[PAO] New CAPP 201 - Public Affairs Officer Specialty Track

Sat Aug 9 13:36:38 CDT 2014

Major Kipps,

In those immortal words, “I feel your pain”.  I don’t agree with all of your comments, but you bring up valid points.

For several years CAPNHQ/PA has made its role to have the final decision in progression along the specialty track by having the candidate submit a portfolio of work. I don’t know how many PAOs actually completed this process to earn their rating or simply bypassed the process and cited the AFIDL course was no longer available and the rating was approved by the unit commander. The ‘tough luck’ attitude you describe does not reflect quality leadership. I hope CAPNHQ/PA reconsiders its position and is willing use the self-proclaimed subjective decision-making skills to take a closer look on a case by case basis.

A quick review of the South Dakota Wing Internet presence shows an organized PA program. There is a strong social media presence, regular releases, and regulation compliance.  I would have to say “the proof is in the pudding”. I don’t think the regulations specify that the time in duty has to be at the same unit. In addition, the fact that you have basically completed Level IV speaks volumes in an organization where a minority complete Level II and beyond. 

I am not a ribbon collector by nature and having a Master-rating does not enhance my self-image. I do have strong beliefs about continuing education. Every year, I take one or more workshops to freshen or further my knowledge and skills. This year, I completed a community education photography class, a public relations webinar, a Red Cross public relations workshop, and re-took a FEMA PIO course. I also attended/facilitated a CAP PA Academy.  I don’t support the idea that you can mark a checkbox and never look back. You can learn much by re-visiting.  I find that your comment of “go backwards” reveals a bit of a poor attitude, perhaps it is just your frustration about this matter.

There has been a long-standing philosophical debate about CAP PAO versus PIO.  It is a dual-hat role in most agencies; if for nothing else, to keep payroll expense down. I support enhancing requirements for CAP PIOs and agree that a member should be able to pursue one, the other, or both.  We need to be more team oriented in public affairs. Care should be taken that we don’t hinder ourselves with labels.  A PAO with a GES-rating can be a valuable mission staff resource for an assigned ES-rated PIO.  I like that PIO training is required for the senior rating and think that a member needs to have a basic CAP PIO rating to earn a Master PAO rating. 

Historically, there have been limited seats available in the E-388 class with most made available to first-response personnel. I was fortunate. It was my affiliation with the Red Cross, not CAP, that got me the seat.  While it looks good on paper, CAP may have to re-think that requirement. It may not be realistic. Then again…I would be curious to know on a national basis, what percentage of PAOs even have a P201 Technician rating.

CAP needs a deeper pool of PA resources.  In my opinion, 10% of the membership should be directly involved with achieving local unit PA goals. I like seeing the organization set high professional standards for members who elect to pursue a P201 professional rating.  At the same time, a support mechanism needs to be established assist the personnel in completing the requirements.  I don’t think the support is available for all of the new requirements. It is a work in progress. If we are to be understanding to the challenges faced by CAPNHQ/PA in fulfilling its leadership role, than CAPNHQ/PA needs to reciprocate.

Thank you, Major, for your support of the CAP public affairs program; I hope you are able to reach a satisfactory conclusion with this matter.

JEFFREY CARLSON, Maj, CAP

Public Affairs Officer

Group 5 HQ, Florida Wing

Civil Air Patrol

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From: cap-pao-bounces at lists.sempervigilans.org [mailto:cap-pao-bounces at lists.sempervigilans.org] On Behalf Of Bruce Kipp
Sent: Saturday, August 09, 2014 11:49 AM
To: CAP-PAO
Subject: [PAO] New CAPP 201 - Public Affairs Officer Specialty Track

I've just had a chance to go over the new specialty track pamphlet CAPP 201 - Public Affairs Officer.  I am dismayed by the number of new roadblocks placed in our way.

First, I think it is just flat wrong to force a PAO to become an ES PIO whether they want to or not in order to advance in the specialty track. IMHO that should be up to the individual to decide.

Second, from my perspective the worst roadblock is the requirement to take FEMA Course E-388 (Advanced PIO) in order to obtain "Master" rating. The problem is that E-388 is classroom taught and is only taught at the ES Institute in Emmitsburg, PA. In addition, the prerequisite for E-388 is G-290 (PIO Basic). That classroom course is taught at state level. However, G-290 hasn't been taught in South Dakota for the past several years and their isn't another iteration scheduled until August 2015! The requirement for G-290 is for "Senior" level, something I already am. So the new CAPP 201 requires I go backwards in order to advance since you can't take E-388 unless you have had G-290.

I am retired and live on a pension. The transportation, lodging and meal costs involved in traipsing across my state and across my nation in order to check off the boxes to rise in the specialty track levels is prohibitive. In addition, I have medial conditions which make such travel and a lengthy duration away from home difficult.

Lest you think that I am just a whiner, I have been Wing PAO of the Year in two different wings twice in the past three years. I have also been Region PAO of the Year twice in two different regions in the past three years and nominated for the national Bud Payton public affairs award twice in three years. So, I'd say that I'm doing a pretty good job as a PAO. and yes, I am also a CAP ES PIO.

What is especially galling is that I had completed all the requirements for "Master" level under the old CAPP 201 except for having two consecutive years in my position as PAO. I was within 4 months of meeting that goal. I moved from MTWG to SDWG in 2012 and there was a few months gap between my resigning as PAO in MTWG and becoming PAO in SDWG.  I asked NHQ/PA about it and was told there is no grandfathering. They have changed the rules for the specialty track without grandfathering those of us who were already progressing in the track. IMHO, those of us already progressing in the PAO track should have been grandfathered and those just entering the specialty track would come under the new CAPP 201. 

I had anticipated achieving "Master" level in November and, at the same time, completing Level IV. Now, It looks like it will be years, if ever, before I will be able to advance in the PAO specialty track and in the professional development program.

^ 

Bruce Kipp, Major, CAP

Public Affairs Officer

SD Wing Civil Air Patrol

605-261-4507 

Email: paa.sdwg at gmail.com

Website: www.sdcap.us <http://www.sdcap.us/> 

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