How to Work with Group, Wing, and the LO

Unit Commanders' Course 1

How to Work with Group, Wing, and the LO

Main Points

– Group/Wing

– The staff

– Your boss

– The LO

– Working together



Overview

This segment is designed to not only let you understand what group and wings

do, but also your relationships with your boss, and his or her staff.



Participants will:

• explain the function of groups and wings

• describe group and wing staff functions• describe the functions and authority of

the group and wing commander• Describe the unit commander’s

relationship with the LO• explain the importance of and different

techniques for working together with group and wing



While you are the commander of your squadron, you can’t work alone. You are part of a larger organization, and

your first link is the group or wing.



Groups

• Function is to oversee operations of squadrons assigned to it, and is subordinate to the wing

• Used when there are too many squadrons, or when squadrons are dispersed over a wider area than the wing can manage by itself



Wings

• Function is to oversee the operations of the groups and squadrons assigned to it.

• First level on the “corporate ladder”• Oversee all aspects of operations,

training, and support for the state, and is responsible to its CAP region



The Staff

• Purpose is to assist the group/wing commander in operating the unit.

• Obligated by CAP directives to be responsible for certain wing operations.

• Cannot order you to do anything, but can pass on orders concerning their functional area from their commander to you.



The Staff

• Group/wing commanders will tell you how much authority they have delegated to their staff

• Your obligation is to keep the group or wing staff advised about the fitness of your unit in their areas, in accordance with CAP directives

• They should keep you informed about changes in their areas and make sure you get the information you need about their areas.



Your Commander(Your Boss)

• Your commander is your immediate superior

• Wing commander is particularly important to you



Your CommanderWing responsibility

• Has authority over all the units within the wing

• Responsible for successfully accomplishing the missions within the state

• Responsible to the Region Commander



Your Commander Corporate Responsibility

• Wing Commander is a CAP corporate officer• Number one CAP representative in the state• Can negotiate agreements within the state• Is primarily responsible for corporate assets



Your CommanderYour Relationship

• You assist the wing commander to carry out the wings mission through your command

• You must– Carry out lawful orders– Provide reliable resources



Wing Air Force Liaison Office

• Advice, liaison, and oversight• Events and activities in which the LO plays a

role– Tours and orientation rides.– Spaatz exams.– Clarifying procedures.

• When LOs should be informed– Whenever participating in activities w/the USAF.– When requesting Air Force assistance.

• LO visits, and the Civil Air Patrol-Reserve Assistance Program



Working Together

• Understand the functions of the group or wing

• Remember the importance of effective communication

• Provide and ask for feedback from your commander

• Encourage interface between your staff and group and wing staffs



Questions&

Answers

Documents

How to Work with Group, Wing, and the LO