Cadet Executive Cadre Duty Position Descriptions & Attributes

MSWG has selected certain traits and abilities desired of candidates seeking the position of Cadet Deputy Commander of Operations and Cadet Deputy Commander of Support (Formerly known as the Executive Officer) for the 2023 Mississippi Wing Summer Encampment. Candidates must be willing to meet or exceed all expectations and responsibilities of said positions.

Attributes & Abilities of Cadet Executive Cadre:

Below are the general traits, attributes, and abilities sought from a cadet serving within the position of either Cadet Deputy Commander of Operations or Cadet Deputy Commander of Support:

• Is in good standing within their Squadron & Wing

• Upholds CAP Core Values

• Extensive training and drill experience

• Can logically explain ideas and communicate effectively

• Appropriately delegates and follows up

• Respects authority and regulations

• Displays and encourages Servant Leadership

• Remains calm, exhibits maturity, and works well with others

• Consistently works on personal improvement

• Demonstrates involvement and remains present during activities

• Maintains situational awareness and remains flexible

• Understand deadlines and personal responsibility

• Holds themselves to a higher standard than they hold their subordinates

Cadet Deputy Commander of Operations (CTG/CDO):

The Cadet Deputy Commander of Operations acts as the “right hand” or second-in-command to the Cadet Commander. Though they will have their job and responsibilities, the Cadet Commander will opt to use them as sees fit.

Key duties within this position are as follows:

• Management of Cadet Operations: focusing on long-term goals, planning cadet activities, drafting training plans, and preparing training schedules for the cadet commander's approval.

• Supervise and mentor all Line Cadre, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and helping them grow as leaders.

• Monitoring the Cadet Inspection Programs to include managing the overall inspection system, noting different trends within the cadets' training, and taking into account how Flight Commanders prepare their flight.

• Taking accountability for the actions of the Line Staff, acknowledging late flights/squadrons, recognizing mistakes made by staff, and implementing changes to training as required to meet encampment goals.

• Ensuring all Line Staff receive schedule and event information promptly.

Cadet Deputy Commander of Support (CTG/CDS):

The Cadet Deputy Commander of Support functions as the head of the Support Staff. Their job is to oversee the movement, management, and supervision of the Support Staff. They will mainly function as the “head manager” of the different Cadet OIC/NCOIC of each support area. Though they will have their job and responsibilities, the Cadet Commander will opt to use them as sees fit when necessary.

Key duties within this position are as follows:

• Supervise and coordinate Cadet Support Staff Activities to ensure Senior Member Support Staff is satisfied with the quality of support the Cadet Support Staff is providing. 

• Manage the Cadet Corps’ Mission Support Functions: managing deadlines, leading/mentoring the head of each department, and organizing reports of Cadet Support Staff

• Provide oversight and mentorship to all Cadet Support Staff to ensure they are operating appropriately, staying on task, and reducing any unutilized time by finding additional ways to support encampment. 

• Ensuring all Line Staff receive schedule and event information promptly.

References/Resources:

• CAPP 60-31 Cadet Staff Handbook, Civil Air Patrol

• Learn To Lead (Volume 3), Civil Air Patrol

• The Art of War, Sun-Tzu

• 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John C. Maxwell

Written and compiled by J. Reid Brown, October 2022

Revised by Capt J Dixon, CAP, November 2022