An other NCO at another sqn (SQN B) is trying to convice me to move to their sqn, my current sqn (SQN A) is “not the best”. I have been considering changing sqn’s for a while but i’m not sure it would be the right descision. I think I would enjoy sqn B more and I like the cadets and nco’s and staff at sqn B more. However, at Sqn A I fucntion as the most senior cdt NCO on sqn and am very likely to get FS soon. If I move I am also likely to get FS but as thiers a CWO there ,so I’d be unable to go for CWO which I most likely could if I stayed at Sqn A. Any Advice on what to do?
I would start by thinking about what you want to get out of your time as a cadet and which squadron will better enable that.
Squadrons tend to be very different in all sorts of ways so it’s unlikely that one will be better for everything than another.
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i would not limit or determine your opportunity within the organisation by rank alone.
while it is commendable to work your way up the rank structure it should not be seen as the only measure.
you already indicate you will enjoy Sqn B more, and their Cadets and Staff - enjoyment of the people around you says a lot more than what piece of cloth is on your shoulder.
far better to be a “happier” FS than an “unhappy” CWO.
by as @Jimothy indicates consider what you want to achieve. it is likely that there are a number of differences between the two Squadrons and what you’ll be able to achieve and have opportunity for (not simply promotion).
in short - Staying at Sqn A to get CWO doesn’t seem valid reason enough if you have already been considering moving (there must be reasons behind this not mentioned - although you do mention doubts)
however, it isn’t just a piece of cloth on your shoulder but an opportunity to lead and develop the Sqn as a CWO more so than a FS (at least in my experience at various Sqns).
I haven’t really helped as i have given reasons to both stay and leave but in reality only you know what is best for you given what you want to get from the organisation.
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Echoing points above as well as thinking about the age of the CWO as already in post at the other squadron, he/she will be aging out in under 2 years for a starter. However when you go for your CWO board if you get the chance, think about motivations of wanting to be a CWO as a tip, if it is asked Why do you want to become a CWO and Why now. Could you answer that with a reason other than “because i do”. Realistically although it might crop up in the odd conversation about cadets if you bump into someone that once was one in x number of years time, Cadet SGT/F/SGT/WO are really not relevant to the “normal world” if you are already the top NCO at your squadron and your standards are high then think about how that looks rather than jumping ship. But ultimately the decision is down to you only a short cadet career and make the most of it
Just because your current Sqn is “not the best” doesn’t mean it isn’t good.
Every Sqn is different & with different strengths & weaknesses & characteristics.
Also it’s worth asking why you are being “encouraged” over, particularly if you are reasonably content at your current Sqn where you know the staff & know your team of cadet NCOs.
We have a cadet NCO (Cdt FS) at a local Sqn who is constantly trying to poach NCOs from other Sqns, bigging up his Sqn & putting down others.
The reason why he keeps trying to poach NCOs is that he has leadership skills of a gnat, with the emotional intelligence & managerial skill of Gordon Brittas & is general a complete tool with loads of arrogance & no the self awareness.
As such his current NCOs either keep leaving or keep clashing with him so be very aware of the character of the person who is trying to poach you & try to get the feel what actually is going on behind the scenes.
Regardless though the process should be -
- chat with your CO
- chat with new CO (who may not let you transfer with your current rank)
- if you haven’t done so chat with your parents (as they need to agree)
- if you really want to do it & everyone is supportive, send a formal email requesting to transfer from a specific date (give ideally minimum of a couple of weeks notice).
Sqn then does all the background paperwork & transfers on bader etc.
If you’re not sure it would be the right decision to move then you are probably right & better to stay but still have that conversation with your CO / your the senior cadet NCO so you should have an input on shape the Sqn & develop things to make your current Sqn better.
Also CWO isn’t what it once was particularly with the age changes - it’s no longer the be all & it’s probably going to be reduced further.
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There is nothing to say a Sqn can’t have more than one CWO, we’ve currently got three.
However, I’d echo what others have said and think about what you want to get out of your time as a Cadet rather than focusing on getting CWO. All Sqns have good and bad points and the grass isn’t always greener.
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Can’t you only have a certain amounts due to the establishment scales
There is nothing to say a Sqn can’t have more than one CWO, we’ve currently got three.
The total number of CWOs a wing can appoint is 1 per squadron, plus 2/3rds.
I recently had two excellent CWO candidates appointed on the same night.
I now have a third joining us as a supernumerary.
In theory, one squadron could wind up with lots of CWOs, though for all the benefits that could bring, there are possible down sides.
But to your question, there’s a limit for the wing, technically not for the squadron (unless I’ve missed it).
I’ll never let “establishment” get in the way of providing meaningful development and recognition for my people (and that’s saying something, as someone who really would love to have a pristine squadron structure).
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Ok thank you, that makes sense just the Sqn establishment scales list a limit
(Also just a question what does joining as a supernumerary mean I’ve heard it before but never asked what it meant)
I think this is where the more technologically competent members of the forum would share the meme of Capt Barbarossa saying his classic line “they’re more like guidelines”.
Short answer: it’s a way of registering a secondary commitment / role.
Both cadets and staff can be appointed to a secondary unit / role as supernumerary.
For example, the previous squadron boss lends great support to the unit as the adjutant, while she also has her primary role of wing sports officer (it’s quieter at the moment, so she has that flexibility to support us a bit more). It means she can turn up to the unit and support as a squadron officer and she’ll appear on the register.
Ok thank you,
One of the things making me doubt transferring was the fact that my current Sqn has major problems with discipline, planning and communication and me leaving would only make it worse. The other SNCO’s ‘aren’t the best’ and the entire NCO team needs development as the gap in cadets left by covid has practically wiped out all of our ‘developed’ NCOs.
So would it be possible for me to move sqns but stay at my old Sqn as supernumerary (assuming both oc’s agree)
Yes but be wary of over committing yourself. It sounds like your current Sqn needs ‘work’, have you time to do that and be effective in the new one (as well as having a life outside cadets)?
comme ça?
