Welcome to the Training Leaders of Cadets CourseTraining Leaders of Cadets - Seminar A1
In Cadet Programs, there is no substitute for leadership.
About the Course
Goal: Prepare seniors to lead cadets and administer the Cadet Program at the squadron level
Blocks of Instruction:FoundationsLeadershipManagement
Schedule
Seminars
Seminars are mostly guided discussions
Students come from several squadrons and can share ideas
TLC is not the final word on Cadet Programs:Unit Commander’s CourseSquadron Leadership SchoolCadet Programs Officer Handbook & Specialty Track
GuideCAP Publications
Ground Rules
Collegial atmosphere with lots of discussionValidate your local practices
Freedom to speak with no cadets present
Focus on the big picture
Short breaks after each seminar
Administrative notes:Restrooms
Food & beverages
Cell phones
Introduce Yourself
Who are you?What’s your role in CAP?What do you do in the real world?What is something interesting about you?
Strategic Overview of the Cadet ProgramTraining Leaders of Cadets - Seminar F3
The Cadet View
You’re 14 years old. What does being a cadet mean to you? What excites you about CAP?
The Long View
You’re the governor. What good do you see coming out of the Cadet Program?
Today’s cadets . . . Tomorrow’s aerospace leaders
Adolescent DevelopmentTraining Leaders of Cadets - Seminar L2
Overview
Diverse ages in the Cadet ProgramLearning stylesStudent-centered education
Early, middle & late adolescence
Age 14-16Concrete thinkers Abstract thinkers Critical thinkers
Body changes Independence Entering adulthood
Fears not knowing Fears not fitting-in Fears not reaching goals
Age 12-13 Age 17-20
The Four Modalities of Learning
Visual Auditory
Kinesthetic Tactile
Student-Centered Learning
The best cadet units are cadet-centered.
Cadets learn by doing; they are active participants, not passive receivers.
Subject matter must be relevant to cadets’ interests.
Cadets need to have a stake in their own learning.
Ranking cadets should be included in the decision making-process.
Summary
Each cadet is an individual.
Use a variety of leadership & teaching styles so as to reach all cadets.
Consider age and maturity as you promote cadets and assign jobs.
Use student-centered approaches by involving cadets in decision-making.
Leading IndirectlyTraining Leaders of Cadets - Seminar L3
“Leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders.”
Overview
What is indirect leadership?How do you lead without taking over?How do you discipline using indirect
leadership?Case studies
1. Definitions & Concepts
What is indirect leadership?What does it mean for a senior to lead cadets indirectly?
2. Methods for Indirect Leadership
How can you apply principles of indirect leadership to:Get a cadet started on a project?Refocus a cadet’s efforts in the midst of a
project?Debrief a cadet upon completing a project?
2. Methods for Indirect Leadership
Example: Cadets as Instructors
CASE STUDIES
Summary
Indirect leadership methods develop cadets’ potential more effectively than authoritarian methods
Begin with “mission-type orders” that merely define the goal
Require updates and approvals along the way
Ask questions to tighten cadets’ logic and introduce new ideas
Mentor and debrief cadets to help them learn from their mistakes
“Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.”
- GEORGE S. PATTON
Leadership Feedback & MentoringTraining Leaders of Cadets - Seminar L4
Overview
What is mentoring?Leadership expectationsFeedback meetingsCase studies
1. Mentoring
What is mentoring?Why is mentoring important in the Cadet
Program?What are some examples of mentoring?
3. Leadership Feedback Meetings
How frequently are feedback meetings held?
What’s the goal of the feedback meeting?
What principles should guide mentors?
Process: CAPF 50-x
CASE STUDIES
Evaluate the cadet depicted in the scenario using a CAPF 50. Decide if the cadet is ready for promotion.Be prepared to role play during a mock feedback meeting.
Summary
Cadets need mentors to help them develop.
Mentoring can happen every day.
Be positive, constructive, and specific during feedback meetings.
Use the CAPF 50 and Leadership Expectations chart as tools.
Mentors make a difference.
The Cadet / Senior TeamTraining Leaders of Cadets - Seminar L5
Warm Up
Open to Part 2 and read two position descriptions
Overview
Anatomy of the squadron staffDesigning a cadet staffStaff selection processExercises
1. Anatomy of the Squadron Staff
What positions comprise the senior staff?What positions comprise the cadet staff?What are the basic responsibilities of each
position?
2. Designing the Cadet Staff
A tailor-made challengeScalable organizational charts“One step forward, one step back”Term limits
3. Staff Selection Process
Who picks the cadet staff?What do cadets need as they begin a staff
job?What do cadets need as they conclude a
staff job?
Exercise #1
Student #1 Student #2
Scenario #1 Cadet Programs Officer C/SSgt and evaluator
Scenario #2 C/Capt and evaluator Cadet Programs Officer
Exercise #2
RED SQUADRON
BLUE SQUADRON
YELLOW SQUADRON
ORANGE SQUADRON
Abby C/Amn Gus C/TSgt Montel C/1st Lt Tanjela C/2d Lt
Blake C/A1C Hilda C/A1C Nancy C/SSgt Upton C/2d Lt
Carlos C/A1C Isabelle C/MSgt Olivia C/MSgt Vicky C/Lt Col
Dorothy
C/A1C Jerome C/SrA Pedro C/Capt Walt C/Lt Col
Everett C/SrA Kari C/A1C Quentin
C/SMSgt
Xavier C/Maj
Frank C/Amn Lamar C/A1C Russ C/1st Lt Yvonne C/TSgt
Sun C/MSgt Zach C/SSgt
Total Strength: Total Strength: Total Strength: Total Strength:
12 cadets 18 cadets 24 cadets 30 cadets
Summary
Seniors and cadets need to lead togetherUse position descriptions to guide cadet staffTailor the challenge: match rank, skill, and jobDesign a staff structure that fits your needs
“Arrange everything so that the strong have something
to yearn for, and the weak nothing to run from.”RULE OF ST. BENEDICT
Partnering With ParentsTraining Leaders of Cadets - Seminar L6
Warm-up
Read pages 4 through 8
“Kids with highly involved parents are more active in extracurricular activities than kids whose parents are less involved.”
- Cornell University College of Human Ecology
Overview
Standard practices for working with parents
Getting parents involved in CAPHelicopter parentsAddressing parents’ concerns
1. Standard Practices
Parents’ welcome & orientation Included in Cadet Great Start
Roster & contact informationCalendar of eventsParents’ Guide to CAP
2. Getting Parents Involved in CAP
What are your success stories in these areas?Parent orientationsOn-going communicationSocials & awards nightsParents’ committeesRecruiting
3. Helicopter Parents
Today’s Parents in the News:
The World’s Longest Umbilical Cord: The Cell Phone ABC NEWS
Dear Parents: Relax, It’s Just Camp NY TIMES
Hovering Parents Need to Step Backat College Time CNN
Helicopter Parents Try to Help Their Kids Land Jobs USA TODAY
NEWSWEEK / MICHAEL ELINS
4. Addressing Parents’ Concerns
If you were a cadet’s mom or dad, how would you want the squadron to respond to your concerns?
Summary
Parents expect the commander to be a partner.
calendars, rosters, websitesParents’ Guide
Involved parents means involved cadets.parent committeescadet sponsor members
Address concerns promptly and fairly.listen wellshow your concern for fairness and the cadets’ best
interest
Cadet Welfare & Legal IssuesTraining Leaders of Cadets - Seminar L7
Something to Remember
“They’re not your cadets….they are my children.”
FATHER OF A CADET
Overview
Assuming the place of the parentBasic guidelines for adult supervisionOvernight & high adventure activitiesPerennial legal issuesCase studies
1. Assuming the Place of the Parent
In loco parentis60 Minutes testTeam approach to decision-makingSafety & welfare cannot be delegated
2. Basic Guidelines for Cadet Activities
Cadet activities always require adult supervision
Limit one-on-one contactActivities are supposed to be positive
3. Overnight Activities
Parental permissionAdult supervision requirementsChaperoning a co-ed groupRespect for privacySleepMeals & nutrition
4. Perennial Legal Issues
Transportation: “Can Cadet Curry drive Cadet Arnold to CAP?”
Dating:Can Cadet Curry date Cadet Arnold? Can Major Curry date Cadet Arnold?
Legal AgreementsWho can sign agreements on behalf of CAP?
5. High Adventure Activities
Strenuous activities are part of cadet lifePartnering with parentsPhysical fitness & medical limitationsOperational Risk Management (ORM)
What could go wrong?
How can we stay safe?
PROBLEM SOLVING SCENARIOS
Conclusion
In loco parentis What would a responsible parent do in this
situation? How would my actions and inactions appear on
60 Minutes?The adults on scene are responsible for keeping
cadets safe.
Orientation & Membership: Cadet Great StartTraining Leaders of Cadets - Seminar M1
Overview
Three approaches for orientating new cadets
What do prospective cadets need?What is “Cadet Great Start?”Managing the membership process
1. Three ways to welcome newcomers
Trickle-inCadets enter CAP at any time
Basic Cadet TrainingWing trains cadets over a weekend
PipelineCadets enter at certain times when the unit is prepared to receive them
What are the pros and cons of each?
2. From kid to Cadet Airman
What does it take to transform a prospective cadet into a Cadet Airman? What do newcomers need not just to “get by” but to succeed?
3. “Cadet Great Start”
Begins with an open house
Includes a parents’ briefing
Offers hands-on activities that teach Curry topics
Uses ranking cadets as instructors
Transforms prospects into Airmen in 5 weeksConcludes with an O-Flight CRITICAL NEED!
3. “Cadet Great Start” Schedule
4. Management Issues
Membership ProcessCadet Uniform ProgramNew Cadet KitBest Practices
Conclusion
Cadet Great Start is the standard way to orientate new cadets.
Focuses squadron on newcomers’ needsPipeline lets new cadets support one anotherLots of hands-on trainingQuick but well-deserved promotionO-Flight as reward and motivator CRITICAL NEED!
capmembers.com/greatstart
Cadet Advancement, Testing, & RecordsTraining Leaders of Cadets - Seminar M2
Overview
How cadets become eligible for promotionWhat rules govern cadet testsHow to manage cadets’ recordsHow to make a promotion ceremony
meaningful
1. Promotion Eligibility
What are the basic requirements cadets must meet to complete an Achievement?
Are those requirements always the same?
When, precisely, is a cadet officially promoted?
2. Path of Progression
3. Cadet Testing
What steps should you take to protect the integrity of cadet tests?
Basic Facts:Test namesPaper or onlinePassing scoreOpen or closed book?Time limit?After passing, then what?
4. Cadet Records
Online Cadet Promotions ApplicationData EntryApprovalsReports
5. Promotion Ceremony
You’re 13 and about to be promoted to Cadet Airman. What do you want that promotion experience to be like?
Summary
Study the Cadet Super ChartKeep tests secure using common senseGive cadets meaningful feedback about
their testsUse the Cadet Promotions ApplicationMake promotion ceremonies meaningful
Resources for Great ActivitiesTraining Leaders of Cadets - Seminar M3
Textbooks, Activity Guides, Handbooks & More
What resources are available to support squadron activities?
Leadership
AerospaceFitnessCharacter
Resource Catalog
Drug Demand Reduction ResourcesResources for all units:
- Lesson plans - Fit For Flying and Let’s Go Flying downloads
- ‘Famous Fliers’ biographies- DDRx Activity Guide download- National Character Day (must host within 30 miles of AF installation)
- Red Ribbon Leadership Academy (must host within 30 miles of AF installation)
- online DDR reporting at eServicesResources for units within 30 miles of AF installations: - catalog purchases of promotional items - reimbursement for supply purchases - printed copies of textbooks - posters, brochures, displayswww.capmembers.com/ddr for more info
Summary
Cadet retention is higher when meetings are exciting
CAP has a huge variety of educational and training resources
Rely on the Cadet Programs Resource Guide
The Weekly Squadron MeetingTraining Leaders of Cadets - Seminar M4
A Visit to Hometown Cadet Squadron1828 Squadron commander arrives with key to building. Meeting is supposed to begin in 2 minutes.
1833 Only half the active cadets have arrived. Commander decides to delay formation, hoping more will show.
1841 Opening formation begins. 10 cadets are present. Pledge of Allegiance and Cadet Oath recited.
1842 Uniform Inspection; seems to take more time than is necessary.
1854 Drill: Random commands. Not much instruction. Objective is unclear.
1930 “Flight Commander’s Time” A C/TSgt lectures cadets on how to prepare for encampment, telling them their poor attitudes won’t be tolerated there. Encampment is 38 weeks away.
1945 Break: Cadets casually chit-chat. No refreshments served. No substantive administrative business conducted. Break seems to run long, like they’re trying to run out the clock.
2003 Aerospace: AEO is not present at meeting. Some discussion about whether he even knew AE was scheduled tonight. Squadron watches 41-minute documentary on the Space Shuttle instead.
2050 Closing Formation: The squadron is formed. The commander discusses the upcoming wing conference.
2104 Dismissal. The commander dismisses the squadron. Following official dismissal, two cadets speak up about not having phone & email rosters. A cadet NCO asks if the color guard can meet this Saturday; detailed discussion about the logistics ensues. Another cadet wants to see if any of the service coats in the unit’s supply locker fit her.
2119 Frustrated mom tells cadet son to get moving, it’s a school night and it’s time to go home.
2132 Last few members of the squadron leave.
One month later: The squadron is down to 7 active cadets.
Overview
The quarterly planElements of the weekly meetingGreat activities every weekPlanning the meeting
1. The Quarterly Plan
What do you want to accomplish next quarter?What are the benefits of following a quarterly
plan?
2. Elements of the Weekly Squadron Meeting
Opening formation 15 minEmphasis item 15Core curriculum 50Break & admin time 10Special training 50Closing formation 10
Total 2.5 hrs
3. Great Activities
What do cadets want from their meeting night?
What are your success stories?
How do you let cadets take a leadership role while still ensuring the activities are of high quality?
3. Great Activities
1. A senior or experienced cadet officer meets with the cadet to discuss goals & vision for the activity
2. Cadet begins to do some thinking and finds and personalizes a lesson plan. Cadet should rely on published lesson plans vs. original work
3. “Check Ride.” Cadet presents their ideas in depth to the cadet officer or senior, who provides mentoring and quality control. Postpone the activity if the cadet is clearly not ready to lead.
4. Squadron Meeting. Cadet leads activity or class.
2 Weeks Prior 1 Week Prior D-Day
Suggested process when using cadets to lead activities:
4. Planning the Meeting
How do you plan a good meeting? Who does what, when, and how?
4. Planning the Meeting
1. Cadet officer or senior begins drafting detailed meeting schedule
2. Cadet officer coordinates details with staff officers; submits proposed schedule
3. Commander or deputy reviews and approves schedule. If the cadet fails to deliver it on time, they lose the privilege of planning the meeting
4. Commander or designee publishes the schedule, asking all members to prepare accordingly
5. Squadron Meeting: schedule is implemented
2 Weeks Prior 1 Week Prior D-Day
Suggested procedure for developing a meeting schedule:
Summary
What are the hallmarks of great squadron meetings?
What are the bad practices we want to avoid?
Weekend & Summer ActivitiesTraining Leaders of Cadets - Seminar M5
The Goal: Provide each cadet with an opportunity to participate in one weekend activity each month.
Solution: Squadrons & wings need to work together.
Squadron Group or Wing
January Field Trip
February Leadership Academy
March O-Flights
April Model Rocketry Day
May Parade
June Cadet Competition
July Bivouac
August Encampment
September O-Flights
October Wing Conference
November Day Hike
December Wreaths Across America
Overview
Squadron-level weekend activitiesGroup and wing activitiesNational activitiesGeneral management principles
1. Weekend Squadron Activities
What are some good activities your unit has had success with?
What does another squadron need to know to duplicate your success?
2. Group & Wing Activities
What are some activities that our group and wing offers?
Why should cadets participate?
3. National Activities
What are some great national activities?
In what ways do you see national activities benefiting cadets? America?
How do cadets apply?
4. Special Safety Policies
Prohibited Activities•Parasailing•Outdoor Parachuting•Ultralights•Aerolights
Highly-Regulated Activities
• Firearms training• Rappelling• Paintball• Obstacle courses• Emergency services
missions• Activities during hot
weatherFor details, see CAPR 52-16, chapter 2
5. General Management Principles
What are some standard management practices you should follow when planning cadet activities?
Summary
Weekend and summer activities are great, but the weekly squadron meeting remains most important
Offer cadets at least 1 weekend activity per month
Work with wing and groupWork with neighboring squadrons
Cadets recognize quality when they see it; ensure the activity is well planned
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