Rotations

[RLM10_2_06]

First off, hello to everybody again! It's been a while since I posted (I have pretty much been inactive since the forum revamp). I have some discussion questions regarding rotation systems. To explain the system briefly, in some AFJROTC units, positions are changed for the cadet staff at the semester rather than the year. Now, my school has suffered some interesting changes. Here is how our rotation is going to leave us, according to the latest draft (our Change of Command is scheduled for this Thursday):

-The Corps AND Vice Commanders are being retired (that is, made Special Assistants to the SASI and thus, moved out of the corps structure). I will be made Corps Commander as the next link in the chain of command.

-This leaves us at FIVE Special Assistants to the SASI:
--Our first semester Corps Commander from last year
--Our second semester Corps Commander from last year
--The Vice Commander from second semester last year
--The current Corps Commander
--The current Vice Commander
(The reason for us having the other three is because my school is new; I'm a member of the first graduating class. After this year, there will only be two Special Assistants each year)

-Right now, our EXECUTIVE OFFICER is being eyed as my Vice Commander.

-Everybody who is command staff, besides myself and the XO because of my move up, is being made operations staff (Public Affairs, Personnel, etc.), and vice versa. No exceptions are being made, even in circumstances where it's VITAL to keep those command staff members

Let's hear your opinions on this, particularly on the following questions:

-Do you think it's suitable to retire both the Corps AND Vice Commanders and move up people accordingly?

-Do you think the rotation system my Corps uses is good or not?

-Do you think it's a good idea to have Special Assistants exist outside the corps, instead of working for the Corps Commander? Should they instead be moved back into the corps structure and made another position (IG, XO, etc.)?

-How does your system work, if you have one?

Let's hear some good discussion, people! Man, it feels good to be back!

[TruBlu]

Do you think it's suitable to retire both the Corps AND Vice Commanders and move up people accordingly?

If by accordingly you mean where individuals will be best suited in positions, then yes. If you mean everyone simply moves to a specified position based on current position regardless of who they are and where they are going, then no.

Do you think the rotation system my Corps uses is good or not?

I don't think I can accurately say yes or no. When you start talking positions, we don't know because we don't know your organizational structure or circumstances.

Do you think it's a good idea to have Special Assistants exist outside the corps, instead of working for the Corps Commander? Should they instead be moved back into the corps structure and made another position (IG, XO, etc.)?

No. The Cadet Special Assistant is a waste, in my opinion, unless there is a lack of instructors (too few to properly work). I believe that once a cadet has completed certain duties, they can continue with them or rotate into new duties within the corps. This may mean 'demotion,' but that's a problem with how cadets view situations, not how it should be.

How does your system work, if you have one?

We've got one, but it's nothing really set in stone (which may be why it works well). We keep things simple and flexible. First off, the SASI selects the corps commander, that's it. Next, the corps commander then chooses his/her staff and flight commanders (with the approval of the SASI) based on who is in a class (we have an operational and reserve component) and who is not but can maintain a certain duty. Rank is not so much an issue because we are now beginning to enforce the permanent AFJROTC rank structure and temporary rank is flexible.

We have stayed away from a set rotation because we would rather evaluate situations and cadets in those situations and try to create something that would best fit the situation we are in.

I know it's a bit short and not too detailed, I'm sorry for that, but I can elaborate further if you have any questions about certain things.

[RLM10_2_06]

For the record, the movement of the Corps and Vice Commander is mandatory, regardless of cadets abilities. The general rotation also holds true, in switching out operations staff and command staff.

Lucky; I wish I could pick my staff; I can't even pick my executive staff. I don't get any say whatsoever; I just get to cross my fingers.

[TruBlu]

See in my opinion, that's not even a system. One of the best things about my unit (well one of the only that is...) is that the instructors realize that if the corps is going to be run by cadets with simple oversight, the cadets need to take charge of all aspects of the corps. In example: This year my corps went through a massive restructuring that continues to this very day. We took our ideas to the SASI and he would say, "If that's what needs to happen, that's what needs to happen." Then he would pose a few questions to try to find kinks in our system so we could hack them out. End result: A more efficient unit under control by cadets who can cooperate with each other.

Rotation specifically should not be a daunting task, not at all. Cadets should be placed in the needs of the corps with their abilities and aspirations in mind. Once you have a staff that wants to be where they want to be, or at least they understand that's where they need to be, you get a ton of things done. And the best part about it is that you don't have to involve an instructor in every little aspect, just make sure they are aware. This also helps them in that they may focus on the curriculum and student issues more. After all, the last thing an instructor has to worry about is how a unit functions, which is a direct result of where your personnel are.

[RLM10_2_06]

Sounds so easy, yet it's so very difficult. Every time the cadets try to get their hands dirty and actually work on something, the instructors come and poke holes in it; this is a great thing, but they usually take that opportunity to say "You aren't handling this properly, I'm going to do it myself". As a result, most cadets aren't aware of their strengths unless they get lucky and get put somewhere they're good. For example, I NEVER would have imagined myself as a good Operations Officer. I've been the Corps Operations Officer for a year now, and they're having quite a hard time trying to find one to replace me.