Cadet Programs

For over 60 years, CAP has provided America's youth with exciting and challenging opportunities through the Cadet Program.  Tens of thousands of young people, ages 12 to 21, have participated in hands-on activities at the local, state and national level.  You, too, can experience the wonder of aviation and space by joining our cadet team and becoming a member of CAP, the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force.

The CAP Cadet Program provides you the opportunity to develop leadership skills through a love of aviation.  Parents credit the cadet program for communicating to their children the important role that personal integrity, self-discipline, and trust play in their personal the professional success.  You will progress through a multi-step program with exciting aviation and aerospace activities occurring on both a local and national level.

Local Activities

• Survival Training
• Disaster Relief
• Search and Rescue
• Flight Training (powered and glider)
• Statewide Spring and Summer Encampments
• Public Speaking
• Leadership Training
• First Aid and CPR
• Radio Communications
• Photography
• Model Rocketry
• Astronomy
• Physical Fitness
• Sports Activities

National Activities

• International Air Cadet Exchange
• Cadet Officer School
• National Blue Beret
• Pararescue Orientation Courses
• National Flight Academy (powered and glider)
• Aviation Academy Airline Training
• Air Education and Training Command Course
• National Emergency Services Academy
• Air Force Weather Agency Course
• Hawk Mountain Ranger School
• Military Music Academy
• Space Camp

Educational and Professional Development

The Cadet Program allows young people to progress at their own pace through a 16-step program including aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and character development.  Cadets can compete for academic scholarships to further their studies in fields such as engineering, science, aircraft mechanics, aerospace medicine, meteorology, as well as many others.  Those cadets who earn cadet officer status may enter the U.S. Air Force as an E3 (airman first class) rather than an E1 (airman basic).  CAP is proud to report that approximately 10 percent of Air Force Academy appointees are former CAP cadets.  In addition, both West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis admit many CAP cadets each year.

Interested in joining or learning more about Civil Air Patrol?  Click here for more information!

Springfield Composite Squadron
U.S. Air Force Auxiliary - Civil Air Patrol

Last modified: 01/13/10