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Cadet Program
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Over
24,000 young people are enrolled in Civil Air Patrol's
cadet program, learning how to become our new generation
of American leaders through their interest in aviation.
Cadets develop strong leadership skills, and learn how
to focus on success, discipline themselves to achieve
worthwhile goals, resist adverse peer pressure, and
serve as a role model to others.
Due to CAP's association with the United States Air
Force, Civil Air Patrol cadets have opportunities to
participate in activities which many other young people
only dream about. |
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Ready
for a Cadet Orientation Flight |
These
include:
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Eligibility to fly in CAP and military aircraft as
part of prescribed activities
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Attendance at emergency services, leadership, and
flight encampments
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Receipt of promotions in grade and stature as they
learn about aerospace education, moral and command
leadership; organizational duties in a wide variety
of specialties, and other important
character-building traits
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Membership requirements
Young men
and women who are American citizens or aliens "lawfully admitted
for permanent residency" in the United States and meeting
certain other qualifications may become Civil Air Patrol cadets
upon reaching 12 years of age.
The
maximum age to become a cadet member is 18. Persons who are 18
years of age and older may become senior (adult) members.
Programs and activities
Cadets
take part in a number of programs and special activities which
help develop their knowledge, skills and positive attitudes
about air and space operations. They learn:
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Coordination, discipline and teamwork through
leadership study and activities and by taking part
in military drill and courtesies
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Many aspects of aviation and aerospace education
through study of formal text, classroom training
during meetings and special activities, and cadet
orientation flights
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This program provides a strong background on many
aspects of flight, from its history, through
aircraft operations, to careers in aviation and
aerospace
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To become or remain physically fit through a
physical training program and various activities
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To examine the facets and pressures of everyday life
through regular moral leadership discussions and
programs
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Emergency services response activities, including
mission base, search and rescue, and disaster relief
efforts
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Program assistance
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Cadets are assigned to squadrons staffed by senior
members who guide and assist them through the program.
Young people work through a series of 16 achievements.
As they progress, they earn increased grade, ribbons,
and other recognition.
They also become eligible for nationally sponsored
special activities and may compete for academic
scholarships. |
Cadet activities
Popular
activities include the cadet orientation flight program, which
may include flights aboard military airplanes in addition to
Civil Air Patrol aircraft.
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Scholarships, which cover flight training through the
solo qualification stage, are available to advanced
cadets.
Additional activities include cadet summer encampments
at nearly 75 U.S. military bases and a Cadet Officer
School. There also are familiarization courses at Air
Education and Training Command bases, pararescue and
survival training, and cadet competitions.
The much sought-after activity for advanced cadets is
the International Air Cadet Exchange Program.
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Morning PT at Encampment |
Each
summer, some 120 cadets and adult escorts travel to one of some
20 foreign countries. In return, cadets from foreign lands visit
the United States as guests of Civil Air Patrol and the United
States Air Force. South Dakota wing has sent cadets to
Australia, England and Turkey.
Such trips
promote good will and understanding among world youth who share
a common interest in aviation. |
