Perspectives: Interviews with CAP Personalities

A Chat with Texas Wing Director of Training, Lt Col Brooks Cima, CAP

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

The Corpus Christi Comp Squadron presents an interview with Lt Col Brooks Cima, CAP, Texas Wing Director of Training, conducted 2 July 2007.

Once again greetings and welcome to this our second interview for Through the Air Over South Texas. I am your host, Major Joe Ely "Sparky" Carrales and in this Unit’s on going effort to inform and entertain, I am pleased to introduce Lt Col Brooks Cima to the members of the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron.

I first spoke with Lt Col Cima over the telephone many years ago when some CAP Cadets were interested in attending a Wing Encampment. Lt Col Cima is legendary for her work with the CAP Cadet Program in the Texas Wing, so much so, that the powers that be have harnessed her talents for training.

So, let’s begin this interview with a simple question… Lt Col Cima, what is your position at Texas Wing as you see it and do you find this position presents similar or different challenges than your previous post in Cadet Programs?

“Similar to the early days in Cadet Programs - the basic information was there but it was being taught at the squadron and Group level in various interpretations. I believe my job is to make sure we are standardized in our training in order that we make the best, most efficient use of the training time our volunteers have to give this organization so that we can perform our missions as required by our customers.”

I concur; we should make every effort to insure that the quality of training in the Texas Wing is “uniform.” We can agree that Texas provides huge logistical challenges. That being said… What are some of your goals for Training in Texas Wing for 2007 & 2008?

“I want to provide training opportunities that will enable us to be better prepared for the missions that are coming our way. For example, Videography training to help with our photo missions, IT training to teach people how to upload photographs for our customers, CERT and ARC training for our ground team members and mission staff training so that we have the ability to deploy a number of well-trained mission base staffs should the need arise in a disaster.”

No doubt, we are in service to our State, and I feel these elements are places where we can all benefit. There is, therefore, much to do. How can we, in the Groups & Squadrons, best support you in your work?

“Attend the trainings at the Wing level, become trainers and take the information back to your squadrons and groups. Ask your members to be patient as we raise standards in order to make Texas Wing "excellent" in all areas of ES, pilot training and cadet training.”

Along these lines, recently, the Texas Wing has made several important changes to how training is conducted; namely, the new Skill Evaluator Trainer, or SET, procedure. Earlier this week, after a much anticipated waiting, you announced the latest “SET list.” How does this differ from the old set list of days past?

“SET was basically a quick quiz that could make anyone "qualified" to evaluate training. The Evaluator qualification is carefully given by the Wing Commander to individuals that have demonstrated excellence in their area of ES expertise.”

If I may be so bold, how was this list generated?

“The Wing Commander is so serious about raising standards that he personally checks every candidate sent up through the chain of command. I simply publish this list for him”

A very bold approach indeed on Col Smith’s part; what are some criteria for being considered for this list?

“qualifications, time in service in that area, missions performed.”

How often will this list be updated?

“Twice monthly for a while and then on the first of each month. Just a bit more about SET vs. Texas Wing Evaluator...

We are no longer using the SET list as published through OPs Quals. Our new TXWG Supplement to 60-3 takes away the duties of those with SET qualifications and hands them to individuals named as TXWG Evaluators. There is no new training for these folks to go through, they just need to send their request to be an evaluator through the chain of command and the Wing Commander determines if they are qualified."

I thank you, Lt Col Cima for addressing these questions. I am sure we will be being Lt Col Cima’s name more and more as members of our unit participate in the training she mentioned. As for the new “Set list,” it is available from CC-CAP squadron command on request. SEMPER VIGILANS!!!