This Year our Sqn got a new OC and everytime I have a conversation with them they end up shouting at me for one reason or another, usually for no good reason. They is also generally ‘not good’ at being a staff member, making constant admin mistakes, telling cadets incorrect or outdated information, and having a laizez faire approach to safeguarding.
And what I was wondering, what can I do? I’ve already went to other adult staff on Sqn who can’t do anything because he’s the OC. I don’t know what I can do without being afraid of what they’ll do. It’s gotten to the point that I’m not wanting to come done solely because of them.
Have you spoken to your parents see if they can raise anything.
New COs do need a bedding in period depending on experience but hopefully there is a 2ic that can get through to them & help guide. There should be a wing staff officer who should be visiting regularly.
If you still want to stay in cadets could you transfer to another Sqn? Might be a longer distance,
Appreciate in your part of the country it maybe trickier so perhaps consider the sea cadets.
Also thanks for the advice however I am too old to join sea cadets and the rest of the advice doesn’t really apply because I’m 19, in uni and recently transferred squadrons due to moving so don’t really fancy having to resettle
Going to be blunt here. You’re 19. You don’t have to volunteer your time to be shouted at for no good reason.
My advice? Walk away and reflect on the positive times you had at cadets - and why you remained involved for as long as you did - rather than try and persevere with a adult who feels it appropriate to shout at other adults. You don’t need it, and it’ll make you bitter.
You could, as suggested, transfer to a different squadron. You could also give yourself a break; enjoy your time at uni and do something different for a while. You can return to RAFAC later with more life experience and give back then. Alternatively, if you feel the need to remain in uniform, and want to lend your time and skills to your local Sea Cadets or ACF. Both accept CFAVs at 19 and whilst their focus is slightly different, your core skills will be well received.
The OC in uniform is a volunteer like the rest of us. I personally would ask, “Why you so angry bro?”
If you get no joy from that conversation, I would take this further up the “chain” as we don’t need shouty people who think because they are in uniform it makes them any more special when they are basically ruining yours, and most probably others’, experiences.
If no one speaks to him, then it’s likely they will continue and turn out to be a black thorn in the organisation.
Unfortunately, I have witnessed the change from ‘Dave the Rave’ to ‘Dave the Ruler’ and all because they have gone into uniform. I can’t deal with those who change overnight, and if it’s not their idea, it doesn’t get implemented, or they’ll make out they decided it.
I was an OC for 15 years a while back and I moved Squadrons to another one due to personal circumstances. There are a few things to unpack here. You have some alternatives. You can leave RAFAC and nothing will change back at your old Squadron. You can move Sqn and again nothing will change at your old Squadron or you can stay and do something about it. Are you the only one they shout at or do other staff and cadets get the same treatment, that seriously needs to stop if it does? If they do then you can contact your Wing Staff Officer, they will confidentially advise you, they know the people involved and how to deal with it. You can contact safeguarding as a previous person said here but make sure you have plenty of evidence as hearsay wont be enough.