Cadet Programs

"Transforming youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders"

Overview

The CAP Cadet Program provides teens with an in-depth experience to study and practical fundamental leadership principles. 

Using a training program structure designed around the U.S. Air Force, the Cadet Program employs a military-style leadership environment to allow cadets to employ leader traits and behaviors through a chain of command and the performance of various staff work opportunities. Civil Air Patrol also uses an aerospace theme to provide a backdrop of educational activities to teach cadets about advancements in aviation, space systems, and other technologies to establish a well-rounded future of technology-focused citizens. 

Key Traits of Cadet Life

The Cadet Program is encompassed by five Key Traits to develop an environment which offers the greatest level of training for cadets: 

• The Uniform:  By affording cadets the privilege of wearing an Air Force-style uniform and employing military customs and courtesies, CAP cadets are distinguished from other youth programs by creating important motivators which promote teamwork and high standards of personal conduct. 

• Aerospace Theme:  CAP ensures that cadets are familiar with the organization's "air-minded" identity by providing cadets with an aviation/space atmosphere to promote the future of aerospace technologies. Cadets are also able to participate in a number of non-aerospace-related activities; however, all cadets study aerospace as a core component of the Cadet Program's advancement curriculum. 

• Opportunity to Lead:  Cadets develop their leadership skills through practical opportunities which allow them to become hands-on in the learning environment, to include taking on responsibilities for developing and teaching those junior to them to "follow in their footsteps." As cadets advance, their level of responsibility will increase, and the performance expectations of them will expand. Every cadet activity is conducted under the supervision of adult leaders training specifically in the protection of cadets. 

• Challenge:  Every activity should challenge cadets in their physical and/or mental stamina. CAP promotes the idea that leaders learn best when they are presented with obstacles that must be overcome in order to learn from failures and realize that there are no limitations on what one can accomplish through trial and effort. 

• Fun:  CAP is intended to be fun! The Cadet Program intends to foster an environment that creates friendships, teamwork, and unique experiences that cadets will remember for years to come. Despite being an arena for learning, CAP does not intend to replace school or serve as solely a classroom atmosphere. Cadets will experience hands-on, rewarding, and exciting activities which develop them into adulthood and hone their leadership skills. 

Cadet Oath

Each cadet in CAP must pledge the Cadet Oath:

"I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly, and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state, and nation."

The Cadet Oath acknowledges the expectation that each cadet will: 

• Serve in CAP as an honorable and loyal member

• Regularly attend local unit meetings to fulfill their obligations for advancement

• Participate in local unit activities to experience what CAP has to offer beyond weekly meetings 

• Listen to the instructions and carry out requests of those in higher rank

• Properly wear the Air Force-style uniform, to include adherence to CAP's appearance and grooming standards 

• Continue to pursue advancement in the Cadet Program by completing required assignments and tests

• Learn everything there is to be learned in order to serve as a leader

Cadet Program Resources

National Materials

Cadet Library — Access to cadet books (aerospace, leadership), promotion reading and preparation, and other materials helpful for cadet members

Parents Pages — Information for current or future parents of cadets to learn more about the Cadet Program

Ohio Wing Members

Orientation Flights — Information to assist units in scheduling Orientation Flights; Frequently Asked Questions regarding cadet flying

Spaatz Exam — Procedures for requesting to take the Spaatz Exam and tips for preparing to conduct the exam