Cadet Position Descriptions

CADET POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

This summary of leadership positions is taken from the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Staff Handbook.

Cadet Executive Command Staff
Position	Suggested grades:	Synopsis	Key Duties
Cadet Commander	C/Capt through C/Col Immediate Supervisor: Squadron Cmdr. or Deputy	Cadet command is the ultimate challenge for a cadet officer. It is an enormous test of leadership skill, especially one’s ability to articulate a vision and point all cadets toward meaningful goals. The position stands at the epicenter of the squadron: The cadet commander is the most visible cadet, a role model for the entire cadet corps, and the liaison between the senior staff and the cadet staff. The nature of this position depends on the number of cadet officers and NCOs in the squadron. Therefore, the position description must be flexible. In small squadrons, the cadet commander may need to assume flight commander and even first sergeant duties. In large squadrons, the main task is to direct and coordinate a team of cadet officers and NCOs.	Set Goals for the Squadron. Establish Plans, Policies & Procedures. Coordinate Cadet Staff Activities. Make Personnel Recommendations. Direct the Cadet Corps. Promote Excellence. Lead Drill & Ceremonies.
Cadet Deputy Commander	C/Capt through C/LtCol Immediate Supervisor:Cadet Commander	Cadet deputy commander is a challenging position partly because it can be so ambiguous. The deputy is the commander’s right hand, but commanders will use their deputy in a different way. There is no universal job description for deputy. Traditionally, the deputy manages cadet operations and acts as commander when the commander is absent. Additionally, the deputy is usually the cadet next in line to become cadet commander, so this cadet will need to learn the cadet commander’s job as well.	Manage Cadet Operations Supervise & Mentor Flight Commanders Monitor Cadet Inspection Programs Recommend Duty Assignments Command the Squadron (in the commander’s absence)
Cadet Executive Officer	C/Capt through C/LtCol Immediate Supervisor:Cadet Commander	The cadet executive officer is the member of the command staff who manages the mission support functions of the cadet corps. The position is usually unnecessary in most squadrons, except the largest and most top-heavy. Cadet executive officers are found mostly at encampments, which are usually group level organizations. The position exists with the assumption that the squadron has a handful of cadets managing support functions (ie: supply NCO, administrative NCO, webmaster, etc.) that for span of control reasons require a cadet officer to supervise on behalf of the cadet commander.	Supervise and coordinate cadet support staff activities. Manage the cadet corps’ mission support functions. Develop and/or help maintain websites, newsletters, rosters, calendars, and a cadet supply system. Manage local personnel programs, like uniform inspection records and the cadet of the month program.
Cadet First Sergeant	C/MSgt through C/CMSgt Immediate Supervisor:Cadet Commander	Holding the most prestigious and challenging position available to a cadet NCO, the cadet first sergeant’s role is a varied one. The “shirt” is expected to be a master trainer, a great motivator, a fair referee, a just disciplinarian, and an aide-de-camp to the cadet commander.	Lead Cadets in PT. Lead Cadets in Drill & Ceremonies Safeguard CAP Facilities & Property Participate in Inspections Keep Cadets Safe Counsel Cadets Train Cadets in the Basics of Cadet Life Provide Personnel & Administrative Support Pass-On Information. Support the Commander
Cadet Command Support (or Flight) Staff
Position	Suggested grades:	Synopsis	Key Duties
Cadet Flight Commander	C/2d Lt through C/Capt Immediate Supervisor:Cadet Commander(or Cadet Deputy Commander)	The cadet flight commander leads a flight of 8 to 15 cadets. It is the first cadet position to have significant managerial and oversight responsibilities, as the flight commander supervises and mentors a flight sergeant and 2 to 4 element leaders. Having developed some basic instructional skills, flight commanders are called on to teach almost any cadet-related topic. As commanders, they set goals and develop training plans for the flight, informally counsel cadets and formally evaluate their leadership skills. As officers, flight commanders serve on the squadron’s leadership team, working with the cadet commander and other officers to grow the squadron. In short, the flight commander creates the conditions necessary for the flight to succeed.	Instruct Cadets. Motivate and Discipline the Flight. Mentor the Flight Sergeant and Element Leaders. Set Goals for the Flight. Coach and Counsel Cadets. Drill and Ceremonies.
Cadet Flight Sergeant	C/SSgt through C/CMSgt Immediate Supervisor:Flight Commander	The flight sergeant is the direct, hands-on leader who helps the flight commander motivate and train the cadets in a flight. On average, flight sergeants will lead 8 to 15 cadets, including 2 to 4 element leaders.Their main area of concern is the leadership laboratory. Flight sergeants teach in-ranks cadets the basics of cadet life: drill, wear of the uniform, customs and courtesies, and physical fitness. Although flight sergeant is an entry-level leadership position, this cadet needs to be responsible and resourceful enough to take complete charge of the flight in the flight commander’s absence.	Instruct Cadets in Basic Subjects Motivate & Discipline the Flight Serve the Team Lead the Flight in Drill & Ceremonies Pass on Information Take Responsibility for Your Cadets
Cadet Element Leader	C/A1C through C/TSgt Immediate Supervisor:Flight Sergeant	Element leader is the entry-level leadership position on the cadet staff. Their key responsibility is to assist the flight commander and flight sergeant by taking charge of the members of an element (4 or 5 cadets, on average). Although the element leader occupies the lowest rung in the cadet chain of command, their job is incredibly important because they are the first person basic cadets should turn to for guidance.	Prepare the Element for Inspection Debrief the Element After Inspection Pass on Information Motivate the Element Lead in Drill Answer Questions Keep Your Superiors Informed
Additional Cadet Leadership Positions
Position	Suggested grades:	Synopsis	Key Duties
Cadet Aerospace Education Officer	C/2d Lt through C/Lt Col Immediate Supervisor:Cadet Commander (varies)	The cadet aerospace officer instructs cadets in aerospace topics and leads or supervises aerospace activities. The position is usually not needed, except in the largest or most top-heavy squadrons. Because the duties are similar to those of a flight commander, commanders should carefully divide the labor of the two positions to avoid overlap.	Instruct cadets in aerospace topics. Lead aerospace-related activities. Coordinate and oversee aerospace tutoring or mentoring.
Cadet Leadership Officer	2dLt and above Immediate Supervisor:Cadet Commander (varies)	The cadet leadership officer instructs cadets in leadership topics and leads or supervises leadership activities. The position is usually not needed, except in the largest or most top-heavy squadrons. Because the duties are similar to those of a flight commander, commanders should carefully divide the labor of the two positions to avoid overlap.	Instruct cadets in leadership topics. Coordinate and oversee local mentoring programs. Support cadet drill and ceremonies training. Mentor the NCO staff.
Cadet Emergency Services Officer or NCO	C/SSgt. or above	Assist the senior staff in training cadets in emergency services. Assist the senior staff in developing emergency services plans.
Cadet Public Affairs Officer or Webmaster	Any rank	Assist the senior staff in maintaining the unit website. Assist cadets in accessing eServices. Provide technical support to seniors and cadets. Provide Audio/Visual and photographic support during squadron activities
Cadet Personnel & Activities Airman or NCO	C/Amn through C/CMSgt	Assist the personnel officer by taking attendance. Organize sign-up rosters for special cadet activities. Maintain the squadron bulletin board.
Cadet Safety Officer or NCO	C/SSgt or above	Assist the safety officer in presenting monthly safety briefings. Assist the safety officer in conducting operational risk management (ORM) reviews during special events and when in the field.
Cadet Supply Airman or NCO	C/Amn through C/CMSgt	Assist the supply officer in outfitting cadets with uniforms and equipment. Monitor inventory of chevrons, ribbons, and other items in the “squadron BX,” (base exchange or supply box) if one is maintained.