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