Do you think there should be a set criteria for promotion to or from any rank. Personally I think no, because even if someone meets all of those criteria, they may be unable to manage a group of cadets effectively. This said, I think if someone does meet the criteria they should be given additional support to help them learn how to manage a group of cadets effectively.
In short, yes.
But clearly one of those criteria should be “able to manage a group of cadets effectively”.
The ACO sets some criteria, and as an OC I’ve set some extra guidelines that I want my cadets to aspire to if they want to be promoted. I want them to prove to me they want it so I want them to have gone on a camp, have a good attendance record, be active in DofE etc
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As pEp has said their already is criteria for both Cadets and Adult NCOs
(no such guidance on VRTs, simply by post/role/position i guess?)
see ACTO 07 and specifically Annex A for Cadet Cpl and Sgt expectations
and Pers Form 3-02 for Adult NCO expectation prior to promotion
I’ve always ignored the ACTIs and ACTOs. I’ve been promoting and recommending for promotion for years and the day I need a guide will be the day to hang up the uniform.
For me attending local squadron events is a top criteria as well as regular attendance on parade nights or letting us know if they can’t make it and being smart without being told to be.
Encouraging cadets to get involved is a thing for me.
If you do things, show commitment, tick the smart and polite boxes you should be well on your way to a promotion.
Overall be the best you can be and it will be recognised. All the guff about communicating and controlling a group of cadets comes with experience NOT rank. If your sqn isn’t giving cadets responsibilities to do this before they get promoted is not doing a good job.