Snakedoc said:
I did a search but wasn't able to find the specific answer I was looking for. For my own curiousity, could someone point me to where I can find the career progression document for a CIC officer? My curiousity is partly peaked from the discussion in the navy forums on naval officer career progression. Alternatively, that would be great if someone can post what the answer is based on their knowledge.
You're not likely to find a single document that sets out the normal career progression in the same way as is done for the MARS/engineering/log officer occupations, but I can give you an idea of the normal progression in a sea cadet corps. (Army cadet corps and air cadet squadrons will function in substantially the same way, with minor organizational differences reflecting their elemental cultures.) In each situation, it's up to the CO to employ the available officers staff so what follows is a very general explanation, to which there will be countless exceptions.
A new officer is likely to start out as an instructor (teaching classes), a divisional officer, or an assistant HoD. Depending on the size of the staff he or she is likely to have secondary duties as OPI for one or more of the additional activities the unit undertakes, e.g. the biathlon team, marksmanship programme, Duke of Edinburgh Programme, etc. Some units have a course officer for each training phase (of which there are four in sea and army cadets, and five in air cadets), and this might be done by a fairly new officer as well.
As soon as practicable after enrolment an officer will complete the CIC BOTC and an occupational course whose exact name escapes me. (The CIC courses are being re-vamped as we speak.) A year or so later the officer will take the Lieutenant Qualification Course (soon to be replaced) which qualifies him or her for promotion to SLt/Lt and appointment as Trg O. Somewhere along the way he or she is likely to have taken one or both of the shorter Unit Administration Officer or Unit Supply Officer courses.
The next career step is a tour as a HoD. These vary from unit to unit, but the three key ones that virtually all units have are the Training Officer, Administration Officer, and Supply Officer. (Standards Officer is another position that is frequently seen.) In an ideal world a young officer will start in Supply and progress through Administration to Training. The Trg O is the key HoD, since training is the main activity of a cadet unit. In a unit with two Lt(N) or Capt positions one will typically be the CO and the other will frequently be the Trg O.
After one or more HoD tours an officer is likely to be appointed XO or DCO. If the unit has a large staff this may be a position on its own. In a smaller staff it's likely to be a double-hatted HoD.
About two years after the Lieutenant Qualification Course, an officer will take the Captain Qualification Course (again, to be replaced as the new training programme rolls out). This is the principal qualification for command, although there is also a weekend seminar called the Commanding Officer's Course that is taught to incoming or recently appointed COs. (The CO's course is largely filled with briefings and discussions on the latest policy developments, and other assorted training that changes from time to time.)
Once appointed to command a CO will normally stay in the position for three years. This can be extended a year at a time, especially if no other officer is waiting in the wings to succeed the CO. On conclusion of one's drive it's customary to leave the unit for a time to allow the incoming CO to find his or her feet without the previous one overshadowing him or her. Outgoing COs may move on to command another unit if there is one in the area that requires a new CO, or serve in some other position. Some go on to Class B positions in area or regional headquarters.
Some progress to Area CIC Officer positions. An ACICO is a senior officer (LCdr/Maj) who has extensive experience in the programme and who serves as an advisor to units in a geographical area. ACICOs are also tasked by the various HQs with assorted special projects and with assisting units that are in distress (e.g. if the local sponsor is not functioning effectively).
Former COs are preferred as instructors at the Regional Cadet Instructor Schools, so this is another opportunity for post-CO employment.
