Just seen a post from one of the Welsh wings advertising for a wing CWO, and it got me thinking. We as an organisation go far beyond the squadron level, with a lot of staff holding wing appointments (think of all the DIs for example), is there much opportunity for cadets to do that?
CWO is obviously a ‘wing appointment’, but in my experience, they don’t tend to do much more with other squadrons than anyone else. The only example of an actual off-squadron appointment I know of is FSCs, and there can’t be many of them. Are there many wing CWOs?
This was mostly just me wondering if this sort of thing varies across the country, but also a question of do you think this is something we should be pushing for as an org?
Cadets are only found at squadron/DF level. If a “Wing CWO” exists, they are still officially at 123 (Anywhere) Sqn and just fulfil whatever duties the Wg Cdr has made up for the role.
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It’s no different to the ACF. They have cadet Company / Squadron / Battery Sergeant Majors and Regimental Sergeant Majors. Being sub-unit / regimental appointments limits the number, but they still attend their local detachment (fulfilling their wider role on weekends and camps).
That’s maybe just a change in the times, especially with CWO now being allowed for under 18s, and over 18s having less responsibility options.
When I was a CWO I was doing off-sqn stuff as much, if not more than on-sqn. I was running AT events many evenings of the week. I even ran a Wing first class weekend.
It was a complete pain not being able to claim fuel though, which put me off doing even more stuff, or doing things further afield.
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Might be a great idea to be that focal point, but what is the selection criteria; oldest, most badges, etc.
What happens when they leave, readvertise to find a replacement; could be going through the trawl process constantly. We all know cadets promise to stay until the end of their ATC career, but we also know that other real life pressures get in the way.
And because it’s not an established post across the organisation, it will vary from wing to wing.
I have seen quite a few ads stating it is a 12 month post, and like with LLC I assume they’re expected to remain a cadet for that period. But as you say, what are they going to do if the cadet does leave aside from appoint someone else?
That’s more the sort of thing I was getting at - is there much opportunity for cadets to help other local squadrons/events? It feels like it would be a good next step for their development, especially for cadets from smaller squadrons where there isn’t really enough for a CWO to do!
Think of my example of DIs - they all still are on a specific squadron, but are often helping at multi-sqn camps, or just going on a normal parade night to help a sqn that needs a DI.
I think a lot of confusion comes from people thinking that “appointed through a process held by wing level” = anointed and a wing asset.
I’m appointed to a commission by HM, but my place isn’t by his bed.
I certainly like the idea of having a senior CWO if we properly manage establish a decent role for them, but as they’re still a cadet I think it limits what they can meaningfully accomplish.
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