Do we have any actual training materials for new NCOs as i have noticed before they are given cpl but not really shown how to be a cpl and what they should be doing etc.
Thats largely because the role of a corporal will vary wildly depending on the squadron. After we came back from lockdown there were many cases of squadrons with Corporals as their ranking cadets. On the other hand, a lot of squadrons will have corporals as flight 2ICs or in no formal leadership role at all.
Generally speaking though, as an officer I would generally expect basic leadership skills and good standards of drill, deportment and discipline from any of my NCOs - so if there are deficiencies in any of those then that might be a good thing to look at first.
Look into Pre-NCO or JNCO courses too, but these do vary from wing to wing. ACTO 7 discusses NCO training, so maybe have a quick look there?
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What do you want your NCOs to do? Come up with a role performance statement and then train them to do it.
For me a JNCO is nothing more than an exemplary cadet who will lead by example and put the effort in to tasks they are given.
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ACP48 and 49 should be a atarting point, albeit they are dated.
In my wing we open the JNCO course to all cadets so we provide training and insights to the cadets before being promoted.
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I was promoted a few weeks ago and my NCO team consistently were encouraging me before hand to “act like an NCO” by leaving me in charge when they had meeting and doing NCO activities like taking final parade. Just little things to get me prepared and do it more confidently, looking back now it was definitely very helpful.
I will say I wasn’t given any specific materials though.
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Yes you’re right they are. Previously the Training from one snco to the next etc hasnt been done very well there’s many things a SGT and FS even should already know but doesn’t. Our 2 new cpls actually asked me the question is there any training as such that teach them. Obviously we have the JNCO/SNCO course but these are rare and you only get to nominate 1 cadet to go for it.
I would be asking my local teams who run these to run more, there is no limit on the course for how many per unit.
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I work on fairly simple principles
…is a Cpl - I give them a task and how to do it - they manage it
Sgt - can identify an issue and bring me a possible solution - once we agree on a course of action they can manage it to completion
FS - can identify and resolve within their remit - and then tell me what they have done
CWO - as FS but I don’t need to know unless it is important/required for me to know
Plus for all the relevant teaching/leadership experience etc
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In the last year or longer i dont believe any jnco/snco courses have been run and there is 1 next year but it specifically says squadrons only allowed to nominate 1 cadet for jnco and 1 for snco which is a shame. why this is and why its not run more frequently whether it be staffing etc i do not know.
That will be a local restriction, sector/Wing probably down to staffing. If 20-30 Squadrons in your Wing they will need 3 staff to run it, although at least being allowed a reserve should be an option. One thing apart from the ACP’s and ACTO’s is trying to get the info from the course either via a cadet that has done it and running through that. For me a CPL shadows a SGT on a particular project (s) that might be canteen or specialist thing like banner drill, whilst they are also required to finish off their classifications and work towards their MOI.