*LESSON PLAN*

**INDIVIDUALIZING TRAINING IN STAFF SPECIALTIES**

*Squadron Leadership School*

*"Foundation for Leadership" Block*

*seminar 3.3*

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.7708333333333333in"
height="1.3347222222222221in"}SCOPE

*If they are to help the squadron succeed, staff officers need to become
knowledgeable about the policies and practices affecting their staff
position. They need to know what resources are available to guide them
in their roles. They need practical advice on how to carry out their
routine duties. This seminar offers students an opportunity for
individualized training in a staff specialty of their choice.*

OBJECTIVES

1.  *Identify the major policies and procedures affecting one mission
    area and one support staff specialty.*

2.  *Identify the major publications, forms, websites, and other
    resources that have a bearing on the chosen staff position.*

3.  *Acquire practical tips for performing staff functions in a chosen
    specialty.*

DURATION

*90 minutes (2 40-minute sessions with a 10-minute break in the middle)*

SPECIAL NOTES -- FOR THE COURSE DIRECTOR

Preparation

*The course director should survey the students in advance to determine
which staff specialties interest them the most. The course director can
then use that information in arranging for technical experts (ie: wing
staff, members who are master-rated in their specialty, etc.) to serve
as instructors / mentors during this seminar.*

How to Manage This Seminar

*1. Begin by briefing the students on the purpose of this seminar.
Reference the scope, learning objectives, and talking points on the
slides.*

*2. Have students identify which mission area (aerospace education,
cadet programs, or emergency services) they would like to learn more
about. For the first 30 minutes of this seminar, have staff experts from
each of the mission areas available to provide individualized training.*

*3. At the mid-point of the seminar (ie: at the 40-minute mark), break
for 10-minutes.*

*4. During the final 30-40 minutes of the seminar, have students meet
with an expert from a support staff specialty that interests them (ie:
finance, logistics, etc.) for individualized training.*

SPECIAL NOTES -- For Instructors / Staff Experts

*This seminar is not intended to be highly structured, but rather it is
an opportunity for students to ask questions and receive individualized
training in whatever areas of their staff specialty that interest them
most. Therefore, instructors or staff experts need to be flexible in
working to meet each student's needs. Listed below are some discussion
items to help you get started:*

*1. Take an in-depth look at how CAPR 20-1 defines the staff position
and draw on your personal experiences to explain what the position
really entails.*

*2. Walk the student through the regulation(s) that govern the staff
position. Call attention to the most important policies, reports,
suspenses, etc.*

*3. Review the major forms and reports required by the staff position.*

*4. Review the major textbooks, pamphlets, task guides, specialty track
study guides, websites, and other training resources related to the
staff position.*

*5. Throughout the seminar, allow the student's interests to be your
guide and encourage them to ask questions anytime.*