The Cadet Program provides motivated
teenagers, leadership, aerospace, physical and moral training
with a unique opportunity to acquire the skills they will
need in their adult life. The Cadet Program is largely run
by the cadets and includes a wide variety of opportunities
in aerospace, communications, emergency services and other
fields, as well as the opportunity to compete for college
and aviation scholarships.
While there are many youth oriented
programs in America today, CAP's cadet program is unique
in that it uses aviation as a cornerstone. Thousands of
young people from 12 years through age 21 are introduced
to aviation through CAP's cadet program. The program allows
young people to progress at their own pace through a 16-step
program including aerospace education, leadership training,
physical fitness and moral leadership. Cadets 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 Air Force as
an E3 (airman first class) rather than an E1 (airman basic).
Whatever your interests-survival
training, flight training, photography, astronomy-there's
a place for you in CAP's cadet program. Each year, cadets
have the opportunity to participate in special activities
at the local, state, regional or national level. Many cadets
will have the opportunity to solo fly an airplane for the
first time through a flight encampment or academy. Others
will enjoy traveling abroad through the International Air
Cadet Exchange Program. Still others assist at major air
shows throughout the nation.