promotion assessment procedures

CACC-HQ-AXO
1 October 2012
LETTER OF INSTRUCTION 010-1213-001
PROMOTION ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
1.
This Letter of Instruction (LOI) supersedes LOI 010-0809-004 (Promotion Testing/Boarding, dated 19 October
2008) and is issued in support of Cadet Regulation 1-5 (CR 1-5) (Cadet Appointments and Promotions).
2.
Policy Background. The California Cadet Corps continues to develop systems to provide authentic assessment
of students within the program who wish to attain higher rank. This LOI marks the introduction of the 3rd
generation of statewide promotion testing policy and procedures. The following procedures were developed
and/or adjusted to address the following objectives.
a.
b.
c.
3.
4.
To address significant concerns over test integrity and security of 2nd generation testing materials and its
associated impacts on cadet performance of their duties within the program.
To transition to a widely accessible yet secure online system that affords all cadets statewide the
opportunity for promotion and provides immediate feedback and clear documentation of achievement.
To increase the authenticity of assessment by introducing question pools, randomization of questions and
answers, and electronic testing security protocols.
Philosophy
By design, all cadet knowledge and experience is cumulative. A cadet is expected to not only be competent and
knowledgeable for the rank they are attempting to achieve, but are also expected to continue to possess and
maintain the knowledge and expertise expected of ALL LOWER RANKS. All cadets seeking promotion must
successfully demonstrate the appropriate level of knowledge and skills through a combination of knowledge and
performance assessments. The following promotion assessment procedures are based on this expectation.
a.
For promotion to the ranks of Cadet through Cadet Staff Sergeant, this shall consist of an online
written test and successful demonstration of performance tasks.
b.
For promotion to the ranks of Cadet Sergeant First Class or higher, this shall consist of an oral
interview and successful demonstration of performance tasks.
Promotion to the ranks of Cadet through Cadet Staff Sergeant
Effective 1 October 2012, the written test portion will take place entirely in an online environment. The
following policies shall be followed.
a.
Recruits/cadets may only take online tests under the direct monitoring/proctoring/supervision of a
California Cadet Corps (CACC) Commandant, Assistant Commandant, or Special Projects Officer.
CACC personnel may use local school or district approved adults (employees or volunteers) to assist in the
monitoring/proctoring/supervision of online testing, HOWEVER the requesting officer assumes
responsibility for the integrity and validity of the testing process.
i.
Due to testing security and integrity issues, NO CADET MAY BE INVOLVED IN ANY WAY,
SHAPE, OR FORM with the registration, monitoring, proctoring, or supervision of the online testing
process. Cadets may be involved in the pre and post activities surrounding promotion testing, such as
pre-registrations and order publication, but not directly with the testing or online request process.
CACC-HQ-AXO
LOI 010-1213-001
1 October 2012
ii. Recruit/cadets may not use any outside assistance during the online testing, inclusive of other persons,
written materials or electronic equipment. The test must be the exclusive effort of the recruit/cadet and
this must be attested to by the authorized adult proctor. It is an integrity violation to write down any
questions or answer choices. The online system will not allow printing of question screens.
b.
Commandant personnel should plan to request access codes NLT 3 days prior to their scheduled testing
session.
c.
When a recruit/cadet is promoted, in addition to the published order, a copy of the online certificate of
achievement must be kept in the cadet’s 201 file as documentation proof. When units are inspected
during the Annual General Inspection (AGI) process, compliance with this requirement will be monitored
closely.
d.
Detailed procedures for online testing can be found on the CACC website at [cadet.org/promo]. In
summary, the following protocol shall be used for online testing.
i.
STEP 1: A recruit/cadet who wishes to take a promotion test must notify their commandant, who will
submit a request for online testing through the CACC website [cadet.org/promo].
ii. STEP 2: Once the request is received, normally within one business day, the requestor will receive an
email with unique authorization codes for online testing. The authorization codes will only be valid for
seven (7) days from the date of issue. For security purposes, only users with pre-validated cadet.org
email accounts will be allowed to request and receive authorization codes. Procedures for requesting
cadet.org email accounts and/or pre-validation as a testing proctor can be found on the CACC website
at [cadet.org/cmdt].
iii. STEP 3: Under the direct monitoring and proctoring of an authorized adult, the online testing
process begins by clicking on a link from the CACC website at [cadet.org/promo]. The testing system
will ask for the name of the individual, their testing code, and their proctor’s authorization. Once the
proctor has entered that information, the individual may begin the test.
iv. STEP 4: Each test has a maximum time of 50 minutes and consists of 50 questions randomly selected
from a test bank that has at least a hundred questions per testing level. Please note that if a special
education student requires additional time for the test as required in an IEP, or if additional testing
accommodations are required, the proctor must email LTC (CA) Mark P. Ryan, Assistant Executive
Officer at [email protected] to make arrangements for a special testing scenario.
v.
e.

If an individual scores 80% or higher on the test, a certificate of achievement will automatically be
generated that will include the recruit/cadet’s name, score, and date/time of the specific test they
took. Two copies of the certificate of achievement should be printed for documentation.

If an individual fails a test (scores less than 80%), they will need to wait 20 business days before a
new authorization code can be issued to retake the test.
STEP 5: The certificate of achievement must then used by the commandant and cadet S-1 to prepare
orders, and stored permanently in the cadet’s 201 file. A copy should be retained by the individual
cadet for their own records.
In addition to successfully passing the online written test with a score of 80% or higher, each
recruit/cadet must accomplish ALL of the performance assessments for the rank they are
attempting, either in a formal board or a one-on-one interview/observation with more senior ranking
cadet(s) and/or commandant personnel. Performance Requirements for each rank are attached to
this LOI as Appendix A.
2
CACC-HQ-AXO
LOI 010-1213-001
5.
1 October 2012
Promotion to the ranks of Cadet Sergeant First Class and higher.
a.
All cadets seeking promotion to Cadet Sergeant First Class and higher must successfully demonstrate the
appropriate knowledge and skills in a combination of performance assessments and oral interview(s) with
more senior ranking cadet(s) and/or commandant personnel.
b.
By design, all cadet knowledge and experience is cumulative.
i.
A cadet is expected to not only be competent and knowledgeable for the rank they are attempting to
achieve, but are also expected to continue to possess and maintain the knowledge and expertise
expected of ALL LOWER RANKS.
ii. This is a particularly critical expectation to understand as it relates to those cadets who attempt and/or
attain accelerated promotion to cadet warrant or commissioned ranks. More specifically, a Cadet
Warrant or Commissioned Officer is expected to possess the appropriate knowledge and
experience of both a C/SFC and C/MSG, regardless of whether they ever possessed those ranks.
c.
Interview Board and Performance Requirements for promotion to the ranks of Cadet Sergeant First Class
and higher are attached to this LOI as Appendix C.
d.
Special considerations for promotion to Cadet First Sergeant, Cadet Sergeant Major, and
Cadet Command Sergeant Major
[The following is paraphrased from CR 1-5, para 2-1h (dated 19 Feb 2006); refer to CR 1-5 for details.]
i.
A cadet who has (1) attained the rank of Cadet Master Sergeant and, (2) is assigned duty as a Company
First Sergeant, Battalion Sergeant Major, or Regimental/Brigade Command Sergeant Major may be
immediately promoted to the appropriate rank without any further requirements.
ii. A cadets MAY NOT hold these ranks unless they are in one of the above mentioned duty assignments.
Once a cadet has changed from this special class of duty assignments, they must either promote into
the Warrant/Commissioned Officer ranks, or be reduced to a rank appropriate to their new duty
assignment.
e.
Special considerations for promotion to Cadet Warrant Officer and Cadet Commissioned
Officer ranks.
Because the California Cadet Corps is an applied leadership program, cadet officers in particular are
expected to demonstrate the ability to analyze, apply and synthesize knowledge and skills learned at lower
ranks. Therefore questions on officer promotion boards demand a level of performance and thoughtfulness
in their responses commensurate with those expectations.
6.
Forms
a. Official forms for promotion to cadet warrant and commissioned officer ranks are located in CR 1-5.
b. A Promotion Board Scoring Sheet recommended for use by panelists in evaluating a cadet appearing before
a board is attached to this LOI as Appendix B.
7.
8.
Promotion Testing Support can be reached at [email protected].
POC regarding this LOI is the undersigned at [email protected] or 323-217-4481.
FOR THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER:
MARK P. RYAN
LTC, CSMR
Assistant Executive Officer
3
CACC-HQ-AXO
LOI 010-1213-001
Appendix A
1 October 2012
California Cadet Corps
Testing and Performance Requirements
For Promotion to
Cadet, Cadet First Class, Cadet Corporal, Cadet Sergeant, and Cadet Staff Sergeant
In addition to successfully passing the online written test with a score of 80% or higher, each recruit/cadet must
accomplish ALL of the performance assessments for the rank they are attempting, either in a formal board or a
one-on-one interview/observation with more senior ranking cadet(s) and/or commandant personnel.
Performance Requirements for each rank are shown below.
i.
Promotion to Cadet:
 Recite the General Orders.
 Recite Pledge of Allegiance.
 Sing the ‘Star Spangled Banner’.
ii. Promotion to Cadet First Class:
 Sing ‘America the Beautiful’.
 Sing ‘This Land is Your Land’.
 Demonstrate how to properly fold a flag.
 Recite the Chain of Command.
iii. Promotion to Cadet Corporal:
 Sing one of the military branch songs
(‘Off We Go’, ‘Anchors Aweigh’, ‘The Army Goes Rolling Along’, or ‘Marine Corps Hymn’).
 Recite the Leadership Traits.
 Recite the Leadership Principles.
iv. Promotion to Cadet Sergeant:
 Sing ‘This Is My Country’.
 Sing a different military branch song than was demonstrated for promotion to Cadet Corporal.
 Recite the Leader’s Code.
v.
Promotion to Cadet Staff Sergeant:
 Demonstrate the Manual of Arms with a Springfield 1903 or similar rifle.
 Demonstrate the ability to properly form and march a squad.
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LOI 010-1213-001
Appendix B
1 October 2012
PROMOTION BOARD SCORING SHEET
____________________________________________________
Promotion Candidate’s Name (Last Name, First Name)
_______________
Current Rank
_______________
Rank Attempting
Promotion to
Evaluate the cadet on a scale with four being outstanding and one being poor (zero is for no attempt or extremely
poor performance)
CATEGORY
1) Dress Uniform complies with CR 1-8
2) Haircut and hygiene
3) Poise, posture, and mannerisms
4) Self-confidence
5) Knowledge of CACC History, Objectives, Motto, etc
6) Knowledge of Basic Military Subjects
7) Knowledge of First Aid/CPR
8) Knowledge of Map and Compass Reading
9) Knowledge of Leadership Traits and Principles
10) Knowledge of other Leadership Topics
11) Demonstrated close order drill
12) Knowledge of squad, platoon, and company drill
13) Knowledge of Academic Vocabulary
14) Knowledge of Current Events
15) Knowledge of patriotic principles/information
16) Experiences in leadership positions have prepared this cadet
17) Knowledge of patriotic songs
18) Military courtesy
19) Attendance at school
20) Academic success in other classes
21) Citizenship record
22) Attendance at cadet events, activities, meetings
23) Quality/completeness of service record
24) Demonstrated ability to handle stresses of leadership
25) Willingness to serve (school and community service)
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
TOTAL FOR EACH SCORE:
____x 4 = ____ | ____x 3 = ____ | ____x 2 = ____ | ____ x 1 = ____
GRAND TOTAL OUT OF A POSSIBLE 100 _______
Comments:
____________________________________________________________
Printed Name of Interview Board Member (Last Name, First Name)
_______________
Rank (or CIV)
____________________________________________________________
Signature of Interview Board Member
_______________
Date
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CACC-HQ-AXO
LOI 010-1213-001
Appendix C
1 October 2012
California Cadet Corps
Interview Board and Performance Requirements
For Promotion to
Cadet Sergeant First Class
The cadet must successfully demonstrate the following knowledge and skills in a combination of performance
assessments and oral interview with more senior ranking cadet(s) and/or commandant personnel.
By design, all cadet knowledge and experience is cumulative. A cadet is expected to not only be competent and
knowledgeable for the rank they are attempting to achieve, but are also expected to continue to possess and maintain
the knowledge and expertise expected of ALL LOWER RANKS. This is a particularly critical expectation to
understand as it relates to those cadets who attempt and/or attain accelerated promotion to cadet warrant or
commissioned ranks. More specifically, a Cadet Warrant or Commissioned Officer is expected to possess the
appropriate knowledge and experience of both a C/SFC and C/MSG, regardless of whether they ever attained
those ranks.
Board Questions: The board can repeat or add ANY of the previous cadet NCO questions they feel are appropriate.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Explain the difference between authority and responsibility.
What is the California state animal? Flower? Tree?
What regulation governs Cadet Appointments and Promotions? Cadet Awards? The Cadet uniform?
What is delegation?
What components are included on a typical training schedule?
Explain the difference between leadership and management.
Explain how to stop bleeding.
Explain what a scale on a map is for and how it is used.
Cite some cultural differences between African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic
Americans.
Explain the factors affecting human motivation.
Additional Performance Assessments: The commandant can repeat or add ANY of the previous NCO
performance assessments they feel are appropriate. At minimum, the cadet should demonstrate they know how to
properly:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Complete a Clothing Record.
Make a Training Schedule.
Sing a cadence.
Complete a Requisition and Inventory.
Prepare a Service Record.
Prepare a Strength and Activities Report.
Prepare an Order.
Demonstrate how to use a compass.
Demonstrate how to find grid coordinates.
Demonstrate the proper method of adult CPR.
6
CACC-HQ-AXO
LOI 010-1213-001
Appendix C
1 October 2012
California Cadet Corps
Interview Board and Performance Requirements
For Promotion to
Cadet Master Sergeant
The cadet must successfully demonstrate the following knowledge and skills in a combination of performance
assessments and oral interview with more senior ranking cadet(s) and/or commandant personnel.
By design, all cadet knowledge and experience is cumulative. A cadet is expected to not only be competent and
knowledgeable for the rank they are attempting to achieve, but are also expected to continue to possess and maintain
the knowledge and expertise expected of ALL LOWER RANKS. This is a particularly critical expectation to
understand as it relates to those cadets who attempt and/or attain accelerated promotion to cadet warrant or
commissioned ranks. More specifically, a Cadet Warrant or Commissioned Officer is expected to possess the
appropriate knowledge and experience of both a C/SFC and C/MSG, regardless of whether they ever attained
those ranks.
Additional Board Questions: The board can repeat or add ANY of the previous cadet NCO questions they feel are
appropriate.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Explain the difference between Direct, Organizational, and Strategic Leadership.
Explain what triage is.
Describe who makes up California’s Executive Branch.
Explain how a bill becomes a law.
Give the warning signs and treatment of a stroke.
Describe who makes up California’s Legislative Branch.
What does it mean to be a Leader of Character, Presence, and Intellect?
What are Universal Precautions?
Describe who makes up California’s Judicial Branch.
Explain the types of burns and how to treat them.
Additional Performance Assessments: The commandant can repeat or add ANY of the previous NCO
performance assessments they feel are appropriate. At minimum, the cadet should demonstrate they know how to
properly:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Demonstrate how to conduct a Head to Toe Exam.
Demonstrate how to properly march a platoon.
Demonstrate how to run a Physical Fitness training session.
Demonstrate the proper method of child and infant CPR.
Demonstrate how to properly orient a map.
Demonstrate how to command a Color Guard.
Demonstrate how to command a flag detail.
7
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Appendix C
1 October 2012
California Cadet Corps
Interview Board and Performance Requirements
For Promotion to
Cadet Warrant Officer One, Cadet Warrant Officer Two, and Cadet 2nd Lieutenant
A cadet officer must successfully demonstrate the following knowledge and skills in a combination of performance
assessments and oral interview with more senior ranking cadet(s) and/or commandant personnel.
Because the California Cadet Corps is an applied leadership program, cadet officers are expected to demonstrate the
ability to analyze, apply and synthesize knowledge and skills learned at lower ranks. Therefore questions on officer
promotion boards demand a level of performance and thoughtfulness in their responses commensurate with those
expectations.
By design, all cadet knowledge and experience is cumulative. A cadet is expected to not only be competent and
knowledgeable for the rank they are attempting to achieve, but are also expected to continue to possess and maintain
the knowledge and expertise expected of ALL LOWER RANKS. This is a particularly critical expectation to
understand as it relates to those cadets who attempt and/or attain accelerated promotion to cadet warrant or
commissioned ranks. More specifically, a Cadet Warrant or Commissioned Officer is expected to possess the
appropriate knowledge and experience of both a C/SFC and C/MSG, regardless of whether they ever attained
those ranks.
Additional Board Questions (Generic): The board can repeat or add ANY of the previous cadet NCO or officer
questions they feel are appropriate.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Tell the board why you would like to be a cadet officer.
What is your biggest weakness as a leader? What have you done to work on that deficiency?
Give us an example of where your leadership skills shined (a situation where you showed great
leadership).
What does it mean to you to be patriotic? How do you demonstrate your patriotism?
Why is it important for a cadet officer to do well in school? How well do you do in school?
What were your latest PT test scores? Why is it important for a cadet officer to be healthy and
physically fit?
How will you treat cadet NCOs when you are commissioned? You are currently “one of them.”
What will change about your relationship with cadet NCOs when you become a cadet officer?
Have you been in any trouble at school in the last year? (detentions, suspensions, etc)
How has your attendance been at school the past year? (number of absences, tardies, truancies)
In what ways has being in the Cadet Corps helped shape you into a better person?
Additional Board Questions (Content Specific): The board can repeat or add ANY of the previous cadet NCO or
officer questions they feel are appropriate.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Tell us about a class you recently taught to cadets? How did it go? How effective was your lesson
plan? Tell us about the process you went through to plan that lesson?
Why is it important to be sensitive to and knowledgeable about people from other cultures?
How good are you are managing your time and staying organized? Why are those two things
important?
Describe for us how to administer CPR to an adult.
Show us how you would treat a choking victim.
Tell us about the last orienteering course you successfully completed. What techniques did you use to
complete it successfully?
Recite the leader’s code.
What are the major responsibilities of a cadet S-1, S-3, S-4, S-5?
Are you familiar with where the cadet regulations can be found? Tell us something you recently read
in a cadet regulation that you did not know about previously.
8
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LOI 010-1213-001
Appendix C
1 October 2012
California Cadet Corps
Interview Board and Performance Requirements
For Promotion to
Cadet 1st Lieutenant
A cadet officer must successfully demonstrate the following knowledge and skills in a combination of performance
assessments and oral interview with more senior ranking cadet(s) and/or commandant personnel.
Because the California Cadet Corps is an applied leadership program, cadet officers are expected to demonstrate the
ability to analyze, apply and synthesize knowledge and skills learned at lower ranks. Therefore questions on officer
promotion boards demand a level of performance and thoughtfulness in their responses commensurate with those
expectations.
By design, all cadet knowledge and experience is cumulative. A cadet is expected to not only be competent and
knowledgeable for the rank they are attempting to achieve, but are also expected to continue to possess and maintain
the knowledge and expertise expected of ALL LOWER RANKS. This is a particularly critical expectation to
understand as it relates to those cadets who attempt and/or attain accelerated promotion to cadet warrant or
commissioned ranks.
Additional Board Questions (Generic): The board can repeat or add ANY of the previous cadet NCO or officer
questions they feel are appropriate.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Tell us about your three favorite leaders in American Military history. What makes them such
important and effective leaders?
What is a cadet Service Record?
What is an Individual Clothing Record?
What is a training schedule?
What is a Property Book?
What is a Report of Survey?
What is a Press Release?
What are the two types of orders an S-1 publishes and what does each accomplish?
What is a strength report and how often are they completed?
What is an inventory and how often does the cadet regulation 4-1 say it must be accomplished?
9
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LOI 010-1213-001
Appendix C
1 October 2012
California Cadet Corps
Interview Board and Performance Requirements
For Promotion to
Cadet Captain
A cadet officer must successfully demonstrate the following knowledge and skills in a combination of performance
assessments and oral interview with more senior ranking cadet(s) and/or commandant personnel.
Because the California Cadet Corps is an applied leadership program, cadet officers are expected to demonstrate the
ability to analyze, apply and synthesize knowledge and skills learned at lower ranks. Therefore questions on officer
promotion boards demand a level of performance and thoughtfulness in their responses commensurate with those
expectations.
By design, all cadet knowledge and experience is cumulative. A cadet is expected to not only be competent and
knowledgeable for the rank they are attempting to achieve, but are also expected to continue to possess and maintain
the knowledge and expertise expected of ALL LOWER RANKS. This is a particularly critical expectation to
understand as it relates to those cadets who attempt and/or attain accelerated promotion to cadet warrant or
commissioned ranks.
Additional Board Questions (Generic): The board can repeat or add ANY of the previous cadet NCO or officer
questions they feel are appropriate.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
What are some considerations when constructing and placing a trap or a snare?
What are three methods of starting a fire other than with matches or similar lighting devices?
What are some good signals to use to alert potential rescuers when you are in a survival situation?
Why is fire so critical in a survival situation?
Describe the method of creating a solar still.
What is an Operations Order and what purpose does it serve?
What are some things to consider when performing a risk assessment in the planning stages of a cadet
event?
What components should always exist in a cadet commander’s mission statement?
What are the differences between missions, goals, and objectives?
What are the two most important responsibilities of a leader?
10
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Appendix C
1 October 2012
California Cadet Corps
Interview Board and Performance Requirements
For Promotion to
Cadet Major, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, and Cadet Colonel
A cadet officer must successfully demonstrate the following knowledge and skills in a combination of performance
assessments and oral interview with more senior ranking cadet(s) and/or commandant personnel.
Because the California Cadet Corps is an applied leadership program, cadet officers are expected to demonstrate the
ability to analyze, apply and synthesize knowledge and skills learned at lower ranks. Therefore questions on officer
promotion boards demand a level of performance and thoughtfulness in their responses commensurate with those
expectations.
By design, all cadet knowledge and experience is cumulative. A cadet is expected to not only be competent and
knowledgeable for the rank they are attempting to achieve, but are also expected to continue to possess and maintain
the knowledge and expertise expected of ALL LOWER RANKS. This is a particularly critical expectation to
understand as it relates to those cadets who attempt and/or attain accelerated promotion to cadet warrant or
commissioned ranks.
Additional Board Questions (Generic): The board can repeat or add ANY of the previous cadet NCO or officer
questions they feel are appropriate.
o
o
o
o
o
What is your philosophy of leadership?
Share with us your vision for how to make the Cadet Corps better. How would you achieve that
vision?
Every leader has a “fatal flaw.” What is yours and how are you working on that fatal flaw so that it
does not result in your downfall?
Which 3-4 of the leadership traits are you best at and why?
Which 2-3 of the leadership principles are you best at and why?
Additional Performance Assessments: The commandant can repeat or add ANY of the previous NCO
performance assessments they feel are appropriate. The cadet should demonstrate they know how to properly:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Prepare a compete Operations Plan.
Give an effective briefing on an Operations Plan.
Function effectively as a battalion and regimental/brigade primary staff officer.
Use command voice in front of a regiment or brigade.
Resolve conflicts between subordinates.
Write an effective memorandum.
Write an effective personnel “counseling statement.”
Prepare an agenda for a staff meeting and conduct the meeting.
Conduct an efficient and effective awards ceremony.
Serve as the commander of troops at a Pass in Review.
Conduct a unit mock Annual General Inspection.
11