CADET FLIGHT SERGEANT
Position Type: Command Staff
Minimum Grade: C/SSgt
Maximum Grade: C/CMSgt
Role Description: The flight sergeant is the direct, hands-on leader who helps the flight commander motivate and train the cadets in a flight. On average, flight sergeants will lead 8 to 15 cadets, including 2 to 4 element leaders. Their main area of concern is the leadership laboratory. Flight sergeants teach in-ranks cadets the basics of cadet life: drill, wear of the uniform, customs and courtesies, and physical fitness. Although flight sergeant is an entry-level leadership position, this cadet needs to be responsible and resourceful enough to take complete charge of the flight in the flight commander’s absence.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Instruct Cadets in Basic Subjects.
    Not only do you need to know how to drill, wear the uniform properly, render customs and courtesies, and more, as flight sergeant you need to be able to teach junior cadets how to perform those tasks as well. As an instructor, it’s essential that you know what you’re talking about, so be sure to review your CAP manuals so you can be certain that what you teach is correct.
  • Motivate & Discipline the Flight.
    Your attitude is always on display. Cadets will be influenced by your actions much more than your words, so lead by example. Encourage cadets. Ensure they know what they are doing well, and congratulate them for their accomplishments. Likewise, always be watching for cadets who need extra support in drill, preparing their uniform, etc., and see to it that they receive help. Uphold CAP standards by ensuring your cadets wear their uniform properly, render customs and courtesies, etc. When enforcing standards, be positive but firm.
  • Serve the Team.
    A flight is a team. But groups of individuals do not magically become a team; it takes a leader. Cheer on your people. Teach them how to be good cadets. Encourage them to help one another as you help them. Resist the urge to think too highly of yourself because you are a flight sergeant. Rather, see yourself as the flight’s servant, not their boss.
  • Lead the Flight in Drill & Ceremonies.
    As flight sergeant, you will be the flight’s primary leader in drill and ceremonies. You are responsible for forming the flight, checking their alignment, receiving the report from the element leaders and passing on the report to the first sergeant, and preparing the flight for inspection. Likewise, you will need to develop a good command voice and know what foot to call commands on. Flight sergeants also lead the flight in calling jodies or cadences. Pass on Information. Keep your flight informed about your squadron’s training schedule. Likewise, keep your flight commander informed about the cadets’ progress in basic cadet subjects. You’ll need to learn discretion – the art of knowing what matters should be brought to your flight commander’s attention, and what matters are routine and can be resolved on your own authority.
  • Take Responsibility for Your Cadets.
    Know where each of your cadets is at any given time. Talk with your flight commander to obtain a detailed schedule for each squadron meeting or cadet activity. Follow this schedule. Ensure your cadets are at the right place at the right time, with the right equipment in hand, ready to participate. Also see the cadet element leader position description for other fundamental duties.