So as well as normal awards cadet of the year etc i am introducing a new award which is coming from the Adjutant/training officer to a staff cadet for the huge amount of help they have been in this last year . This year the cadet really has gone over and above of how much they do and help the cadets and we felt this needed a reward . So I am introducing this new award but im wondering what could you call it to differentiate to cadet of the year. Can’t call Adj’s award or something boring like that. so any ideas would be very great full please.
Exemplary service award?
Over and above award?
Special commendation award?
2 Likes
I’d second the above.
I brought in “Squadron Commander’s Commendations” because I can fill a nice certificate (in presentation folder) with whatever I like on a citation, without having to have another narrow award that might not be presented every year.
A “staff cadet” award might not feel as valuable because you probably don’t have that many staff cadets.
But a squadron commander’s commendation can put them on our sqn honours board alongside LLC appointments and comdt RAFAC awards.
3 Likes
I’d agree with Squadron Commander’s Commendation. If the person is particularly valuable might be worth a word with OC Wing to see if they can give a commendation too. The two shouldnt be mutually exclusive.
3 Likes
Is there a good blank certificate template aligned with the RAFAC brand that can be used for these?
I’ve previously made my own based on generic word templates but they always seemed a bit tacky and out of line with the PTS e-certificates.
I’m sure @OC.1324’s template will be worth a look.
There’s templates in the Training Hub for the PTS which are ok to adapt
Do you have any templates/pics of what you have as I like this idea. Any templates etc would be greatly appreciated
Can you ping me an email on my OC account?
I can then send you better files.
In short, I use a draft layout from Mac Pages and then copied the style of a USMC commendation I received.
I use maroon for the title, blue for everything else, green for the date, and then by my details I wax seal it rather than signing.
When we have an authorised unit badge I might have a wax seal made bearing the unit badge and change that bit.
The certificate also has the ATC badge, which I’ll eventually change for the unit badge.
I don’t follow the branding guidelines because it’s designed to be a more ceremonial presentation and not for public consumption, much as my offer letters for promotions don’t follow DW and are written more as a personal letter, again wax sealed. Really elevated it and parents seem to like the extra effort that goes into it all.
Topic divergence
You offer promotion rather than just awarding them, is this after a selection process or is everything on merit?
When I was a cadet, it frustrated me that promotions were more of a public surprise.
As a squadron boss, I want all my cadets to understand that a promotion first requires the consistent maintenance of high standards, and then the holding of a rank is the same as holding some responsibilities.
So while I’ve not had a consistent approach to selection (sometimes interviews and presentations, other times monitoring and feedback over time for those who are eligible), it has always involved a formal offer of promotion about a week out from promotion (normally timed for an occasion, if possible).
The letter commends them and highlights why I think they’re ready, sets out the expectations of the next rank and what I’ll expect from them, and then invites them to think about it and let me know when they’re next in.
They understand that they’re taking on more responsibility and helping me run the unit, all the other cadets understand what a cadet NCO contributes to the efficient running of the unit.
Edit: Happy to provide a copy to a RAFAC email address.
2 Likes