Commander's Intent
MEMORANDUM
FROM: Lakeland Composite Squadron Commander (Lt. Scott Kirkwood – Scott.Kirkwood@FLWGCAP.us)
SUBJECT: Commander’s Intent
DATE: May 9, 2024
Good Evening, FL-466 Members!
This new venue that we have been given a great amount of trust to utilize and call our Squadron home, is more than walls and cement. This is the very runway by which all members will have the ability to finally take to the skies…to ascend to new altitudes and navigate their own path. With this new change, we now mark a significant point where it’s extremely necessary to outline the Commander’s Intent.
Until now, Lakeland has simply not performed with excellence in any area except fundraising. I think we have Capt. Bartuska to thank when it comes to the AE program being successful. To him, we owe a great amount of respect and support. Aside from these two areas, Lakeland has simply failed when it comes to Emergency Services and Cadet Programs. Lakeland has not contributed to the community by a meaningful enough measure so as to spread the word, so as to advertise the Civil Air Patrol, for the purpose of gaining immediate recognition. And with that, I ask…”who are we? Who is the Lakeland Composite Squadron, and why do they matter? Why should I invest my resources to support such an entity when they don’t help me?”
Today, that mentality stops! From here on forward, we open a new chapter in our story. Every member who comes to the CAP now has a chance to grow, in any direction they see fit. Our goal is to enrich EVERY member on their journey through life, while at the same time being a tangible asset to the community of Lakeland and to the communities of Bartow, Winter Haven, Polk City, Plant City, Mulberry and Auburndale. In order to serve our communities, we must start with being the absolute best that we can be, and that starts with Respect, Integrity, Excellence, and absolutely includes Volunteerism. We will learn to work as a team, and depend on one another. We will learn to utilize the skills of one another, and teach others the skills they might be missing. We will improve the overall mission that our National Commander sets forth by ensuring that when the call comes through, that it’s Lakeland that rises to the occasion. From here on out, every member at the bottom will be given every opportunity to enrich themselves, before the leaders of this organization are permitted to promote. I demand that everyone hold out their hand and ask, “How may I be of service? How may I grow for the better of the Squadron?” I demand that every leader, starting with me, stand down and see to it that your subordinates are your FIRST priority. Communication is key, and planning is necessary. But overall, accountability is mandatory. And through this, our communities will KNOW who we are and what we do for them!
Starting today, our primary focus will be equally shared across the board. Everyone will receive a healthy amount of ES qualification training, which is reflected on their 101 cards. Everyone will receive exposure to AE, Leadership, Character Development, and Safety. Everyone will be considered tangible assets when the Wing calls. Those that want to go off to be pilots, you’ll receive a structured focus and placed into classes that suit your goals. Those that intend to enter into the armed forces will be given opportunities to have more exposure to resources geared toward a path of success. And if your goal is simply to use the CAP as a way of bettering yourself, and being more of a professional in the business world, we will absolutely be sure to push you on a journey filled with mentors with successful backgrounds.
In this squadron, we don’t have room for members who choose to sit around and let the world go by. You’re all here because you want a successful future, to achieve something you’ve never achieved before. You’ll likely be scared at times, but this Squadron will center around building one another up! Every Member, Every Time!
In time, I ask that everyone who does aspire to become pilots, take that journey one step further and pass the CAPF 70-5 and obtain your wings. Requesting an aircraft within the Squadron requires at least 4 pilots.
In time, I ask that everyone prove themselves, and work hard to turn Lakeland into a functioning base, serving as a connected branch between the East and West coasts of Florida. The Florida Wing has been depending on Lakeland for decades. And, for decades, we have failed the Florida Wing. Now, it’s time to take advantage of our geography and show the Florida Wing what we are made of!
If you’re new or thinking about joining the Lakeland Composite Squadron…welcome. Oh, the journey you will be on, and the stories you’ll be able to tell. We’re glad you’re here!
Sincerely,
Lt. Scott Kirkwood, FL-466//SCC, CAP
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
(M) 8636026724
