Leadership NPCC

When the cadets say, "Yes SIR!"

2008-11-15T21:40:00.000-08:00

The way that we make cadets response to us when we ask them questions or expecting a reply should be re-evaluated and perhaps, done away.

Have you ever wondered what the cadets mean when they response, "YES SIR!" in unison when an NCO or CI asks them questions (like, "Do you understand?")? Do they really mean, "Yes Sir! (I understand)" Or is it something else?

My feeling is that majority of them shouted in unison because they need to - afterall, if they do not, the CI will reinforce it by asking again. And if they do not still .... the next thing they know, they will be "kissing" the floor in the push-up position. It is part of the NPCC culture. Shouting in unison only accomplish a few handfuls like :

a) Let's face it - it satisfies the ego of the NCOs, CIs and officers. It feels good to have cadets response to you like obedient subjects to kings and queens.

b) Unity of the squad - one for all, all for one (NPCC Tradition). One shout, all shout, one drop all drop. Perhaps it does help to unite the unit - giving the impression of discipline and oneness to others.

I am more concern about whether cadets are too quick to response, "Yes Sir!". Should not they be thinking cadets who really think through when asked a question or questions by their superiors? Should not the response be :

"I got your question, Sir. I am thinking through now." (pause for a few minutes ...... ) ... and finally, "Yes SIR! (we understand!)"

Are we building thinking cadets and subsequently, thinking leaders in NPCC with the way we expect responses in the units?

Tools vs Goals

2008-11-15T10:58:00.000-08:00

We have lots of activities and cadets can acquire knowledge in NPCC.

Crime prevention theories, campcraft, drills, camps, etc. etc.

Ask any NPCC cadet what he/she has learnt in this CCA, the answers are like to be :

"I have learnt some campfire songs."

"I have learnt drills and campcraft."

"I have learnt teamwork and discipline."

If we ask the cadet a little bit further like - "So, what is the purpose of singing campfire songs?" or "What is the purpose of discipline?"

How do you think that the cadet would answer?

So, what are goals or what are the tools to achieve those goals in NPCC? Do we as leaders of NPCC know the difference?

When we conduct Adventure Training or Survival Camps - do we conveniently put in the camp programmes based on our past experiences or "standard programmes" given by the HQ or do we question deep - what do we hope to build in our cadets through the camp?

What is your purpose for your cadets or even so, your role as a leader in NPCC?

Leadership NPCC

2008-11-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

Hope to make this blog relevant to the CCA, National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) which I have been leading all these ten years of teaching.

NPCC has changed much over the years - yet, Leadership remains an essential part of this CCA.

I hope that through the reading of the posts here, NPCC leaders can benefit much and grow as a result.