Lesson Three

The Master rating level at the Professional Development Officer (PDO)
 

Introduction
In lesson two we learned the most important things to consider in planning a training activity. Lesson three is the highest level of the Civil Air Patrol Moral Leadership Officer Program. This level is the culmination of the professional skills learned and demonstrated as a moral leadership officer.  In this lesson we will concentrate more about identifying the local needs and working to plan and set activities for that need.
 
Objectives

·      Prepare CAP personal officers for supervisory and managerial functions associated with the CAP personal program.
·      Identify local training level need in writing and plan a training course or activity to fit the local need
·      Plan and coordinate a professional development awards ceremony

Lesson 1 key term:  OJT, award, conference, and inspections
 
Position Description:
 
·      Establish local training requirements
 
·      Devise training courses and activities to fit local requirements
 
·      Schedule training activities
 
·      Advise the commander of training requirements to fill unit manning needs
 
·      Coordinate the presentation of senior member professional development awards
 
·      Monitor and assist subordinate unit professional development officers
 
·      Assist any inspector on inspections of training functions
 
·      Attend and contribute to professional development training and activities at appropriate level
 
To attain the master level
 
At this level, the PDO will be involved in more planning and coordination. They will have the chance to apply all the learned skills at the II, III IV and V levels, such as management, organization, and leadership. The individuals’ need will be identified to provide them the appropriate training. The PDO will work with the commander and staff to schedule a training activity for local members. The PDO should choose good presenters who are experts in their field as well as good communicators to have a successful training.

Local training need and plan a course to meet that need

The Professional Development Report (PDR) shows which senior members receive what training. The report will be used as an examination of member records to identify which courses should be offered.  Each unit has a different mission focus and different units work with different local agencies. Individual units may need training on how to work with local agencies/procedures for local missions.  The PDO can identify these needs and work with the commander and staff to schedule a training activity for local members. 
 
Planning an award ceremony
One of the important tasks of this level is to plan and advertise n award ceremony. It should be planned carefully and regularly to recognize member accomplishments. It must convey a sense of distinction and value. The PDO should plan the event in advance, members should have a plenty of time to arrange their schedule. The award ceremony should occur at a convenient time and place. The PDO should reference AFPAM 36-2236, Drill and Ceremonies, as well as CAPP 151, Respect on Display, which list the procedures for a proper award ceremony.
 
Serving as an OJT supervisor
 Another important task of the master level PDOs is to teach individuals the knowledge and skills associated with a successful professional development-training program. A good resource for OJT supervisors is CAPP 50-8, Organizational Excellence Mentoring Guide.
 
Assigning a new member a specialty track and OJT supervisor
The PDO should have a great background about each area in his/her unit to help the new members find the best place to serve. The PDO should stay informed about what positions need filling and who has expertise to train new members. The PDO should use judgment and tact in helping the new member select a track that suits the needs of both the member and the unit. The PDO should give a great explanation for new members on their options and let them know that they may enter more than one track during their CAP career.
 
Attending a CAP conference or seminar
PDOs at all levels need to participate in conferences and seminars to have a clear idea about the professional development at wing or region. These conferences provide a mean to cross-feed information, ideas, challenges, and solutions. Attending a wing or region conference also helps fulfill a requirement for the level III training. All members are encouraged to participate in training seminars that interest them at wing and region conferences or other training activity regardless of which specialty track they are assigned. PDOs should make members aware of what training is being presented and encourage the professional development of all members.
 
The PDO may serve at the group, wing, and region levels. Monitor the unit training efforts as well as the development of unit PDOs in their subordinate units. Also help new members to understand their problems.
 
Assisting in inspections
Inspections help units diagnose problems and highlight best practices. In this way, units can more effectively, efficiently, and safely perform their mission.
 
As part of the inspection program, PDOs at the wing level may participate in subordinate unit inspections. When inspecting subordinate units; the PDO needs to point out significant trends (good and bad) and suggest topics for special inspection or review. In order to prepare for assisting in inspections, PDOs should familiarize themselves with the professional development compliance inspection (CI) checklist. Knowing this checklist can make inspections easier and will help PDOs to know how to maintain their area in accordance with CAP standards
 
To summarize, this level is final one of the PDO. It helps the PDOs to be more involved in planning and coordination.
As we wrap up the three levels of the PDO, members should be prepared for positions of increasing responsibility as a professional development officer.

Instructional activity

• Identify a local training need in writing to the local commander. Email to instructor.

• Plan and coordinate a professional development awards ceremony by working with other officers. You must be actively involved in the planning and execution process and the award ceremony must take place.

This concludes the three levels of PDO. Congratulations! You may proceed to the assessment page.