Cadet Command
Cadet Position Descriptions
This summary of leadership positions is taken from the CAPP 60-31 Civil Air Patrol Cadet Staff Handbook.
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Cadet Executive Command Staff |
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Position |
Immediate Supervisor |
Synopsis |
Key Duties |
| Cadet Commander |
Squadron Cmdr. or Deputy |
Cadet command 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. The nature of this position depends on the number of cadet officers and NCOs in the squadron. Therefore, the position description must be flexible. In small squadrons, the cadet commander may need to assume flight commander and even first sergeant duties. In large squadrons, the main task is to direct and coordinate a team of cadet officers and NCOs. |
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| Cadet Deputy Commander for Operations |
Cadet Commander |
The cadet deputy commander for operations is the member of the command staff who manages the training and education of the members as a whole. The position is usually responsible for managing the operations of the flight commanders, the uniform inspection of the flight, recommending duty assignments for cadets, and commands in the absence of the commander. |
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| Cadet Deputy Commander for Support |
Cadet Commander |
The cadet deputy Commander for Support is the member of the command staff who manages the mission support functions of the cadet corps. The position is usually unnecessary in most squadrons, except the largest and most top-heavy. Cadet executive officers are found mostly at encampments, which are usually group level organizations. The position exists with the assumption that the squadron has a handful of cadets managing support functions (ie: supply NCO, administrative NCO, webmaster, etc.) that for span of control reasons require a cadet officer to supervise on behalf of the cadet commander. |
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| Cadet First Sergeant |
Cadet Commander |
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. |
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Cadet Command Support (or Flight) Staff |
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Position |
Immediate Supervisor |
Synopsis |
Key Duties |
| Cadet Flight Commander |
Cadet Deputy Commander for Operations |
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 formally evaluate their leadership skills. As officers, flight commanders serve on the squadron’s leadership team, working with the cadet commander and other officers to grow the squadron. In short, the flight commander creates the conditions necessary for the flight to succeed. |
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| Cadet Flight Sergeant |
Flight Commander |
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, wear of 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. |
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| Cadet Element Leader |
Flight Sergeant |
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. |
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Additional Cadet Leadership Positions |
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Position |
Immediate Supervisor |
Synopsis |
Key Duties |
| Cadet Aerospace Education Officer |
Cadet Deputy Commander for Support |
The cadet aerospace officer instructs cadets in aerospace topics and leads or supervises aerospace activities. The position is usually not needed, except in the largest or most top-heavy squadrons. Because the duties are similar to those of a flight commander, commanders should carefully divide the labor of the two positions to avoid overlap. |
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| Cadet Leadership Officer |
Cadet Deputy Commander for Support |
The cadet leadership officer instructs cadets in leadership topics and leads or supervises leadership activities. The position is usually not needed, except in the largest or most top-heavy squadrons. Because the duties are similar to those of a flight commander, commanders should carefully divide the labor of the two positions to avoid overlap. |
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| Cadet Emergency Services Officer or NCO | Cadet Deputy Commander for Support |
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| Cadet Public Affairs Officer or Webmaster | Cadet Deputy Commander for Support |
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| Cadet Personnel & Activities Airman or NCO | Cadet Deputy Commander for Support |
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| Cadet Safety Officer or NCO | Cadet Deputy Commander for Support |
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| Cadet Supply Airman or NCO | Cadet Deputy Commander for Support |
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