CAPR 52-16, "CADET PROGRAM MANAGEMENT", 31 DEC 1998, sec 5-1 (a) states that,
"When the squadron commander or the deputy commander for cadets, signs a cadet’s CAPF 59, they are attesting to a cadet's ability to assume the next grade.”
To fulfill the requirement of being able to attest to a cadet's abilities, this squadron will conduct a "Promotion Review Board (PRB)", to be held monthly as part of the regular meeting schedule, or as needed.
Cadets wishing to sit before the PRB must pass up their chain of command one (1) copy of Squadron Form 3 (SQDF-3) "Promotion Review Board Request", PRIOR to the date of the scheduled PRB.
The PRB will always consist of three (3) members — the Cadet First Sergeant, the Cadet Commander, and one (1) Senior Member. The Senior Member will always serve as Chairperson and will be the one to summon and dismiss the cadet. The Cadet Commander will provide the Merit/Demerit information, attendance, and other information on the cadet. The Cadet First Sergeant will be responsible for assessing the cadet in leadership and aerospace. The senior member will observe and assess. PRB members and reviewing cadets should all be in the appropriate uniform of the day, preferably Class-A or Class-B combinations.
Review boards should be no longer than 15 minutes. Cadets with the highest rank should generally get consideration to be reviewed first, followed by the next ranking cadet, etc. Should there be insufficient time to review all cadets making a request in the available time, supplemental PRB's may be scheduled as desired.
The PRB should be held in a quiet, private location. The PRB members should be seated at a table, with one chair for the reviewing cadet placed facing the PRB at a comfortable distance.
When a cadet arrives for review they should knock on the door once, maintain military bearing, and wait outside until told to "enter" at which time they will enter the room, approach the PRB, and formally report to the chairperson. The chairperson will then tell the cadet to be seated (at attention or at ease).
The Senior Member should see that the following materials are on hand:
Each cadet's SQDF-3, "Promotion Review Board Request".
Each cadet's CAPF-66, "Cadet Master Record".
The Cadet First Sergeant should see that the following materials are on hand:
Copies of the cadet program manuals, "Leadership: 2000 and Beyond", volumes 1-3.
A copy of the cadet aerospace education book.
The Cadet Commander should see that the following materials are on hand:
Appropriate information regarding the cadet's status such as:
Meeting attendance reports
Activity attendance reports
Merit/Demerit information
Any other appropriate information.
The chairperson should ensure (preferably prior to the seating of the PRB if possible) that the cadet has completed ALL requirements for promotion. In most cases this includes:
Having served a minimum of 2-months in grade since last promotion.
Passing appropriate Leadership Test.
Passing appropriate Aerospace Education Test (N/A for Curry Cadets).
Passing the Physical Training Test (N/A for medical category 2 or 3).
Has participated in at least one (1) Moral Leadership Class discussion since their last promotion.
Has “participated actively in unit activities.”
IT IS VITAL that promotion of a cadet never be assumed, nor should cadets be led to believe that just because "all the boxes have been checked off" that promotion is automatic. Commanders (and by delegation, the PRB) have a responsibility to ensure cadets are ready to move up and take on further duties and responsibilities. If the cadet is not ready, promotion should be recommended for delay pending further review. PRB members should not fear recommending that a promotion be delayed for good cause.
At the beginning of each Chapter in the "Leadership: 2000 and Beyond" books is a list of Chapter Goals that the cadet must either Recognize, Understand, or have Mastered. These are the Leadership items you should concentrate on with the cadet. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are exercises from which you can draw questions.
Reasons to recommend for delay of promotion may include, but are not limited to:
Non-completion of promotion requirements.
Poor understanding of the book material just covered.
Not living up to the standards of previous achievements.
Outstanding problems or issues that have not been resolved before or during the promotion review process.
Poor customs and courtesies, military bearing, and/or etiquette.
Upon completion of questioning by the PRB, the cadet should be given the opportunity to ask questions or make comments to the PRB on any issue that they wish to bring up.
When all business is complete, the cadet should be directed to send in the next, or requested, cadet and then dismissed. The PRB should take whatever time they need to discuss the approval or delay of promotion. If the PRB is not unanimous, the promotion should be delayed pending a discussion with the Squadron Commander whose decision is always final.
If the decision is unanimous for approval or delay, the PRB completes the SQDF-3, places it in the cadet's CAPF-66 file and informs the Commander of their recommendation. Promotion should be made during the regularly scheduled time in the monthly meeting schedule. If promotion is delayed,the Cadet Commander will inform the cadet why, and what needs to be done for the promotion to occur pending review by another PRB. This information should also be noted on the SQDF-3 before being placed in the Cadet's Master File.
Cadets should be clearly made to realize that if a promotion is delayed that it is not necessarily a negative reflection on their performance. The idea of the Promotion Review is to make sure they are performing up to the standards proscribed by the Cadet Program. If they are lacking in some area, it is our job to help them achieve those standards, thus making them a better Cadet, a more valuable asset to the unit, as well as Civil Air Patrol.
