I’m currently planning “cadet careers” and I want to make sure that I strike the balance of making cadet NCO positions meaningful while not overburdening them with responsibilities.
My current issue is establishing what, bar a different rank tab, should actually change for a newly promoted individual and how we should set greater expectations of them (ideally in a manner broadly consistent across the organisation).
Things like nightly duties, responsibilities for projects.
My cdt cpls are currently section commanders looking out for 4-6 cadets, my cdt sgts are currently flight commanders for two sections, but what does that really mean beyond a fancy title?
Why do I even have flights? Competition can quickly become a source of tension when one flight gets one or two people who don’t show as regularly and therefore the awarding of points can feel like an exercise in attendance and good fortune rather than actual team performance…
As you can see, I’m obsessing over the little things, but I know it means a huge amount to the cadets, so I want to get it right — especially as I then want to be able to demonstrate tangible things when asked to support with references.
On the attendance for flight points, although we do individuals it is given as a scale % in a month. The 10 points is set at 95%+ attendance and then for every 5% the points come down for example 9 points for 90%-95% etc.
Regarding responsibilities for Cpl’s for me its almost like a 3 sided thing, personal development, the development of others and finding a niche. Most of the Cpl’s will be finishing off their classifications as well as working towards their MOI with delivering presentations. With the Sgt’s they will be leading the projects and working with the Cpl’s to deliver training and finishing off their MOI. We have a band, as part of that the “band Sgt” is someone that works very closely with our DofE officer (CI) as he will use the drums as a skill and be giving updates on progress etc as well as delivering the training prior to assessment by the band officer.
For me a good niche has been Drill comp, banner comp, band, 1st Aid, adhoc presentations, sports nights, modelling, canteen. Then from there that can be adjusted depending on the training programme. Banner comp can also include just general banner for parades etc. I like to have a close knit team where even the bag carrier knows the routine and how to carry the banner should we need to move people in.
However quite often its asking them what they want to achieve over x period of time, the DofE framework is bizarrely quite good for this. Learn a new skill in 3/6 months, service etc 3/6 months.
We have just done the same thing , albeit linked to a promotion process - if you drop me a DM ill wing you over a copy, also were in the same wing as you.
Have a look at ACTO 7, it contains a set of specifications for Cpl & Sgt. Whilst you may be asking for a more detailed explanation, they are a good indication of what the cadets at these ranks should be doing plus any local requirements as described above.
Because every unit is different I doubt you’ll find a one size fits all solution but get a few different models and tailor them to fit your needs.