(SER-MS-001) Mississippi Wing
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Cadet Phase 3 Cadre

Phase 3 Cadre Duty Position Descriptions & Attributes

MSWG has selected certain traits and abilities desired of candidates seeking the position of Squadron First Sergeant, Flight Commander, Flight First Sergeant, Standard/Evaluation Staff, ES Training OIC, Logistics & Gen Support OIC, Logistics Staff, General Support Staff, Medical/Safety OIC and Staff, Director of Mess Operations and Staff, Director of Public Affairs and Staff for the 2023 Mississippi Wing Summer Encampment. Candidates must be willing to meet or exceed all expectations and responsibilities of said positions.

Be advised that this is NOT a CAP official regulation or form. This summary is currently being used to select cadet Line and Support staff for the 2023 Mississippi Wing Summer Encampment. All material and information used will be listed at the bottom of the summary.


Attributes and Abilities of Phase 3 Cadre:

Below are the general traits, attributes, and abilities sought from a cadet serving as Flight Commander, ES Training OIC, Logistics & Gen Support OIC, Medical/Safety OIC, Director of Mess Operations, or Director of Public Affairs:

  • Servant Leader (i.e., actively mentoring NCOs and Students; leads by example, holds themselves to a higher standard than they hold their subordinates)
  • Disciplined and aspires to embody the Core Values (i.e., consistent in actions and words regardless of the situation)
  • Respects authority and values the mentoring they provide (i.e., understands that Senior Members are a valuable resource and search for their guidance when beneficial)
  • Motivation Driven (i.e., keeps themselves motivated towards growth and motivates others to improve along with them, understands deadlines and how to meet them)
  • Equalizer (i.e., fair and just when dealing with Students and decisions)
  • Excellence and Efficiency Minded (i.e., acknowledging what they can and should handle and vice-versa; understanding when a matter needs to move up the chain and acting upon it)
  • Plan Maker (i.e., able to develop appropriate goals and plans to accomplish any given mission, and follow through in execution)
  • Excellent Communication (i.e., clearly delegates tasks, keeps others informed, and sets clear expectations)
  • Remains calm under pressure and can quickly adapt to changes (i.e. the plan is to go to the leadership reaction course however lightening in the area is keeping everyone inside and now the student needs to be led through indoor team building exercises)

Below are the general traits, attributes, and abilities sought from a cadet serving as Squadron First Sergeant, Flight Sergeant, Standard/Evaluation Staff, Logistic Staff, General Support Staff, Medical/Safety Staff, Mess Operations Staff, or Public Affairs Staff:

  • Disciplined and aspires to embody the Core Values (i.e., consistent in actions and words regardless of the situation)
  • Positive Attitude (i.e., encourages positive morale among Staff and Students, enthusiastic, high-spirited)
  • Respects authority and values the mentoring they provide (i.e., understands that Senior Members are a valuable resource and search for their guidance when beneficial)
  • Able to effectively give basic tips and training to Students (i.e, teaching Students flanks or columns; teaching a Student basic uniform etiquette)
  • Enforces and upholds standards (i.e., leads cadets in making their bunks, and keeps personal bunks to standard)
  • Remains calm under pressure and can quickly adapt to changes (i.e. the plan is to go to the leadership reaction course however lightening in the area is keeping everyone inside and now the Cadets need to be led through indoor team building exercises)

Squadron First Sergeant

The First Sergeant is the head NCO of a squadron, is the aide-de-camp to the Squadron Commander, and acts as an authoritative figure for both Staff and Students. The First Sergeant needs to be a master trainer, an enforcer of standards, and a great motivator for the squadron.

The Key Duties within this position are as follows:

  • Leading PT by calling cadence/repetitions, actively participating, and helping students use the proper form. This will require being moderately physically fit to allow for proper execution and demonstration to students.
  • Drill expert who can ensure their squadron meets set standards
  • Enforcing Standards (i.e., ensuring barracks standards are being met, informing Flight Staff on locations and times of activities)
  • Fair Referee (i.e., during games or competitions, the First Sergeant will act as the referee)
  • Support Squadron Commander and help set goals, squadron planning, and execution. Accomplishing tasks or delegations given by the Squadron Commander.

Flight Commander

The Flight Commander is the leader, and the overseer, of both the flight Sergeant and Flight. Acting as a mouthpiece for their students, and a mentor for their Flight Sergeant, the Flight Commander will teach and watch. This position is a more mature and endearing one, requiring a cadet to be more of a figure rather than an instructor.

The Key Duties within this position are as follows:

  • Goal Maker who sets goals for the flight, and moves the flight to accomplish Squadron goals.
  • Conduct informal counseling of cadets and formal evaluations of their leadership skills.
  • Create the conditions necessary for the flight to succeed.
  • Mentoring and training your flight sergeant so they will be prepared to serve in higher leadership roles.
  • Design and create a guide-on design for command approval.

Flight Sergeant

Flight Sergeant is the most influential and hands-on position at encampment. Arguably the most difficult position, the NCO within this position will help their flight commander lead, teach, and motivate 8 - 15 students, including two to four element leaders, throughout Encampment. They are the “right hand” to the flight commander, act as the “Keeper of the Flight”, and are responsible and resourceful enough to take complete charge of the flight in the flight commander's absence.

The Key Duties within this position are as follows:

  • Teaching and Instructing Students on proper uniform wearing, drill, customs & courtesies, and basic CAP knowledge.
  • Motivating and Leading the Flight by pushing the flight towards S.M.A.R.T. goals, setting an example to students, and helping individual flight members.
  • Passing on information to flight members, staying aware of their current surroundings and tasks.
  • Responsible for forming flights and marching them between locations.

Standard/Evaluation Staff

The Standards and Evaluation staff is responsible for inspecting, testing, and scoring line staff and students' bunk areas and uniforms during encampment.

Key duties within this position are as follows:

  • Point of reference for all uniform and barracks-related questions.
  • Uphold the highest standards in uniform wear, barracks arrangement, and customs and courtesies. 
  • Implements the scoring system for inspections found in the Mississippi Wing Encampment Standard Operation Procedures.
  • Provides direct feedback for daily drill practice.
  • Helps complete end-of-encampment evaluation forms, separately for cadet staff and in-flight cadets. 

ES Training OIC

The ES Training OIC/NCO is responsible for the development and execution of the encampment ES training curriculum. This is a new position for the MSWG encampment and will require a motivated and ES-knowledgeable cadet.

Key duties within this position are as follows:

  • Works with Curriculum and Plans to develop the basic encampment ES training plan.
  • Recruits, helps select, and prepare ES instructors (senior staff, cadre, or guests) for required courses; monitoring courses to ensure the students attain the learning objectives.
  • Primary cadet instructor for classroom curriculum material.
  • Must be proficient with public speaking, interactive class creation, and developing visual and tactile aids.

Logistics Staff

Logistics sta members are responsible for supporting the encampment with logistical operations, including inventory, supply management, and assisting other departments as needed.

 Key duties within this position are as follows:

  • Ensure the proper care of donated equipment and that all equipment is turned in at the end of the Encampment. 
  • Coordinating inventory and the packing of supplies at Wing HQ and squadrons as possible.
  • Assists with the mapping out of all rooms being used by the Encampment to put them back in their original setup at the end of the Encampment.
  • Create checklists to determine the initial and final condition of issued items, including barracks and support office areas, and note damage.
  • Complete daily logistics responsibilities such as emptying trash and cleaning assigned areas.
  • Coordinate all logistics movements such as the transportation of food and water on rotation days 
  • Coordinate the request and delivery of all supply, office and classroom equipment.  
  • Maintain logs to ensure the non-expendable property is signed in and out, lost and found items are logged, and all property is returned to the unit it came from.

General Support Staff

The General Support Staff will assist the Deputy of Support and Cadet Deputy of Support with personnel and administrative work to ensure encampment runs smoothly. This would be a great position for cadets working on MSA.

 Key duties within this position are as follows:

  • Work with the Support Assistant with the submission of receipts and requests for funding. 
  • Assists during in-processing and out-processing, ensuring all required paperwork and activity fees are collected. Additionally, verify the correct spelling and grade of each Cadet and Senior member.
  • Assists with ensuring that the flight, recall, and locator rosters are complete. Verify flight manifests are correct. 
  • Assists in the distribution and accountability of printed materials (Cadet Handbooks, class handouts, graduation certificates, etc).
  • Create and distribute encampment call sign sheet to all those who possess a radio.
  • Assists with sign-in and sign-out of radios at the instruction and guidance of the Communications Officer/NCO CS). 
  • Assists with the maintenance of charging equipment and spare batteries.

Medical/Safety OIC 

The Medical/Safety OIC will coordinate the team's efforts with the Health Services Officer and Safety Officer, lead pre-encampment training, develop medical and safety policies, and act as the point of contact for any member in need of medical or safety assistance.

 Key duties within this position are as follows:

  • Complete ORM before encampment begins and help create safety plans and briefings.
  • Train medical/safety staff on procedures and policies regarding emergency situations and everyday activities.
  • Inform cadet staff about emergency rally points.

Medical/Safety Staff

The Medical/Safety staff will coordinate with the onsight SM Health Services and Safety Staff and act as the point of contact for any member in need of medical or safety assistance.

 Key duties within this position are as follows: 

  • Provide basic treatment of minor injuries under Health Services Officer supervision.
  • Help ensure all cadets have reported for or taken required prescription or over-the-counter medication.
  • Monitor blisters, wounds, injuries, and hydration and keep the Health Services Officer informed of any issues needing attention.
  • Give safety briefings before activities as required.
  • Monitor activities, take acceptable actions, and alert the chain of command as needed to ensure a safe environment is maintained.

Director of Mess Operations and Staff

The Director of Mess Operations is responsible for ensuring the Mess Staff supports the Food Services Officer (FSO) with meal prep, serving, and clean-up of daily meals and snacks staffing.

Key duties within this position are as follows:

  • Before encampment trains mess staff about basic food service safety standards and procedures.
  • Works with the FSO and develops a plan to identify and accommodate participants with food allergies.
  • Understand basic cooking measurements and conversations (i.e. the difference between a tsp and tbsp, how many cups are in a pint)
  • Coordinates with Curriculum and Plans cadet and the FSO to set a schedule and rotation to ensure mess staff gets adequate rest, personal time, and special activity involvement. Also coordinate timing and group order for meals and snacks

Mess Staff

Mess staff is responsible for helping the Food Services Officer (FSO) with meal prep, serving, and clean-up of daily meals and snacks. 

Key duties within this position are as follows:

  • Prep, cook, and serve meals and snacks making sure to be mindful of food allergians and cross-continmation. 
  • Clean-up of kitchen, dining area, and facility bathrooms. This includes washing dishes and emptying the trash.
  • Restocks condiments, food, plates, cutlery, and napkins.
  • Enforces proper DFAC decorum.

Director of Public Affairs

The Director of Public Affairs will coordinate with the Public Affairs Officer and Curriculum and Plans to ensure all student, cadre, and SM activities are properly covered by photo and video assets to provide quality media for external (social media and news) and internal (CAP members and family) purposes. 

Key duties within this position are as follows:

  • Produce daily newsletters, material for online and social media posts, and end of encampment video/photo slideshow.
  • Schedule PA staff and equipment to properly cover all activities. 
  • Train PA Staff about CAP guidelines regarding photos, cutlines, and story content.

Public Affairs Staff

Support encampments photo and video needs and follow the directions provided by the Director of Public Affairs and the Public Affairs Officer.

Key duties within this position are as follows:

  • Take quality photos and videos of all encampment activities. 
  • Write short bylines and stories. 
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