PA Wing -WEST - Unit Commanders Course

PA WING

UCC - Unit Commanders’ Course

Seating is limited. All qualifying Senior Member Officers are welcome to attend.

UCC - Unit Commanders’ Course -

Sept 6-7, 2008 Saturday & Sunday

PA-Central FIG - TBA

cappdo@aol.com

UCC - Unit Commanders’ Course -

Sept 13-14, 2008 Saturday & Sunday

Location: The Armory, New Castle, PA (Western PA)

cappdo@aol.com

http://www.cap.gov/visitors/members/professional_development/index.cfm?nodeID=6709&audienceID=4

The Unit Commanders Course (UCC) standardizes the training of squadron and group commanders throughout CAP and is designed to help new commanders meet the challenges of command. Unit Commander Course participants are the unit and group commanders and deputy commanders for Composite, Senior, and Cadet Squadrons and are the people responsible for administering programs and managing the volunteer members in the field. UCC combines classroom, group discussion and hands-on, case studies and is one of the many excellent "Learning Leadership" opportunities offered to our CAP membership.

The Unit Commander Course discusses the traits and skills new unit commanders will need to develop to effectively manage their units. Topics include recruiting and retention, command responsibility and accountability, safety, how to work with families, management, leadership, communication, and elements of successful units and leaders.

Target Audience:
any and all current and future Squadron Commanders; Deputy Commanders for Seniors; Deputy Commanders for Cadets; also any interested squadron Staff members including Prof Devel. Officers/ Admin Officers / Personnel Officers …
and any Senior Member Officer who works with P-E-O-P-L-E in your usual daily CAP work.

Pre-requisites:

All UCC students must have completed the Membership Award (L1) and SLS (Squadron Leadership Course) and have at least six months as a CAP member to attend this course.

Cost:
$30 course fee (with your CAP F17 submitted prior to registration deadline) includes food (continental breakfast and lunch) and student handouts...

(Seats are limited; we will not be able to accommodate last minute walk-ins)

What to bring:

I recommend bring a 1" 3-ring binder for handouts, notebook/paper and, of course, something to write with.

Download & Print your UCC Student Handbook:

UCC Student Handbook for Day 1 (pdf 1611KB)

http://cap907.org/UCC/uccstudentguideday1.pdf

UCC Student Handbook for Day 2 (pdf 2331KB)

http://cap907.org/UCC/uccstudentguideday2.pdf

Attachments for UCC Student Handbook (pdf 555KB)

http://cap907.org/UCC/uccstudentguideattachments.pdf

Self-Study_Modules for UCC Student Handbook (pdf 515KB)

http://cap907.org/UCC/uccstudentguide-self-study_modules.pdf

Uniform of the day(s):

We are the leaders (or soon-to-be leaders) of the squadrons... Professional uniform.... white aviator w/gray slacks... or blue AF shirt etc. (No Golf Shirts) (Note: Saturday 20-OCT, we will have the class photo… many students choose to wear dress blues, although not required.)

UCC Course Module Descriptions

See below: UCC Curriculum

UCC Course Schedule

See below: UCC Schedule

For more course info:

CAP NHQ – Command Level Courses

To download and/or preview UCC Student Guide, Instructors’ Guides and Course Slides

http://www.cap.gov/visitors/members/professional_development/index.cfm?nodeID=6709&audienceID=4

Registration:

All qualified SLS students must submit a CAP F17 Application for Senior Member Activities before February 1, 2008.

email form to CAP907th@aol.com (Subject “CAP - Grp 1&6 UCC” ) or call for other delivery (U.S. Mail or Fax) arrangements.

(Seats are limited; we will not be able to accommodate last minute walk-ins)

Thanks,
Capt. Annette Carlson

Professional Development Officer – Program Training

Cell: 215-262-9888 (before 8:00 pm please)

cappdo@aol.com

CIVIL AIR PATROL

The Best Place to Be a Volunteer!

Back to TOP ^ ^ ^

UCC Curriculum
þ *Command Responsibility and Accountability* þ *Integrating the Mission* þ *Your Role in the Missions* þ *Motivation* þ *The Committed Volunteer* þ *Recruiting and Retention* þ *Working with Families* þ *Adverse Member Actions* þ *Working with Group and Wing* þ *Your Staff: What they do for You* þ *Delegating Authority* þ *Unit Training Programs* þ *Teamwork Techniques* þ *Capstone Discussion of some the common problems the unit commander may encounter* þ *(OPTIONAL) BONUS MODULES for class discussion:* o *Successful Units* o *Successful Leaders* o *Setting Goals and Objectives* þ *(Optional) Self-Study Modules are also available and include:* o *Meeting Planning* o *Problem Solving* o *Budgeting* o *Effective Listening* o *Hazing – examines Civil Air Patrol’s hazing policy* Back to TOP ^ ^ ^
*Command Responsibility and Accountability* Section A �� Logistical Concerns �� Financial Concerns �� Safety Issues �� Sexual Harassment/Discrimination, Equal Opportunity �� Cadet Protection Policy
Section B �� Core Values �� Responsibility to Mission and People �� Final Responsibility �� Leading by Example
	This section will discuss this special trust and look at the different areas in which you are held especially accountable. It will also discuss the moral responsibility you have as a commander to put your mission and people above personal interest, in essence your responsibility to be a role model for “Service Before Self.” If you remember nothing else from this course, remember what you learn in this segment. Knowing what you’re responsible for when you sign on as commander is half the battle in carrying out those responsibilities. While these aren’t all the things you must keep aware of, they are among the most critical. And, these are among the areas you will work most closely with your staff and the wing.
*Integrating the* *Mission* �� Aerospace Education Overview �� Emergency Services Overview �� Cadet Programs Overview �� Mission Relationships
	In this segment we’ll discuss the ways each of CAP’s three main mission elements benefit one another. We’ll also take a look at ways to emphasize those relationships in your program, and to balance what your unit specializes in with the total mission. To have a great Emergency Services program, you need a corps of cadets who are well disciplined and trained. Likewise, you can’t have a sound cadet corps who can appreciate what the aircrew is trying to tell them, or do for them, if they don’t have the Aerospace Education background to understand what happens in the airplane.
*Your Role in the Missions* �� Your Squadron’s Impact �� Your Contribution to the Larger Effort �� How You can Best Contribute
	This segment will give you an appreciation and understanding of the squadron and just as importantly your roles in accomplishing CAP’s missions on a day to day basis. It will also introduce you to how your efforts contribute to the wing accomplishment of the total CAP mission. As you can see, Civil Air Patrol depends on the squadrons to do its good work. Squadron commanders have a unique responsibility to get the mission accomplished in their local communities and are in a position to assist the wing in performing its mission. Simply put, the wing cannot do its job without the squadron.
*Motivation* �� Definition of Motivation �� Why Motivation is Important �� Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs �� Motivational Techniques for Members
	In this segment we’ll discuss the definition of motivation and the importance of motivating subordinates in a positive way when accomplishing the mission. We will then discuss Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and why understanding Maslow’s hierarchy is important to you. Finally, we’ll examine some techniques you can use to motivate members at the unit level. Motivating your members is key to mission accomplishment. Members will perform better when they understand the need for their action and feel that somehow their needs are being met in the process. Meeting the art of motivation will help make your people happier and make you a more successful commander.
*The Committed Volunteer* �� Why Member’s Join �� Attracting Motivated Members �� Volunteer Obligations after Joining �� Fostering a Sense of Commitment �� When to Let Go �� The Exit �� Adverse Member Actions
	This segment will give you a deeper appreciation of what the committed volunteer is. It takes you to another level, from understanding what it means to be a volunteer to what it takes to lead volunteers. CAP depends on the squadrons to do its good work. But the squadron can only do its work through its members, THE P-E-O-P-L-E. It’s important to balance the needs of your volunteer members with the needs of the squadron. While you must be mindful that your members are giving you their time, they have also given you their word that they will abide by CAP rules and will meet their responsibilities.
*Recruiting and Retention* �� Effective Recruiting �� Recruiting Techniques �� Importance of Retention �� Retention Techniques �� Recruiting Cadets to Turn Senior
	This segment will give you a better understanding of the recruiting and retention functions… OR BETTER YET: “RETENTION and Recruiting”. It will show you why they are important as well as sharpen your skills in these areas. The ability to attract and keep members is vital to the success of your unit. You must effectively mix star performers and new blood in order to have a good unit.
*Working with Families* �� Why Include Families �� Explaining the Missions �� Encouraging Family Involvement
	In this segment, we’ll discuss how you can better understand and utilize family members. Developing a good relationship with the families of your members will pay big dividends for your unit – in help, possibly in money, and definitely in morale. Make them aware of your activities, how well their loved ones are doing, and how their support helps you. It will help smooth some of the rough edges that come along.
*Adverse Member Actions* �� Adverse Member Actions Defined �� The “Mistake” Situation �� Types of Problems �� Tools Available �� Adverse Member Actions Available �� Discrimination �� Documentation
	The Membership Action Review Board became effective Feb. 27, 2001. Pursuant to CAP Regulation 35-8, the MARB can review cases where members are terminated, non-renewed, removed from unit command, demoted or their membership is suspended for more than 60 days. These are referred to as "adverse membership actions." The MARB will take appropriate action only where it finds the adverse membership action was motivated by retaliation reached without due process or involved a material failure to follow applicable CAP regulations. The member must first exhaust all administrative remedies before appealing to the MARB. Also see CAP REGULATION 35-8 (E) MEMBERSHIP ACTION REVIEW BOARD
*Working with Group and Wing* �� Group/Wing �� The Staff �� Your Boss (the Group/Wing Commander) �� The Liaison Officer (LO) �� Working Together
	You’ll learn a little about the functions of the wing, what the staff does, and the special responsibilities of the wing commander, your boss. When you have a better understanding of exactly what your group and wing does, what it can ask of you, and what it can do for you, you can better work with each other.
*Your Staff: What they do for You* �� The Basic Composite Squadron Staff �� How Your Staff Helps You �� How You Can Support Your Staff
	We’ll take a brief look at the composite squadron staff. We’ll sketch out what the major players do. For many this will be a refresher from the SLS, for others it will be a first look. The point will not be to make you an expert in every staff area. What we want to do is show you where to look, to find the information you need as a commander. A trained staff is a very important tool for the commander to have, because it enables him/her to do everything the squadron needs to have done.
*Delegating Authority* �� Definition of Delegation of Authority �� Relationship Between Authority and Responsibility �� When to Delegate �� Definition of Homogeneous Assignment
	This segment will help you understand and be comfortable with delegating authority to your staff members; and empowering them to do their jobs effectively. You’ll learn how to delegate to your staff members the authority to act with a maximum of initiative and a minimum of interference. Delegating authority requires some faith and preparation on your part. However, the benefits you will derive will outweigh any risk you take. You’ll get more done in less time, have a more effective staff and more efficient if you allow your staff to help you get the mission accomplished. Match the right person to the right job, empower them with the authority to do the job, and let them go.
*Unit Training Programs* �� Unit Training Defined �� Effective Unit Training �� Integrating Individual Functions �� Passive Training Programs �� Active Training Programs �� Continual Training �� Group, Wing, Region, and National Programs �� Commitment of Command
	This segment will help you broaden your understanding of unit training programs. It will also explain where you can go for help in designing unit training programs and how unit training programs are the foundation for the training your members receive at CAP’s higher levels. Training permeates everything Civil Air Patrol does. The special skills we need to do our work demands that we must be well-trained, all the time. The place where training starts is at the local unit.
*Teamwork Techniques* �� Importance of the group effort �� Team building techniques �� Maintaining unit cohesion
	We’ll talk about how promoting teamwork can help you. We’ll look at some basic teambuilding techniques, and take part in a simple exercise to help you highlight the effective teams that you’ve been a part of and identify what made those teams so effective. Promoting teamwork can help you make the time your people spend at the unit more effective because they will work together to more effectively achieve unit goals.
*Capstone Discussion* Held at the end of the course tom allow student to apply what they’ve learned by discussing situations commanders may face. �� Introduction �� Discussion Questions �� Discussion Critique
	In this final segment we’ll discuss some of the common problems of the unit commander. These problems cover all aspects of CAP command. Some, like safety and cadet protection you probably expect to be questioned about, but there are others, like gang activity and needy families, which may be new to you. Part of the reason why the job of unit commander is so important is because that job, perhaps more than any other in CAP, is so critical to mission accomplishment; and more importantly, to the members of the unit. CAP members will look to you for guidance and leadership. They will come to you when things go wrong, and they will expect you to make things right. Books and classes like this won’t make you an effective squadron or group commander, these are merely tools. Experience helps, but in the final analysis the person who uses the tools and has the drive and luck to succeed has the best chance to be a good commander.
Back to TOP ^ ^ ^
*Successful Units– (OPTIONAL) BONUS MODULE* �� Characteristics of a Successful Unit �� Resources Necessary for Unit Success �� Four Questions that Define a Successful Unit �� Measuring Unit Success
	This segment will help you understand the concept of developing a successful unit. We’ll discuss what CAP believes constitutes a successful unit, and ways for you to develop the traits and culture to make your unit more successful. While all units follow the same basic formula, the key to building a successful unit is understanding that part of being successful is maintaining your own unit’s identity. Being a successful squadron does not imply that the squadron must operate identically with other squadrons. Rather, it is a question of balance, attention, and leadership. Building a successful unit takes attention to detail, an awareness of the mission, and understanding of your unit’s capabilities. Measuring the success of your unit is done by comparing unit performance to criteria that is meaningful, in other words, unit success is measured in terms of how well it completes its missions, against the cost to its members, the wing, and other units.
*Successful Leaders – (OPTIONAL) BONUS MODULE* �� Traits of Managers �� Traits of Successful Leaders �� Differences Between Leaders and Managers �� Communication: the Critical Success Factor

UCC Curriculum

þ Command Responsibility and Accountability

þ Integrating the Mission

þ Your Role in the Missions

þ Motivation

þ The Committed Volunteer

þ Recruiting and Retention

þ Working with Families

þ Adverse Member Actions

þ Working with Group and Wing

þ Your Staff: What they do for You

þ Delegating Authority

þ Unit Training Programs

þ Teamwork Techniques

þ Capstone Discussion of some the common problems the unit commander may encounter

þ (OPTIONAL) BONUS MODULES for class discussion:

o Successful Units

o Successful Leaders

o Setting Goals and Objectives

þ (Optional) Self-Study Modules are also available and include:

o Meeting Planning

o Problem Solving

o Budgeting

o Effective Listening

o Hazing – examines Civil Air Patrol’s hazing policy

Back to TOP ^ ^ ^

Command Responsibility and Accountability

Section A

�� Logistical Concerns

�� Financial Concerns

�� Safety Issues

�� Sexual Harassment/Discrimination, Equal Opportunity

�� Cadet Protection Policy

Section B

�� Core Values

�� Responsibility to Mission and People

�� Final Responsibility

�� Leading by Example

This section will discuss this special trust and look at the different areas in which you are held especially accountable. It will also discuss the moral responsibility you have as a commander to put your mission and people above personal interest, in essence your responsibility to be a role model for “Service Before Self.” If you remember nothing else from this course, remember what you learn in this segment.

Knowing what you’re responsible for when you sign on as commander is half the battle in carrying out those responsibilities. While these aren’t all the things you must keep aware of, they are among the most critical. And, these are among the areas you will work most closely with your staff and the wing.

Integrating the Mission

�� Aerospace Education Overview

�� Emergency Services Overview

�� Cadet Programs Overview

�� Mission Relationships

In this segment we’ll discuss the ways each of CAP’s three main mission elements benefit one another. We’ll also take a look at ways to emphasize those relationships in your program, and to balance what your unit specializes in with the total mission.

To have a great Emergency Services program, you need a corps of cadets who are well disciplined and trained. Likewise, you can’t have a sound cadet corps who can appreciate what the aircrew is trying to tell them, or do for them, if they don’t have the Aerospace Education background to understand what happens in the airplane.

Your Role in the Missions

�� Your Squadron’s Impact

�� Your Contribution to the Larger Effort

�� How You can Best Contribute

This segment will give you an appreciation and understanding of the squadron and just as importantly your roles in accomplishing CAP’s missions on a day to day basis. It will also introduce you to how your efforts contribute to the wing accomplishment of the total CAP mission.

As you can see, Civil Air Patrol depends on the squadrons to do its good work. Squadron commanders have a unique responsibility to get the mission accomplished in their local communities and are in a position to assist the wing in performing its mission. Simply put, the wing cannot do its job without the squadron.

Motivation

�� Definition of Motivation

�� Why Motivation is Important

�� Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

�� Motivational Techniques for Members

In this segment we’ll discuss the definition of motivation and the importance of motivating subordinates in a positive way when accomplishing the mission. We will then discuss Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and why understanding Maslow’s hierarchy is important to you. Finally, we’ll examine some techniques you can use to motivate members at the unit level.

Motivating your members is key to mission accomplishment. Members will perform better when they understand the need for their action and feel that somehow their needs are being met in the process. Meeting the art of motivation will help make your people happier and make you a more successful commander.

The Committed Volunteer

�� Why Member’s Join

�� Attracting Motivated Members

�� Volunteer Obligations after Joining

�� Fostering a Sense of Commitment

�� When to Let Go

�� The Exit

�� Adverse Member Actions

This segment will give you a deeper appreciation of what the committed volunteer is. It takes you to another level, from understanding what it means to be a volunteer to what it takes to lead volunteers.

CAP depends on the squadrons to do its good work. But the squadron can only do its work through its members, THE P-E-O-P-L-E. It’s important to balance the needs of your volunteer members with the needs of the squadron. While you must be mindful that your members are giving you their time, they have also given you their word that they will abide by CAP rules and will meet their responsibilities.

Recruiting and Retention

�� Effective Recruiting

�� Recruiting Techniques

�� Importance of Retention

�� Retention Techniques

�� Recruiting Cadets to Turn Senior

This segment will give you a better understanding of the recruiting and retention functions… OR BETTER YET: “RETENTION and Recruiting”. It will show you why they are important as well as sharpen your skills in these areas.

The ability to attract and keep members is vital to the success of your unit. You must effectively mix star performers and new blood in order to have a good unit.

Working with Families

�� Why Include Families

�� Explaining the Missions

�� Encouraging Family Involvement

In this segment, we’ll discuss how you can better understand and utilize family members.

Developing a good relationship with the families of your members will pay big dividends for your unit – in help, possibly in money, and definitely in morale. Make them aware of your activities, how well their loved ones are doing, and how their support helps you. It will help smooth some of the rough edges that come along.

Adverse Member Actions

�� Adverse Member Actions Defined

�� The “Mistake” Situation

�� Types of Problems

�� Tools Available

�� Adverse Member Actions Available

�� Discrimination

�� Documentation

The Membership Action Review Board became effective Feb. 27, 2001. Pursuant to CAP Regulation 35-8, the MARB can review cases where members are terminated, non-renewed, removed from unit command, demoted or their membership is suspended for more than 60 days. These are referred to as "adverse membership actions."

The MARB will take appropriate action only where it finds the adverse membership action was motivated by retaliation reached without due process or involved a material failure to follow applicable CAP regulations. The member must first exhaust all administrative remedies before appealing to the MARB.

Also see CAP REGULATION 35-8 (E) MEMBERSHIP ACTION REVIEW BOARD

Working with Group and Wing

�� Group/Wing

�� The Staff

�� Your Boss (the Group/Wing Commander)

�� The Liaison Officer (LO)

�� Working Together

You’ll learn a little about the functions of the wing, what the staff does, and the special responsibilities of the wing commander, your boss.

When you have a better understanding of exactly what your group and wing does, what it can ask of you, and what it can do for you, you can better work with each other.

Your Staff: What they do for You

�� The Basic Composite Squadron Staff

�� How Your Staff Helps You

�� How You Can Support Your Staff

We’ll take a brief look at the composite squadron staff. We’ll sketch out what the major players do. For many this will be a refresher from the SLS, for others it will be a first look. The point will not be to make you an expert in every staff area. What we want to do is show you where to look, to find the information you need as a commander.

A trained staff is a very important tool for the commander to have, because it enables him/her to do everything the squadron needs to have done.

Delegating Authority

�� Definition of Delegation of Authority

�� Relationship Between Authority and Responsibility

�� When to Delegate

�� Definition of Homogeneous Assignment

This segment will help you understand and be comfortable with delegating authority to your staff members; and empowering them to do their jobs effectively. You’ll learn how to delegate to your staff members the authority to act with a maximum of initiative and a minimum of interference.

Delegating authority requires some faith and preparation on your part. However, the benefits you will derive will outweigh any risk you take. You’ll get more done in less time, have a more effective staff and more efficient if you allow your staff to help you get the mission accomplished. Match the right person to the right job, empower them with the authority to do the job, and let them go.

Unit Training Programs

�� Unit Training Defined

�� Effective Unit Training

�� Integrating Individual Functions

�� Passive Training Programs

�� Active Training Programs

�� Continual Training

�� Group, Wing, Region, and National Programs

�� Commitment of Command

This segment will help you broaden your understanding of unit training programs. It will also explain where you can go for help in designing unit training programs and how unit training programs are the foundation for the training your members receive at CAP’s higher levels.

Training permeates everything Civil Air Patrol does. The special skills we need to do our work demands that we must be well-trained, all the time. The place where training starts is at the local unit.

Teamwork Techniques

�� Importance of the group effort

�� Team building techniques

�� Maintaining unit cohesion

We’ll talk about how promoting teamwork can help you. We’ll look at some basic teambuilding techniques, and take part in a simple exercise to help you highlight the effective teams that you’ve been a part of and identify what made those teams so effective.

Promoting teamwork can help you make the time your people spend at the unit more effective because they will work together to more effectively achieve unit goals.

Capstone Discussion

Held at the end of the course tom allow student to apply what they’ve learned by discussing situations commanders may face.

�� Introduction

�� Discussion Questions

�� Discussion Critique

In this final segment we’ll discuss some of the common problems of the unit commander. These problems cover all aspects of CAP command. Some, like safety and cadet protection you probably expect to be questioned about, but there are others, like gang activity and needy families, which may be new to you.

Part of the reason why the job of unit commander is so important is because that job, perhaps more than any other in CAP, is so critical to mission accomplishment; and more importantly, to the members of the unit. CAP members will look to you for guidance and leadership. They will come to you when things go wrong, and they will expect you to make things right.

Books and classes like this won’t make you an effective squadron or group commander, these are merely tools. Experience helps, but in the final analysis the person who uses the tools and has the drive and luck to succeed has the best chance to be a good commander.

Back to TOP ^ ^ ^

Successful Units– (OPTIONAL) BONUS MODULE

�� Characteristics of a Successful Unit

�� Resources Necessary for Unit Success

�� Four Questions that Define a Successful Unit

�� Measuring Unit Success

This segment will help you understand the concept of developing a successful unit. We’ll discuss what CAP believes constitutes a successful unit, and ways for you to develop the traits and culture to make your unit more successful.

While all units follow the same basic formula, the key to building a successful unit is understanding that part of being successful is maintaining your own unit’s identity. Being a successful squadron does not imply that the squadron must operate identically with other squadrons. Rather, it is a question of balance, attention, and leadership.

Building a successful unit takes attention to detail, an awareness of the mission, and understanding of your unit’s capabilities. Measuring the success of your unit is done by comparing unit performance to criteria that is meaningful, in other words, unit success is measured in terms of how well it completes its missions, against the cost to its members, the wing, and other units.

Successful Leaders – (OPTIONAL) BONUS MODULE

�� Traits of Managers

�� Traits of Successful Leaders

�� Differences Between Leaders and Managers

�� Communication: the Critical Success Factor