to go to other units to get things signed off as well.

This idea that you have to sit through a formal class before you can request a tasking is nonsense and runs counter to the way the program is set up.

If you know it, you know it.

[dwb]

I passed my level one months ago

So I take it you're pretty new to this organization?

Stuff takes time.  Sometimes it takes way longer than it should.  Often it's because we're all volunteers and can't always turn things around in a timely manner, sometimes it's because people like to obstruct the process.

I've been in CAP more than half my life, and I still get frustrated sometimes.  You think it's hard to get stuff done at the squadron, try being on the Wing staff.  You should see the E-mail chain I have trying to get a specialty track recorded!

Bottom line: Keep on keepin' on.  Don't be afraid to keep asking to get the SQTR stuff moving forward.  Work with your commander to get your grievances resolved, that's why he/she's the commander.

CAP is a great organization, don't let the adminstrivia get you down.

[ColonelJack]

All of us also change over time.  What was important to us a year ago may not have the same importance today, but it might be just as important a year from now.

Stepping back might just be the break you need to come back to CAP with new vigor.

Concur ... but do yourself a real favor, esilassy.  Don't let burnout get you.  If stepping back is what will work for you, do it sooner, rather than later.

Use my example ... I was "gung-ho" Civil Air Patrol for 16 years before the burnout got me.  It took me twelve years to get to where I could rejoin and enjoy what I was doing again.

Don't let that happen to you.

Jack

[Fifinella]

Or.......... go to other squadrons, group SAREXs, Wing SAREXs, if you have the opportunity, *other* wing's training events, NESA, etc., and get the training you want and need wherever it's being offered.  CAVEAT: if you need Sq/Grp/WG authorization to attend, make sure you have it.  Don't go maverick, just look for any opportunity you can take advantage of. 

Balance is good advice, but if you really want the training, go get it.  Be determined, but polite, and keep looking/asking 'til you get it.

[Chappie]

A couple of years ago, I was at the place of deciding whether to renew or not.   There were issues that deeply concerned me about the organization and also the direction that certain things were apparently headed.   I sat down with a good friend and former commander that I respected and shared with him my dilemna.  He listened politely...then asked a pointed question, "Why did you join in the first place?"  When I shared why I had joined, he then asked, "Has anything of that changed?"  After pondering that for a couple of seconds, I responded "No".   He then quizically said, "Then what's the problem?" And then promptly added...."Two things:  CAP is constantly changing....don't make a decision based on what is happening today because tomorrow it may quickly change." And then continued with, "CAP is a volunteer organization...do what you want to do and feel comfortable with....and if you don't want to do something just say 'no'".   He was not advocating a slacker's mentality...we do pursue excellence in all we do and as he said on many occassions, "Civil Air Patrol is a professional organization staffed by volunteers. You are one of those volunteers...Therefore, you are a professional in the Civil Air Patrol."  What he was reminding me of is the truth, I have a life outside of CAP and not to get so wrapped up in the demands or politics of the organization that my life gets out of balance.  He advised me to find something that I enjoy doing within CAP and take that as a challenge or involvement.  And I did.. It was refreshing to have a focus.

[esilassy]

I'm feeling better today, I think I just needed to complain to someone.  Thanks for all the info/support.  I think I'll stick around some.

[Capt Rivera]

I'm feeling better today, I think I just needed to complain to someone.  Thanks for all the info/support.  I think I'll stick around some.

Glad to hear it... Glad to have you...