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Cadet Programs

Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program transforms youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders through a curriculum that focuses on leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character.

Cadet Program Information

Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program transforms youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders through a curriculum that focuses on leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character. As cadets participate in these four elements, they advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way. Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots, engineers, and scientists first explored their careers through CAP. 

  • Attracts over 24,000 members ages 12‐20 for participation in its cadet programs.

  • Educates youth in four main program areas — leadership, aerospace, physical fitness, and character development.

  • Offers orientation flights in powered and glider aircraft, as well as flight training scholarships.

  • Provides activities and competitions for cadets at the local, state, regional, and national levels.

  • Makes opportunities for community involvement available through color guard/drill team and emergency service missions.

  • Challenges youth to be ambassadors for a drug‐free lifestyle.

  • Exposes thousands of cadets to cyber defense careers through CyberPatriot, the Air Force Association’s National Youth Cyber Security Competition.

  • Provides about 10% of each of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s classes.

  • Cadets who have earned the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award enlist in the Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Coast Guard at a higher pay grade.

  • Awards college scholarships in several disciplines.

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