Training Officer

SQ 153 Training Officers & Asst. Training Officers

Here at Squadron 153 we do things a little differently. 

Background: Traditionally Training Officers (TOs, also referred to as Flight Training Officers – FTOs) and Assistant Training Officers (ATOs) are used at California Wing level cadet events such as encampment, ILPs, DCS, etc. TOs are first and foremost responsible for overseeing and ensuring the safety of the cadets (both flight members and flight cadre alike) in their charge. Additionally, TOs provide guidance, encouragement, and support to their flight while allowing for leadership to be practiced and valuable lessons to be learned in a safe environment in fitting with the goals of the Civil Air patrol cadet program. And lastly TOs will as necessary, coordinate the acquisition and distribution of supplies and materials as needed for the event being staffed. It is in this spirit that Squadron 153 will assign and implement the use its own TOs and ATOs in the home squadron environment.

Role of the Training Officer (TO) Team.

At NO time (except in the immediate remedying of a safety situation) are TOs and/or ATOs to take over a flight from the flight staff (flight commander and flight sergeant).

                                       Prime rule number one for TO teams ~ thou shall not command.

This is why the TO team exists outside of the cadets' chain of command.

Objectives of the Training Officer Team:

• Look out for the safety of their flight.

  • Ensuring that the flight staff accounts for such things as: hydration, sunscreen, road guards, and more.

• Advise the flight staff of issues observed and in a respectful manner, away from the flight, offer advice in a Socratic method so as to promote thought and growth.

• Serve as confidant to all cadets of the flight, to include the flight staff, and advocate for cadets where needed.

• Inform and involve the cadet parents/guardians of their assigned flight.

• Assist the flight staff with Promotion Review Boards (PRBs), Drill Tests, the evaluation of Staff Duty Analyses (SDAs) and Cadet Physical Fitness Tests (CFPTs) as needed. And overall mentorship in the cadet promotion program.

• Set the example and keep the goals of the cadet program in mind at all times.

Role of the TO:

• To the best of their ability, sees to it that the above objectives are met. Ultimately responsible for the integration of the TO team with their assigned flight.

• Serve as lead and primary point of contact to command team (SQ Commander, Deputy Commander, SQ NCO, and Cadet Commander), SQ HSO, admin, and logistics for the TO team.

  • Reports directly to the squadron commander on issues or achievements of the flight.

• Mentor ATO(s) of the team; assisting them with such things as understanding the cadet program, how the squadron operates, and guiding them in professional development.

Requirements to be a TO:

• Minimum of one year of active service in the squadron.

• Minimum of Level 1 Part 2 completed; there is no minimum rank.

• Current Cadet Protection Policy Training (CPPT) - basic; CPPT - advanced, highly encouraged.

• Current Trained Leader of Cadets (TLC) - basic; TLC - intermediate, highly encouraged.

• Ideally a minimum of technician level in cadet programs.

  • Familiarity with CAPPs 60-11, 60-31, 60-33, 60-34 and CAPRs 60-1, 60-2

• Maturity to work well with both cadets and senior members alike, and interface with parents.

Role of the ATO:

• Back up to the TO.

• Learn from the TO and in some cases the flight staff.

Requirement to be an ATO:

• No minimum Time In Grade (TIG), Time In Service (TIS), nor rank.

• Must have current Cadet Protection Policy Training (CPPT) – basic.

• Willing to work patiently with cadets and senior members.

• Willing to learn.