Members Deck

Division Commander (DCDR)

A. Responsibilities of the FC elect before taking office

1. Transfer of Records and Documents by 15 Dec.

By 15 December, schedule a meeting with the outgoing DCDR to set a time to transfer pertinent Division records and documents, (see ENCLOSURE (1) p.4) which will be necessary for smooth transition. Review the minutes and financial records of the last two Division meetings. Obtain a copy of the current AUXMIS records. The outgoing DCDR should serve as a valuable asset that can help the incoming DCDR overcome some early difficulties. This resource should not be overlooked. Request some stamps and envelops for your mailings in preparation for the change of office.

a. District Requirements
Become aware of all District-unique requirements such as deadlines for additional paperwork; unique tasks for the Boat Crew Program; any District specific currency maintenance procedures, etc.

b. Forms
Copies of all Auxiliary required forms can be obtained on the Auxiliary website http://209.41.115.186/~forms/aform.html If you do not have internet access, determine if another member of the Flotilla does. This individual can serve as the flotilla web watcher. Also, obtain a copy of the Auxiliary Forms Guide (COMTDINST M16790.2 (series)). Complete descriptions of proper Auxiliary forms for AUXMIS input is contained within.

2. Annual Unit Officer Report (ANSC 7007) by 20 Dec.

a. Choosing a Staff
Choosing a staff will be among the most important decisions of the DCDR elect. Potential Division Staff Officers should (ideally) be well versed in the area of responsibility they are being considered for, but more importantly, the prospective SO MUST be WILLING to serve in the new administration. Expectations of the SO should be clearly explained before the appointment is made. Additional guidelines for staff appointments are found in The Auxiliary Manual (COMTDINST M16790.1E). This stage of staff selection should be seen as an interview process; it should be more than just a question of whether or not the person wants to be a staff officer. The initial interview should be one of many communications that will be held during the term of office. Time spent at this level will be the foundation of a successful administration. A well-chosen staff oversees the Division activities as it pertains to the various Auxiliary programs.

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b. Letter of Appointment
Enclosure 1 of the Division Procedures Manual (COMDTINST --) contains sample letter of appointmentfor staff officers. These letters indicate the term of office and the expectations of the duties of the office. Each appointed staff officer should receive an appointment letter. Prepare them for mailing on 1 January. Briefly review the Auxiliary Manual (COMTDINST M16790.1E) reacquaint yourself with its contents and policies.

c. DVCDR– Chief of Staff
The newly elected Division Vice Commander should act as the “Chief of Staff”. Advise him/her of your progress during this transition stage. Inform the DVCDR of what is expected as Chief of Staff. While the DCDR and DVCDR should meet frequently with the staff, both should avoid the temptation to micromanage the staff officers. The elected officers should "guide" the staff officer when necessary, acting as mentor. The DCDR should also avoid "micromanaging" the DVCDR. An effective DVCDR makes the job of the DCDR easier and more efficient. An effective relationship with the DVCDR is essential to a well-run flotilla. Keep the DVCDR well informed starting with the staff selection process. Consider the input of the DVCDR during this process. The position of DVCDR can be thought of as “DCDR-in training”, especially if he/she should seek the position in the future. Always think of the DVCDR as a "team member".

d. Staff Meeting
Before 1 January have a meeting with your Chief of Staff and all appointed Staff Officers to coordinateyour administrative expectations. Reinforce the TEAM nature of your administration and instruct staffmembers to coordinate with each other where useful, but to always keep the Chief of Staff informed. For example, the SO-PE will request the SO-MT to organize IT-training; the SO-OP will coordinate recruiting of new crewmembers with the SO-PS.

3. Preparation
It is impossible to remember everything, regardless of its importance. Obtain a three-ringed notebook (a 2 and 1/2 inch "D" ring is very suitable) and a series of dividers. This will be another foundation for the success of the new administration. Properly maintained, this notebook will help make the responsibilities of the DCDR be performed in a timely and efficient fashion. Minimally, there should be four sections to this notebook. These sections are:

a. REPORTS - This section will contain chronological files. The section should be further subdivided into five additional subsections:
1. Director’s Interpolations
2. Minutes of Division Meetings
3. Financial Report
4. Correspondence
5. SO Reports

b. AUXMIS - This section contains the current Division AUXMIS records. Old AUXMIS records should be filed separately from the current AUXMIS record.

c. ROSTER - This section contains a list of the membership names, Auxiliary numbers, addresses, phone numbers and facility information. Keep this section updated with all current changes. This section should be further subdivided into an Ops roster listing the facilities and owners; a VE roster; an IT roster and a Boat Crew roster.

d. THINGS TO DO - This section contains the list of all planned items of activity. Mark off completed items and obtains status reports on works in progress. A sub-division may also be used here to contain agenda items for flotilla meetings.

B. Responsibilities of the DCDR upon Taking Office

1. Rules of Order
Before the first Division meeting review Enclosure 4, “Rules of Order”, in the Division Procedures Manual(COMDTINST --). This provides as example of the proper way to conduct an orderly meeting. It explains the role of the DCDR as a presiding officer, the proper presentation of motions and provides a table of types of motions.

2. Auxiliary Missions
Review Chapter 2, Auxiliary Missions, of the Auxiliary Manual (COMTDINST M16790.1F). Section E and Appendix 2A contain information that may help in organizing and setting goals and plans for the Division.

3. District Highlights
Take written notes at the District Board meetings. Do not attempt to remember what happened. Report on the division meeting at the next Flotilla meeting. Avoid saying “nothing happened” - that only creates a“who cares” attitude among the membership.

4. Auxiliary Manual
Always bring the Auxiliary Manual (COMTDINST M16790.1E) to each Flotilla meeting. It will provide answers to many questions.

5. Agenda
Prepare an agenda for each flotilla meeting. The agenda should list the date, time and meeting location. List sections that include the order of staff officer reports, Comments of Guests, Old Business, New Business, member comments, Good and Welfare and next meeting information. Minimally, the DCDR, DVCER and IPDCDR should have copies of the agenda. Consider distributing the agenda to the members in attendance or include it with the meeting notice.

6. Staff Alignment Sessions
In January, meet individually with each of your staff officers and the Division Vice Commander. Carefully review the previous year’s AUXMIS report before this meeting. This meeting should last from five to 30 minutes. You should be able to accomplish these staff meetings in one or two days. Each staff position will, obviously, have special concerns.

a. Certificates of Appointment
Formally introduce your staff officers to the membership at you first Division meeting. Distribute the“Certificate of Appointment” to each staff officer at this time.

CONCLUSION

Consider the membership as an expansion of the TEAM you have appointed. The DCDR represents the Division and the PEOPLE in it. They elect the DCDR. Respect the membership and they will trust you. Most of all, enjoy the experience. A reasonable amount of planning and preparation will make an exceptionally rewarding term of office.