CADET STAFF
Cadet Commander
LINE STAFF
SYNOPSIS
Cadet Commander is the ultimate challenge for a cadet officer. It is an enormous test of leadership skill, especially one’s ability to articulate a vision and point all cadets toward meaningful goals. The position stands at the epicenter of the squadron: The cadet commander is the most visible cadet, a role model for the entire cadet corps, and the liaison between the senior staff and the cadet staff.
KEY DUTIES
• Set goals for the squadron
• Establish plans, policies & procedures
• Coordinate cadet staff activities
• Make personnel decisions
• Direct the cadet corps
• Promote excellence
• Support the squadron commander
TYPICAL CADET GRADES
C/Captain through C/Colonel
WHAT’S NEXT
Cadets in this position typically become Senior members of CAP or take on advisory positions.
Cadet Flight Commander
LINE STAFF
SYNOPSIS
The cadet flight commander leads a flight of 8 to 15 cadets. It is the first cadet position to have significant managerial and oversight responsibilities, as the flight commander supervises and mentors a flight sergeant and 2 to 4 element leaders. Having developed some basic instructional skills, flight commanders are called on to teach almost any cadet-related topic. As commanders, they set goals and develop training plans for the flight, informally counsel cadets and for- mally evaluate their leadership skills. As officers, flight commanders serve on the squadron’s leadership team, working with the cadet com- mander and other officers to grow the squadron. In short, the flight commander creates the conditions necessary for the flight to succeed.
KEY DUTIES
• Instruct cadets
• Motivate and discipline the flight
• Mentor the Flight Sergeant and Element Leaders
• Set goals for the flight
• Coach and counsel cadets
TYPICAL CADET GRADES
C/2d Lieutenant through C/Captain
WHAT’S NEXT
Cadets in this position typically become Cadet Deputy Commander or Cadet Commander.
Cadet First Sergeant
LINE STAFF
SYNOPSIS
Holding the most prestigious and challenging position available to a cadet NCO, the cadet first sergeant’s role is a varied one. The “shirt” is expected to be a master trainer, a great motivator, a fair referee, a just disciplinarian, and an aide-de-camp to the cadet commander.
KEY DUTIES
• Lead cadets in PT
• Lead cadets in Drill & Ceremonies
• Safeguard CAP facilities and property
• Participate in uniform inspections
• Provide personnel and administrative support
• Support the Cadet Commander
TYPICAL CADET GRADES
C/MSgt through C/CMSgt
WHAT’S NEXT
Cadets in this position typically become Flight Commander.
Flight Sergeant
SUPPORT STAFF
SYNOPSIS
The flight sergeant is the direct, hands-on leader who helps the flight commander motivate and train the cadets in a flight. On average, flight sergeants will lead 8 to 15 cadets, including 2 to 4 element leaders. Their main area of concern is the leadership laboratory. Flight sergeants teach in-ranks cadets the basics of cadet life: drill, wearing the uniform, customs and courtesies, and physical fitness. Although flight sergeant is an entry-level leadership position, this cadet needs to be responsible and resourceful enough to take complete charge of the flight in the flight commander’s absence.
KEY DUTIES
• Instruct cadets in basic subjects
• Serve the team
• Lead the Flight in Drill & Ceremonies
• Take responsibility for your cadets
TYPICAL CADET GRADES
C/SSgt through C/CMSgt
WHAT’S NEXT
Cadets in this position typically become First Sergeant or Flight Commander.
Element Leader
SUPPORT STAFF
SYNOPSIS
Element leader is the entry-level leadership position on the cadet staff. Their key responsibility is to assist the flight commander and flight sergeant by taking charge of the members of an element (4 or 5 cadets, on average). Although the element leader occupies the lowest rung in the cadet chain of command, their job is incredibly important because they are the first person basic cadets should turn to for guidance.
KEY DUTIES
• Prepare the element for inspection
• Debrief the element after inspection
• Pass on information
• Keep your superiors informed
TYPICAL CADET GRADES
C/A1C through C/TSgt
WHAT’S NEXT
Cadets in this position typically become Flight Sergeant.
