I agree with redowling’s first comment
Watch your commitment, do not let it interfere with home/ family
Do not do everything yourself
[quote=“397k” post=1554]Watch your commitment, do not let it interfere with home/ family
Do not do everything yourself[/quote]
It is easier said than done and reqires a huge amount of self-discipline and control, but you have to be extremely honest with family and yourself about the role and the demands that come with the role. Unless someone taking a command has walked around with their eyes shut or not been in the direct confidence of the CO, then you should be aware of the lonelines at times, which is where an understanding ‘home’ is good place to go.
When faced with approaching deadlines/cut off dates, with the potential for people missing out or getting your knuckles rapped, the latter goes with the job, it is difficult to just let it happen. I’ve now got to the point where I’ve got an Adj and TO who take it on and coordinate things and speak to each other and staff, but it’s taken time and a lot of piece moving inbetween and at these points I’ve had to “take control” which has caused unrest at home.
So when taking a command over be prepared for doing more than you may have first expected.
This has been great, thank you for all the replies so far!
I’ve been an OC now for around 2-3 months and enjoy (the very busy) job. My tips?
- You can’t do everything but try to ensure you give the cadets as many opportunities as possible.
- Ensure the staff know their role and, more importantly, know how to do it.
- Spend less time at your desk and more time at the ‘coal face’ whenever you can - the cadets do appreciate your involvement.
- Weekend events (bag packs, sport, shooting, etc) - try and go along too. Again, it is appreciated.
- You’ll become very popular with many people as soon as you’re in the job (cadets, staff, dignitaries, parents, Civcom, etc) - be prepared!
Send an e-mail to oc.1862 and I’ll send you a copy of our Sqn Management Plan too by return
I passed my commissioning board on 9th Oct, got my letter on 23rd Nov, Into Uniform on 26th Nov…and took over as Sqn Cdr on 5th Jan, 5 weeks after getting into uniform and 2 of those were sqn stand down for xmas. That was 2008/9 and I’m still OC.
I’ve had some huge issues to deal with, none of which are anything like they tell you about at Cranwell. I’ve considered resigning sooooo many times.
But I’m still here and expect to be for some time. Take the advice given above, it is all good, even where it conflicts. Remember it is YOUR Sqn with YOU being ultimately responsible. You will NEVER keep everyone happy so don’t try. Just keep things balanced on the knife edge.
Oh and finally, if you have the rank because it boots your ego or because you feel you are important…RESIGN NOW!! you will not enjoy the job as the hassle is far worse than any rank or position ego trip will reward. However, if you get an ego boost when you see someone at a remembrance parade in regular forces uniform looking a million dollars or an ex cadet who you see as a respectable citizen in your community, or an ex cadet doing extraordinary things then let your ego run riot because you helped that to happen. You’ll then love being CO
Sent 
Bump to re highlight.
Got the offer, likely to accept, a town I’ve never even been to, but I will be taking a half day to go research.
Challenge…bring it on!
[color=#ff0000][size=5]Don’t do it!![/size][/color]
Oh now that’s not nice.
So when do you start?
Me?
Sunday/Monday. Was supposed to be today but a Friday is a stupid day to handover anything!
Good luck! Is it 211 you’re taking over?
Yep, I’ll be OIC Newbury imminently. It’s quite nice, seeing as we’re not struggling so it shouldn’t be too much work from the outset!
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Just one day? Wow I’m blessed.
Getting up to a month!
[quote=“5432golf” post=3907]Just one day? Wow I’m blessed.
Getting up to a month![/quote]Your actual handover will be 24 hours solid. The remainder of the month will be spent crying and trying to face the outside world.
[quote=“incubus” post=3909][quote=“5432golf” post=3907]Just one day? Wow I’m blessed.
Getting up to a month![/quote]Your actual handover will be 24 hours solid. The remainder of the month will be spent crying and trying to face the outside world.[/quote]
My actual handover started with a visit, the big announcement, and we are setting a plan in motion next parade night. Following one I’m going solo as current is off to meeting about new place.
Then will be back, review what’s gone on so far, and push on.
Should noob me feel ready earlier, will go with it, if not, carry on until month end.
Seems flipping sensible to me!