Early Adverse Departure Checklist
1. Gather Facts -- Document, document, document. From the very beginning of the event in question, to resolution, you need to document the time, date, person, and any or all discussions in as much detail as possible. Make sure all statements are taken in the presence of a witness who also documents all actions. Preferably, use a bound journal to record the information as it is collected.
2. Preserve Evidence and chain of custody as much as possible.
3. Take written statements from all parties instructing them to detail as much information as possible.
Number the pages and show the total number of pages on each page (1 of 3, 2 of 3, etc.)
Have the individual(s) preparing the statement sign and indicate the date and time of the statements.
4. Principals are not to be left unescorted and/or unaccounted for from the beginning of the review process.
If there is more than one member involved, separate the two and keep them apart to avoid any further issues or “change of facts”.
5. Determine a possible course of action.
As the Program Director you will have the final say as to whether a cadet or staff member’s behavior warrants sending them home early.
Make sure you can justify your decision with as much written evidence as possible. Base your decision on the events at the activity and not what you may have heard about the person.
Avoid making deals with the member in question, such as, “If you tell me the truth or tell me what you did, you will not be punished any further at your unit”.
Any such “plea bargains” may preclude further disciplinary action by the local unit or wing commander.
6. Review your possible course of action with National Headquarters staff, briefly explaining the situation, what actions have been taken, your reasoning for taking the course of action, and whatever assistance you need from them.
Document who you called, what time, and outline briefly what was discussed.
If you determine it is necessary to send the cadet home early:
7. Notify the chain-of-command to include the Squadron and Wing Commander.
Identify your self, tell them your intentions to send the cadet home early, and how they can contact you if they have any questions.
8. Call and determine and speak to the parent or guardian.
Determine if there is a parent or guardian at home to meet the cadet at the airport.
Document when you called, the telephone number, the person you spoke to and what was said. Also document any unanswered calls and messages left.
9. Arrange for the quickest travel home. Avoid having to supervise a cadet overnight.
10. Notify the cadet, pull him or her from any further class participation and insure the cadet is escorted by two staff members at all times until the cadet is on the airplane/departed.
11. Both escorts accompany the cadet to their room and have the cadet pack.
Secure school materials as required. Do not permit any contact with any other participants.
12. Escorts accompany the member to airport and remain with them until they are on the aircraft and the aircraft has departed.
13. Notify Parents, squadron and wing commanders, and National Headquarters personnel the member has departed.
14. Prepare report of action and forward to Wing commander as soon as possible.
Report of Action should be in as much detail as possible and detail the circumstances surrounding returning the cadet early.
15. Follow-up with National Headquarters staff with a brief synopsis of the actions you have completed and review any conversations with local unit commanders and parents/guardians, particularly if there are any pending issues or concerns.
16. Ensure final Activity Report reflects “Non-completion” status as required.