While I agree in general, this isn’t going to apply to everyone. Some people will find it helpful to go to cadets as a break from school work, others may find it more stressful as it’s an additional pressure. This is why it’s important to offer flexibility.
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I can “see” where the staff are potentially coming from… part of running a Sqn is the delegation of responsibility and duties - the NCO structure is intended to help achieve this.
The frustration felt by many OCs / Training Officers / Adjutants is that young people face significant exams almost constantly…,
end of year 10 exams
GCSE mocks
GCSEs
A - Level mocks / one year AS exams
A - Level exams…
Then throw in the added distraction of “the opposite sex” who may not be at cadets, and as cadets get older, they may have either oart-time jobs, apprenticeships or internships that could affect their amount of free time.
Your staff may be trying to make a point of showing future candidatesc that they don’t want people applying for promotions, if they’re not going to be able to fully fulfil that role.
But in the other hand, if Squadrons continually lose valuable experienced cadets they will lose not only all that experience, but the level of maturity needed to set as a positive role model for the younger cadets.
It also doesn’t convey a supportive message within the unit (in my kind at least).
I agree entirely, that it was foolish to place another cadet with similar conflicts on their plate - but it’s unclear what other options they had…
It coukd be argued that this period of “planned absence” is the ideal opportunity for Junior NCOs to step up., and for NCO candidates to take on an “acting role”. Although no such “acting” rank exists formally, there are many Squadrons that employ this tactic to give cadets the chance to develop, ahead of any promotion.
Some cadets feel they “need” to be promoted to justify their time as a cadet - only tonthen discover that actually being a JNCO is a bit of a b@llache…
I would still argue that a cadet that 9onky turned up 1 in 4 nights in the medium term, is indigent more valuable as an SNCO once their exams are over…
What’s more, these SNCOs are the cadets that are FAR more likely to share the mindset and ethos of being supportive of cadets beneath them - and because of their continued progression and adventure - may stay on as CFAVs.
Whether the cadet feels that THEY could offer to take a rank reduction, Becs they can see the need in the squadron for a replacement… might be another view to take… and suggest that they would like to be considered for re-promotion afterwards… based on their experience…
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We’ve had cadets drop down to once a week during high workload periods (exam or otherwise) and then occasional once every 2 or 3 weeks too. It’s all workable, and we don’t prejudice them for prioritizing their education.
If an OC is threatening sanctions for cadets wanting some time off for work, then I’d be having words.
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Respectfully - I think you’re slightly missing a point. It shouldn’t be your cadet that is approaching the staff to discuss THEIR needs.
I fully appreciate that this is not necessarily the easiest task by any means - especially if your cadet has any problems with social anxiety or “challenging authority”.
But the benefits the other side of the conversation are enormous.
In an ideal world, staff would want cadets of all ranks to be capable of advocating for themselves.
As parents we often feel that we need to step in to help / support / take control - but, this is not always helpful.
You’re right, the staff probably don’t want to hear YOUR opinion, because you’re not the cadet… BUT, you do still play a vital role - and your support is every bit as important in how well the Sqn performs going forwards.
Staff will often assume that cadets already have what it takes to warrant their promotion - but sometimes they will forget that their is still a young person underneath the rank slide.
I would like to think that your staff will respect your cadet’s approach. I would also suggest that your cadet goes in with a plan of how they intend to remain involved in a meaningful capacity, that still enables them to study.
Going in with a plan shows the staff that THEY are coming up with solutions - not just bringing them problems - THIS is what we need to move RAFAC forwards at ALL levels.
I hope that to be seen by the number of people making similar comments, that I’m not alone in this sentiment…
One important point to make however, is how your cadet should feel / respond, if the OC are resolute in their position…?
My view would be, “if my needs weren’t being respected, why would I want to stay at THAT Squadron in the first place…?”
I’ve seen Squadrons tackle this both ways - from one where there was very little support and encourage of SNCOs - so much so that they failed to retain cadets consistently behind 15… to others that almost “too many” staff cadets - but in junior ranks…
This will change no doubt with the removal of Staff Cadets - but that is a different story
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I find it sad that there are still staff out there that are expecting 100% or “High” attendance - its just not attainable for the majority of cadets. We have a request for “regular” attendance - for some this looks like every other week, some once a week - slightly oddly since we became a lot more open about it the attendance became a lot higher. We speak to all of those in year 10 and 11 and encourage them to pick and choose off the program - weigh up whats more important that week because if they have a night off studying to make sure they get something out of it (that could be a “fun” night, that could be they want to do their projects for DofE etc)
Doesnt help you, so not sure if my answer helps you. I just ask the cadets to let me know - generally they just pop in and see me, where we can we agree a final night so that we can print off the Cadet CV, and say a proper farewell. Not everyone does they’ll come in and say they are done and don’t want to come back.
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This pretty much sums it up - by planning for “regular” attendance - even if it is just once or twice a month, it means staff can plan to incorporate this.
What staff DON’T want, is for cadets (especially SNCOs & JNCOs) to say that they intend to TRY to make it to however many evenings - but frequently fail to show, or cancel at the last minute…
Being relied upon to turn up twice a month is far easier to work with, than so one who is going to fail to turn up twice a month, without notice…
Thanks all. Just to repeat, I didn’t come on here to discuss the positives (& negatives) of our squadron, but simply to ask how to professionally resign from cadets.
I will leave this with the cadet to decide.
There are many elements to their decision, some to do with factors outside of cadets, but most are to do with the squadron, which if I were to put them on here, might indicate which squadron they attend and I don’t wish to put the cadet in that position.
Thank you for all your advice.
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