Information Technology (specialty track)

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See also: Information Technology
Specialty Track
Information Technology
Specialty Code227
Specialty Track GuideCAPP 227

Description of the specialty track

The CAP Specialty Track for Information Technology Officers can be found in CAPP 227. Training in the Information Technology Officer specialty track may formally begin once Level One of the Senior Member Professional Development Program is completed. You will complete on-the-job training (OJT) at your own pace and through self-study. If at all possible, you should be assigned a trainer to help you fulfill the knowledge and service requirements and also serve as your mentor.

Each rating contains both knowledge requirements and service requirements that must be completed in order to attain the rating.

  • Knowledge Requirements: are objectives describing what each student is expected to know and be able to demonstrate before attaining the rating.
  • Service Requirements: are objectives describing what each student is expected to complete through active participation before attaining the rating.
  • Discussion Topic:s are comprehension-level questions intended to help students better understand the material. Trainers should review these topics with each student to help them interpret and value their training.

Suggested Duty Assignments

Rating Training Topics Suggested Duty During Training Suggested Duty Upon Completion of Training
Technician Introduction to Information Technology Goals, Policies, & Procedures Assistant Squadron ITO Squadron ITO
Senior Squadron Information Technology Operations Squadron ITO or Assistant Group ITO or Higher Group ITO, or Higher
Master Wing Information Technology Operations Group ITO, or Assistant Wing/Region IT Director Wing/Region IT Director

Technician

Scope. Officers pursuing a technician rating in the Information Technology Officer Specialty Track begin their training possessing little to no knowledge about the Information Technology Program.

Outcomes. Officers who attain the technician rating will be prepared to serve with minimal supervision as a Information Technology staff officer at squadron level in the areas of leadership, aerospace education, or activities. They will be knowledgeable in fundamental Information Technology goals, policies, and procedures.

Tests

  1. Pass CAP ITO Technician Test

Knowledge

  1. Knowledge of duties and tasks associated with CAP’s squadron, group, wing, and region ITO positions.
  2. Knowledge of common types of information systems including their components and operation.
  3. Knowledge of operating systems and applications used by Civil Air Patrol at the unit level.
  4. Knowledge of Internet applications including basic website layout and navigation.
  5. Knowledge of use and administration of CAP automated information systems at the unit level.
  6. Knowledge of ability to train squadron members in the basic operation and navigation of unit computer systems.
  7. Knowledge of basic care of computer systems.

Activities

Must complete five (5) activities.

  1. Prepare at least one unit IT update each month, for a period of six months.
  2. Conduct at least two unit IT current event discussions.
  3. Conduct a unit IT lesson or activity for using necessary hardware and software to manage unit affairs.
  4. Develop one automated information tool for use by unit leadership for analysis of measurable performance data.
  5. Become familiar with and provide updates as needed to the squadron, group, wing, and national IT plans.
  6. Attend a wing or region IT Activity, an online IT Workshop, or an Annual Conference IT Seminar.

Service

After completion of Level One, of the Officer Professional Development program, serve for a minimum of 6 months as a staff officer intern at the squadron level. Suggested positions included:

  1. Assistant to the Squadron ITO
  2. Unit Webmaster
  3. Unit Web Security Administrator (WSA) [if allowed by applicable Wing policy]
  4. Squadron ITO


Senior

Scope. Officers pursuing a senior rating in the Information Technology Specialty Track possess a general understanding of Civil Air Patrol’s Information Technology goals and routine procedures used when implementing the program at squadron level. They have completed an internship under the guidance of an experienced Information Technology Officer in their squadron and have begun to serve on a staff, working with little supervision as an Information Technology Officer, Web Security Administrator or Webmaster.

Outcomes. Once attaining the senior rating, the staff officer is considered proficient in information technology areas pertaining to the squadron level and is ready to serve as a group (or higher) level Information Technology Officer or assistant to the group (or higher) Information Technology Officer.

Tests

  1. Pass CAP ITO Senior Test

Knowledge

  1. Knowledge of Advanced information systems hardware and software
  2. Knowledge of Troubleshooting and resolving of problems with commoninformation systems.
  3. Knowledge of Advanced operating systems knowledge including installation,configuration and troubleshooting.
  4. Knowledge of Basic networking principles.
  5. Knowledge of Intermediate security principles.
  6. Knowledge of Development and implementation of IT lessons and activities.
  7. Knowledge of Development or review of the unit IT Plan of Action.
  8. Knowledge of How to integrate IT into CAP activities at and above thesquadron level.

Activities

Must complete five (5) activities.

  1. Prepare at least one IT update for the unit each month for a period of twelve months.
  2. Conduct at least two unit IT current event discussions.
  3. Develop and implement an IT activity that will support the learning objectives of cadets and/or senior members.
  4. Write or update the Unit IT Plan of Action.
  5. Attend a wing or region IT Activity, an online IT Workshop, or an Annual Conference IT Seminar.
  6. Develop and maintain a collection of IT resources to support CAP missions.
  7. Directly participate in supporting a wing or higher level activity by supporting the IT infrastructure.

Service

The Information Technology Senior candidate must have served at minimum of twelve months (non-cumulative; in addition to the Technician rating service requirement) in a unit IT position listed below as a Senior level candidate.

  1. Squadron ITO
  2. Assistant to the Group ITO (or higher)
  3. Group (or higher) Webmaster
  4. Group (or higher) Web Security Administrator


Master

Scope. Officers pursuing a master rating in the Information Technology Specialty Track are seasoned Information Technology Officers proficient in IT operations at the squadron and group level. They began their training as interns, then completed at least one year’s service as a staff officer. Most pursue the master rating while serving as a group Information Technology Officer or an assistant to the Wing Director of Information Technology.

Outcomes. Upon attaining this rating, the staff officer will have demonstrated mastery in IT operations and be capable directing a support staff at wing level or higher, and providing expert IT advice to new members and senior CAP leaders.

Tests

  1. Pass CAP ITO Master Test

Knowledge

  1. Knowledge of CAP’s IT programs including CAP’s IT materials, testing and evaluation forms, award requirements, record keeping, and performance certification procedures.
  2. Knowledge of Computer & Internet security, including cryptography, intrusion detection, and vulnerability assessment.
  3. Knowledge of Development and implementation of comprehensive IT plans for units above the squadron level
  4. Knowledge of Identify sources and procedures for acquiring and maintaining a variety of IT resources.
  5. Knowledge of IT staff positions, job descriptions/responsibilities, and staff relationships within CAP.

Activities

Must complete five (5) activities.

  1. Plan and conduct an IT Activity or online workshop.
  2. Attend a minimum of two events from the following IT areas: CAP wing or region IT Activities; IT online workshops or; Annual Conference IT Seminar.
  3. Conduct an IT presentation at a wing, region, or Annual Conference.
  4. Write a vulnerability assessment report of one unit's IT infrastructure, including computers, web sites, e-mail systems, and personnel vulnerabilities, including follow up Security Awareness Training as appropriate.
  5. Develop, implement or improve upon an instruction program to prepare an ITO for the IT portion of a wing or higher headquarters conducted inspection.
  6. Mentor a senior member through successful completion of the Information Technology Senior rating.
  7. Mentor cadets in the concepts of information technology.

Sample Activities to Satisfy the Activity Requirements

  1. Prepare at least one unit IT update each month
    1. Update on website changes
    2. eServices Updates and Outages
    3. Cloud Storage Changes for Squadron Files
  2. Conduct at least two unit IT current event discussions.
    1. Critical Vulnerabilities in software products
    2. SolarWinds Hack (why is it important)
  3. Conduct a unit IT lesson or activity for using necessary hardware and software to manage unit affairs.
    1. A more in-depth lesson on an IT Update
  4. Develop one automated information tool for use by unit leadership for analysis of measurable performance data.
    1. A spreadsheet showing upcoming reports that are due
    2. Cadet Tracking
    3. Education and Training Tracking
  5. Become familiar with and provide updates as needed to the squadron, group, wing, and national IT plans.
    1. Could be combined with a monthly update
  6. Attend a wing or region IT Activity, an online IT Workshop, or an Annual Conference IT Seminar.
    1. Outside conferences and workshops are great and help to round out your experiences, but do not count
    2. Must a CAP activity because our experiences are different
  7. Develop and implement an IT activity that will support the learning objectives of cadets and/or senior members.
    1. A training class on online safety
    2. A training class on home computer security
  8. Write or update the Unit IT Plan of Action
    1. No specific format, but could cover
      1. Physical Security of IT Assets
      2. Planned Technology Updates and Upgrades
      3. Backups
      4. Available Software and Hardware
  9. Develop and maintain a collection of IT resources to support CAP missions.
    1. Make sure location and condition are included
  10. Directly participate in supporting a wing or higher level activity by supporting the IT infrastructure.
    1. IT Support at a conference
    2. IT Support for a Wing/Region SAREX or CAPUSAF Evaluation
  11. Plan and conduct an IT Activity or online workshop
    1. Could be anything CAP related
  12. Attend a minimum of two events from the following IT areas: CAP wing or region IT Activities; IT online workshops or; Annual Conference IT Seminar.
    1. With online conferences this is easily accomplished
  13. Write a vulnerability assessment report of one unit's IT infrastructure, including computers, web sites, e-mail systems, and personnel vulnerabilities, including follow up Security Awareness Training as appropriate.
    1. No formal format or content
    2. Should cover all areas
  14. Develop, implement or improve upon an instruction program to prepare an ITO for the IT portion of a wing or higher headquarters conducted inspection.
    1. Could assist in running the CI worksheet
  15. Mentor a senior member through successful completion of the Information Technology Senior rating.
    1. Could be your replacement
  16. Mentor cadets in the concepts of information technology.
    1. CyberPatriot

Best Practices

Here are the IT recommended best practices. <Add More Description Here>

Headquarters IT

View Headquarters IT Staff

External links

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