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. 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. 

Cadets receive most of their training through CAP’s Cadet Programs. These programs instill leadership, drill, physical fitness, and many extra life skills, including cyber security, and flight training. Our primary training tools are Cadet Special Activities, essentially cooler summer camps. One of the most crucial of these is Encampment, a week-long mini bootcamp for cadets to learn basic leadership, drill, CAP history, and how to work in a team for a common objective. There are also National Cadet Special Activities such as: the International Air Cadet Exchange where cadets can travel to other countries and represent our program and our nation, the National Blue Beret, being the largest airshow in the US, and National Flight Academies that certify you to pilot many types of aircraft and start your way to a private pilot's license, these are only a few of many amazing opportunities. Cadet Programs also include weekly meetings along with testable leadership and aerospace modules in order to promote.