Section 1 EO M408.01 – DISCUSS COMMANDING A FLIGHT ON PARADE
Resources needed for the delivery of this lesson are listed in the lesson specification located in A-CR-CCP-804/PG-001, Proficiency Level Four Qualification Standard and Plan, Chapter 4. Specific uses for said resources are identified throughout the instructional guide within the TP for which they are required.
Review the lesson content and become familiar with the material prior to delivering the lesson.
Photocopy CATO 55-04, Air Cadet Dress Regulations, for every three cadets, for reference during the group discussion.
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A group discussion was chosen for this lesson as it allows the cadets to interact with their peers and share their knowledge and opinions about commanding a flight on parade. Sharing in the discussion encourages the cadets to examine their own thoughts and feelings and may prompt them to re-examine their previously held ideas. Participating in a group discussion improves the cadets’ listening skills and team development.
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By the end of this lesson the cadet shall have discussed commanding a flight on parade.
It is important for cadets to discuss commanding a flight on parade in a professional and confident manner as their performance can positively influence the cadets within the flight. It is important to be aware of the key attributes required to successfully command a flight while on the parade square, such as maintaining a high standard of appearance, presence and bearing.
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Teaching point 1
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Discuss commanding a flight on parade.
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Time: 25 min
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Method: Group Discussion
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The point of the group discussion is to draw the following information from the group using the tips for answering / facilitating discussion and the suggested questions provided. |
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Proficiency Level Four cadets will be given opportunities to fill various parade appointments (eg, Flight Commander, Flight Sergeant). The term team leader has been used throughout this EO to encompass any position. |
The aim of drill is to contribute to the operational effectiveness of the Cadet Program. This aim can be achieved by ensuring cadets march and manoeuvre on the parade square as one unit and by promoting discipline, alertness, precision, pride and the cohesion necessary for success.
Communicating Effectively
As the team leader, there will be various occasions when effective communication will be required, such as when:
communicating drill commands; and
speaking to the flight, in a more informal method.
When speaking to cadets in a flight, clear and positive communication is necessary to aid in achieving the aim of drill. Profanity, personal sarcasm or negative comments shall never be used.
When calling drill commands, the team leader must develop and use a vocabulary of short, concise words to impress on the flight that the movement must be performed smartly. When communicating or referring to drill commands and movements, words to use could include:
sharp,
crack,
drive,
seize, and
grasp.
Sharp drill movements are dependent on the words of command being properly delivered. Words of command are to be pronounced clearly and distinctly, with confidence and determination, since they convey an order which is to be promptly obeyed.
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When correcting errors, the team leader is to address the cadet in a positive tone. The most effective way to correct errors is to explain and demonstrate the correct method and then have the cadet(s) complete the movement(s) the correct way while being observed. This allows the cadet to learn from their error(s). |
Executing Sharp Personal Drill
Team leaders must execute all drill movements confidently, correctly and smartly. The characteristics of drill are efficiency, precision and dignity and these qualities are developed through self-discipline and practice.
Team leaders who display constant proficiency in drill are recognized throughout the Cadet Program as highly trained, well-disciplined and professional. Well executed drill develops individual pride, mental alertness, precision and esprit-de-corps. It also sets the standard for the completion of parades and builds a sense of confidence between the team leader and cadet that is essential to high morale.
Maintaining Dress IAW Dress Instructions
Team leaders shall be well groomed with footwear cleaned and shone. The uniform shall be clean and properly pressed at all times.
Dress instructions help ensure a positive image and a high standard of dress are consistent among all cadets when in uniform. Showcasing a high standard of personal dress, appearance and grooming will aid in exhibiting confidence and reflect that the team leader has knowledge of the dress instructions.
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Refer to CATO 55-04, Air Cadet Dress Regulations for further information on dress standards. |
Exhibiting a Positive Attitude
Team leaders should always exhibit a positive attitude toward the members of the flight while on the parade square because a positive attitude will encourage the cadets to want to follow the example set by the team leader.
The positive attitude taught and developed on and off the parade square must be maintained by the team leader at all times.
Conducting Oneself in an Appropriate Manner
As the team leaders are expected to set the example for the flight, it is important to project an image of discipline and self-control.
Chewing gum, slouching, sauntering, placing hands in pockets and similar deportment that detracts from a proud and orderly appearance are unacceptable for team leaders.
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The appearance, presence and bearing of the team leader must be of the highest standard since this example may be imitated by the cadets within the flight. |
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TIPS FOR ANSWERING / FACILITATING DISCUSSION: •
Establish ground rules for discussion, eg, everyone should listen respectfully; don't interrupt; only one person speaks at a time; no one's ideas should be made fun of; you can disagree with ideas but not with the person; try to understand others as much as you hope they understand you; etc. •
Sit the group in a circle, making sure all cadets can be seen by everyone else. •
Ask questions that will provoke thought; in other words avoid questions with yes or no answers. •
Manage time by ensuring the cadets stay on topic. •
Listen and respond in a way that indicates you have heard and understood the cadet. This can be done by paraphrasing their ideas. •
Give the cadets time to respond to your questions. •
Ensure every cadet has an opportunity to participate. One option is to go around the group and have each cadet answer the question with a short answer. Cadets must also have the option to pass if they wish. •
Additional questions should be prepared ahead of time. |
What attributes do you expect from a person when they are commanding a flight? Why?
As a member of a flight, what were some of the positive attributes that you noticed / remember about your team leader they were on the parade square?
What are some leadership competencies you have noticed in the past as a member of a flight? What competencies should you exhibit when commanding a flight on parade?
Have you ever commanded a flight on parade? If so, what did you learn from this experience(s)? What went well when you commanded a flight on parade? What did not go well when you commanded a flight on parade?
Why is it important to communicate effectively to the cadets within the flight when commanding a flight on parade?
Why is it important to exhibit a positive attitude when commanding a flight on parade?
As a team leader it is important to maintain a positive attitude and a high standard of dress? Why?
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Write the mentioned / discussed topics on a flip chart and display them for the cadets so they can refer to them. |
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Other questions and answers will develop throughout the group discussion. The group discussion should not be limited to only those suggested. |
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Reinforce those answers given and comments made during the group discussion, ensuring the teaching point has been covered. |
The cadets' participation in the group discussion will serve as the confirmation of this TP.
The cadets' participation in the group discussion will serve as the confirmation of this lesson.
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When assigned to command a flight on parade it is important to conduct oneself with professionalism and confidence. A team leader who portrays a high standard of appearance, presence and bearing positively affects how cadets conduct themselves and respond to orders that are given on the parade square.
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A0-002 A-PD-201-000/PT-000 Director History and Heritage 3-2. (2005). The Canadian Forces manual of drill and ceremonial. Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.
A3-006 CATO 55-04 Director Cadets 3. (2005). Air cadet dress instructions. Ottawa, ON: Department of National Defence.
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