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Cadet Corner

Cadet Super Chart Full Size

The (Original) 11 Leadership Principles

1. Know yourself and seek self-improvement.

2. Be technically and tactically proficient.

3. Know your subordinates and look out for their welfare.

4. Keep subordinates informed.

5. Set the example.

6. Insure the task is understood, supervised, and accomplished.

7. Train your subordinates as a team.

8. Make sound and timely decisions.

9. Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates.

10. Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities.

11. Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions.

Cadet NCO

The Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO)

Squadron 153's Cadet NCO Charge:

No one is more professional than I, I am a cadet noncommissioned officer and a leader.

I will not use my grade or position to attain profit or safety -- I seek no favors because of my rank.

My cadet oath, I take seriously, I will always set the example and uphold the values of the Civil Air Patrol.

I am devoted to the concept of selfless service and will garner the utmost respect by respecting others.

I will always take the time to encourage and mentor those under me, their development is our success.

Officers and senior members over me can count on me, I shall not shrink from my duty when the task is hard - for I am a NCO.

Modified from the U.S. Army's NCO Creed

In the Civil Air Patrol cadet program, cadet Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) or "sergeants" are cadets between the ranks of Cadet Staff Sergeant (C/SSgt) and Cadet Chief Master Sergeant (C/CMSgt).

First Sergeant or "Top"

These stripes do not represent a rank, but instead the position of cadet first sergeant (indicated by the diamond in the middle), held by cadets typically between the ranks of Cadet Master Sergeant (C/MSgt) and Cadet Chief Master Sergeant (C/CMSgt). In a squadron, there is only ever one first sergeant at a time. (See Appendix 1 of the Cadet Staff Handbook for a description of the position.)

In the military, NCOs are first line leaders of troops, the drivers of the "bus", and they are trainers of all. Here at 153, we kind of have those same expectations. Granted, a Cadet Staff Sergeant is still technically in the "followership" or learning phase of the cadet program, all of the ranks there after are in the leadership phase. Cadet sergeants are expected to be leaders as either a.) line staff as flight sergeants or squadron first sergeant, or b.) support staff, and they are all expected to continue to hone their craft as trainers. NCOs are also the maintainers of standards. Not only should their uniforms be flawless, they should be able to observe discrepancies in the uniforms of other and then educate them as to how to correct them. They should not only be spot on in the execution of drill and ceremonies but also conduct instruction in drill and ceremonies. These two tasks alone require thorough knowledge of the following:

Especially those NCOs serving on line staff, but honestly all NCOs should read, CAPP 60-31 Cadet Staff Handbook at least once and be familiar with the material. Even if you're not currently on a staff position, you don't want to be the NCO who's all of sudden the highest ranking cadet on a task and now being looked upon to take charge and get things done. It's happened. Don't be that cadet!

As an NCO you should allows strive to expand your knowledge. Heck, even on a personal level you should do that, but especially as an NCO! Look for trainings at all levels not just the squadron. Attend NCO development courses, NCOS, and SNCOS. Apply to staff various events at the group and wing levels, like SAREXs, NCO schools, encampment, airshows, etc.

Look to the CAWG Cadet Programs website for information on these opportunities.

Lastly, share your knowledge with your fellow NCOs and take the time mentor those under you.

Be ~ Know ~ Do

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