Cadet Leadership Structure

The following position descriptions have been drawn from CAPP 52-15 Cadet Staff Handbook and have been adapted to the current staffing capabilities of the Hawk Composite Squadron.

Cadet Management Positions

Cadet Commander

The Cadet Commander provides a crucial link between the senior staff and the cadet staff, and maintains overall responsibility for the cadets under his or her command. Key duties include:
  • Setting goals for the squadron
  • Establishing plans, policies & procedures
  • Coordinate cadet staff activities
  • Make personnel recommendations
  • Direct the cadet corps
  • Promote excellence
  • Lead drill & ceremonies

Cadet Deputy Commander/Executive Officer

The XO manages cadet operations and acts as commander when the commander is absent. Key duties include:
  • Managing cadet operations
  • Supervising & mentoring flight commanders
  • Monitor cadet inspection programs
  • Recommend duty assignments
If a cadet officer is not available, the role of the XO will fall to the NCOIC.

Squadron Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge (NCOIC)

The NCOIC is responsible for making sure the weekly meetings go smoothly and that all tasks are carried out.  Key duties include:
  • Preparing the facility for opening formation
  • Making any classroom reservations, including specialized equipment
  • Making sure each flight gets to their respective training location
  • Assisting the Cadet Commander with the duties of the XO in their absence

Squadron 1st Sergeant

The Squadron 1st Sergeant will be responsible for the motivation and training of the Flight Sergeants.  He/she will also be in charge of the CPFT and PT activities.  The Squadron 1st Sergeant should get ideas for PT activities from the cadets.  The Squadron 1st Sergeant is not in the chain of command and reports to the Squadron Leadership Officer.  The Squadron 1st Sergeant is also in charge of forming the squadron at the beginning and end of each meeting.

Cadet Leadership Positions

Flight Commander

The Flight Commander is responsible for the leadership and management of their assigned flight, typically between 8-15 cadets. This includes the supervision and development of their flight sergeant and element leaders. Key duties include:
  • Managing flight attendance and reporting the status of their flight to the First Sergeant on the evening prior to the next scheduled squadron meeting. 
  • Set goals for the flight
  • Motivating, instructing and disciplining the cadets in their flight
  • Coach and counsel the cadets in their flight
  • Lead the flight during formations and ceremonies
  • Supervise and coach the flight sergeant and element leaders as they drill the flight

Flight Sergeant

The Flight Sergeant is the direct, hands-on leader who assists the flight commander in the leadership and management of his or her flight. Their primary area of concern is the leadership laboratory: drill, uniform, customs and courtesies, and physical fitness. Key duties include:
  • Managing the attendance of cadets in their flight and reporting flight status to their flight commander
  • Instructing the cadets in basic subjects
  • Motivating & disciplining the flight
  • Serving the team
  • Leading the flight in drill & ceremonies
  • Passing on information
  • Taking responsibility for their cadets

Flight Element Leader

The Flight Element Leader is in charge of the flight when the Flight Sergeant is not present.  This includes times when the Flight Sergeant is absent or in a meeting.  The Flight Leader is not in the chain of command and has no authority other than to keep the flight on task in the Flight Sergeant’s absence during a meeting.  If the Flight Sergeant is absent from an entire meeting, the Flight Leader will be “Acting Flight Sergeant” and will be fully in charge of the flight for that meeting only.  The Flight Leader is not in the chain of command.  Flight Leaders report to their Flight Sergeant.  This is different from an Element Leader that is chosen by the Flight Sergeant.  

Cadet Staff Positions

Aerospace Education Officer

Emergency Services Officer

Logistics & Admin Officer

Public Affairs Officer

Recruitment/Retention Officer

Safety Officer

Stan/Eval Officer

The Standards & Evaluation (Stan/Eval) Officer is responsible for:

Great Start Flight Commander

The Flight Commander for Cadet Great Start will be in charge of teaching the new cadets drill and ceremonies, motivation and organization of the training weekend.

Great Start Flight Sergeant

Great Start Instructors

Instructors will be used to teach each class in the program.  Cadets can request which classes they would like to teach.  For descriptions of classes, please see the Cadet Great Start Program guide.  Cadets will be expected to teach the class as it is described in the guide.  Power-point presentations will be available.