Unit Commanders' Course1 Command Responsibility/Accountability Sub Topics Section A...

Unit Commanders' Course 1

Command Responsibility/Accountability

Sub TopicsSection A

– Organizational liability (accountability)

• Logistical concerns• Financial concerns• Safety issues



Sub TopicsSection A (Cont’d)

– Organizational liability • Personnel Issues

– Non/Discrimination/Sexual Harassment– Cadet Protection Policy



Sub TopicsSection B

– Command responsibility/obligations• Core Values• Responsibility to Mission & People• Final Responsibility• Leading by Example



Overview

This segment alerts you to the issues and jobs which can leave you the

most vulnerable, & reminds you of the moral and ethical obligations you

have when you take command.


Command Responsibility/AccountabilitySection A

Participants will:

• understand the special issues concerning the accounting of CAP equipment

• understand the obligations of financial management of the unit

• understand the need for a strong safety program

• understand CAP policies concerning sexual harassment and discrimination, equal opportunity, cadet protection, and their enforcement responsibilities


Command Responsibility/AccountabilitySection B

Participants will:

• discuss CAP’s Core Values, & their role in upholding these values

• understand their command responsibilities to the CAP missions, and the members under their command

• understand and discuss their place as ultimately responsible for all that occurs in their unit (final responsibility)

• understand and discuss the concept of “leading by example”



You’re not expected to be perfect.We want to heighten your situational

awareness and judgment.


Command Responsibility/Accountability Logistical Concerns

Who really owns it?

• All equipment belongs to the CAP corporation

• It is lent to the unit, and you have custody



The best way to avoid problems is to follow proper procedures in the first

place.



Things to think about (CAPM 67-1)

• Conduct a fresh inventory any time supply officers change

• You can’t screen from DRMO, only the wing LO can• Donations are encouraged, but can only be

accepted by the WG/CC or higher• You must conduct an annual inventory against the

S-3• All disposed of property is documented on a CAP

Form 37



Things to think about

• Lost, stolen, or damaged property must be immediately reported to the WG/CC who will appoint an investigator

• When in doubt, consult CAPM 67-1 or your wing logistics & supply officers



• Transportation issues

• Aircraft Issues


Command Responsibility/Accountability Financial Concerns

• Corporate funds you receive or generate belong to the CAP corporation

• You must ensure the solvency of the unit, prompt payment of debts, and proper budgeting



Keys

• Prompt appointment of a finance officer and committee

• A thorough knowledge of the unit’s financial status yourself



Tips (CAPM 173-1)

• The financial plan is mandatory, & of primary importance

• Consider generating income by charging unit dues

• All units must have a checking account, signed by you and one other (not spouse!)

• Establish a finance committee, and use it.• The finance officer prepares at least one detailed

statement annually for the committee, with one copy going to the wing annually.



Tips

• Audits are completed at the end of the fiscal year, or when commanders or finance officers change

• The unit must maintain only one checking account

• Read CAPM 173-1 to know your responsibilities. Call the wing finance officer for a briefing

• Once you take command, change account signatures, begin the audit, and cut the PA’s. The sooner the better


Command Responsibility/Accountability Safety Issues

General

Safety problems are some of the most troublesome in CAP

Loss of life and equipment



General

• You need:– A safety conscious attitude– Common sense– A little hard work

• You must back the safety program– Appoint a safety officer– Make sure they get the training– Formulate the plan



General

CAPR 62-1 specifically states that establishing the program is the

commander’s responsibility.

The safety officer is your point person and advisor


Command Responsibility/AccountabilitySafety Issues

General

• Unit Safety Officers are mandated, appointments made in writing

• Safety officers administer unit safety education training

• Unit commanders will publish supplements to safety regulations as needed

• Ensure that an internal safety survey is completed annually (cys to wing)



General

Flying units will be subject to a short-notice safety inspection annually by

the wing.

This inspection counts!



Accidents

The whole purpose of the CAP safety program is to prevent

accidents!



Accidents

• Mishap - bodily injuries, property damage, and other incidents occurring during a CAP activity



Accidents

• If an accident occurs:– unit commanders will immediately notify the

wing commander and safety officer– Unit /CCs will then have 48 hours to complete

and forward a CAPF 78 Mishap Report Form to the wing.

• When accidents occur:– Unit commanders will not initiate investigations

on their own. It is the wing’s responsibility



A word about member owned vehicles:

• Only Unit/CC’s can authorize the use of POV’s

• Transportation to/from CAP meetings, encampments, and other routine activities is considered personal transportation and is not CAP’s responsibility.


Command Responsibility/AccountabilitySexual Harassment/DiscriminationEqual Opportunity

Definitions

• Sexual harassment

• Sexual discrimination

• Discrimination



CAP will not tolerate discrimination or harassment, based upon applicable laws and sound moral judgment.

Commanders are the point people for ensuring fair and just treatment.



Those members who come forward with an allegation should be treated

with dignity, respect, and in the strictest confidence.



Those members who are harassing or discriminating should be

reported immediately.

Should you run into a situation like this, immediately contact your

commander for advice and assistance.


Command Responsibility/AccountabilityCadet Protection Policy

The best way to carry out this policy is to enforce its provisions before

something happens!



Before it happens…

• You must know the Cadet Protection Policy & reporting procedures cold.

• Make sure your members receive this training.• Consider working with SPO to schedule

refresher training• Don’t let seniors work with cadets until

they’ve been checked.• Exercise care when selecting seniors to work

w/cadets.



Before it happens…

• Always remember the 2 senior member rule– Recommended always– Mandatory for an overnight activity

• Keep parents informed about CAP activities– Cadet Protection policies– CAP Pamphlet 50-6– Hold recurring orientation sessions



If something happens…

• Report it to the WG/CC or Wing Legal Officer immediately! They will contact HQ CAP’s General Counsel.

• If they aren’t available, call GC yourself– But back brief your WG/CC as soon as

possible!




It is not your place to pass judgmentIt is your place to report it




Do not take any action yourself unless or until directed to do so be GC or the wing

legal officer, unless the action is necessary to insure the immediate

protection of the cadet (i.e.- attack in progress)



A word about physical abuse -

CAP does not permit hazing or physical abuse of any kind. If you know about it, stop it, call your WG/CC and take proper

action to ensure the safety of the member(s).



Summing up

Take another, critical look at CPPT materials, then…

use a common sense approach.


Command Responsibility/AccountabilityCore Values

Core Values are the ethical foundation which you build your command.



What are they?CAP Core Values

• Integrity• Volunteer Service• Excellence • Respect



General

• Core values are the tenets of CAP service

• They should not be debated, nor sacrificed for expediency

• You must lead by example– If you don’t follow Core Values, don’t

expect your people to



Bottom line…

Core Values = fair treatment and common sense, defined and

institutionalized.


Command Responsibility/AccountabilityResponsibility to Mission & People

Two overriding responsibilities

• Mission

• People



Mission

• Missions of CAP

• The objectives of the Wing



People

Missions aren’t done withoutpeople...



People

• Statutory & moral responsibility to protect the physical and mental welfare of your members

• Having enough people to effectively do the job

• Knowing that members are only in CAP because they want to be, just like you.


Command Responsibility/AccountabilityFinal Responsibility

As commander you bear the final responsibility

For this reason, you must be ethical, competent, informed, and educated.



General

Does this mean you are directly responsible for everything that happens?

You are responsible for education, examples set, and for the success of the

system.



General

“Do it wrong once, shame on you, do it twice, shame on me.”



General

• Do the best you can• Be proactive• Don’t ignore problems• Don’t ever keep your boss in the dark


Command Responsibility/AccountabilityLeading by Example

People are much more attuned to what you do as commander rather

than what you say



General

• Practice what you preach– This is why discipline is so important, but,– This goes beyond discipline - it applies to

every policy you make

• Don’t be afraid of living in a fish bowl– Use it as an opportunity to show what you

want - to lead

Unit Commanders' Course1 Command Responsibility/Accountability Sub Topics Section A...

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