Going back to go forward

[Phil Hirons, Jr.]

Having served as a Wing Director of Cadet Programs I am going back to cover a step I did not do on the way.
Deputy Commander for Cadets at NER-MA-076, Bristol County Composite

[RiverAux]

Hard to imagine someone was even asked to the Wing position without having served in the DCC job.

Thanks for taking on the hardest job in CAP.

[jimmydeanno]

Our DCP never served in a Cadet Program capacity of any sort, didn't have a CP rating, etc.  But, I would hardly call it a step "back."  I find being DCC to be far more rewarding than any of the wing jobs I've ever had.

There's just something about being "where the action is" that makes it all worthwhile.

[Gunner C]

Now that's service before self!

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Fifinella]

Best of luck, Phil.

[Phil Hirons, Jr.]

Our DCP never served in a Cadet Program capacity of any sort, didn't have a CP rating, etc.  But, I would hardly call it a step "back."  I find being DCC to be far more rewarding than any of the wing jobs I've ever had.

There's just something about being "where the action is" that makes it all worthwhile.

More back to my roots than backwards. Like SLS teaches, the squadron is the heart of CAP.

[Spike]

More back to my roots than backwards. Like SLS teaches, the squadron is the heart of CAP.

The member is the heart of CAP.  We can have hundreds of Squadrons, but without the dedicated members in each, we would have crashed years ago.  Most times, CAP duties are performed outside of the Squadron environment, usually in the members home, at work or on the road. 

I always disagreed with the "Squadrons are the heart of CAP" sayings at SLS etc.

[Phil Hirons, Jr.]

Without our members, CAP would be nothing.
But something has to focus the members on our missions and that something should be the squadron. I think the "Squadrons are the heart of CAP" is focused on this aspect. Group, Wing, Region, NHQ should be a resource for those out there training/doing ES, teaching aerospace, or running the cadet program.

[dwb]

Good for you!

In some corners of CAP, there seems to be a stigma with moving down an echelon.  Like, once you're on Wing staff, you can't go back to *plugs nose* a squadron!

People should feel free to serve at whatever echelon their talents, time, and life circumstances allow.  Good on ya for getting back to the weekly meetings where all the fun happens.

[jimmydeanno]

I always disagreed with the "Squadrons are the heart of CAP" sayings at SLS etc.

It's not that there taking a dig at the member contributions, but pointing out that the squadron is where everything "happens."  It is where the rubber meets the road, where the majority of our membership lies, where cadets learn to be leaders, where people actually show up each week and get stuff done.

The saying is to reiterate that it is the responisbility of the upper levels of command to ensure that the local volunteers have everything they need to accomplish the mission in terms of support and resources.

Without the local unit, the missions and goals of our organization would not be fulfilled.  The volunteers provide the spirit and drive to the organization, but the squadron really is the core unit of our organization.

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EDIT-Topic

I always disliked how a lot of wings would cherry pick the most experienced personnel from the local units to have them "work at wing."  I never saw any real benefit to removing all the talent from our local units, where it is needed the most.

I always disliked the sometimes apparent "holier than thou" attitude that some long time wing and region members hold for those in those "lowly little squadrons." 

"I'm from Wing HQ and I'm here to help!"

Uh Oh... 

[Gunner C]

Having served at squadron, group, region, and national levels, I'd have to say that I haven't seen all that much talent outside the squadrons.  Saying that people are being "cherry picked" out of the local units is a bit misleading.  Most of those folks I was eager to get rid of.  :angel:

[CadetProgramGuy]

Back in 2005, i was named DCP for the Wing, not even Tech rated. Now 4 years later, I am Master Rated in CP, and am in the DCC role in the squadron.

[Cecil DP]

Is LtCol Neudorfer still the Commander of the Bristol Squadron?

[Phil Hirons, Jr.]

No, Lt Marc Donais is the commander. The Mansfield Senior Squadron was rolled into Bristol